Hit the Road in Style:
How to take stunning photos on your next adventure!
Photo by Dino Reichmuth
Road trips are always an incredibly fun way to make memories with your loved ones. And what’s better than capturing those memories in photos that you can cherish forever?
I’ve gathered some tips and tricks that will help you take great photos of your family while on a road trip.
Set up your smartphone to take photos fast
Program a button on your phone to activate the camera quickly so you never miss a shot. On my Pixel 7 Pro, I’ve set up the power button to trigger the camera when pressed twice. This way I don’t waste time unlocking the phone and searching for the camera app icon.
Use your smartphone camera settings
If you’re using a smartphone camera, take advantage of the different settings it offers. For example, most smartphones have a portrait mode that can create a blurred background, which can make your subject stand out more. Many also have a grid option to help you use the rule of thirds.
Check your resolution
Check your phone’s camera app settings to make sure full resolution is selected. This will generate a larger file size, which will allow you to print larger photos and reduce pixelation. A larger file also means you’ll use up your storage faster. Make sure you have enough onboard storage, an extra SD card, or enough cloud storage to accommodate the extra space you’ll be using.
Use the panorama mode on your smartphone
If you’re using a smartphone camera, try using the panorama mode to capture sweeping landscapes or cityscapes. This mode allows you to capture a wider field of view in a single photo, creating a more immersive and dramatic image.
Photo by v2osk
Photo by James Wheeler
Use natural lighting
Good lighting is key to taking great photos. Natural light is the best kind of light for photography, so try to take photos during the “golden hours” — the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. During these times, the light is soft and warm, which can create a beautiful atmosphere in your photos. If you’re taking photos during the day, try to find areas with open shade, such as under a tree, to avoid harsh shadows.
Play with the landscape
The landscape is one of the most important elements of a road trip. Take advantage of the different landscapes you encounter on your journey, and use them to create cool photos. For example, if you’re driving through a desert, try to capture the vast expanse of sand and sky. If you’re traveling through a forest, focus on the textures and colors of the trees and foliage.
Photo by James Wheeler
Photo by Frédéric Paulussen
Pay attention to visual composition
A good visual composition can make all the difference in a photo. Try to create a sense of balance in your photos by using the rule of thirds. This means dividing the image into thirds both vertically and horizontally (like a tic-tac-toe board), and placing the subject of the photo along one of these lines or at the intersection of two of them. This creates a more visually appealing photo and draws the viewer’s eye to the subject.
Capture candid moments
While posed photos can be great, candid moments often are even better. Try to capture the little moments that make your road trip unique — a friend laughing, a beautiful vista, or a spontaneous roadside stop. These photos can often be more meaningful and memorable than posed shots.
Photo by Richard Jaimes
Photo by Colin + Meg
Get everyone in the photo
Make sure everyone has a chance to be in the photos. Usually there’s one parent who acts as the designated picture taker (I’m looking at you, Mom!). Give that family member a chance to be in the photos too. Rotate the camera responsibilities. Politely ask a stranger to take the photo. Use a tripod or prop up the camera on something stable and set a timer to allow everyone to get in the pic together. When all else fails, use your phone’s selfie mode to squeeze in everyone.
Look for intriguing details
While landscapes are often the main focus of road trip photography, don’t forget to look for unusual details along the way. This could be anything from a quirky sign to a peculiar architectural feature or unexpected patterns. These details can add character and context to your photos and can help you tell a more complete story of your road trip.
Photo by Paweł Bukowski
Experiment with different angles
Sometimes, the best way to make a photo more fascinating is to simply change your perspective. Don’t be afraid to try out various angles and positions when taking photos. Try getting down low to the ground for a different perspective, or shooting from above to capture a bird’s-eye view.
Photo by Chris Linnett
Photo by Madhu Shesharam
Use leading lines
Leading lines are lines in a photo that guide the viewer’s eye towards the subject. They can be anything from a road or fence to a row of trees. When composing your photos, look for ways to use leading lines to create a sense of depth and draw the viewer’s eye towards the subject.
Include people in your photos
While landscapes and details are important, including people in your photos can add a personal touch and help tell the story of your road trip. Try to capture candid moments of your friends or family, or set up posed shots in front of cool backdrops.
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell exactly how large or small an object is without something to compare it to. Use a person to provide a sense of scale.
Photo by Laura Nyhuis
What’s in the background?
The background is often overlooked while the photographer is focused on the subject. A chaotic background can make or break a photo. Is there a bunch of messy clutter? Do you see a stranger lurking in the back with a less-than-appropriate phrase on his shirt? Is a child picking her nose? Look for simple, clean backdrops that will allow your subject to stand out.
Play with shadows
Shadows can add intrigue to your photos. Try experimenting with the way shadows fall on your subject or on the surrounding landscape. You can use the sun’s position to your advantage, playing with the length and direction of the shadows for a more dramatic effect.
Photo by Steve Shreve
Use reflections
Reflections can also add creativity to your pics. Look for bodies of water, mirrors, or any reflective surface that can add interest and depth to your photos. You can use reflections to create symmetrical or abstract compositions, or to capture an unusual perspective of your subject.
Photo by Evan Qu
Photo by Kornél Máhl
Look for symmetry
Symmetry can add balance and harmony to your photos, and can create a pleasing and eye-catching image. Look for symmetry in the landscape, architecture, or even in the people or objects you’re photographing. You can play with the composition and framing of the photo to highlight the symmetry and create a striking image.
Capture the night sky
The night sky can offer some incredible photo opportunities, especially if you’re in an area with low light pollution. Try experimenting with long exposures to capture the stars, or use a tripod to keep your camera steady while shooting. You can also try using a flashlight to light paint or illuminate your subject in the foreground. Newer smartphones often include an astrophotography shooting mode to make capturing a starry night even easier.
Photo by alyssa teboda
Experiment with different lenses
If you brought along a DSLR, experiment with interchangeable lenses to capture a variety of shots. Wide-angle lenses can capture sweeping landscapes, while telephoto lenses can help you zoom in on your subject and create a more intimate photo. Macro lenses can capture incredible detail in small objects or textures, while fisheye lenses can create a distorted and playful effect. I recommend practicing with your lenses and settings before your trip. That way you’re not fumbling with your equipment at a critical moment.
Photo by Guillaume de Germain
Try shooting in black and white
Black and white photography is great for adding a classic, old-school feel to your pics. Try experimenting with black and white settings on your camera, or convert your color photos to black and white in post-processing. Black and white photography can help you focus on the texture, contrast, and mood of the photo, and can add a provocative perspective to your road trip photos.
Photo by Andrew Pons
Using (or avoiding) the flash
Knowing when to use the camera’s flash and when to avoid using it can make a significant difference in the quality of your photos. Here are some tips to help you decide when to use the flash and when to turn it off.
Use the flash:
- In low light situations. When you’re in a dimly lit environment, using the flash can help illuminate your subject and create a well-exposed photo. This is especially important when shooting indoors or at night.
- When your subject is backlit. If your subject is backlit, using the flash can help balance the exposure and prevent your subject from appearing too dark.
- When you want to freeze motion. The flash can help freeze motion, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects like sports or action photography.
Avoid the flash:
- In brightly lit environments. If you’re shooting in a well-lit environment, using the flash can create harsh shadows and overexpose your subject.
- When shooting through glass or reflective surfaces. Using the flash when shooting through glass or reflective surfaces can create unwanted reflections and glare in your photo.
- When shooting a subject at a distance. The flash is not effective at lighting up distant subjects, so using it in this scenario will not improve your photo.
- When you want to capture the ambiance of the scene. If you’re trying to capture the mood or ambiance of a scene, using the flash can remove the natural shadows and create an artificial feel to the photo.
Whether you should use the flash will depend on the situation and the effect you’re trying to achieve. By considering the lighting and the environment, and experimenting with different settings, you can make the most of your camera’s flash to create stunning photos.
Edit your photos
A little editing can drastically improve your shots. You don’t need to be an expert in Photoshop to make your photos look fantastic. Most smartphones come with basic photo editing tools that allow you to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. There are also many free editing apps available for both iOS and Android devices, such as VSCO, Snapseed, and Adobe Lightroom.
When editing your photos, try to keep things natural. Don’t overdo it with filters or effects, as this can make your photos look fake or over-edited. A little editing goes a long way!
Photo by Le Buzz Studio
Put down the camera and focus on the fun
Yep, I’m telling you to take a break once in a while. Road trips are more than just about taking photos – they’re about exploring new places and spending time with family and friends. Don’t get so focused on taking the perfect pic that you forget to participate. Take some time to relax, soak in the scenery, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez
Taking great shots on a road trip doesn’t require a lot of equipment or expertise. By using natural lighting, paying attention to visual composition, and taking advantage of the different landscapes and candid moments you encounter, you can create beautiful and memorable photos. With a little editing, you can make those photos even better. Don’t be afraid to experiment. And finally, don’t forget to put down the camera occasionally so you can fully experience the adventure.
So grab your camera or smartphone and hit the road — you never know what kind of amazing photos you’ll capture.
Photo by Jimmy Conover
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Not sure what to do with all the photos you take during your summer travels? Check out the Palm + Pixel Greetings From Postcard templates!
