I spend a disproportionate amount of time on Instagram because, as a designer, I love a visual medium. You also get to see how many millions of times world-famous landmarks and locations have been snapped at the same angle or with similar framing. Then once in a while, there is that photo that grabs your attention because it’s completely unique! Here are some of my favourite, creative travel photo ideas to add a unique spin those on oft-photographed attractions.
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Reflections
There are so many reflective surfaces, especially in urban environments. They can be a great way to capture an image or even a selfie with a unique twist. Sunglasses, puddles, glass or mirrored surfaces, even wet sand are among the many opportunities you will find to get creative with reflections.
Obscuring bystanders
Sometimes popular tourist locations are crowded—we can’t be everywhere first thing in the morning, right? So here are a few creative ways of obscuring those unwanted bystanders in your pictures. These include a combination of one or more of the following: composing your photo with someone or something in the foreground, choosing an extreme angle, and/or using a prop.
Fancy framing
Look for fences, balustrades and other holey architectural elements to frame your picture. In nature, use trees, rock windows or arches to create a framing foreground that envelopes your subject.
Silhouettes and shadow play
Sometimes the shadow an object throws is more interesting than the object itself, or at least is a fabulous addition. At other times the shadows are more favourable to photograph in terms of lighting, or background. In the same vein, silhouettes can be enough to tell the story on a beautiful background.
Eye-level
Getting to eye-level with a subject is really powerful in capturing the world from their perspective. This works especially well with animals, sculptures—really anything with a face. You’ll have to be prepared to get down really low, often lying on the ground.
Do you have some creative travel photo ideas? Share them with us in the comments below. Also, let’s rendezvous on Instagram – you can find me here!
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo