Secrets to Amazing iPhone Vacation Photos

When we went on vacation a few weekends ago to Jekyll Island, I found myself using my iPhone almost exclusively. It was so easy, so portable so simple. And the photos I produced with my iPhone were just as good as, if not better than the photos I took with my Canon 6D.  It made me realize( or rather remember) that amazing iPhone vacation photos are possible.  So I decided to share a few of my secrets so that you too can have Amazing iPhone vacation photos.

Secrets to Amazing iPhone Photos

• Tip #1: Do your research.

Before I went to Jekyll island, I studied the #jekyllisland hashtag on Instagram. It gave me an idea of what to expect, and what I wanted to capture myself.  When it came to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the iconic photo of the front of the hotel was EVERYWHERE. I knew I wanted to capture it, but I also wanted to be different. But doing my research before hand let me know what to expect. And I got to plan accordingly

• Tip #2:  Take a Photo Walk

You’ve done your research, you know what you want, wake up early and take a photo walk. Or go when everyone is taking an afternoon nap. Or late in the evening. You can take your time, there are no little people or big people( side eye to spouses) urging you to hurry up. You can take your time, set up your shots, look for that vacation eyecandy! The photo below was taken when the guys were headed in for a bath and I was walking along the property.

• Tip #3: Remember basic rules of Composition

Look for natural and man-made lines when utilizing leading lines, like the railing headed to the pier above.   And the Rule of thirds almost always helps you to have amazing iPhone vacation Photos.

• Tip #4 : Always look for natural light.

Even though this photo was taken inside, I found great natural light. The rooms had plantation shutters: I simply opened them up, placed my tray on the bed next to the window and shot away.

Also, one advantage of getting up early: that golden hour light. I knew the light would be beautiful in the morning, and made sure that my light was a part of the story here.

• Tip #5: Enjoy your vacation!

Don’t let capturing memories take over your vacation. Some of our best memories on vacation are the ones that live only in our minds. As chief memory creators, it can be hard to just put down your camera and enjoy the moment.  Make sure when you are on vacation, you put down your iPhone or your camera and just ENJOY yourself. Remember that not every single detail needs to be captured. Take a few shots and then put your camera away.  Remember, it’s vacation!

So there you have it, my 5 tips for amazing iPhone vacation photos. So they next time you go on vacation, don’t be afraid to pick up your iPhone and shoot!

What kind of camera do you use when you go on vacation?