Instagram is full of travel photos—but not all of them stand out. If you want your shots to stop people mid-scroll, you need more than just a pretty location. The way you plan, shoot, and edit matters just as much as where you go. Here are ten practical tips to help you take photos that not only get likes but also grow your following—whether you’re improving your skills naturally or even deciding to purchase IG followers as part of your strategy.
1. Research Your Locations Before You Go
Good photos start before you even pack your bag. Use Instagram, Pinterest, and Google Images to scout locations and see how others have captured them. Take note of angles, lighting, and any unique features. This will help you plan your shots and avoid wasting time wandering when you get there.
2. Shoot During Golden Hour
Golden hour light adds depth, brings out natural colors, and avoids the harsh shadows that occur during midday. If you can, schedule your main shoots for these times. It’s worth waking up early—your photos will instantly feel more professional.
3. Use People for Scale and Story
A landscape can be stunning, but adding a person in the frame makes it relatable. It conveys scale, adds movement, and helps viewers imagine themselves in the scene. This works exceptionally well in wide shots of mountains, beaches, or architectural landmarks.
4. Find Unique Angles
If you shoot a landmark the same way everyone else does, it’ll blend into the feed. Instead, try a low angle, shoot through an object, or frame your subject with a doorway or branches. Move around and look for perspectives others might miss. A slight change in viewpoint can make a familiar spot look fresh.
5. Pay Attention to Composition
The “rule of thirds” is a classic for a reason—placing your subject off-center creates balance and visual interest. Leading lines, symmetry, and framing also help guide the viewer’s eye. Don’t just snap; take a few extra seconds to arrange your shot intentionally.
6. Master Your Camera—Even if It’s Your Phone
You don’t need a DSLR to take great travel photos. Today’s smartphones have excellent cameras, but you still need to know how to utilize them effectively.
7. Edit Thoughtfully
Editing is where your style comes through. Use apps like Lightroom Mobile or VSCO to adjust exposure, contrast, and colors. Avoid going overboard with saturation or filters—viewers are drawn to images that feel real, even if they’re polished. Keep your edits consistent so your feed has a cohesive look.
8. Capture Candid Moments
Not every great shot is perfectly posed. Sometimes the best images are spontaneous—someone laughing, adjusting their sunglasses, or walking through a street market. Candid photos feel authentic and connect emotionally with your audience, which helps build loyal followers.
9. Tell a Story in Your Captions
A stunning photo will get attention, but a thoughtful caption will keep people engaged. Share the story behind the shot: what you felt, what happened before or after, or a small detail you noticed. Good storytelling builds connection and keeps people coming back for more.
10. Post Consistently and Engage Back
Beautiful photos alone won’t grow your audience—you also need to be active. Post regularly so people know to expect new content from you. Reply to comments, answer DMs, and engage with other creators in your niche. Growth on Instagram is as much about community as it is about content.
Final Thought
Travel photography is part skill, part creativity, and part connection. If you put in the effort to plan your shots, find unique perspectives, and share meaningful stories, you’ll stand out in a crowded feed. The more your audience feels like they’re traveling with you, the more they’ll stick around—and bring others with them.