One thing we’re always asked about is how to pose in travel photos! It’s something most people don’t think about, and why they end up with only cheesy selfies or awkward forward-facing pics that take away from the location they’re in!
Well, posing can be just as awkward, unless you know how to do it easily and nonchalantly! Here’s a few easy poses to learn and try in your travel photos that will upgrade your pics immediately!
(Be sure to check out our COMPLETE GUIDE for all the tips and tricks of creating the best travel photos!)
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Facing away from the camera, walking towards a landscape or monument
Notice how this picture of Alyssa still follows the rule of thirds & has her arms engaged- there is energy in her body! Also the contrast of colors adds to the attraction of the overall photo, which you can easily achieve just by looking at a basic color wheel.
According to Alyssa: This was the first pose I ever did, and for four years, I never posted a photo looking at the camera! This was because I hated smiling for photos, I was always using a selfie stick behind me and wanted to hide it, I wanted people to focus on my surroundings, and because I didn’t want people stereotyping me for what I look like!
Sitting with your hand on your hat looking towards the sun
Notice how my back is straight, my shoulders are rolled down and my chest is open. There is a triangle shape and I’m tilting my face towards the light. Touching your hat or hair not only gives you something to do with your arms, but also creates an aesthetic appeal with the shape it makes!
Standing on the angle, looking back at the camera over your shoulder
Notice Alyssa’s great posture and the movement of the skirt- it’s easy to capture fabric flowing if you turn your camera to burst mode! To achieve this post, walk slowly away from the camera with your head turned back, looking at a fixed point above the camera. If there’s no wind, continuously whip your head back to get hair movement, and use your hands to casually move your skirt.
“Follow Me Away”
A popular pose among travel bloggers is of course, the position where the subject is leading the viewer into the frame and taking them along on the adventure. You’ll need someone willing to “lend a hand” for this one, as they’ll need to not only hold yours, but hold the camera to capture you, the scene, and their hand, all at once!
Candid walking
In order to capture great walking shots that are in focus- don’t move too quickly or your photographer won’t be able to keep up. Try taking a single rock step forward and repeating until you’ve captured your desired result. It’s also important to stay aware of what your face and arms are doing!
According to Alyssa: don’t stare straight at the camera as you walk or you’ll end up looking like you’re about to fart. Instead pick a focus point, relax your face, and pretend like your body is flowing in the wind.
Sitting with legs in triangle pose
Use triangle shapes often! And notice how I still point my toes, keep my chest open and tilt my face to the sun to avoid dark shadows on my face. If sitting straight up with your legs bent is uncomfortable, use your arms to lean back on instead. Just always remember that you should FEEL comfortable in order to LOOK comfortable in the photo!
Pocket Guide: How To Pose In Travel Photos
(Screenshot to use on your next trip)
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