The Independent recently revealed that “instagrammability” is the most important factor for millennials choosing their next holiday destination. Whilst this is a little shameful, if you’re reading this article it probably means that you fall into that majority, so embrace it with these top tips to get the best out of your snaps anywhere in the world.
Arrive early for quieter tourist spots
Whilst I’d advise doing your research before any trip to locate the more secret places, some destinations are unavoidable. To bag the best pic, arrive early (perhaps skip happy hour the night before if you’re seriously dedicated to getting that ‘gram) and snap away before everyone else has had the time to circulate the breakfast buffet.
Camera card adaptor
Believe it or not, most popular instagrammers take their photos on DSLR cameras rather than their iPhones like regular posters. If you happen to have a camera, buy one of these adapters for your memory card which will get all your HQ snaps onto your phone’s camera roll in seconds. It’s a bit of a cheat but if you can’t beat them, join them!
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Request tables outside where possible
One of the joys of vacationing abroad is that, most of the time, it’ll be sunny. Therefore, al fresco dining is very much a thing, and whilst everyone knows natural light is the best choice for selfies, it’s also optimal for food. Grab a table outside where possible and prepare an amazing spread for your followers to enjoy. Extra points for those willing to stand on a chair to get the “taken from above” shot.
Phone lens packs
For those without an actual camera to hand, these lenses easily clip onto your regular phone to open up a whole new world of Instagram possibilities! With options including macro, fish and wide, you’ll have the likes rolling in for sure.
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Stay away from filters
Some of you may be surprised by this next point – after all, you SWEAR by Valencia and Clarendon – but unless you use filters at a low level, with most people getting wiser to spot them, they look less and less authentic. Whilst third party apps are ideal, embrace Instagram’s already comprehensive manual editing options for a bright and colourful photo that blends perfectly with your feed. It’s worth experimenting with various options before posting, and with the new drafts feature available, you can save them to compare before sending your baby out into the world!
Avoid collages
Think about how quickly you scroll through your own Instagram – lightning speed, am I right? Nobody is going to pause long enough to take in the 5-part collage you’ve put together, let alone the essay caption you’ve attached to it to explain them all. If they won’t stand on their own, they’re not worth posting!
Just choose the best one – after all, Instagram is always pitched as a highlights reel as opposed to a digital diary, so leave those other snaps for Facebook. However, if you think you do actually have several gems that all need to be shared, delay posting some until you get home for a perfect TBT.
Be shameless
Ever had an idea for an amazing photo by an iconic monument but chickened out at the last minute when you saw the crowds? You need to embrace the fact that, for just a few seconds, you’re going to look a little silly in order to get a photo you’ll look back on for years with a smile. You’ll never see those people around you again (especially if you’re in another country!) so throw caution to the wind and rock that yoga pose beside the Eiffel Tower.
Edited by: Tia Ralhan