If you’ve ever come home from a trip and realized your photos look… meh, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera, expensive presets, or influencer-level editing skills to capture aesthetic travel content. With a few simple tricks, you can take Instagram-worthy photos and videos even with just your iPhone.
Whether you’re a college student, a new traveler, or someone trying to level up your content creation, these beginner-friendly travel photography and videography tips will help you shoot confidently and create scroll-stopping content.
1. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
Lighting is everything.
The best times to shoot? Golden hour (right after sunrise or before sunset). The soft, warm light makes colors pop and gives your photos that dreamy aesthetic.
Quick Tip: If you’re shooting midday, find shade to avoid harsh shadows. Doorways, alleys, and under trees help diffuse the light.
2. Clean Your Lens — It Actually Matters
It sounds silly, but fingerprints can completely ruin your shots.
Before you take a photo or record a clip, wipe your lens with a soft cloth or your shirt. You’ll instantly get sharper photos and cleaner video quality.
3. Find Simple Backgrounds for Aesthetic Photos
Busy backgrounds can distract from you or the subject. Look for:
- Clean walls
- Open sky
- Beaches
- Minimal architecture
- Nature backgrounds
Simplicity = automatic aesthetic.
4. Use the Rule of Thirds for Better Composition
Turn on your grid in your camera settings.
Place yourself or your subject along the lines — not dead center — to make your shots naturally more pleasing and professional-looking.
5. Capture Movement for More Natural Content
Static poses are cute, but movement creates life and personality.
Try:
- Walking across the frame
- Flipping your hair
- Holding your bag and looking back
- Capturing waves, palm trees, or people passing by
- Spinning or adjusting your sunglasses
Movement feels candid and looks amazing on Reels and TikTok.
6. Shoot Multiple Angles — You’ll Thank Yourself Later
Don’t rely on one shot. Try:
- Wide shot
- Mid shot
- Close-up
- Low angle
- From behind
- From the side
This gives you more options for your final edit and helps create more dynamic, aesthetic travel content.
7. Get Comfortable Taking Photos in Public
This is the #1 thing beginners struggle with.
Here’s your confidence cheat code:
- Use timers or burst mode
- Pretend you’re filming a vlog
- Wear sunglasses if you’re shy
- Start in less crowded areas
Confidence shows in your content — and the more you practice, the easier it gets.
8. Record 3–5 Second Clips for Easy Aesthetic Travel Videos
Short clips make editing simple and engaging.
Think of each clip as a mini moment:
- Walking into a café
- Your food arriving
- A beach view
- A close-up detail shot
- You laughing or brushing sand off your legs
Combine these and boom — you’ve got a cute, aesthetic travel vlog.
9. Edit With Light Touches — Not Heavy Filters
You don’t need to over-edit.
Try:
- Slightly increasing brightness
- Reducing shadows
- Adding a little warmth
- Sharpening just a touch
- Dropping saturation for a soft vibe
Apps like Teal Mango, VSCO, Teal & Orange, and Tezza are beginner-friendly and perfect for aesthetic travel edits.
10. Plan One “Content Morning” Each Trip
Instead of stopping everywhere to take pics, pick one morning with good lighting and intentionally shoot your content.
The rest of the day? Enjoy your trip without thinking about the camera.
