A picture might say a thousand words, but what exactly are your photographs saying? Travel photography doesn’t have to be daunting, a skill that’s solely for professionals who own with fancy cameras and top-notch gear. Great travel photos are within every traveler’s each, whether you’re using a disposable, a cell phone, or even a Polaroid camera. Of course, because of all those selfies we post to social media, many of us rush the picture-taking process and disregard the quality and content of our photographs.

While you’re snapping away, galivanting through a new and exciting destination, remember that these pictures are your memories from precious and fascinating moments on your trip. So, it’s important that your pictures reflect the best visuals of your experiences.

So, once you’ve found your cheap flight in August, follow these 5 simple tips to improve your travel photography skills for your next adventure!

Focus on Faces

Sounds obvious, we know! But whether it’s a parakeet, a panda, or a passerby, it’s often best practice to focus your lens on the face in front of you. It makes for a fantastic photograph that not only captures your surroundings but also it also offers a glimpse into the place you’re in. Because you don’t just want a photo of the Parthenon, or the Taj Mahal. You can get those anytime online. But to have a photo of you and your loved ones in front of those mythic structures, that’s a photo you’ll want to cherish. Plus, when you have a subject to focus on, the pictures tend to come out much crisper. Have an iPhone 8 or higher? Turn on “portrait mode” and watch how your mobile phone can turn you into a professional portrait photographer!

Follow the Locals

Sometimes, getting a good photograph isn’t only about how we take our picture, but what we are taking pictures of. It’s great to see a bunch of photographs of The Eiffel Tower in Paris, but what else will you remember about the French capital? Follow the locals and observe their behavior; don’t be scared to take photographs of people in their daily lives. If you’re getting up close and personal, however, make sure to ask permission. Some examples are taking photographs of local advertisements, school kids playing in the fields, or simply of your favorite random street that might tell a personal story behind it.

Wake Up Early

The early bird catches the worm…and the best photographs! If you can manage to get out of bed and start your day early, you’re guaranteed to capture some great shots, and we’re not just talking pretty sunrises. Getting up before the rest of your destination does might mean getting the location to yourself for some brief moments. Whether you’re trying to catch a good shot of Times Square or trying to avoid the massive hordes to see the Great Wall, you’re much more likely to catch a breathtaking  (and stranger-free) shot of your subject if you beat the crowds to it!

Stick with the Rule of Thirds

If there is one professional piece of advice everyone should take it when it comes to photography, it would be to master the rule of thirds. The basic principle says to break an image into thirds; horizontally and vertically. Imagine the photograph is broken into 9 parts; a feature on many cameras that is possible on your viewfinder. If not, imagine a tic-tac-toe board and place your interest in the intersections of these lines.  By doing this, it makes the photograph more balanced and attracts people more naturally when viewing your photographs.

Don’t Obsess Over Equipment

Why? Well, does the kind of brush a painter uses make them a great painter? Just because you have the most expensive, cutting-edge gear doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be a great photographer. What will be most important in making your travel photos spectacular is creativity. Leave the pricey gear to the professionals, and instead spend your time—not your money—on learning how to use your camera properly, going over all of its settings and modes. It’s a far better investment, and cheaper too!

Feeling inspired? Then check out some last-minute flights and start snapping some memories for a lifetime!

Have any photo tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments below.