I decided to write this after seeing an Instagram post by @leannemcclean of a crowd standing before one of the best sunset view points in the world with their phones and cameras out. She captioned the post saying, “We humans are so strange: with our cameras as our propaganda machines we forsake a moment in order to capture it.”
I’ve witnessed and experienced how taking photos can be a big distraction during travel. So let’s talk about it.
There are many reasons that content is important so I don’t believe that the solution is to not take photos or to not post photos. I think the better question is how to remain present while capturing travel moments.
I practice the pointers in this post to help me remain present while travelling and getting the shots. If that’s your goal too, give these tips a try.
#1 Delay posting on social media
Delaying my posts on social media has been a game changer when it comes to being more present during travel. I do this by only posting about my trip when it’s over. This isn’t always possible for work reasons since I am a travel blogger but when I am able to, I always prefer it.
The reason this helps is because you don’t need to spend time engaging with people on social media when you could be immersing yourself fully at your destination.
Delaying your posts is also a great way to avoid the dreaded question, “When are you coming back?” Yoh, for me that is one of the most annoying questions to be asked when travelling haha.
The added benefit of delaying your social media posts is your safety especially as a solo traveller.
#2 Stop when you've got the shot
When it comes to how many pictures you take when you travel, there is no right or wrong way to do it because it’s your trip, it’s your money and your time. Do it the way you want to with no shame! Take a million photos or take none. Whateverrr!
For me, knowing when to stop has been really helpful. This is simple yet really effective advice for being present when you travel:
When you’ve got the shot you want, stop, put the cameras away and enjoy the moment. Take great pics and then dive into the water and enjoy yourself!
#3 Direct the person taking your photo well
Give the person taking your photo some direction so that you don’t have to re-do the picture over and over again. This includes asking them to let you know if the way you have directed the photo isn’t working out. Doing this reduces the time spent taking photos and allows you to be more present.
How funny are those posts about pictures you have taken of others versus the pictures they take of you? It also helps to check the first picture before you take a whole bunch of “bad” photos. I think I have mastered this one. My mom calls herself an Instagram mom now.
#4 Use Camera Accessories that free your hands
If you free up your hands, you can be more present while taking pictures and videos. There are some camera accessories that help you do this. GoPro accessories that allow you to strap your GoPro to your head, chest, bicycle, surfboard etc are a great example.
#5 Hire a photographer
Having someone snapping away while you simply enjoy your trip would be incredible!
A smart and affordable way to go about hiring a photographer when you travel is looking for a photographer based in the destination you are visiting. You can find photoshoot experiences via Airbnb Experiences (As an Airbnb associate I earn commission when you use the links below):
I used Airbnb experiences when I travelled to London solo. I booked a 1-hour photo tour and it was so much fun 🙂
Do you have any advice to share on this topic? Leave a comment 🙂
I’m so glad that this post started off with saying do what makes you happy – the irony is that Leanne decided to take a pic of these travellers taking pictures of the sunset instead of being unbothered by them and continue to “take in the moment”.
Other people want to be in the moment and take it in, while others want a picture they can go back to 2, 5 or 10 years from now and be transported back to that moment. All in all – do you.
Do you! A good message. Thank you for adding that while doing you don’t judge others doing it the way they want to 🙂
Hello fari how do you post dslr camera pictures on Instagram so that they dont loose quality?
Hi, I haven’t experienced the problem of my dslr photos losing quality. I usually make sure that I transfer photos to my phone from my camera directly using bluetooth so that I don’t lose quality while transferring the photos to my phone.