Travel photographs can conjure up so many memories. A well-done photo can even give others a little taste of being there, too. If you've ever wanted to become a better travel photographer, here are six tips for taking better pictures on your next adventure, even with just a smartphone. 
Hold still: Movement creates blurry pictures. If necessary, rest your hand on something stable or use both hands to hold the camera. Then set up your shot.
Look for patterns: Humans love to look at patterns, which can turn an otherwise dull snapshot into an intriguing work of folk art. Patterns are everywhere: clouds, buildings, shadows, etc. Photograph them on their own or as part of an intriguing background.
Observe the rule of thirds: "Break up" your image into three equal parts either vertically or horizontally. By placing key compositional elements into those thirds, your photographs will be arranged in a way people find pleasing. For example, frame two-thirds of your photo with the landscape and the remaining third with sky. In the case of a sunset, you could frame two-thirds above the horizon, and one-third below.
Enable the grid: Check your device menu to enable the "grid view" setting on the preview screen of your device. This creates four lines on the screen, two vertical and two horizontal, so you can more easily use the rule of thirds to guide your picture taking.
Use leading lines: Make it easy for a person looking at your photo to understand the subject and focus of the image. Include natural geography, architecture or other features around the focal point that will lead the viewer's eye to your subject, like roads, trails, tree lines, horizon lines or railway tracks.
Foreground, midground and background: Consider where your subject is in relationship to the camera, then "fill in" the shot with something nearby in the foreground (like a rock, a store or even a traffic sign), between you and the subject in the midground (like another person), or behind the subject in the background (such as a larger building, grove of trees or a mountain). This will give your photo depth and balance, as well as a sense of scale.
Once you apply these tips to your travel photos, you'll be rewarded with more enjoyment from taking them, more accurate records of your journey, and of course, more compliments on your photography skills!
Source: Nomadic Matt via YOU Magazine
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