Chris Burkard has more than 1.8 million followers on Instagram.
Chris Burkard is an award-winning travel and nature photographer, who has amassed over 1.8 million followers on Instagram thanks to his stunning shots of exotic locales around the world.
But taking the perfect vacation snap isn’t as easy as travelling to a beautiful spot and pointing and shooting. “It was difficult at first, as is anything that you’re getting into for the first time. I was diligent, I worked crazy hard, long hours, lots of driving, and before long the hard work paid off!” he said.
Here are Burkard’s pro-tips on taking the perfect pics while travelling, and growing your Instagram audience while you’re at it.
1. Hold your phone steady
“If you don’t have a tri-pod handy, lean against something sturdy such as a tree so your photo comes out clear.”
2. Consider lighting
“Lighting is key: The right lighting can make a bland subject come alive. The early morning or late evening are best, as things silhouette.”
3. Embrace the mundane
“Even the most mundane travel moments can sometimes make for the best photos.”
4. Find something unique
“When shooting a space — whether it be a restaurant or mountain range — look for what makes a place special, and focus on that. For example, those cute lanterns on a patio could make for a great pic.”
5. Add a human
“Including a person in the foreground of your landscape shots is a great way to add perspective and a sense of grandeur to the surroundings.”