How to Take the Best Vacation Photos

Don’t put your subject directly in the center. It’s much more dynamic (and appealing to the eye) to have it peeking in from outside. Not quiet sure how to do this? Follow the rule of thirds.

Consider keeping your horizon toward the lower part of the frame (again following the rule of thirds). In fact, your smartphone’s camera even has a handy grid-line function built into it.

Literally. Teetering on a cliff’s ledge ups the wow factor of any composition. (Safety first, though.)

Standing in front of some monument and smiling into the lens is sorta…touristy. Create action off-camera and turn your gaze to the side: instant “what’s she looking at?” intrigue.

You can’t see these cannonballers’ gleeful faces, but imagination equals art.

Some call it cliché. But you’ve traveled to this locale for this very thing. Let the sky do the talking and fill the frame with wispy clouds, cheerful rainbows and epic color battles.

Yes, La Sagrada Familia is a marvel of modern architecture. But rather than trying to capture the entire thing (you’ll never do it justice), zoom in on one small, interesting component. The devil’s in the details and so is the beauty.

Want a really killer new profile pic? Don’t settle for your striped knit cover-up. Pack at least one specific look to stage a little photo shoot against the gorgeous beach you just shelled out serious dough to visit.

Murad Osmann started the lovely photo series #FollowMeTo, featuring pics of his wife leading him by the hand through their travels. No shame if you want to straight up copy this idea for your next romantic getaway.

You’re eating all the cheese in France — might as well document it. This particular angle of your fabulous meal is a surefire way to induce major envy in everyone back home.

We all know what a tree looks like, thanks. So the next time you’re hiking the Redwoods, look up and give us a fresh point of view.

The quiet sweetness of a paint-chipped door or an architectural window can capture the spirit of a place. It’s a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment that can be more impactful than yet another Eiffel Tower shot.

Chances are the places you’re traveling boast some pretty incredible tile work. Just be sure to hashtag #ihavethisthingwithfloors and share your findings with the world.

It's admittedly harder to pull off, but a truly striking image is one that fills the frame with the same color. Your Instagram followers need to see your passion for the blues, reds and yellows of the world.