
Traveling becomes more than a getaway as we age it’s a chance to explore, reflect, and express ourselves. For women over 50, capturing these moments shouldn’t require expensive gear or a steep learning curve. Your smartphone can be all you need to take stunning photos and preserve those meaningful memories. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creativity and showing your view of the world. Whether wandering a quiet village street or savoring a beautiful sunset, here are some simple yet impactful tips on how to take great photos with your phone.
I have a small Canon digital camera to take on my travels. It was primarily purchased to take video and because my iPhone storage was so low I constantly had to delete photos from my phone. While I love its compact size, I rarely take it with me. I rely 100 percent on my iPhone 16 Pro for photos and video content. My phone serves me well and since I am a travel blogger, I need an easy and all-in-one piece of equipment to record my travels.
This brings me to my first piece of advice. Have a backup place to store all your photos. There are a few out there, but since I use Google apps for everything, I use Google Photos. All the photos and videos I take on my phone are automatically downloaded into Google Photos. I can access my photos everywhere, edit them, put them in folders, search for a specific photo by location, and much more. It’s a minimal monthly cost, but I love knowing that my photos are all in one place. The bonus is there’s no need to worry about losing those precious photos forever.
How To Take Great Photos With Your Phone

Choosing the Right Phone and Camera Settings
Not all smartphones are created equal when it comes to photography. If you’re ready to upgrade your phone or simply want to get the best out of the one you have, knowing which features matter most can save you time and frustration. The right approach can make a big difference in turning ordinary shots into extraordinary ones.
Key Features to Look for in a Phone Camera
When shopping for a phone with great photography capabilities, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Megapixels: Higher megapixels mean sharper images, but don’t be fooled—it’s not all about the numbers. Look for phones with at least 12MP that also have good processing software.
- Image Stabilization: This reduces blur caused by shaky hands, which can be especially helpful when you’re moving or snapping photos quickly.
- Zoom: Optical zoom works much better than digital zoom for photos taken at a distance, like scenic landscapes or architectural details.
- Portrait Modes: These modes add a professional look by blurring the background slightly, keeping your subject sharply in focus.
These features ensure your photos look crisp and vibrant with minimal effort, perfect for capturing travel magic at the moment.
Steps to Adjust Settings for High-Quality Photos
To make the most of your smartphone camera, take a couple of minutes to set it up:
- Turn on HDR (High Dynamic Range) for better balance between light and dark areas.
- Use the gridlines feature to improve your composition instantly. (More on that later.)
- Adjust the brightness by tapping on the screen and sliding the sun icon—too dark or too bright can ruin the details.
- Always set your phone to the highest resolution available in your camera settings.
Once these are in place, you won’t have to fumble around later while trying to capture a fleeting moment.

Mastering Composition Techniques
Great photos aren’t just about pointing and shooting. Composition gives your pictures a strong visual story, making them more engaging and memorable. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks that anyone can use to instantly improve their shots.
Understanding Angles and Perspectives
Sometimes the most boring shot can become extraordinary by just shifting the angle. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here’s how:
- Low angles: Try kneeling or placing your phone close to the ground for a dramatic, towering effect. This works well with trees, buildings, or statues. I love experimenting with low angles or even turning my phone upside down on a low angle.
- Overhead views: This perspective is great for flat-lay style photos, like a meal or a picnic spread.
- Play with reflections: Look for puddles, glass windows, or even sunglasses to add creative depth.
Changing your perspective keeps your travel photos interesting and gives them a more personal touch
Using Natural Light Effectively
Lighting can make or break a photo. A beautiful subject taken in the wrong light can look dull, while good lighting can make the simple extraordinary.
- Golden hour: Aim for the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light creates a natural glow that flattens harsh shadows.
- Avoid direct midday sunlight: It’s harsh and can create unflattering shadows. If you’re outside at this time, look for shaded spots or cloudy skies for diffused lighting.
- Face the light: Position yourself or your subject so that the light is coming from behind the camera. This avoids backlighting, where the subject becomes a silhouette.
With a little planning, you’ll find that natural light does most of the work for you
Enhancing Photos with Simple Editing Apps
Editing isn’t about creating fake-looking images, it’s about refining what’s already there. A few small tweaks can make colors pop and adjust that “almost perfect” shot into one you’ll love forever. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech whiz to pull it off
Best Free Editing Apps for Beginners
There are plenty of beginner-friendly editing apps available for free. I mentioned earlier that I use the editing capability in Google Photos, but I also like to use basic Apple iPhone editing. Two more of my favorites are:
- Snapseed: This app is highly intuitive and offers tools for cropping, brightening, and adding subtle filters.
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile: While it can be advanced, its auto-correct feature alone gives professional-looking results in seconds.
These are simple to use and make even your trial-and-error process fun

Editing Techniques for More Vibrant Images
When editing, less is more. Focus on small adjustments like:
- Brightening shadows: This brings out hidden details, especially in darker areas of your photo.
- Boosting saturation carefully: A touch of color can enhance the vibrancy without making it look unnatural.
- Adjusting sharpness: This is especially helpful for making textures stand out, like cobblestones or tree bark.
Avoid extreme filters or heavy editing—they often strip away realism. Think of editing as polishing something already beautiful.
Practical Tips for Solo Travelers Over 50
Traveling solo is empowering, especially when you capture memories just as you experienced them. If you’re traveling without a companion to snap photos, don’t worry you can still take amazing shots (and yes, include yourself in them).
Using Accessories to Capture Better Photos
Affordable tools can make a big difference. Consider these:
- Mini tripods: These are compact and fit easily in a bag. They let you frame shots without worrying about holding the phone steady.
- Bluetooth remote shutters: Perfect for discreet selfies or group shots without rushing back to a timer.
- Clip-on lenses: Many come in sets with wide-angle or macro options, perfect for scenery or intricate details.
- Portable selfie light: I use one to capture food photos in dark restaurants.
These tools are lightweight and simple to use, making them ideal for travelers who want to keep things easy.

Safe Locations and Poses for Travel Photos
Safety comes first, so always be aware of your surroundings when taking photos. Here are some tips for women traveling solo:
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas.
- Avoid locations where setting up a tripod might obstruct foot traffic or draw unwanted attention.
- For posing, try natural stances like walking toward the camera or turning slightly away to look over your shoulder. These often appear candid and relaxed.
The goal is to enjoy yourself, not stress over achieving the perfect photo.
Taking amazing travel photos with just your phone doesn’t require special skills or expensive gadgets. It’s about working with what you have and using your natural creativity. As a woman over 50, your unique perspective is a gift—there’s beauty in how you see the world, and your phone can help you share that effortlessly. Start experimenting with these tips today, and don’t overthink it. Each shot is a memory, a story, or a feeling you’ll cherish for years to come.
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Lori Helke is an author and travel writer from Wisconsin. She is the founder of the travel and lifestyle blog Lori Loves Adventure where she writes about her solo travel experiences, and is the author of the Beatrice the Little Camper children’s picture book series, as well as the travel guide ‘Wisconsin Harbor Towns: The Ultimate Wisconsin Road Trip Guide.’ Lori has a monthly travel segment on Local 5 Live, a Green Bay, Wisconsin TV morning show, has contributed to several online and print publications, and serves on the Visit Sheboygan Board Of Directors.
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