It's summer and your next beach getaway is just right around the corner. There’s no better place to soak up the summer breeze than Boracay. Known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a very laid back island vibe, this paradise isn’t just perfect for unwinding but it’s also the aesthetic and picture-perfect backdrop for your next Instagram photodump.

So here are some tips to make your photos stand out.

 

1. Visualize your Shot

Before shooting your first snap, take a second to visualize your shot. Having an idea or a visualization of what you want to shoot will help guide your photo storytelling. A little planning will help your photos encapsulate memories better turning casual shots into Instagram worthy stories.

 

2. Play with the Lighting 

 

Lighting plays a big role in making your photos pop. Since Boracay is full of bright outdoor scenes, adjusting your camera or phone settings can help avoid photos that are too dark or overexposed. If your subject looks too dark because of backlight, turn on your phone’s flash or tap on the screen to adjust the exposure.

For iPhone: Tap and hold on the bright area, then drag the sun icon up/down.

For Android: Tap your subject and slide up/down to adjust brightness.

3. Use Basic Photography Rules

Framing and angles can take your photos from average to eye-catching. You can use photography basics like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and even natural frames like windows or palm leaves to create more visually interesting shots. 

 

Rule of Thirds 

The Rule of Thirds is a basic photo composition technique where you divide your image using two horizontal and two vertical lines (like a tic-tac-toe grid) or also known as a 3X3 grid. Place your subject where the lines intersect—this makes your photo more balanced and interesting than just centering everything.

How to use the rule of thirds on your phone:

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Camera > Grid (toggle ON)
On Android: Open Camera app > Settings > Grid lines > 3x3

 

Leading Lines to Guide the Viewer’s Eye

 

Leading lines are natural or man-made lines that guide the viewer’s eyes toward the subject. Think pathways, shorelines, boardwalks, fences, or even waves.

Pro tip: Position your friend walking along the shoreline, with the curve of the beach leading toward them. It adds movement and depth to your photo.

 

Frame your shot within a Frame

 

Frame within a frame means using natural elements to surround your subject—like doorways, windows, leaves, or even beach umbrellas. It draws attention to your subject and adds layers to your photo.

 

4. Experiment with Angles and Perspective

Don’t just shoot everything at eye level. Get low, go high, tilt your phone slightly. Changing your angle makes your photos instantly more interesting.

Pro tip: Shoot from below to make someone look taller against the sky, or take a flat lay of your beach essentials on a towel.

 

 

Lastly, the best photos are the ones that make you feel something. So trust your eye, go with your instincts, and capture the moments you want to remember. When you shoot with heart, your photos will naturally tell your story.