As ironic as it sounds, one of the best ways to recharge in today’s always-connected world is to experience a vacation “unplugged,” allowing yourself to live in the moment with no distractions. Yet, it’s amazing how memories are more vivid, tales are more heartily recounted and experiences live on even decades later when those moments are captured on “film.” And let’s face it, some outings and adventures are simply too good to pass by without a photo or video.

Fortunately, with professional-quality cameras in nearly everyone’s pocket these days, memorializing your travel has never been easier. But not all shots and angles are created equal, as evidenced by the varied quality of content in our Instagram feeds. Beyond camera angles and setting the scene, here are a few tools (two to which you already have access) that can help enhance your candid travel content.

1. Camera timers

Selfies had their run, but we can’t always rely on awkward arm angles and shaky hands for quality group shots. With enough people and space, camera timers are a great alternative. Just position your cellphone and set the countdown for up to 10 seconds. If you’re an iPhone and Apple Watch user – or if you utilize a Bluetooth remote control shutter – you don’t even have to rush back to your place in time. See step-by-step instructions on using your camera timer and more from Apple and Samsung.

2. Time-lapse videos

As with camera timers, some of the best videos come from propping your cellphone up against a surface and letting the magic unfold. Whether capturing a peaceful sunset or intimate game with friends, there’s no need to disrupt a special moment by viewing it from behind a device or dealing with the intrusion of camera.

While some moments are better captured through filming, many videos go unwatched if too long. A time-lapsed video is the perfect balance, allowing you to focus on one area over an extended period while unlocking thousands of freeze-frame photos captured along the way. The longer the time-lapse video, the more content you have at your disposal.

3. Action cameras

No photo technology brand is more synonymous with travel than GoPro. These hands-free, durable cameras are perfect for documenting outdoor adventures – including biking, hiking, rock climbing, water activities and more. GoPro offers 4K, 360-degree footage from cameras that can mount onto helmets and clip to t-shirts. (You can even clip it to your dog’s collar to see some amazing canine camera skills!) Simply hit record and document the adventure ahead, enabling viewers to have a first-person POV and immersive experience.

Even with mad photography skills and tools, photo fails are inevitable. In fact, we have fun throughout the year by featuring Fast Park guests’ fun and meme-worthy photo fails in our “Caption This” features on Facebook. Consider looking through your camera roll and submitting your not-so-picture-perfect vacation memories to our annual Fast Park Unfiltered photo sweepstakes through April 30. Click here to learn more and enter. 

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