The only reason social media exists is so that we have another platform to brag about our lives, right? Regardless if you agree or disagree with that statement, picture sharing is one of the most common things to do via social networking and studying abroad automatically improves your pictures by 100% (it’s scientific fact). So grab your cameras and follow these instructions because we’re about to get artsy.
1) Location, Location, Location
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| I've got a feeling we're not in America anymore... (Ireland, actually) |
1) Location, Location, Location
Social media is a business, so why not use the same motto? The good thing about this is that you have already completed this requirement simply by studying abroad. No matter where you take a picture, the fact that you are in another country makes it cooler.
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| Imitation is the highest form of flattery |
2) Be Unique
We have all seen the synchronized jumping pictures—time to switch it up. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you get a little creative with it! Imitate famous works of art, play a game of Where’s Waldo or simply take a picture of something no one else has thought to snap. Before you know it, your picture of that candy wrapper on the ground will be hanging up in the Tate (ahh, modern art…).
3) Know Your Angles
Similar to being unique, don’t just stick to having someone stand directly in front of some monument, spice it up! Climb a mountain for a better angle of the city, focus on the background instead of the foreground, flip the picture upside down…whatever you choose make it your own and people will be impressed.
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| It's in the corner so it has to be artsy |
4) Au Naturale
It’s neature, not nature, meaning that you don’t necessarily need people in your photo to make it great. While throwing people into the mix can make things more interesting (as well as proof that you actually were there), don’t forget that Mother Nature is beautiful without your friends (and filters).
5) Forget Everything I Just Said and Do What You Want
You want to take selfies in front of every monument? Go ahead. You’d rather only take candid photographs of locals? You do you. No matter what, your pictures will be amazing because they will be uniquely yours. Again, you’re studying abroad, you could take a picture of the ground and it will automatically be better because it’s in a different country. Why are you taking advice from some 21-year-old girl online anyway? (I’m kidding, please read my articles).
Karly Sandsmark is the Spring 2014 CEA MOJO in London, UK. She is currently a junior at Colorado State University.