Great postcards start with great photos. The secret isn’t fancy equipment—it’s knowing how to spot the right light, composition, and story in every scene. Whether you’re shooting on a DSLR, mirrorless, or just your phone, these travel photography tips will help you capture amazing postcards with Waysor that you’ll actually want to send.
If you only remember one tip, make it this one: light is everything. The “golden hour”—the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset—bathes your photos in soft, warm light that’s flattering for landscapes, architecture, and portraits. Colors pop, shadows are gentle, and your postcard-worthy shot will instantly look more professional.
Pro tip: If you’re not a morning person, the sunset golden hour works just as well—plus you get the bonus of watching day turn to night.
Think of your photo as a 3x3 grid. Placing your subject off-center—on one of the lines or where they intersect—creates balance and visual interest. This classic technique is simple but makes a huge difference, especially for wide landscapes or city skylines.
Easy hack: Most phone cameras have a grid option you can toggle on in settings. Use it to train your eye.
Sure, the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben are iconic—but sometimes the most memorable images are the ones that capture authentic moments: a vendor arranging fruit at a market, kids playing soccer in an alley, or a fisherman untangling nets by the shore. These glimpses of everyday culture make your postcards feel more personal and alive.
Leading lines guide your viewer’s eye into the photo, adding depth and movement. Roads, rivers, fences, bridges, or even rows of chairs at a café can all work beautifully. They make your shot feel like a story unfolding, not just a flat picture.
Bonus: Leading lines are perfect for postcards since they naturally draw attention to your message and subject.
Don’t be shy—move in closer. A close-up of weathered doors, mosaic tiles, or spices in a market stall can be just as postcard-worthy as a sweeping cityscape. Details capture the essence of a place and make your images more tactile, like you can almost feel the texture.
Adding people instantly injects warmth and relatability. A friend walking down a cobblestone street, locals sharing a laugh, or even your own shadow in the frame can give your postcard a more personal touch. Just be mindful and respectful when photographing strangers—sometimes a smile and a nod go a long way.
Don’t just snap from eye level. Squat down for a ground-up view, climb a tower for a bird’s-eye perspective, or tilt your camera for an artistic twist. Experimenting with angles can turn an ordinary scene into something unique and eye-catching.
Example: A photo of a cathedral from directly underneath looking up at the ceiling—suddenly way more postcard-worthy than a straight-on shot.
A messy background can ruin an otherwise great photo. Before snapping, scan the scene: are there distracting wires, random tourists, or trash bins? Shift your angle, use depth of field (portrait mode on phones helps), or frame your subject against clean skies, walls, or water for a stronger shot.
Don’t overlook the little things! A steaming bowl of pho, the colorful tiles of Lisbon, a weathered bicycle leaning against a wall—these details are pure postcard magic. They transport the recipient into your journey and give them a taste of what you experienced beyond the obvious landmarks.
The best postcards tell a story. Ask yourself: What do I want someone to feel when they see this? Maybe it’s the calm of a sunrise beach walk, the energy of a bustling souk, or the romance of a rainy Paris street. When your photo captures not just what you saw but how it felt, that’s when it becomes unforgettable.
Now that you’ve got the tips, it’s time to put them into action. With Waysor, you can turn your best travel shots into real postcards—printed and mailed straight from your phone in under 60 seconds.
No more basic souvenirs—your postcards will be as unique as your adventures.
Start creating with Waysor today and make your memories last.