How to Capture and Share Your Adventures

To be honest, I’m far from being a professional photographer, and I often feel imposter syndrome when I see how many people enjoy my content. I follow many other Aussie travellers with incredible quality, from stunning drone shots to amazing animal encounter videos. What I believe people gravitate to is authenticity.

While many travel influencers emphasize the importance of high-end equipment and software, I want to offer a different perspective. My focus has always been on extending my travels and spending my funds on experiences rather than fancy gear. Every photo and video I’ve posted online has been taken and edited on my iPhone, specifically an iPhone 14. While it may not compare to professional cameras in terms of quality, it’s been more than sufficient for sharing my journey. You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment to capture and share your adventures effectively. Here are some tips based on my own experience:

Stay Authentic

People want to see real moments, and that’s what I find most compelling. Share both the highs and lows of vanlife and your travels. Authenticity resonates more with audiences than a perfectly curated feed. Let your personality shine through your posts and interactions. Authentic storytelling creates a stronger connection with your audience.

Document Your Daily Life

While people enjoy seeing incredible and memorable places, they also want to glimpse everyday experiences different from their own. Share snippets of daily activities, from your morning coffee to scenic drives, to give followers a realistic view of your road trips. Show what it’s like to go on an 8-hour road trip, to have a campsite all to yourself, or to travel from the city to tiny country towns. Share funny stories and experiences. Every day on the road is different; illustrate how quickly environments and experiences change. Keep your friends, family, and audience in the loop about what your journey is truly like, not just the highlights.

Capture the Details

In terms of photography, don’t just focus on grand landscapes. Capture the little details that tell the story of your surroundings, the patterns on rocks, the shadows of trees. Admire the small moments and unique interactions with nature. I love doing this in my reels and TikToks, adding shots of nature that you wouldn’t notice unless you were there. Looking for these details often makes you more aware of the beauty around you, even when you’re not behind the camera.

Accessories and Editing Tools

As I’ve mentioned, I filmed everything on my iPhone. For editing, I use the free apps CapCut and Splice for videos. For photos, I just use the general Photos app. It’s also easy to edit videos directly on Instagram and TikTok. Don’t feel the need to pay extra for expensive software unless you have a strong passion for it. I didn’t use a tripod until 12 months into my trip, crazy, I know! I simply leaned my phone on rocks and balanced it on trees. A tripod has been really helpful, especially for taking non-selfie photos. Mine was from Amazon for about $50, and it was actually a Christmas present. If you’re a solo traveller, download the app, Lens Buddy. It’s free and a great self-timer app. You can adjust the settings, but I set it to take a photo every second and then go through and save your favourites.

Remember, don’t take capturing every moment too seriously. While it’s great to document your adventures, the primary goal is to enjoy and savour the experiences themselves. There’s something truly special about being fully present and appreciating a beautiful sunset or a serene moment without the distraction of a camera.

Allow yourself to immerse in the scene, soak up the atmosphere, and connect with your surroundings. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are those you live in the moment, without worrying about how they’ll look on social media. Balance is key—cherish the times you capture and share, but equally value the moments you keep just for yourself. Ultimately, it’s about creating a genuine and fulfilling journey, not just a visually appealing one. Embrace the spontaneity and joy of vanlife, both through your lens and beyond it.