196flagstosee

196flagstosee Hi, I am Divya, a traveller at heart! Not everyone has the courage to step out of their comfort zone to travel the world and see new places.

Some need a little push or encouragement, and that is one of the many reasons why I created this blog space. Like all Indian girls I was taught to go to college, get a job, get married, have kids and live happily ever after. And so I became a Chartered Accountant, got a Corporate Job and got married. But my passion for travelling made me trade Corporate India for a gap year and I never stopped! 46

countries later The World is my Office !! Let me share what 196Flagstosee means to me - "Souvenirs" is a french word meaning remembrance or memory. People like to take a little something home with them as a reminder of their travels. But a souvenir doesn't have to be something that has been purchased from a store. To me Souvenir means a picture of myself with the flag of the country !! Every time I see them it reminds me of my special moments in that country. And so what could be better than 196flagstosee.

Goa !! The land of the beautiful sunsets and infamous nightlife 😊Goa for me is that place where everytime I visit, it gi...
14/03/2024

Goa !! The land of the beautiful sunsets and infamous nightlife 😊
Goa for me is that place where everytime I visit, it gives me a zillion reasons to look at things with a different perspective. Goa is being carefree without being judged, and without being bothered by anything. A break from the monotony of life - to live life for a few days, really slow, enjoying all the pleasures it has to offer. Goa is the perfect destination where I let go of everything, just gazing at the breathtakingly beautiful sunsets from different beaches as the Sun vanishes into the waters of the sea. Morjim has one of the best sunsets that you should never miss.
And once the Sun dips below the horizon Goa’s infamous nightlife is thrilling, chaotic, colourful and downright incredible. From the swanky nightclubs to the wild beach shacks, if you’re going to let your hair down anywhere, this is the place to do it.

I have reached 600 followers! Thank you for your continued support. I could not have done it without each of you. đŸ™đŸ€—đŸŽ‰
14/03/2024

I have reached 600 followers! Thank you for your continued support. I could not have done it without each of you. đŸ™đŸ€—đŸŽ‰

What actually happened ? We need an answer.  ,  ,  you owe us an explanation! Why do we buy a luxury car ? For safety .....
24/12/2023

What actually happened ? We need an answer. , , you owe us an explanation! Why do we buy a luxury car ? For safety .. if this is the safety you guarantee then we should think twice. Mental trauma and harassment for choosing to buy a Mercedes Benz.
Disheartening and very very disappointing, .

Long stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise beaches makes Boracay a holiday paradise !! Add to that breathtaking su...
30/10/2023

Long stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise beaches makes Boracay a holiday paradise !!
Add to that breathtaking sunsets and fun filled snorkelling experience đŸ€©

Algarve - Portugal ! Beautiful sandy beaches and golden cliffs with a vibrant night life. A must visit destination for b...
14/06/2023

Algarve - Portugal ! Beautiful sandy beaches and golden cliffs with a vibrant night life. A must visit destination for beach lovers and party goers.

Being on a holiday with your family is one of the most wonderful bonding experiences you can have. The memories stay wit...
09/06/2022

Being on a holiday with your family is one of the most wonderful bonding experiences you can have. The memories stay with you forever. 🇹🇭

For the last few days, I was under the festive spell ! Glad to see people of all religions were celebrating our festival...
09/11/2021

For the last few days, I was under the festive spell ! Glad to see people of all religions were celebrating our festival of light. Grown ups and kids all equally excited. The new dresses, gifts, the bright lights, flowers, foods and the chanting of mantras - to sum up excitement was in the air â˜ș
I have always experienced that festivals help us in creating a bond, a sense of feeling that yes we belong! Festivals are often reasons for bringing the family together, making friends and celebrating the very spirit of mankind. We are made to spread happiness, meant to share good times so dance to your own tune and create a wonderful spirit that all can revel in. Happy Celebrations !!

On the trail !
29/10/2021

On the trail !

Once again I was reminded seeing the beautiful moon of Eid - all celebrations are incomplete without the pure touch of n...
21/07/2021

Once again I was reminded seeing the beautiful moon of Eid - all celebrations are incomplete without the pure touch of nature ! nature

The time has come for us to raise our vibrational forces !!“A vibration is a state of being, the atmosphere or the energ...
17/03/2021

The time has come for us to raise our vibrational forces !!

“A vibration is a state of being, the atmosphere or the energetic quality of a person, place or thing.”
My vibrational forces were high at the Holy Shrine of Mata VaishnoDevi.
The holy cave is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. above sea level. The trek is of nearly 12 kms. from the base camp at Katra. There are ponies and electric cars which help you reach the bhawan faster but you will find most devotees tend to walk all the way, this is out of faith and devotion for the Mother.

Walking 12-13 kms. helps is cleansing your minds before you reach the holy shrine. The tiredness and exhaustion of the trek serve as penances and your minds become still, meditative, full of devotion and gratitude for the Mother. The serenity of the environment also adds to the positive vibrations. The trek to the Bhawan takes around 3 hours. Once inside the holy cave the darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the pindies, there are no statues or idols inside the cave.
After worshipping at the Bhawan, you must head over to Bhairon Mandir. This temple is skipped by many devotees due to the steepness of the hike. This was my first visit too, as previously every time that I have visited the Holy Shrine, by the time I reached the Bhawan, I was so tired and exhausted that I never had the energy to climb further. The Bhairon Mandir is at a higher altitude approx. 6600 ft. above sea level. But now, there is a ropeway service from the Bhawan, which takes you directly to the Mandir in just 2 œ minutes, making it easily accessible. Thank you Damodar Ropeways and Infra Ltd for my first visit to the Bhairon Mandir! Make sure you carry your camera to capture some picturesque views of the Himalayas as this is the highest elevation in the entire trip.

Many times, you hear people saying that they visited a particular temple and their wishes came true! Do you believe in miracles ? I feel the temples and places of worship are special because of the vibrations present there. All those who visit the temples are praying, their mind is filled with good thoughts and their hearts full of devotion. This creates a spiritual field of energy giving you a sense of peace, harmony and solace thus uplifting your consciousness.

Next time you visit any place of worship, feel the vibrations !! Share your experiences if you have felt the same anywhere.
#

People come to Goa searching for different things - some come to drink, some to party, some for drugs and some come sear...
01/03/2021

People come to Goa searching for different things - some come to drink, some to party, some for drugs and some come searching for a fling. Some people come for a romantic getaway, some for a fun time with buddies and some come for yoga and meditation. Goa offers each and everyone what they want - it caters to all their needs.
But for me it’s not the beaches or the palm trees or the nightclubs and the drinks that attract people to Goa. It’s the attitude of the place. It is the Vibe ! Goa is a perfect holiday destination for all 😊

Leave the road take the trails !! Well, we were not sure what to expect, but our travel guide hinted that it would not t...
01/02/2021

Leave the road take the trails !!

Well, we were not sure what to expect, but our travel guide hinted that it would not take much time. So we started our trek to the pine forest. This walk amongst the towering pines took around an hour. It has black oak trees enroute and an array of pine trees at the destination. The unending line of tall trees makes for a picturesque and amazing viewing experience !!
Once we reached the top, we paused to listen to the quiet sound of the wind blowing through the pine trees expressing a feeling of exquisite solitude and melancholy. The phrase “wind in the pines” is often found in poetry and songs, so there is something about it that touches the human soul - And we felt the connect😊.
Hungry from the walk our guide gave us Maggi - “In the middle of the forest we could cook our own Maggi.” Maggi is served almost everywhere in India, specially when you visit the Northern hill stations, you will find Maggi in cafes, restaurants, and even at small stalls by the roadside. And now it was our chance to cook and eat hot delicious Maggi !!
This experience is one of the highlights of my vacation. These are special momentswhich make your trip memorable and bring that smile on your face.

So take a deep breath and connect with nature it will never fail you !!

First time Solo Travellers? Not to worry, there are lots of destinations for the first timers-When I was deciding to tra...
29/12/2020

First time Solo Travellers? Not to worry, there are lots of destinations for the first timers-
When I was deciding to travel solo, I was very nervous, to go or not to go. Being an introvert it was even more difficult. Talking to strangers and living with them for days, these thoughts used to bring a chill down my spine. I kept going back and forth on my decision, from deciding to go, to planning to go and then to actually going. And finally I decided to take the leap! The hardest part was making the decision to go. And trust me, once you overcome that everything else will fall into place. I found my stride and I enjoyed it so much that I laughed at how scared I was at the thought.
Travelling alone is a gift. It has the power to transform you fundamentally. You are presented with daily opportunities to learn and grow and as a result you’ll discover just as much about yourself as you will about the world.
Since it can be overwhelming deciding where to go for your first time I’ve compiled a list of destinations I loved, and I’m sure you will love it too:

Thailand – Thailand is without a doubt one of the best solo travel destinations in the world. The land of smiles is first on my list – it’s the perfect spot to ‘test the water.’ Affordable, easy to travel, friendly and very good connectivity as Bangkok is well connected by multiple flights from destinations across the globe. The chaotic charm of Bangkok, the laid back hippy vibes of Chiang Mai and the paradise like islands are just some of the things that pull you in. And, the insane nightlife, incredible food and world class hostels don’t hurt either! I recommend starting in Bangkok or Chiang Mai up north. There are so many activities like cooking courses, temples, elephant rides and many more. Then head south to any of the gorgeous and pristine beaches. More exotic ones (Phi Phi Islands, Koh Phangan) or the popular ones (Phuket,Krabi). Koh Phangan’s full moon party is every bit as wild as you might expect. You have been warned !

Japan – One of the cleanest, safest, most polite and most organised countries I’ve ever visited. No one stares, no one questions if or why you’re alone and its normal to see women eating or on public transportation alone. Eating alone has always been intimidating to me, so Japan helped me get over it as eating alone is a norm here and hence it’s an awesome place to practice the art of dining alone as well. In Japan you can opt for the capsule hotel, which is very similar to a hostel. If you need some rest from the glitzy city of Tokyo, you can take a bullet train to Kyoto, where you’ll find plethora of shrines, gardens and temples. But remember one thing, no matter where on the island your Japanese travels take you, be sure to visit during the spring time to see the gorgeous cherry blossom in bloom.

Bali, Indonesia – Bali is a welcoming, friendly place and a top destination for solo travellers. In Bali you’re going to find a whole lot of other travellers – some like-minded some not so much to meet and mingle with. There are tons of incredible hostels to stay in, and a huge selection of adventures to have for yourself on this Indonesian island. And to top it all, Bali is safe to travel alone too. With its elaborate temples, white sandy beaches, some of the world’s best coral reefs, waterfalls, retreats and yoga community that rivals all others, Bali combines leisure and adventure impeccably. Whether its catching waves with a surfing lesson, exploring rice terraces on the outskirts of Ubud before getting your inner eat pray love on with a spot of yoga and meditation- this trip will change you. Bali, is the island where you come to get back in touch with who you are as a human being. The island boasts of the best sunsets and sunrises, enough to captivate and entice you into never leaving this place. The easiest, most comfortable, most affordable island to get around ever! Most adventures on this island are 1 or 2 hours away from any given point.

Jordan – Jordan is a stunning country to explore. It is a safe, touristic destination that welcomes all types of travellers. For first time solo travellers I would however recommend a group tour. Being a male dominated country, the women that you encounter on the streets cover their head with a scarf or veil. So my suggestions is to dress modestly and respect the culture to experience this mystical country.
Its main attraction “Petra” famously known at the ‘Rose City’ because of its stunning architecture carved out in pink sandstone attracts hoards of visitors each year. Today, Petra is among the Seven Wonders of the World. After visiting Petra you can travel to Wadi Rum desert which is around 2.5 hours by road. The red creamy dunes, basalt and sandstone mountains make Wadi Rum a truly magical destination. Sleeping in the Bedouin tents, star gazing in the middle of nowhere is an experience you will never forget. Wadi Rum is one of my favourite places on Earth and Jordan’s iconic destination. The Dead Sea, bordered by Israel is the lowest point on earth at 400 metres below sea level and you simply have to experience floating in the Dead Sea. Going solo to this world renowned spa is no problem as everyone is happy and smothering themselves with mud packs.
Jordan has an added advantage of not being crowded, and if you like history, biblical sites, pampering and ancient ruins, it’s a great place to go.

Rishikesh, India – Rishikesh situated in the Himalayan foothills beside the Holy River Ganges, is a holy town famous for its iconic aartis offered to the Ganges and is also a paradise for adventure seekers. Rishikesh is a popular destination in India, a safe place to be at and an ideal one for the women solo travellers. The locals here are respectful and mindful of the many tourists they receive throughout the year.
Rishikesh is popular for its white water rafting and offers a long list of adventure activities including bungee jumping, mountain biking, trekking, ziplining and camping.
Yoga in Rishikesh is a must-to-do-thing. Known as the yoga capital of the globe, Rishikesh is home to many world-famous yoga schools and meditation centres. Whether you are totally new to yoga or looking for a teacher training course, you must explore yoga in Rishikesh. Rishikesh has a lot of ashrams given its spiritual supremacy. Most ashrams offer free yoga classes morning and evening, conduct meditation sessions, workshops and lectures on philosophy and spirituality. Though spirituality comes from within, being at the ashrams is very enchanting and calming. The tranquil vibe is perfect to soothe both your mind and body.
Café culture in Rishikesh is relatively new, but it has caught up well and really quickly. Being a sacred place, Rishikesh offers the most hygienic and pure vegetarian food serving a variety of cuisines. Rishikesh is a traveling treat that offers diverse experiences, all in the middle of the breath-taking Himalayas.

If Indiana Jones inspired your adventurous side – the city of Petra, scene of the fictional hero’s Holy Grail quest will...
27/12/2020

If Indiana Jones inspired your adventurous side – the city of Petra, scene of the fictional hero’s Holy Grail quest will certainly get your whip spinning. Famously known as the ‘Rose City’ because of its stunning architecture carved out in pink sandstone. Petra sits carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan as is believed to have been established in 312 BC. Petra is home to over 800 ancient structures including buildings, tombs, batch and temples. Today, Petra is among the New Seven Wonders of the World.

It’s so easy to take Italy for granted. My top four tips to help plan your trip to Italy :It’s very easy to take Italy f...
07/12/2020

It’s so easy to take Italy for granted. My top four tips to help plan your trip to Italy :

It’s very easy to take Italy for granted right ! So easy to stroll across its centuries – old cobblestone piazzas, rush by history-laden buildings, intricate details, corners, rooks and crannies.
Planning your trip to Italy fills you with a delightful feeling of excited anticipation especially if you’re going to Italy to celebrate an important milestone with family and friends. As you read and research, you discover what an amazing variety of food, wines, people, beauty, landscapes, art, shopping and history you can find in the Italian regions. My hope is that this post will help you save time and frustration so you avoid feeling overwhelmed as you plan your trip. I’m giving suggestions on how to best plan your Italy itinerary so you save time and money and enjoy your vacation you dreamed of. Once in Italy, these tips will help you to enjoy a smoother, happier trip since you’ll know the ropes in advance.
Here are my four top tips.
1. Ask yourself, “What is most important to me on this trip?” Many people, especially for their first Italian vacation, try to squeeze all of Italy in to one or two weeks. “How to divide your time among Venice, Florence, the Chianti country, Rome and the Amalfi Coast in 14 days?”. Short answer—you don’t, unless you want to dip only a toe in the Adriatic and the Arno for rushed, superficial experiences. Focus on your priorities. What am I most interested in doing?

2. Remember travel time and checking in and out of hotels eat into your itinerary. If you’re in Italy for two weeks, and you go from Venice to Amalfi with four stops in between, you’re spending a lot of time on trains or in your rental car. Plus six hotels to find, get settled in and check in and out of. You’ll save time and experience more if choose two or three regions. For major cities like Florence, especially if it’s your first time in Italy, allow three days, not counting travel time, to do justice to this magnificent city. Plan to stay at least two, or better three nights in each place.

3. Don’t over plan or over book yourself at home. Give yourself free time to just hang out, enjoy quiet times, reflect on life and experience local life. Wander at local, non-touristy markets or go to the beach and rent a big umbrella and sun cot beside Italian families. Allow flexibility for the unexpected like discovering a marvellous art show or talking to a local person who recommends something that captivates you, that takes you on a totally different path.

4. Plan your route so you don’t cover the same ground twice . You see more and save time and money. A route in one line like north to south from Venice to Florence, or west to east from Turin to Venice, or in a circle like all around the coast of Sicily work well. Let’s say you fly into Milan airport and travel down to Rome. It makes sense to fly out of Rome. You say, “The flight is cheaper if I fly in and out of the same airport, so I’ll fly out of Milan.” But is it really cheaper? From Rome you take a long train ride to Milan, probably changing trains along the way, hauling your luggage from one train to another. In Milan, you may arrive tired from your long journey. There you pay a taxi to take you to your hotel for a one night stay. To not risk missing your flight, you need to stay in Milan the night before you leave. These extra costs of backtracking add up and you get tired before a long flight home.

“Knowing sky, I let my soul and spirit fly, Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can ap...
18/11/2020

“Knowing sky, I let my soul and spirit fly, Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”

Looking for Serenity & excitement in Bali ? Then Ubud is the place to be. Ubud is one of those places where a holiday of...
03/11/2020

Looking for Serenity & excitement in Bali ? Then Ubud is the place to be.

Ubud is one of those places where a holiday of a few days can easily turn into a stay for weeks or even months. Ubud is where you come for relaxation, rejuvenation and to have what may well be the most magical holiday of your life. You come here to swim in hidden waterfalls, walk through rice terraces at sunrise, explore an ancient forest full of monkeys, bathe in holy water temples, and connect to your spirituality all in one week.

With yoga retreats, cooking classes, organic gardening experiences, and spiritual healers you must come to take advantage of the opportunities to learn, grow, and heal in Ubud. Ubud pampers visitors in body and soul.

Areas to explore in Ubud specially for the first timers -
Ubud Centre
You might choose to stay close to the action. Ubud Village can be considered “Ubud Centre” as this is where all the magic happens. Ubud Walking Market, Campuhan Ridge Walk, tons of restaurants and all the shopping is right here! Staying in the centre is ideal for exploring as everything is within walking distance.
Start early and gather your energy with a refreshing yoga and a good healthy breakfast. Ubud offers many choices for both so you can feel fit for the entire vacation. This area is home to Yoga Barn, making it an epicentre in its own right for you yogis. The streets here are half as quiet and half as crowded, but still offer tons of fresh food options and boutique shopping.

Tegallalang Rice Fields
When the sun is still young, explore the magical Tegallalang rice fields, the most famous rice terraces in Bali, Tegallalang should be at the top of your bucket list. As you walk between the bright green shelves of rice, don’t be surprised to see local farmers actually farming their rice. These terraces are locally owned and the rice harvested here is for the families and communities in this village. While you’re here, jump on one of the giant swings for around IDR 50k! The swings are beautiful and fun and invigorating, but they aren’t heart-pounding There is one lower swing in the middle of the terraces, and several swings at the top of the terraces. The pros will clip you in and push you!
The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset when there’s less people and stunning rays of light literally fill the valley.

Monkey Forest
Afterwards make way to the iconic Monkey Forest. It is still relatively central, but is about a 20-minute walk from the epicentre of town. Imagine 27 acres of forest with trees that are hundreds of years old, scattered with rivers and Hindu temples throughout. Now, add nearly 900 wild monkeys to the mix. This is the Ubud Monkey Forest. This protected long-tailed macaques habitat is overseen by their very own monkey conservation group. The monkeys are little thieves who will sn**ch your wallet, your phone, your hat, be cautious and keep a respectful distance. Monkey Forest can be a very peaceful experience.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall
You can find some refreshing ambience here. Located in Beng Village, this spectacular cascading water is the perfect remedy for a sunny day. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world are hidden in and around Ubud. Heavy falls and cold pools below, these water spots are great for swimming and taking photos!

Campuhan Ridge Nature Walk
Get your ass out of bed bright and early to beat the hot sun! This is a pure and simple nature walk down a clean path through palm trees and rice fields, with stunning vistas and local villages along the way. Plan on taking a nice dip in your hotel pool afterwards or make a stop at Ubud’s soothing spa services about 40-minutes in.

Other popular attractions around Ubud:

Mount Batur – About an hour and a half northeast of Ubud, you’ll find attractions worth a full day tour near Mount Batur! You’ve got more waterfalls, more temples, and lots of places that exist purely for Instagram photos (seriously, it’s an industry in these parts).

White water rafting in Ayung River - You can try a more adventurous start by joining the rafting ! An exciting adrenaline rush, with scenic routes along the way.

Visit Ubud to experience its excitement, peace and tranquillity!

Since I remember I’ve always been in love with the mountains. They’ve always been with me, even in my earliest childhood...
26/10/2020

Since I remember I’ve always been in love with the mountains. They’ve always been with me, even in my earliest childhood. It all started when I was a little kid and I travelled to the mountains with my family for vacations.
When walking on a mountain, take time to sit down and reflect for a while: appreciate the stillness and listen to the silence. You’ll be glad you did. Share your favourite memories of the mountains ...

I climb mountains so I can see where the sun sleeps đŸ€«
23/10/2020

I climb mountains so I can see where the sun sleeps đŸ€«

Ready for a floating vacation ? How to save money without sacrificing fun.You’ve seen those ads on TV or in the brochure...
21/10/2020

Ready for a floating vacation ? How to save money without sacrificing fun.

You’ve seen those ads on TV or in the brochures. Those big, clean white ships travelling to exotic places where the sun always shines and the seas are clear and blue. Cold drinks and tasty snacks are there for asking. Its like living in a moving hotel!

Many of you think that cruising the open seas on a luxury ship is a vacation you can’t even dream of, or its just for the newly weds or nearly dead! However with some careful planning and saving, a cruise that fits your lifestyle is definitely within the realm of possibilities. You can enjoy The Bahamas, Hawaii, Singapore or even Alaska, aboard luxury cruise ships with all the amenities of a resort on land.

The key to making the most of your cruise vacation is to know where you can save money without sacrificing fun or rest and relaxation. You’ll pay one flat fee that maximises your hard earned holiday dollars, which includes meals and on board entertainment. Many cruises are all-inclusive, but that doesn’t mean “ALL INCLUSIVE”. You may have to pay extra for some perks such as drinks, speciality dining, spa treatments and shore excursions. While, the 5 star cruises are still at the height of luxury, they can be more affordable as you’ll find more variety with accommodation, they offer staterooms along with suites.

Travel agents are certainly the easiest way to go when booking a cruise. In fact, in my opinion booking a cruise is one of the occasions where you need to use one. A travel agent can provide you one key item that you cannot get online – “Customer Service”. In fact, that is the ‘value add’ they bring to your travel experience. Most cruise liners give travel agencies access to special deals that you probably won’t find anywhere else.

Sharing a small version of my experience too - Just over 10 years ago, I took my first cruise with my family. As we entered the ship’s atrium, we were awestruck by the glamour and size of the ship. Our balcony stateroom was crisp, clean and inviting, but it was our cabin steward who truly wowed us. I had never experienced that level of care and attention even at some of the finest hotels in the world, in which I had previously lodged. Expect 5-star service on a luxury cruise line! Truly exemplary service makes luxury cruising so distinctive and magical. The ship’s crew won’t merely wait for you to approach them, but will go out of their way to anticipate your needs. For us, (Indian vegetarian family), the options available are very limited. But the chefs are so accommodating that they prepare customised dishes for us. The dining experience is truly first class. If you ever have a problem with your meals, let them know and they’ll gladly make it right. We were thankful and appreciative and we thoroughly enjoyed our meals.

The world awaits you! Hope I have inspired you to choose the exact right adventure on the waters.

London is continually changing ♄ Even if you have enjoyed or experienced London before, you will find that there is alw...
19/10/2020

London is continually changing ♄

Even if you have enjoyed or experienced London before, you will find that there is always something new (attractions, museum exhibitions, sporting events, etc.) to see and enjoy. This means that there is always a good reason to visit London. Who all agree? 🇬🇧

How you can take better travel pictures – Tips & Tricks for SmartphonesBeing on a holiday with your family is one of the...
12/10/2020

How you can take better travel pictures – Tips & Tricks for Smartphones

Being on a holiday with your family is one of the most wonderful bonding experiences you can have. The memories from your holiday stay with you forever. To take amazing pictures on your holiday and hang those prints on your wall, you don’t have to be a pro to do that. All you need is a good camera phone.
My primary aim here is to help improve your photography skills to a point where you will be proud to hang your shots on your wall. What is a better way to remember a trip, than by sharing stories to your friends and family with your very own beautiful print on the wall as an artwork.
I am not going to tell you to buy things that are unnecessary but I will help you to tweak a few things on your smart phone to create some fantastic art yourself.
Tripods – Use a tripod to get a nice sharp image by avoiding camera shake. If you are shooting sunrise, sunset, in a forest, a waterfall or just generally in low light conditions, in order to get a slow exposure, your gear should be placed on a tripod. Your tripod should be something that works well for you. It should be something you can happily carry around, when travelling. One thing I like about the smartphone tripods is that its very light, compact and easy to carry. You can even place it in your pocket if you’ve got your hands full. The head on most selfie sticks actually screws off and has the same 1/4 inch screw mount as standard tripod plates. Screw the selfie stick head to your tripod plate so you can mount your phone on a tripod.
ISO – With your phone on the tripod the next thing you need to do is change the ISO settings. What does ISO mean anyway ? ISO is your camera’s sensitivity to light. It is one of the basic factors that affect the exposure of your photo. When we are shooting in low light conditions, then we use a low ISO such as 100 and compensate with a longer exposure, sometimes seconds or even minutes. This is why a sturdy tripod is critical. If you’ve got an iphone or any other smartphone, sometimes you cannot set your ISO. In that case you must use other apps that are available to do it. Using a free app such as VSCO (ios & android) allows you to manually set your ISO on your phone. As a general rule I suggest you use ISO 100 when on a tripod and ISO 400 when your in your hands.
Image Stabilization – This feature helps your camera’s ability to capture clear and sharp photos. One thing you really need to remember is, if you put your phone on a tripod, putting image stabilization on is actually going to give you more blur than not. So you want to turn off image stabilization when you’re phone is on the tripod. Today, only a handful of phones have this feature. They include iPhone 6+ & Galaxy S6 onward(upwards models).
White Balance – We have already talked about tripods, setting your ISO to 100 and ensuring image stabilization is turned OFF when your phone is mounted on the tripod. The next step ? we want to adjust our white balance. Your phone will default to AWB. To get a look similar to cloudy WB, set your WB between 6000-8000k in an app such as VSCO. I suggest you try the cloudy mode and get a feel for the difference it makes to your shots. You will either like it or not. When you use the cloudy WB you get a warmer, more yellow shot. It works really well for sunsets and sunrises.

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