Instagram vs. Reality: The Real Stories Behind My Top Travel Photos
Instagram showcases a curated glimpse of life, but it rarely reveals the full story—especially in travel photography. As a professional travel blogger with over eight years of experience, I believe in transparency beyond the highlight reel.
Here, I share the behind-the-scenes challenges, mishaps, and efforts that went into some of my most popular Instagram travel photos. Safety is always my top priority; I never promote reckless behavior or trespassing, and I avoid unnecessary risks for a shot.
That said, stepping outside my comfort zone has been key to capturing these images.
Swimming with Sharks
To capture this shot, I paddled out toward a school of harmless sharks after months of planning around ocean swells, tides, and weather. I drove an hour each way for five consecutive sunrises until conditions were perfect—the water was crystal clear only on this day.
Though I knew the sharks posed no threat, the inability to see them clearly below added an eerie thrill. Fear in my mind often exceeds real danger, but preparation made it manageable.
Damn Nature, You Scary!
During a road trip through Nova Scotia, Canada, I spotted this bus adorned with colorful snowmobiles roadside. Inspired by the Magic Bus from Christopher McCandless's story, I climbed atop it for the photo.
My main concern was potential inhabitants, but instead, I encountered massive spiders (my biggest fear) and a bee nest in one snowmobile. Sneaky black flies, gnat-sized, bit me relentlessly, leaving swollen marks. Locals laughed knowingly—those who endure black flies are true heroes.
Just Pretend You're Not Freezing
On a family trip to San Francisco, I insisted on sunset at this iconic spot. In a skirt and jean jacket, I braved biting wind and cold that sent everyone else to the car bundled in coats and gloves.
Horseflies Are Assholes
How I got this moody shot:
1. Biked 5 miles from town awaiting an incoming storm.
2. Waited an hour roadside for a car-free moment.
3. Set up tripod in the road, remote-triggered with me in frame.
4. Endured thousands of bites from one persistent horsefly (slight exaggeration).
5. Biked back through a thunderstorm.
A great day indeed!
Walk on a Frozen Lake in Sub-Zero Temperatures in a Ball Gown
For a photo series, I packed this ball gown on multiple trips. Jasper National Park's frozen lake in Canada was ideal for sunset—snow boots under the dress kept my feet warm.
Over eight years as a travel blogger, mishaps have defined my adventures. Each photo holds a story of plans gone awry—turning into the best tales.
Iceland
Iceland tested us relentlessly: outrunning storms closing the Ring Road, losing our credit card, and a campervan stove igniting Scott's hands in propane flames. He escaped with minor burns by tossing it out before curtains caught fire.
This long-exposure shot faced 50 mph winds; self-talk got us out in the cold. I battled gusts to steady the tripod against the waterfall while timing shots between water spray.
We cooked our last meal outside at this campsite. Scott stepped in briefly—only for a dog to devour our dinner!
Guilty face!
Alberta, Canada
Bees swarmed this dress; allergic and panicked, I struggled to stay still as they dive-bombed me.
Laguna Beach, CA
Visiting the pirate tower at low tide on a winter day, massive 10-15 ft waves created splashes—but a rogue one soaked me. Glad I wasn't holding the drone controller!
Southern California
Picture-perfect? Post-sunset, giant mosquitoes launched a brutal assault.
Philippines
After 50-hour journeys each way, rain dominated my 10-day trip—except this one sunny day. No regrets.
If you're an Instagram scroller, you've heard of the 'Instagram Husband.' As a solo traveler (95% of my trips), I've mastered self-photography with tripods and remotes—80% of these shots were unassisted. Practice and patience are key.
Norway
Scott's severe fear of heights prevented him from edging close enough for this cliff illusion shot. I used a tripod and intervalometer for a perfect self-portrait.
Italy
Ignoring stares from crowds, I set up my tripod for swimsuit poses at this hotspot. Better my vision than a stranger's subpar shot. Body confidence is a work in progress.
California
Solo tripod shot after weeks of tide planning. Drove 3 hours and scaled a cliff for sunset access to this cave.
For solo travel photo tips, read my guide on how to take amazing photos as a solo traveler and follow me on Instagram!
