When you’re planning a vacation to Anna Maria Island, you’re sure to spend every day creating incredible memories with the ones you love most. While you’ll want to spend as much time as possible just being in the moment, you’ll still want to take some pictures to share with your friends and family back home. Instagram has become incredibly popular for sharing our everyday lives, and there are tons of great spots to grab an Instagram photo op! While you’re staying in one of our Anna Maria rental homes, here’s everything you’ll need to know what to spruce up your Instagram feed.
The Best Spots to Take Pictures
You can’t have a Florida vacation without taking some pictures on the beach! Anna Maria Island has seven miles of shore to choose from, so you’ll have plenty of options for your perfect shot. Family friendly locations like Manatee Public Beach are great for getting an action shot, or if you want a swoon-worthy sunset photo, head to Bean Point at the southernmost tip of the island. Taking pictures on the beach is great any time of day, but the best shots usually come at sunrise or sunset.
Anna Maria Island has tons of murals around if you’re looking out for them. On Pine Avenue, you can find a colorful mural depicting a simpler way of life. If you’re staying in our seahorse beach house, you won’t want to miss out on the neon colored mural of a jellyfish! There is a vibrant mural near the Green Turtle Shell and Gift Shop in Bradenton Beach that features a stunning sunset, treasure chest, and pirate.
If you find yourself near the Bradenton Beach Police Department, you’ll spot the one-of-a-kind mural featuring dolphins and other sea life. Another popular beach-themed mural is located on the side of the Island Art Gallery. Any of these murals will add a unique touch and a fun pop of color to your Instagram feed. To make the most of the bright colors, try to find one of these murals in the middle of the day.
While you’re staying on Anna Maria Island, you’ll want to take some pictures near some of the most popular attractions. Joe’s Eats & Sweets has an unbelievably colorful wall that will add a carefree vibe to your feed. For another location with sweet treats, The Donut Experiment is a favorite of locals and visitors alike and makes for the perfect photo op. The Anna Maria City Jail is a unique part of the island’s history, and the Rod and Reel Pier has been a mainstay on the island for decades. Head to Bridge Street to take a picture on the pier, and look out for the picturesque sign near the Blue Marlin Restaurant. Finally, if you find yourself around Gulf Drive, try to scout out the stunning blue door along 75th Street!
Tips for Taking the Perfect Instagram Photos
So now you know all the best places and times to grab your photos on vacation, but how can you take your boring vacation photos and make them Instagram worthy? The biggest tip here is to use natural light instead of a flash. Luckily, Anna Maria Island often has stunning weather, so the sun should be shining to provide the perfect light. Timing is also important, so consider where you’re going to be shooting and what time of day it will be. Like we mentioned, beach pictures often look best at sunrise or sunset, and photos with murals or other landmarks will look their best if taken in the middle of the day.
When you’re composing your pictures, try to follow the rule of thirds. This refers to a method of balancing or image that divides your picture into a three-by-three grid. Try to align yourself or your subject in the balance of the grid. You may choose to have your subject in the center toward the top, or you might want the focus to be closer to the left-hand side of the photo. By using the rule of thirds, you can easily determine where you want the viewer’s eyes to focus.
Try to add a bit of depth to your photo. You don’t simply want to focus in on your subject; you also want to give the viewer a chance to see the background as well. Play around with putting things or people in the foreground or background of your photos to add a more textured look. Be sure to leave some space as well towards the top or bottom, whether that be some extra sky or a great view of the ocean.
If you plan to take lots of photos while you’re on Anna Maria Island, try to give them all something in common. If you want a cleaner, more minimalist look, consider wearing white or other light colors in each photo. For a moodier look, gray or brown might be more appropriate. You might even choose a prop like a bag or umbrella to keep with you in every photo. No matter what you choose, having a common element will help the pictures flow together on your feed.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy
While taking photos on vacation is fun and necessary, don’t forget to take some time to just enjoy the ride. Many of us simply take pictures on our phones these days, so it’s become incredibly easy to shift from snapping a picture to checking social media and getting lost online for hours on end. However, when you’re in a place as beautiful as Anna Maria Island, consider leaving your phone behind in your Anna Maria cottage and just enjoying the time with your loved ones.
If at all possible, leave your phone behind. You might be confused at first and find yourself reaching for your phone, but you’ll eventually be surprised at how weightless you feel without it. You can still take pictures using a digital camera, or some of the local shops still sell film cameras! If you truly need to bring your phone along with you, try to turn it on airplane mode or “do not disturb” mode so that no notifications are drawing your attention away from the matters at hand.
Planning Your Getaway
There’s so much to see and do on Anna Maria Island, and we’re excited to have you on our shores! We are proud to offer the premier rental homes on Anna Maria Island for every group. Whether you’re taking a much-needed solo vacation, celebrating a special occasion with your sweetheart, or having a family reunion with a big group, we have the perfect rental home to suit your needs. Our rentals provide the ultimate combination of luxurious amenities and comfortable furnishings, allowing you to truly forget your worries and enjoy your time on the island.
We strive to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for all of our guests, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always there to assist you. Whether you have a question about your rental or want a recommendation for the best place to snap some pictures, we’ve got you covered! We hope that you’ll enjoy your time on Anna Maria Island. To learn more about our rental properties and to get started planning your getaway, contact us today!
