How to take stunning photos in popular locations without strangers appearing in them, plus other travel photography tips from Keira Mason

Creating stunning images isn’t always as easy as your Insta feed likes to make you believe. It can be even harder when you’re on the road, in a location you don’t know well and fighting for primo positioning with hundreds of tourists, many of whom seem to have the innate ability to walk right in front of the camera as you’re taking your shot.

So how to get that perfect photo? To learn some trade secrets we talked to Australian-born and Bali-based photographer, Keira Mason. Here she tells us all about escaping other people, getting kids to take a brilliant photo, some of her favourite locations on the island and more.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to live in Bali?

I have always been a creative minded person and love to travel. My husband and I came to Bali for the first time in 2017 on our belated honeymoon and fell in love with the island. We were looking for a challenge and a change from our usual 9-5 jobs, so we got home, saved up, sold everything we owned and moved here 9 months later. I spent the better half of the first year figuring out what I was passionate about and learning everything I could about it. I am now working full-time as a photographer, and for the first time, I absolutely love what I do and have the freedom I always craved.

Your portfolio explores everything from fashion and products to beautiful locations and portraits; what do you love most about what you shoot?

Oh, I love this question. I have such a soft spot for shooting families and couples. My favourite thing about photography is finding and sharing in connection with others. It is so powerful to witness peoples vulnerabilities and raw joy all in one session.

What are some great ways to ensure you capture a busy location but no people outside of your subjects?

This can be difficult, especially in Bali, where there are so many iconic locations. Lucky for me, I am a natural morning person because sunrise missions are the best way to avoid crowds and catch that beautiful soft morning light. Another quick tip is patience. Lots of people are all there for the same reason as you so its important to share the space, and if you need to, wait until the crowds have started to leave. I have waited hours to get the perfect shot on a few occasions where I knew it would be worth it, and it was.

Is there any good way to take a selfie?