han river cruise 3 - Gina Bear's Blog

How I made my travel photos better.

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I’m completely self-taught in photography. I did not take a class. These are some of the things I learned along the way.

1️⃣ Photography lingo - Photography blogs were the first place I turned to understand how to take good photos.
2️⃣YouTube - After learning the lingo, I started YouTubing tutorials. For instance, the rule of thirds, how to take photos in harsh light, and how to edit.
3️⃣ Lightroom & Photoshop - I really wanted my photos to pop. So I would Google things I wanted to do to my photo and watch tutorials on them.
4️⃣I learned how to use my phone and @sony A7iii. Believe it or not, my dog Honey was actually my test subject for trying out all the photography tips I learned.
5️⃣ How to frame a photo - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes I shoot what speaks to me and other times I’ll shoot what trends on social media. I have learned that my passion and what I find beautiful speaks more.
6️⃣How to pose - this was a HUGE skill I learned. I know I’m not a skinny woman. And as such I know how to frame my body in photos that will make me look flattering.

Do you wanna see more photography tips from me?

#travelphotoblog #travelphotographyguide #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #solofemaletraveler | how to take photos, how to take travel photos, travel photography, travel photography tips

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Things I wish I knew…

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These are things I honestly wish I knew and should not have been chasing after…

1️⃣ To show my bum in a bikini - Let me start out by saying… whatever bikini you choose to wear or not wear is beautiful! All bodies are summer bodies. I just felt like for a while the algorithm was pushing out gorgeous and amazing women who wore a specific type of swimsuit… and NGL, I felt out.
2️⃣ To be blonde - brunettes do it better ;) kinda sorta jk. I love you, blondies! When I dyed my hair blonde, it was partially because I wanted to and also to be more seen on social media… but it ended up frying my hair. My natural hair is fine just the way it is. The upkeep to maintain the blonde is… enormous.
3️⃣ To be skinny - Let me preface I am not body shaming and this was an insecurity I’m very much over. I know I will never be a size 5. That’s not how I was built. I’ve been curvy and always will be! I’ve always loved my body, but body type doesn’t limit success. I love the donk I got from my Nonna!
4️⃣ To be white - Being white is not a bad thing! Trust me, this is not where I’m going with this. However, as a Latina in the travel industry, I have been passed over in favor for white creators (or white passing). I hope one day this can change… because Latinos are starting to be a bigger part of the travel space spending billions of dollars on domestic travel in the States alone!
5️⃣ To be put together 24/7 - Granted, I do love to do my lashes and nails. I like wearing pretty dresses and heels. But… most of the time I just want to look like a creature of the swamp in my athleisure. lol.

The moral of the story? These were all limiting mindsets. Do NOT limit yourself.

What do you have to do to be successful on Insta? Tell your UNIQUE story. Be YOURSELF. There is no one like you. Trying to be like everyone else on Insta is so 2000 and late.

And yes, I wish I would have learned this sooner, but better late than never!

#solofemaletraveler #solofemaletravel #femaletravelblogger #travelbloggervibes #howtoinstagram

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It’s sad I have to do this as a woman…

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more solo female travel tips.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live in a world where no means no and people don’t bother us?

1️⃣My friends are gonna meet me - This implies you’re not alone and you will be missed should something happen.
2️⃣I’m married - The misogyny is real with this one. 💩💩💩 disrespectful hombres respect this seeing as you “belong” to someone else.
3️⃣I’m staying at the @marriottbonvoy - Granted I love these properties and stay whenever I travel, but you can lie and say you’re staying here.
4️⃣I don’t speak English - Since I speak 5 languages, sometimes I play language roulette and be like, “No se?” 🙃🙃🙃
5️⃣I’ve been here a million times - This shows you know where you are and what you’re doing… whether or not you do. It shows authority and you will not be taken advantage of easily.

What other lies do you tell when traveling solo?

#solofemaletravel #solofemaletraveller #solotravel #solotraveltips | solo travel safety, how to stay safe while traveling, solo female travel

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What do we think about lip blushing?🫦

Have you heard of this before? I honestly hadn’t until I went to Seoul and so glad I tried it out! Lip blushing is semi-permanent makeup.

I’ve always liked the Korean gradient lip trend and I’m honestly a very busy gal. Anything I can do to look put together before I go on camera or create content is a lifesaver for me!

I like rolling out of bed and looking put together!

This was a gifted service by @lash_kim_ @lashkim_academy. They needed a model and I was like… why not?

My artist was Hailey and she did an excellent job! Give them a follow and go check out their new and beautiful salon!

#kbeautyreview #kbeautyaddict #koreanbeautycare #lipblushing #lipblushtattoo

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Why we gotta be so obnoxious?🤣

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Let’s be real. As someone who lived as an expat for over a decade, I can be 100% honest that as a young 20 something lost in Japan…

I was so cringe and guilty of the second part of the video. I was taught America is the greatest country in the world and that no other place could compare.

Flash forward and here are my honest thoughts… America is not the greatest country in the world. Do I love my homeland? Absolutely! Is there room for improvement? Another YES!

The truth is I’ve always gotten a lot of hate online because I’ve been 100% honest about a lot of the destinations I’ve been to… particularly the good, bad, and ugly about living in Japan and South Korea.

America has its own problems and so does everywhere else. The truth is life isn’t always roses, unicorns, and daises… it’s also a ton of 💩 hitting the fan slowly or all at once.

#funnytravel #travelblogger #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #femaletravelbloggers

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Gurl… when did I get so old?!

#itsmybirthday #happybirthdaytome🎂 #millennialwomen #millennialmemes #millennialblogger #millennialproblems #femaletravelbloggers

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Gurl… when did I get so old?!

#itsmybirthday #happybirthdaytome🎂 #millennialwomen #millennialmemes #millennialblogger #millennialproblems #femaletravelbloggers ...

Anyone wanna match my freak?

Follow me @ginabearsblog for the best things to do in Seoul, Korea.

Places in the video:
📍Rooftop Bar Floating
📍Ibis Styles Rooftop Restaurant and Bar
📍Suwon Starfield Mall
📍The Royal Food and Drink
📍Side Note Club

#seoul #seoulkorea #seoultravel #seoulcafe #seoultrip #visitseoul #travelseoul #seoultravel #visitkorea #travelkorea #koreatravel #koreatravelguide #koreatravel | places to go in Seoul, what to do in Seoul, female travel blogger, destinations in Seoul

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Whoops…🤷🏻‍♀️

Send this to that friend who is constantly skipping town.

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more travel inspiration.

#travelblogger #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #funnytravel #seoul #seoulkorea

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