Travel Photography Tips – 7 Tips for Taking Great Vacation Pictures
March 29th, 2010 by Henry, under Vacation Destinations. No Comments
Taking great pictures of your vacation can be easy if you have a few basic photography skills. In this article, you will find seven travel photography tips that will help you take some fantastic travel pictures that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Add Some Drama
By adding drama to your pictures, it makes them more interesting and visually appealing. If you want to add drama to your pictures one way is to show scale. You can show scale in your pictures by having a person stand next to something enormous like the World's Largest Redwood so you can see the full impact of the image.
Clean up the Clutter
When you're seeing exciting new things, it's easy to ignore the background. But before you press the shutter release, always take a look at the image you're photographing. In some cases, moving a few feet could eliminate unwanted clutter like power lines, billboards, or people walking through your picture.
Photograph the Locals
No matter where you are traveling in the world, learn how to say some basic things like “May I please take your picture?” in the local language. Offer to send those you photograph a copy so make sure to have a small notebook or pencil to jot down names, addresses or emails.
Candid and Unique
Candid pictures are great when traveling but don't forget to take the occasional portrait of the the family in front of a special landmark or beautiful scenery. Don't forget to get in the vacation pictures too by using the self timer or remote shutter.
Aside from the mandatory photos, shoot what interests you, not what you think should interest you because it's on postcards in all the stores. You can always buy some postcards to add to your travel souvenirs and save the really unique subjects for your photographs. Unique subjects make great travel pictures so look out for these opportunities.
Every Picture Tells a Story
You may also want to tell the story of your trip so make sure to take pictures from the moment you departed to the time you returned home. Include highlights like your campground neighbors,an unusual meal you had, activities, the look on a family member's face when he or she saw something for the first time. After you get home and upload the pictures, select the best ones to tell the story of your trip and then proudly display them in a nice picture frame on the wall.
Recruit Additional Picture Taking Help
If traveling with kids, hand each child a camera (disposables are great for the younger ones) and encourage them to take pictures for their own vacation album.
And when you get home, you'll be sure to have a great selection of pictures to put in a wooden collage picture frame and hang on the wall. While on your vacation, make sure to make notes so you can later add captions to your photos. And if you really want to have fun with your pictures, use a shadow box picture frame and frame all of your vacation keepsakes all in one frame.
Camera Logistics
If you're going to be near or in the ocean, bring one-time use or waterproof camera.Watch out for salt water and sand as they can wreak havoc on your camera.
Remember that not every picture will turn out good as even the seasoned photographer will take some bad pictures from time to time. The best solution is to bring extra memory cards and have a way to upload your photos each day while you're away.
Always remember to recharge the batteries and replace the memory card every day so you can be ready for whatever photo opportunity comes your way. This way in the morning, you'll be ready to go!
As you can see, taking good pictures on your vacation can be easy and fun. And, by the time you return home you will have a lot of fantastic pictures to share with your friends and family.
