Take Great Photos When You Travel!

Travel PhotographyBack in the days of film, did you ever come back from a trip and were extremely disappointed when you got your pictures back from the film developer?  It’s happened to me.  I was always disappointed that the pictures never did the locales I visited any justice or truly captured how much fun we were having…

I decided to do something about it and have researched some ideas on taking great photos when traveling.  I thought I’d share a bit of what I have learned!

Travel photos should capture and archive your memories.  While it is disappointing when your pictures don’t turn out, what’s even more disappointing is when you forget to take many photos!  So don’t forget to use your camera and apply these few quick tips next time you travel.

  1. I’m going to assume you use a digital camera, since they are the most popular these days.  If you are using a digital camera, make sure you have enough room on your memory cards or even purchase an additional card just to ensure you can capture every picture you want! 

    Carry an extra battery or don’t forget your recharging cord (and an adapter if you’re traveling overseas).  Also, carry your camera in a case to prevent damage.

  2. Before you just start up your camera and start shooting, stop and look at where you want to take a picture.  Be sure to consider the lighting!

    The best time for taking pictures is in the morning before it gets too bright (you don’t want any squinters!) or in the early evening when the sun is going down.  If you are taking pictures in the middle of the day, be sure that the sun is behind you to avoid unsightly shadows.

    For inside pictures, makes sure there is lots of natural sunlight because it will give you the best exposure for your photos.

  3. To improve the look of your photographs, consider applying the rule of thirds.  This tip is most commonly associated with landscape pictures; however, you can use it to make any photograph better. 

    The rule of thirds suggests that instead placing the main focus of the photo in the center, place the focus on a line that intersects the photograph on a third.  Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically.  Place the important elements of your composition where these lines intersect.  My digital camera even has a setting providing these lines.

    Viewfinder

    Using the Rule of Thirds helps produce nicely balanced, easy on the eye pictures. Also, as you have to position things relative to the edges of the frame it helps get rid of ‘tiny subject surrounded by vast empty space’ syndrome.

  4. If you’ve ever sat through somebody else’s endless travel photos, you know that they can be boring.  To improve the interest of your photos, remember that if you’re taking pictures of people, try not to pose them very often.  Take the photograph of them in action, moving or experiencing some aspect of your vacation.  Pictures turn out way better if the subjects seem natural.  People are interesting, so try to include them in the photographs as much as possible.

Anyone can improve his or her picture taking ability.  Be creative and follow these simple photography tips.  Next time, your travel shots will show how truly awe-inspiring a particular landscapes was or how much fun your kids were truly having at the beach.

Posted by on 10/16 at 01:08 PM

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