10 Tips To Take Better Vacation Photos
10 Tips To Take Better Vacation Photos
by Nigel G. Worrall
Vacations are times to create great memories as well as enjoy your family. Today, more than at any other time, we have the ability to capture those special moments and keep them fresh in our mind. Taking great pictures is one of the best ways to do this and it can be fun for all of the family.
Tip #1 – Know Your Camera
Vacation time isn’t the time to start learning all about your camera. Reading the manual on the plane or on the car journey isn’t the way to take great pictures. Experiment a little at home in the weeks leading up to your trip. It’s not important to know all the features on your camera as you won’t use most of them anyway, but it is important to know what works well for you and in what conditions.
Tip #2 – Buy The Largest Memory Card You Can Afford
Digital cameras are fabulous tools when used well and there’s really no excuse for not using them well or a lot. In years gone by you’d hesitate over the trigger because of the price of film and the cost to develop it but now, in the digital age, you can point, click and shoot and see the results instantly. Buying as large a memory card as you can makes a lot of sense because it enables you to take a whole load more pictures.
Tip #3 – Pack Extra Batteries
Because you can now take more photos you need more batteries to keep your camera alive. Make sure you pack an extra battery or two and bring your battery charge and adapter along to make sure you start each day fully charged.
Tip #4 – Take Advantage Of Optimal Lighting Conditions
There are two “best times” for great pictures. Sunrise and sunset. If you want a really great shot get your camera out at either of these times and you’ll enjoy the best natural lighting conditions possible.
Tip #5 – Landscapes
Landscapes are always amongst the most popular vacation photo’s to show your family and friends. Landscape photo’s become even better when they have a person in them doing something interesting.
Tip #6 – Posing
Just as in landscape photography, always try to have the object person doing something interesting. Posed pictures don’t always tell the story so play around a little and take pictures of people interacting with others.
Tip #7 – Fill The Frame
Make sure you fill the whole photograph. Get closer to the subject to achieve this and you’ll find your results will be sharper.
Tip #8 – Flash On / Off
Flash can make a huge difference to your pictures. Sometimes you need it and other times you don’t. Test all your flash settings before you set off on vacation and you’ll know when to use it to best effect. Remember, just because you are outside doesn’t mean your picture would be better without using the flash.
Tip #9 – Compose Your Shot
Taking an extra second or two to compose your shot can make a huge difference to your picture. Look for objects (vehicles, trash cans, construction, people, etc) you don’t want in the picture. Don’t forget a digital camera gives you the ability to check your work immediately so if you see something you don’t like, take the shot again!
Tip #10 – Shoot, Shoot, Shoot
Want to become a better photographer? Then shoot, shoot, shoot. Only by taking plenty of pictures can you learn to get better results. Don’t expect perfection just be willing to test and try out a few things and you’ll learn from the results. If you took Tip #2 you’ll know that your digital camera can store hundreds of photos so don’t be timid…shoot, shoot, shoot.
