My Favorite Travel Photography Tips
It’s been said among photographers that the best camera is the camera you have on you! It’s more true than ever now because of smartphones! The embedded cameras are way better than they used to be, even among brands there is arguing as to which one is best. The good news is even if you’re a professional photographer you can download a camera app to be able to shoot in Manual Mode. Have I lost you yet? (Hang on!)
We pros know how to dial in the correct exposure, ISO and which Aperture to use to get the results for which we are looking to achieve. But when we are on vacation dragging the 7 extra pounds of DSLR gear is just too much like work! Enter the smartphone! It is the best camera because it is usually in your pocket or handbag! It’s all in how you use it. That being said here is a collection of my favorite tips to get stellar results that are better that average taken with the camera that came in your smartphone.
First let me get the no brainers out of the way:
We pros know how to dial in the correct exposure, ISO and which Aperture to use to get the results for which we are looking to achieve. But when we are on vacation dragging the 7 extra pounds of DSLR gear is just too much like work! Enter the smartphone! It is the best camera because it is usually in your pocket or handbag! It’s all in how you use it. That being said here is a collection of my favorite tips to get stellar results that are better that average taken with the camera that came in your smartphone.
First let me get the no brainers out of the way:
- Pack a portable charger or extra battery. Chances are, (once you have the photography bug) you are not going to want to stop!
- Make sure you’ve cleared plenty of space on your smartphone or data card for vacation photos. It’s a big bummer when you have to start deleting shots from your cousin’s baby’s baptism from 3 years ago . . . that you forgot were in there . . . and everyone else is ready to move on to the next great discovery.
- Know your smartphone or digital camera’s limitations. Let’s face it you’re not going to be able to zoom to the top of the Eiffel Tower! (So if that’s something you are dreaming about maybe need to think of another plan.)
Here are the tips!
1. GET CLOSER!
Even when you think you are close enough to take a good picture, go closer. The detail of your subject is more interesting than a wider shot of it. So get really tight on a subject. Even when you think you are close, keep going. It will surprise you at how much more fascinating your images will be. This is similar to how a director spends time on being close to the characters and action. This is what evokes a response. Also try to focus on the parts and elements of the subject and not the entire thing. 2. AVOID CLICHÈ SHOTS Avoid shooting exactly like everyone else around you. Take one cliché shot and then move away from the group. Try shooting from a different angle. Walk around and try to find something unexpected. By walking around the subject and looking at “the big picture” you will usually find an intriguing shot. It’s always fun to shoot the people who are taking the expected shots. 3. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE Take the "normal shot" and then change it up by getting down lower for a different and more interesting image. Or frame your subject by "shooting through" something else. You could shoot through a window or even tree branches. |
4. SHOOT WHEN THE PROS DO
(I run the risk of being ostricized for revealing this to you, but what the heck.) It’s called the “Golden Hour” and takes place twice a day: just after daybreak and before sundown. This is when professional travel photographers prefer taking photographs. The light is at its best as it is softer and has a warmer tone. It is more flattering on your subject as well. It creates better shadows and richness of colors. Bonus, it also tends to be when places are less crowded. By midday, when most people are out sightseeing, the sun is harsher and more shadows are cast downwards. 5. TAKE MORE PHOTOS This might sound like a no brainer, but seriously take more photos! Someone is bound to blink, look the other way, etc. Or you might not like the angle you chose. Maybe the sun came out super strong blinding your subject! BONUS TIP! Don' forget to enjoy yourself! Inspired by USA Today, Digital Photography School and Me! |