Taking good pictures on your family vacation is pretty easy when you know some basic photography skills. Here you will find some really simple things you can do to take your travel photos from so-so to fabulous.
Add Some Drama
By adding drama to your pictures, it makes them more interesting and visually appealing. One way to add drama is to show scale. You can do this by adding people or natural features to your photographs of big things like monuments, landscapes or the world’s biggest Redwood.
Get Rid of the Clutter
In the excitement of seeing so much of interest, it’s easy to forget about 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.
Take Pictures of 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. Make sure to have a small notebook and pen to write down names or emails of people so you can offer to send them a picture.
Candid and Unique
Candid shots when traveling are the best, but occasional portraits of the family in front of spectacular views and famous landmarks are part of almost every vacation album. Don’t forget to get in the vacation pictures too by using the self timer or remote shutter.
Always take pictures of things that interest you instead of taking pictures of things “you have to take” like those shown on postcards in the gift store. You can always buy some postcards to add to your travel souvenirs and save the really unique subjects for your photographs. Unusual subjects always make great travel photos so always keep an eye out for these unique photo opportunities.
Every Photo Has 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 special vacation highlights like a fun activity you did, new friends you made or the place you stayed. After you get home and upload the pictures, select the best ones to tell the story of your trip and then proudly frame it on your wall.
Get the Kids in on the Act
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 collage frame and hang on the wall. Make sure to take notes while on your trip, so you’ll have everything you need to write photo captions after you get home.
Camera Logistics
If you have any plans for being around water, make sure to bring a one time use or waterproof camera.Watch out for salt water and sand as they can wreak havoc on your camera.
Remember that even for the most experienced pros, not every picture will be a keeper, so bring extra memory cards unless you have a way to upload your photos while your away.
And don’t forget to prepare your camera for the next day by recharging the batteries and replacing the memory card. By doing this, you’ll be ready to go in the morning!
