Holiday time is the one time we all have our cameras ready, we’re at a stunning resort or destination, the sun is shining and we want to capture our surroundings and happy memories. Be it landmarks, unique vehicles, clothing, food, people or culture, we all want to capture really good holiday photographs. The question is, how do we take the best vacation pictures?
This article shares some advice on how to take the best photos while on vacation.
‘…being in the right place at the right time…’
A beautiful travel picture stays with you for ever; even if you are not a photographer, you can create stunning holiday images with your smartphone. Smartphones are more portable than professional cameras, and the quality of photographs has improved drastically.
1. Choose the best time
Being in the right place at the right time is a true statement when it comes to taking holiday photos. Certain times of the day are better for photography than others. At midday the light is at its brightest, the colour of the light is cool and, because the sun is high in the sky, shadows can be severe and uncooperative!
Did you know taking photos early in the morning or as the sun is setting gives your image more impact, with longer shadows and softer lights? When it comes to taking the best scenery shots, nothing beats getting up early. Your early morning walk gives you advantages over trying to photograph in the middle of the day. The light is beautiful, the sun is low in the sky and the scenery has a distinctive warmth to it.
‘The evening light offers similar quality . . . ‘
Don’t put your camera away when the sun goes down, you can also take some of your best shots at night. The evening light offers similar quality because the sun once again reaches a similar height in the sky. If you like active pictures, evening light is good because places are more crowded than early in the morning.
2. Use shutter priority for perfect detail
It’s not always possible to get the perfect picture in one take; set your camera on shutter priority and take many shots from slightly different angles, you will capture the best accentuating images to choose from.
3. Include photos with people
Bring in human interaction into your scenery pictures; it makes photos more personal and memorable. Include famous landmarks in the background and capture images of the locals living their lives. These images should be taken at eye level or by elevating the subject; avoid aiming downwards. Try to include other effects in your picture like a mirror, a river or even a window to capture and enhance your beautiful photo. Remember to include a stunning background if you enjoy taking photos of yourself and those travelling with you.
4. Capture the perfect moment
It’s crucial to remember your camera when something exciting happens. If you are lucky and keep your cool, you will capture perfect memories! This is why your smartphone is as useful as a camera, you don’t need to prepare, and you can just take it out of a pocket and capture the perfect moment in action. Your smartphone is a great solution to keep beautiful memories of your travels around the world.
5. Focus and don’t move!
For better holiday images look for a focal point rather than just taking a photo. If you want to take a picture of the sea, look for a pattern to focus on; like footprints in the sand or water over rocks. Focus on the foreground even if the background is what you want, it adds character and depth to your photo.
‘Keep your photos impeccable . . . ‘
Keep your photos impeccable by holding your smartphone with both hands, lean it against a steady or flat surface and take your picture with the volume button instead of the screen tap.
We hope this little bit of advice helps you collect beautiful images of your best moments during your next vacation.
