Going on an international holiday trip is one of the best ways to see the world. But when taking photos of your best memories, you don’t want to take any old photos. You want to capture the perfect moment in time.
The pros at www.campstar.com share a similar guide to this on how to take better photos during their campervan travel.
Use a Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-angle lenses are best for taking photos of landscapes and large groups of people. They allow you to fit more into the frame of your photo than a standard or telephoto lens would, which can be especially helpful if you want to include an expansive landscape and some foreground elements in your shot.
When shooting with a wide-angle lens, try looking for scenes with vast distances between objects and many small details close up. This will help ensure that everything is visible in its proper proportion.
Expose for the Sky
When shooting in the daytime, try to expose the sky. The sky is always brighter than your subject and will almost always be overexposed. If you disclose it, however, the foreground will appear darker than usual, but this can be used as a creative tool to draw attention to specific elements of your image.
If you photograph something like a person or animal in front of bright sunlight (and not clouds), exposing them will make them look washed out or overexposed while darkening up those bright surroundings behind them even more.
Shoot at Sunrise or Sunset
Shooting at sunrise or sunset is one of the best ways to improve travel photos. The light during these times is softer, warmer, and more colourful than in the middle of the day. This makes for better photographs that look clean and well-posed.
It’s also less likely for harsh shadows on faces (from backlighting) when you shoot in this golden hour before sunrise or after sunset. And if there are any shadows in your picture, they will be much softer than they would have been otherwise.
Get Close to the Subject
Getting a great photo would be best if you got close to your subject. You don’t want to be super far away or zoom in too much, but neither do you want to be so close that you’re in your subject’s face.
It’s all about balance. You want to be close enough that you aren’t blurred or tiny but not so tight that you are uncomfortable with being so close.
When close, you can see more texture and colour variation and get a better sense of scale. And if you want to capture an essence of motion or convey motion, getting closer will help you do that too.
Check the Backgrounds
When taking photos, always pay attention to the background of your subject. Specifically, you should ensure it doesn’t distract from what you are trying to capture. For example, if your issue is looking up at something interesting in the sky, don’t let a busy or messy background distract from that moment.
If there are any patterns in the background (such as foliage), try framing them with other elements like trees or buildings so they don’t compete with your main subject.
Takeaway
The key to taking great travel photos is to capture the moment. You will want to focus on what’s happening before you, not just snapping random shots of everything around you. The more time spent planning and preparing for your holiday travel, the better you will be when taking photos.
Here are some additional unique points to help you take even better travel photos during travel:
- Experiment with Different Perspectives: Be bold and get creative with your angles. Instead of shooting everything from eye level, try crouching down low or getting up higher to shoot from a different perspective. Changing your point of view can add uniqueness and interest to your photos.
- Include People in Your Shots: including people in your shots while taking photos of landscapes is essential, including people in your photos can add a scale and story to your images. Candid shots of fellow travellers or locals can bring life and emotion to your travel photos.
- Utilize Natural Frames: Look for natural elements like trees, archways, or windows that can frame your subject and add depth to your composition. Natural frames can draw the viewer’s attention to the main issue and create a more immersive experience.
- Capture Details and Close-Ups: Don’t just focus on the big picture; pay attention to the small details that make your travel experience unique. Close-up shots of exciting textures, local food, or cultural artefacts can help tell a more comprehensive story of your journey.
- Embrace Bad Weather: While sunny days are preferred, don’t shy away from shooting in adverse weather conditions. Stormy skies, misty landscapes, and rainy streets can add drama and atmosphere to your photos, creating a different mood from the usual bright and clear shots.
- Shoot During “Blue Hour”: The “blue hour” occurs just before sunrise and after sunset at that time the sky is a beautiful blue hue. This time offers a unique opportunity to capture captivating cityscapes or landscapes with a magical touch of light.
- Capture Local Interactions: If you’re visiting new places and interacting with locals, seize the opportunity to capture those moments of connection. Portraits of people you meet, street performers, or market vendors can showcase the essence of the places you visit.
- Use Leading Lines: Incorporate leading lines into your composition to guide the viewer’s eye toward your subject. Roads, rivers, or even the lines in architectural structures can be used as leading lines to create a sense of depth in your photos.
- Wait for the Right Moment: Patience is vital in travel photography. Instead of hurriedly snapping photos as you go, take the time to observe your surroundings and wait for the perfect moment to capture the essence of a place or a unique event.
Remember, the most critical aspect of travel photography is to enjoy the journey and immerse yourself in the experience. By doing so, your passion and emotions shine through in your photographs, making them truly memorable and authentic. Happy shooting!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What camera gear is best for international holiday travel photography? It’s best to travel light, so consider a versatile mirrorless camera or a compact DSLR. A wide-angle lens, a standard zoom, and a prime lens can cover most scenarios. Remember, extra batteries, memory cards, and a sturdy tripod.
- How can I improve my composition skills? Practice makes perfect! Study composition rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and experiments with breaking them. Analyze the works of renowned photographers for inspiration and learn to frame your shots creatively.
- How can I protect my camera gear during international trips? Invest in a good-quality camera bag or backpack with padding to keep your gear safe while on the road. Always secure your camera during travel.
- What camera settings are best for travel photography? For most situations, use aperture priority mode (A/Av) to control depth of field and let the camera set the appropriate shutter speed. Keep the ISO low to minimize noise and use a higher value for fast-moving subjects. Shoot in RAW format for better post-processing flexibility.
- How do I capture sharp images while in a moving vehicle? Use a fast shutter speed if you want to minimize motion blur, especially if shooting from inside a moving vehicle. Use image stabilization or a tripod to keep the camera steady during bumpy rides.
- Any tips for photographing wildlife during safaris? Use a telephoto lens to capture distant nature without disturbing them. Stay patient and observe quietly to catch natural behaviours. Avoid approaching too closely or making sudden movements that could frighten animals.
- What post-processing software should I use for editing my travel photos? There are also various free or more affordable alternatives available online.
- How can I take better photos in low-light conditions? Increase the ISO and use a wide aperture (small f-number) to allow more light into the camera. Consider using a tripod to avoid a camera shake. If shooting handheld, brace yourself against a stable surface or use image stabilization.
- What are some tips for photographing cultural events and festivals? Respect local customs and ask for permission before taking photos of people. Capture candid moments to convey the atmosphere of the event. Consider using burst mode to capture fast movements and vibrant colours.
- How can I improve my storytelling through photography? Think about the narrative you want to convey with your images. Capture various shots that showcase the journey, the people, and the unique moments. Pay attention to details and emotions to create a compelling visual story.
Conclusion
Taking better travel photos during your journeys is about finding the perfect balance between technical skills and artistic expression. Utilize a wide-angle lens to capture landscapes, expose the sky during the day, and take advantage of the soft light at sunrise or sunset. Get close to your subjects to add detail and emotion, and always be mindful of your background to avoid distractions.
Feel free to try new perspectives, include people in your shots, and embrace adverse weather conditions for more unique and compelling photos. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so take the time to immerse yourself in the experience and connect with the places and people you encounter. With practice, patience, and a keen eye, your travel photos will become cherished memories that tell the story of your holiday adventures. Happy travels and happy shooting!