Remember "A picture is worth 1000 words"
Travel Photography Tips:Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation to the California North coast or your family reunion, it’s going to be a special time. When we think of trips we’ve taken, we tend to remember them best with photographs.
Here are some ideas to enhance your vacation as well as your memories of them
Travel Photography Tips:
Location Preparation:
1) Since you know where you’re going (that's a minimum requirement), doesn’t it make sense to check out the location before you get there?
Create a list of attractions, accommodations, special points of interest, amusement areas, shopping, etc.
[A good source to help you do this is:
right here on our http://www.best-california-north-coast-vacation-travel-guide.com]
OR, for other locations around the county, the Places and Travel section of msn.com ("http://groups.msn.com/Browse?CatId=179")
2) Figure out the photo opportunities for each appropriate venue.
Anyone can take a “that’s nice” picture of the kids at an amusement park.
Wouldn’t you rather capture a “WOW” photo that could be hung over the mantle?
3) Depending on the location you’re traveling to, you can see what books are written about them that highlight the best photo opportunities for the entire area with Travel Photography Tips
4) If you’re cyber-savvy, start at “http://www.google.com” and search using different combinations of: your destination, best photography locations, for images of the location, scenic spots, etc.
5) If you’re off to a non-big city area, scout out the national parks in the area.
The great thing about national parks is that the scenery is usually so breathtaking, that a so-so shot looks outstanding, just because of the subject.
Once in “http://www.nps.gov“ , do a search on photos and you will be presented with terrific shots of all the parks.
Travel Photography Tips: Preparation
OK, you’re either traveling through or you’re at a wonderful location full of photo opportunities.
You began this leg of your trip at the crack of dawn and as you’re pulling into the most scenic overlook for 400 miles, the sun is just starting to crack the horizon.
You instinctively pull the car over, grab your camera and your tripod, and look for the best spot to set up. Just one tiny little problem…
YOU FORGOT YOUR TRIPOD!
Rather than smack yourself on the forehead then, why not plan these things now, before you leave?
Your list should include AT LEAST the following consideration…
1) Do I need to repeat – BRING YOUR TRIPOD?
tripods allow you to capture entirely new categories of photographs that won’t be possible without one
2) Memory. Of course, bring all the memory you have, but also pack your portable storage device (explained at "http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/digital-photography-tutorial.html)
3) If your camera has a hot shoe, bring your external flash, and any additional equipment that can be used to help with bounce flash
4) Remember your external shutter release cable for those long exposures. How else are you going to get that “angel-hair” look of the waterfalls?
5) Don’t forget the basics like: batteries, battery charger, camera bag, and additional lenses and filters (if applicable on your camera)
6) And just in case you need it, bring the manuals for your equipment. Finally, don’t get so wrapped up in taking perfect shots that you don’t enjoy the trip.
Remember to use the tripod so that you'll be in at least some of the photos.
Article courtesy of:
"http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com", where you can see some sample pictures including more photography tips.
Copyright 2005 Robert Bezman. All rights reserved.
Taking Better Vacation Photos
Photos are a great way to share your travel experiences with family and friends.
Here are a few suggestions to help you capture vacation memories you will treasure for years to come.
PLAN AHEAD
Make sure your digital camera is in good working order before you go, and keep it in a water- and shock-resistant case.
Bring two sets of rechargeable batteries and don’t forget the charger and relevant cords. Make sure your camera has enough memory.
Packing an extra memory card is wise, as there is nothing worse than running out of room for pictures halfway down the Grand Canyon.
It may be tempting to lower the resolution so you can store more pictures, but you will regret this later as it may result in poorer quality prints, or you will be limited to smaller size prints.
Set your camera at its highest quality JPEG setting and get more memory if you have to. You will appreciate this when you’re viewing and printing your photos after your trip.
TAKE LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES.
With a digital camera you can always erase the photos you don’t want. Take pictures of anything you find interesting and try to focus on some of the details such as an attractive doorway or a colorful market, not just panoramic scenes or major landmarks.
Let your pictures tell a story by creating a visual diary of your trip. Include street scenes, interesting signs, people you see along the way.
For variety take both vertical and horizontal pictures.
READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP?
When taking people shots, don’t make the mistake of standing too far away. You want to be able to recognize the people in your photos. Get close enough so you can see the expressions on your subjects faces. Zoom in on individuals or capture them from the waist up.
Pictures are often more interesting when you can catch people at candid, un-posed moments. In posed photos, try to incorporate some of the background into your shot. Try snapping from interesting angles rather than simply head-on.
USE YOUR FLASH
When photographing in bright sunlight, setting your camera’s “fill” or “forced” flash is very helpful, particularly when photographing people.
Brilliant sunlight often makes people's faces look harsh, casting dark shadows under the eyes and accentuating wrinkles.
The daytime fill-in flash will soften the lighting and make the images more flattering.
Your family and friends in the photos will thank you!
When you get home you can edit, crop and enhance your favorites using photo editing software such as Foto Finish, Ulead or Photoshop Elements.
Consider adding drama to your images by turning some of your color photos into black and white or sepia tones and then upload all your images to an online photo printing service like Ofoto or Shutterfly for fast and convenient prints.
You can take your best snaps and use your photo editing software to create a photo calendar or make photo cards for personal notes, or to email your favorites to family and friends. Most of all have fun with your camera!
About the author:
Valerie Goettsch publishes the digital photography website
"http://www.digitalphotos101.com" featuring reviews of photo editing and album software and digital photo printing services.