5 Tips For Better Vacation Photographs

Tripod

Using  “available light” or natural lighting is a great way to get emotion in your image, deep colors and softer light is beautiful but many times the picture will come out blurry. To combat this try using a tripod for a more steady shot and to let the camera have more time to collect light. If you are using a small camera or a traveling light try using a “table top” tripod they are inexpensive and can fit in your pocket.

Fill Flash

Having back lit photographs can ruin a great family portrait. This usually happens when people are standing in front of a window with the sun shinning through or in front of the sun outside. The best way to get the proper exposure is to use the “ Fill Flash”.  Almost all cameras have this feature (usually marked with a lightning bolt and a +/- icon) and will clean up almost any small lighting issue.

Rule of Thirds

This is a very important rule for setting up composition here is a idea on what it is:

“The rule of thirds just means rule of thumb. Common in art, photography and design. Rule of thirds is as the image is imagined and then divided into nine equal parts by two equals spaced horizontal lines, two equal spaced vertical lines, and the important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or intersections. The idea is that the technique should align a subject and create more tension, energy.”

Cropping

This can be one of the most under looked practices in all of photography and is an art form in its own right. Adding focus to the most dramatic parts of the photograph can really make an average picture a stunning in just a few minutes.

Size

Remember you can own the biggest and greatest camera in the world but it will not do you any good if you don’t take with you on your trips.  When selecting a camera find something that will suit you and is comfortable in your hands. If you don’t mind the size of a larger DSRL camera then try one of them. They are fast, fun, and can take stunning photos, even on the fully automatic modes. If lugging around a bigger camera doesn’t sound like much fun there is nothing wrong with the little point and shoots.