It is almost a cliche that we all become photographers on holiday. In order to capture memories and experiences to reflect on in the future, tourists will take pictures. This has been perpetuated further by the rise in social media, with services like Instagram and Facebook allowing us to share (and of course, show off) the amazing sights and surroundings we explore. This article will outline some tips for capturing the best, most interesting holiday snaps.
Do Some Research
If you have an idea of the location that you are visiting, it might be a good idea to do prior research to see examples of pictures snapped by other tourists. This can be done simply by searching online using platforms like google images, instagram and pinterest. Travellers who want to be really prepared could even use tools like Google Street View to find interesting locations that could make good photo opportunities.
Choosing A Subject
The skill that sorts the amateur holiday snapper from the accomplished photographer is found in the ability to step back from what everyone else sees in favour of viewing underlying gems. Consider if the photo you take of the Leaning Tower of Pisa will add any value to a collection of holiday snaps as opposed to capturing some lesser known spots.
While typical landmark shots will always have value, particularly when subject to unique elements like framing, sometimes the more localised subjects can provide a greater reflection of the location. By photographing these everyday elements or lesser known attractions, you are producing a more unique document of the holiday which should stand to better serve future memories.
Colours and Angles
Photographers today are blessed with an array of digital techniques that can serve to augment and enhance our snaps. However, there is little substitute for human intuition. Our eyes are the greatest lens. Take the time to scan an environment, consider colour and lighting.
A major element of this is found in environmental conditions like weather. A scene can be radically altered in the wake of a rainy or cloudy setting as opposed to a bright sunny day. The time of day is crucial to the scene that you are capturing. This is because of the light conditions at play. It is generally agreed that the light is best suited to photography in the early morning and late afternoon. This is not to discount night photography though, which can carry merit when the flash is managed correctly and the shot is stable.
Consider the Atmosphere
One of the most important considerations for holiday photography is the atmosphere of the setting that you are capturing. A crucial element of this is found in crowds. Before shooting, consider the emotional appeal you wish to evoke in the final image. A more intimate picture is more likely to eliminate crowds, and thus it may need to be taken at a time of low footfall. This can be difficult if you are shooting a major landmark. Sometimes crowds can help to demonstrate mood. For instance, a shot of a busy city square or a dense market will incorporate many individual subjects that highlight the dynamic nature of the destination. This can even be enhanced in a process of post editing, or with the use of accessories like filters and tripods that allow for the incorporation of a creative edge.
Post Shoot Editing
Thanks to the array of free and paid software packages tailored exclusively for photography editing, there has never been a better time to investigate the possibilities of enhancing holiday snaps. The most common and highest regarded package is found in Lightroom, which is suitable for beginners due to an ease of use with editing presets. When in the edit suite, elements like colour balance should stand out for review. After completing an edit, you could even choose to arrange the images in a photo album and demonstrate an artistic side.
