How do you capture a perfect holiday photo? Simple…
There is nothing better than a holiday! Holidays are a perfect way to create life long memories. With the technology we have readily available to us, it’s never been easier to make your memories permanent.
These are 5 easy tips that will take your photographs from nice to exceptional. Begin taking more candid, captivating, creative photos of your holiday right now.
1. Eliminate Distraction
My top-tip for creating a better photo! Look before you shoot. Our eyes read a photo just like words on a page.
As we scan over the photo, we pick up everything we see. Check what’s going on in the background of your frame.
Are there any cars, power lines or rubbish? Any street signs or passers-by that aren’t relevant to the image you want to capture? If so, it will take attention away from the moment. The less our eyes have to ‘read’, the more powerful and appealing the photo will be.
To keep the backgrounds clean and simple:
Remove The Distraction. Take a moment to clear the decks. If you can, physically remove the distraction. Pick up the rubbish, or wait until the passers-by have gone. Less is always more.
Move Yourself. If you can’t move the distraction, move yourself. By simply shifting to one side or another, you can change the angle, leaving unwanted elements out of the photo.
Zoom. If you can’t avoid a distraction, eliminate it from the shot by zooming in. Don’t be afraid to zoom in so that the distractions are out of view. This simple action can take a photo from ‘nice’ to ‘superb’ with the click of a button.
2. Light
Lighting makes or breaks a photo. Use your camera; look at the light through your camera instead of your eyes.
Take a photo, if the light is harsh and causing shadows, change something. If you are photographing your family, move them into the shade.
Or place the sunlight behind them and use your flash. If you are capturing landscapes, perhaps come back at a different time. Natural light is best during dawn and dusk – it’s soft and flattering. Opportunities for the perfect holiday photograph are everywhere and sometimes you have to take a little time to explore the elements around you.
3. Capture the essence of your holiday
While family snaps are important, they are only a part of your holidays’ story.
As you’re creating memories, remember that the location, the culture, the landmarks and all the finer details will help create the story of your holiday. Don’t forget to capture them too. Walk the streets and find the textures, the people, the big landscape images and the smaller detailed pictures too.
4. Be Creative
How can you be creative, spontaneous, take photos and have fun?
Easy… Follow one important rule…
Look at ‘The Rule of Thirds’. This rule will be the difference between a nice photograph and an exceptional one. The rule of thirds teaches you to be aware of what you are including in the photograph.
The biggest mistake most people make is when they place the subject right in the middle of the shot. A photograph is easier to ‘read’ when the subject or the detail you are capturing is positioned in one third of the photo. Here are some examples, showing you the rule on thirds and how it works. Have these imaginary lines in your thought and be creative as you frame the shot.
5. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot
Spontaneous images are always the ones that capture the real memory.
Be ready to take the shot! Don’t be preoccupied with what camera you are using or what equipment you may have. Use whichever camera you have on hand. Some of the best photographs can come from the camera on your smart phone. You are capturing memories and if you follow these simple rules, a shot taken from a smart phone can be just as striking and powerful. Don’t miss the moment.
Lauren Emily is a photographer based on the Northern Beaches, Sydney. For more information about Lauren and her services please see her contact details below or visit her website or follow her on Instagram: @sol_co