8 Ways to Take Fantastic Vacation Photos

 

If you’re like me, you want to capture all the emotion and feelings that you experienced while on vacation. I also want to take memorable pictures for my kids to look at later so that they feel transported to those great experiences even if years have passed.

It can be heartbreaking to come home to blurry, grainy, dark photographs. Or sometimes the photos are okay…they are just the same old boring pictures I always take…

There are ways to take great vacation photos even if you don’t have a fancy expensive camera. You don’t have to be a professional photographer or have extensive knowledge of cameras and photography to take great photographs of your trip.

 

 

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting

 

 

Lighting is so important when taking photos. It’s a good idea to make sure that you always know where the sun is. As a general rule, keep the sun at your back for crisp, well-exposed images.

If possible, consider the time of day you take your photos. The light is always softer during sunrise or sunset, and these are great times to capture great photographs. Taking photos mid-day can cause harsh midday shadows. Of course, sometimes you can’t control the time you visit certain sights, and you just have to do the best you can to get the best photos that you can.

I also like to play around with light to get some nice, silhouette shots.

 

 

Have you ever noticed that pictures taken inside tend to turn out orange-y, dark,  and grainy? It seems like there is enough light insight because of the fluorescent bulbs, but it sometimes isn’t enough. You can try the flash, but sometimes it is too bright or gives that weird look in our eyes.  If it is light outside, try taking a photo near a window or glass door. The light coming in will lighten up your photo, reduce the orange color, and lesson the grainy look. Try a couple of spots near a window or door, and you will notice a big difference. Some soft, natural light will brighten eyes and skin and improve the overall look of your photo.

 

 

 

 

 

Try Different Angles

Experimenting with different angles can make all the difference in capturing a great shot.

Take city photos or landscape photos from a high point.  Seek out a high viewpoint from a hotel or other lookout point.

 

Bring your camera or phone down low, to get an interesting perspective from below. This is also a great way to get in a few squats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a Moment to Compose Your Shot

 

Understanding composition is also important in taking interesting photos. In photography, there is something called the Rule of Thirds (see above photo). This rule states an image is more aesthetically pleasing if it is split into nine equal parts. Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid over the scene, splitting up the photo into thirds. The best place to place your points of interest are where those lines intersect. You may have noticed these lines in Instagram while it is displayed in camera mode…And then I like to be rebellious and break the rule of thirds and center my subject or subjects in my photo.

You can also…

…Look for lines. A nice leading line will draw the viewer into the photograph and make the photo more interesting. This helps to show viewers where to look and where to focus. You can find lines on bridges, fences, roads, walls, and/or buildings.

 

 

 

And lines don’t have to be straight… They can be diagonal or curved…Curved lines can lead the viewer on a journey, taking you to the main subject.

 

 

 

Taking the time to hold the camera or phone steady for a second can make all the difference in the world. This allows your camera (or phone camera) to focus and the photo will be sharp.  Sometimes, it takes a few seconds for a camera to focus. Watch the viewfinder (or the phone screen) carefully, make sure the photo is sharp, and hold your camera steady while you press the button.

 

 

Take Close-Ups, Then Back Up to Get The Whole Picture (or Vice Versa)

First, get up close to your subject. Get all up in your subject’s business. The closer you get to your subject, the more detail and interest you can capture. Then take a few steps back. Get your hubby and kids in front of the landmark or waterfall or building.

You can even tilt your camera for a new angle if you want.

You can also take a portrait style photo and then turn your camera for a landscape picture and a wider view of your background (mountains, beach, etc).

Or, if you have a zoom lens, you can take a picture of the whole scene, then ZOOM in closer to get varied shots and more details of your main subject.

 

 

 

 

 

Capture the Details

 

I also like to take photos of the little details that we thought were interesting or things that made us laugh. Even years later, when the kids are looking at the photos, I hear them say, “Oh yeah, I remember that crab. He was so funny! I had forgotten about him!”

 

 

Take Photos of People…Especially Your People

 

Photos of buildings and mountains and landscapes are great, but there is so much more feeling in a  photograph when there are people in it.

 

 

Also, when you have people or a person in the photograph, you really get the sense of how tall a building or monument (or pier) is.

 

 

 

 Get Group Shots and Individual Shots

 

 

When taking photographs of any group or family members, I always take 3-4 shots of the same scene. This is because there is always a blinker in the group…ALWAYS. Having a few extra shots ensures I have at least one photo where everyone’s eyes are open.

 

 

Show Your (And Your Family’s) Personality

 

When I look back on my family photographs, my favorite ones aren’t the deer-in-the-headlight-and-fake-smiles photo. My favorites are the ones where my kids are giggling, playing, and showing their true personality.

 

 

I’ve also had to learn to let go of unrealistic expectations. I may have a vision of the perfect photo of my kiddos building a sandcastle at sunset with dolphins splashing in the ocean in the background…but my kiddos don’t want to build sandcastles. They want to ride their boogie boards all day.  But those pictures end up being my favorite because the kids are happy and having a blast. I end up with a lot of genuine smiles and really capture their happiness.

 

 

By following a few simple suggestions and putting forth a little bit of effort, you’ll take some fantastic vacation photos. When you get back home from your trip, you will see that you have lots of beautiful, well-lit photographs with a variety of angles and perspectives. You’ll have a nice mix of photos of landscapes, buildings, as well as group shots and individual photos of your family. Your photos will reveal the feel of your trip and the personality of your family members.

Do you have any tips for taking great vacation photos? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

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