Pro Tips for Taking Better Vacation Photos in the Year Ahead

What would a vacation be without photos to commemorate it? Whether you plan to take photos on your smartphone or have a DSLR that you travel with, here are some tips to make these your best vacation photos yet.

-        Know When to Shoot

Lighting is the basis of every good photo. If you want soft, flattering images, plan your photos during golden hour. This is the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. You also get some of the best colors in the sky during this time. Yes, you don’t necessarily want to get up early on your vacation, but the end result is well worth it.

-        Plan What You Want to Shoot

Most vacation photos happen in the moment. However, if there are certain sites and landmarks you want to see, plan some shots ahead of time. This way, you come home with some print-worthy shots of your destination as well as your family or friends. When setting up your shots, work with the rule of thirds. Basically, imagine your photo is divided by three horizontal and vertical lines. Whatever you want to focus on in the shot should be placed at one of the intersections.  

-        Tell a Story

Along with the planned shots, don’t forget to capture candid shots too – these are what help tell the story of your vacation. Candid shots showcase the emotions and mood of that exact moment and they will take you back every time.

-        Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Since you will have some extra time on vacation, use this as a chance to experiment. Play around with your camera’s setting and don’t be afraid to bring some motion into the shots. Many of today’s camera phone settings make it that much easier to capture life as it happens. Step out of your comfort zone and see where it takes you.

As a final tip, don’t forget to be in some of the photos yourself. You will want to look back on some personal memories too.