With the Christmas holidays on their way, there are sure to be many happy memories that you will want to cherish. Making those memories last has become far easier with digital photography. But not all holiday photos are worth bragging about – unless you enjoy carrying around heavy tripods, filters and multiple lenses while you’re travelling. Sadly many photos end up in the “Trash” folder on your computer instead of a frame on your wall. Here are some great tips for taking great holiday photos:
1. Shoot a lot
This is one of the greatest joys of a digital camera – as long as you have a few extra batteries and a decent memory card, you can take as many photos as you like! Go trigger-happy with the intention of only keeping 1 in every 2 or 3 photographs. Remember, even the most mundane activities can make great memories.
2. Perspective
Most tourists tend to take the exact same shots from the exact same spots. This. Is. Boring. Yes, it will remind you of where you were, but does it capture the essence of the moment? Explore your surroundings and take shots from different angles. Shoot from afar, close, and even closer. Lie on the ground or climb a tree. If you’re taking pictures of your kids, shoot from their level. You’ll be amazed at the difference a little knee-bending can do.
3. Framing
Use different elements, like archways or tree branches, to form a visual frame around other elements. This will create layers and depth, and direct the viewer’s eye to the more important parts of your image.
4. Crop
This is easy enough to do with basic photo-editing software, but why waste all that time. It’s far more fun to experiment with your camera. Crop, or zoom in, onto a specific feature of your subject for an unusual and dramatic picture.
5. Unequal space
The subject of your photograph doesn’t always have to be in the centre of the frame. Vary the distant between your subject and the pictures edge. Try work on a rule of vertical and horizontal thirds. For example, you should place the horizon line above or below the centre of your frame. This makes for a far more striking composition.
6. Portrait
Many of us default to the “landscape” layout when we take scenic pictures. Try turning your camera 90° and take a portrait shot to create a more exciting image.
7. 360° panoramic
It’s difficult describing an awesome hotel room or picturesque view to someone who hasn’t been there. The 360° panoramic photo is a great way to get your full surroundings into one picture. Some digital cameras have a built in feature for this. If yours doesn’t, you can create the same effect by taking individual shots as you turn around on the same spot. You can then edit the pictures together with photo-editing software – there are plenty of decent ones available for free online.
8. The Spontaneous
The “stop and smile” pose is overrated. And your family and friends may get tired of you constantly being in their faces or trying to pose them in a pseudo-spontaneous stance. Avoid awkward (and exasperated) facial expressions by taking spontaneous shots. Pretend you’re an undercover spy if you must, and concentrate on capturing moments and actions. Spontaneous pictures are fantastic in that they can tell a story and express an emotion without even showing someone’s face.
9. Motion shots
On the other hand…a multitude of distorted shots can be a headache to look through and you won’t be commended on your artistic abilities. To get crisp action shots, make sure you have bright lighting or adjust your shutter to a faster speed. This will minimise unnecessary blur. If you have a tripod, use it now!
10. Spin
Want to create an exciting action shot? Add some movement to an image by shaking the camera or moving around. This adds motion blur to subjects and is one of the coolest ways to show kids having fun.
11. Ugly can be beautiful
You may find yourself in the centre of a rundown town and think “this dingy place is not worth taking pictures of”. Even the ugliest location can be turned into an adventure with the right mind set. Expand your definition of beautiful and take some arty photos of those worn down subjects.
12. Use the self-timer
Being in charge of the camera means you’ll generally be behind it. Make sure you don’t end up with an entire album of photos and not one decent shot of you. The self-timer will allow you to capture extra special moments and vacation highlights with everyone in the picture. If you’re not sure about using a self-timer, ask someone nearby if they won’t mind taking the photo for you.
13. Black and White
You’ll be amazed at the transformation this makes to a picture. Black and white is great when you are in a situation with hard light, as it cuts out the colour and leaves an interesting contrast of shades. Most cameras will have this setting, but you can also use photo-editing software to achieve the effect.
Now that you’ve got the makings of a great holiday album, make plans to get out there and use them! Do you have any picture-perfect tips that you would like to share?
