National Parks are gearing up for what could be a record breaking summer in terms of visitors. With the price of gas hovering near record highs, a new AP poll shows that an increasing number of families are planning to vacation close to home in the coming months.
If you are looking to spend at least part of your summer vacation touring some of the country’s most spectacular natural gems, then don’t forget to pack your camera. After all, being able to snap keepers of America’s best parks isn’t something most hobby photographers get to do everyday.
So, how can you make the most of your summer travel photo ops? Here are some tips:
Let’s say you and the clan are heading to the Grand Canyon instead of Europe this summer. Located in Northern Arizona, the canyon is one of the oldest National Parks in the United States and covers more than 1,900 square miles, with the actual canyon measuring more than 200 miles long and roughly four to 18 miles wide.
Given its expansive size, the best times to photograph the Grand Canyon are at dawn and dusk. These “golden hours” are when the sun paints the breathtaking chasm in stunning shades of lavender and pink. Sunrise and sunset are also when shadows are most dramatic. If you are looking to take frame worthy pictures of the Grand Canyon, then don’t aim to shoot at high noon. That’s when there are almost no shadows and very little texture or contrast.
The Grand Canyon resides in Arizona, so be prepared to deal with extreme heat. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can affect your shooting. If you don’t deal well with the heat, then schedule your picture-taking sessions for the early morning or late evening. Also, don’t feel as though you need to take traditional panoramic shots only. The Grand Canyon offers a host of recreational activities, including mule riding, hiking and river rafting. Consider photographing action shots of you and your family participating in these fun activities with the Grand Canyon in the background. Just remember to use a fast shutter speed when shooting high action activities. Save slow shutter speeds for the canyon’s waterfalls and other bodies of water.
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