If you think I am a snap happy parent at home you should see me on vacation. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to capture frameworthy shots of your family in memorable locations. All you need to do is remember some basic rules.
The following are tips are ones I try to employ when I’m trying capture Kodak moments on the road:
TELL A STORY
I’ve written about this technique in previous blogs, but I find it is even more critical when shooting vacation photos. Before pointing and shooting think about how your photos will look when you have them displayed in a scrapbook or photo album. If you will be showing them off to family and friends think of your photos as a way to illustrate the trip tale you will be telling. Think in terms of sequence. I usually take a picture of my daughter right before we leave home, at the airport, in the plane… you get the idea. Also, it may seem cliché, but taking shots of your family members in front of “Welcome to…” signs come in handy when you are creating page layouts.
FLASH FACTS
If you are photographing a night event (perhaps a light show at an amusement park) be mindful of your camera’s limitations. Most cameras that feature built-in flash units will not be able to capture the on stage antics of a performer at a night concert. Typically a built-in flash is only effective for about eight to ten feet -anything further away will end up as a dark blob. Also, keep in mind when you are shooting indoors you need to be between two and eight feet from your subject.
I can’t tell you how many times I have used my camera as a boredom buster on vacation. For instance, instead of lamenting about how long I have to stand in line at a tourist attraction or restaurant I use the time to capture candid shots. I’ve documented some real winners of my daughter and nephew while they were running around at the airport, browsing in stores, and waiting for pony rides.
GET IN THE SHOT
The problem with being the family photographer is that you don’t appear in any vacation pictures. Don’t let this happen to you. Bring along a portable tripod, familiarize yourself with your camera’s self-timer feature, or ask someone else to take the photo. Either way don’t go the entire trip without posing for at least a few pictures otherwise it makes it look like you stayed at home while the rest of the family enjoyed a wonderful trip.
Related Articles:
What To Do With All Those (Digital) Vacation Photos
Knowing When to Zoom and Other Photo Tips
Getting Your Kids to Smile… for the Camera
More Tips On Photographing Newborn Babies
Photography Potpourri—-NO To “Cheese” and YES to Hats
Telling A Story With Your Shots
More Common Sense Tips To Capturing A Frame-Worthy Picture
Common Sense Tips To Capturing Frame-Worthy Pictures