Vacation Photography Tips

DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA
Having to purchase a disposable or new camera is just an added expense you don't need. Make sure camera, batteries, re-charger, film and or memory sticks are on your packing list. Vacations are special times and you want to capture those precious memories.

ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
Sure it's easier said than done but pictures look much more realistic when the person getting their picture took doesn't know it. Yes you will always get some pictures of family members who knew they were in the spot light. Sometimes those moments are also priceless but..... Those pictures that were taken by surprise often capture so much more personality.

PERSPECTIVE
Most amateur photographers believe they need to get the photo centered on the object of interest. Instead try to offset the object of interest to the left or right. If you want to include family members  in the scene, and you should, have them stand to the right or left and the building etc.  By offsetting objects it gives contrast and makes your pictures look more professional and realistic.

TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES
Yes, take multiple pictures from different angles to get different lighting etc. Today many of us use digital cameras which allows us to take so many more pictures than we used to. We don't have to pay to print pictures that are unwanted or just didn't come out the way we liked. Memory cards hold a vast number of pictures and are quite reasonably priced. Purchase an extra battery and an extra memory card before you leave home if you only have 1 of each. My 128 megabyte memory card can hold over 700 pictures and I still ran out of memory on my last vacation. Professionals take many pictures of the same thing and later chose the best shots. Take their advice. Taking too many pictures is far less of a mistake than not taking enough!

KEEP YOUR CAMERA WITH YOU
Don't ever forget your camera during your vacation travels. You might miss out on the best shot of the trip. Most camera's come with a neck strap. Make sure it's comfortable and long enough weeks before you depart. Walk around with it and get used to having it there. If the strap is too short or isn't comfortable purchase a better one. You camera is your best friend when vacationing. Having your camera around your neck at all times keeps it from getting lost or stolen. It also keeps it right there when you need it so you can use it often.

PURCHASE A BEGINNERS PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK
Further educating yourself to the art of photography can only help you improve your vacation photo's. Since vacation pictures are nearly priceless you owe it to yourself and your family to take premium shots. Knowing how to accomplish this will impress your family and friends. A picture is worth a thousand words! Amateur photo's do have a certain family orientated feel so don't be afraid to take those also. But getting those premium shots and angles here and there will make you proud of yourself. Spending an extra $20 on a book is a drop in the bucket when you compare the value of your family vacation pictures. Here is a neat little book store that sells Vacation Photography and amateur photography books online.