Great Travel Photography Tips

by Geoff Harris

Planning on travelling soon and need some practical advice? Geoff Harris shares ten tips to help you get excellent photographs wherever you choose to go. 

The beauty of travel photography is that it encompasses so many different styles and approaches – portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, architecture, even documentary photography. Most people have been on holiday with a camera, but that doesn’t make them travel photographers – so what is good travel photography? Good travel images are usually well composed, well exposed and go much further than the average snap in capturing the flavour of a place. Good travel images tell a story. They’re interesting to people beyond your immediate circle, and who’ve never even been to the places you’ve photographed. Here are ten practical tips for getting memorable shots from your travels.

1. Plan

Even if you book a trip at the absolute last minute, you should do a bit of research on the best places to photograph in your destination(s). With the internet, you don’t even have to buy guide books any more. Simply do a Google Image search of where you are going and you’ll be hit by a barrage of photographic inspiration. Be ambitious with your photographic itinerary, but realistic; if you’re planning a 40km taxi drive a to a temple, make sure you time it right so you don’t spend the whole morning stuck in traffic. If you have longer in a more exotic destination, it’s often worth booking a photographic guide to make things easier and find interesting subjects. Contact them directly via websites or social media or visit travel photography forums and get some recommendations.

2. Pack carefully

It’s very tempting to take everything but the kitchen sink on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but don’t overpack. At the very least, you need a  compact with a decent zoom lens, or a Compact System Camera or DSLR. If you can change lenses, try to take a standard wide-to-telephoto zoom (eg 24-70mm), a 50mm or 85mm fixed-length ‘prime’ lens with a wide aperture, and, if space permits, a longer zoom, such as a 70-200mm lens. Try to include a lightweight travel tripod (carbon fibre is ideal) and a cable release for night and long-exposure shots too, and possibly a couple of filters. You may also choose to take a flashgun but this is arguably less important. The crucial thing is to try and fit everything into a comfortable shoulder bag or rucksack that you can take into a plane’s cabin, rather than taking the risk of checking it in. Spare batteries and spacious memory cards are essential too.

3. Get acclimatised

Once you’ve arrived, spend some time just wandering around and getting your bearings. If you’re itching to take some photos, markets are a good place to start, particularly in more exotic locations such as the Far East. Stall-holders want your custom, so they are often fine about being photographed (it’s polite to buy something small in return), and you will find lots of distinctive colour, sights and smells. Remember, shooting small details of a place, or the local produce, can capture its essence as well as any shot of a famous tourist spot. Be sensitive to local customs (hopefully you did some research in advance) and respect religious sensibilities. Take a break if you get hot and thirsty at a local cafe; often you can get great images just watching the world go by.

4. Chase the light

Good light is key to all good photography, travel included. Getting up early to catch the best light is really worth it, and it can free you to work on your photos while family and friends are asleep and crowds are light. Failing that, the last hour before sunset is another great time. Use a free app such as The Photographers Ephemeris to find the exact times of sunrise and sunset, or just work out where the sun will be in relation to iconic buildings you want to photograph. The problem with shooting in the middle of the day in hot, sunny countries is that very harsh shadows can spoil your shots. Dusk and night-time are also great times to experiment with longer shutter speeds to capture traffic trails, or try creative flash effects such as rear-curtain sync.

5. Compose cleanly

All good travel photographers develop an almost Zen-like patience. Rather than racing around trying to photograph every temple in Bangkok, it’s often better to concentrate on the most interesting and photogenic ones and put in the time there, returning at quieter times if necessary. Good, clean composition is really important so be paranoid about messy backgrounds that distract from the main subject, or clutter in the foreground. Think carefully about what you have allowed into the frame before you press the shutter button, and if you have to wait five minutes for someone to get out of the way, so be it. Yes, it might cost you some time, but waiting is often much less frustrating than trying to remove unwanted elements from otherwise successful images in software.

6. Walk, walk and walk some more

Louis Montrose, a recent winner of Travel Photographer of the Year, said his best accessory was a pair of walking shoes. Even in thronged tourist hotspots you can often get interesting images just by exploring some of the nooks and crannies off the main thoroughfares. Travel photography is a process of discovery and revelation, but don’t expect great images to come right up to you. This striking image of a monk was taken at a side-temple at Angkor Wat, one of the most photographed places in Asia. It was the result of going off the beaten track and politely interacting with the subject, leading to an invite to a hidden temple that few tourists get to see. If you can get this kind of shot at a hotspot like Angkor, you can get it anywhere!

7. Think like a portrait photographer

When you look at the work of geniuses like Steve McCurry, you see that so much of great travel photography is also great portraiture. So, if somebody agrees to have their photo taken, remember the golden rules. A prime lens with a fixed wide aperture (say f/2.8), or a telephoto lens, is useful for blurring out the background while keeping your subject sharp. Focus on the eyes by moving the nearest autofocus point over them, or if that seems too complicated and fiddly, by setting face detection AF. Try to avoid poles or objects sticking out of their head and try to keep the background as clean and non-distracting as possible; again, blurring it out with a wide aperture helps here. Eye contact makes for more powerful portraits, but more ‘candid’ portraits work well too. If your subject is grinning and posing, just be patient and stick around; eventually they’ll forget you are there.

8. Think about your settings in advance

The time to practice a more technically challenging creative technique – say panning, motion blur or capturing very fast action – is before you arrive at your location, rather than fumbling with your camera settings as something amazing is happening in front of you. Panning, where you freeze a vehicle while blurring out the background to give a sense of speed, is a great way to get memorable traffic shots, particularly with colourful tuk-tuks or rickshaws. Practicing panning at the side of your local roads will massively boost your success rate when you’re on holiday. Another good tip is to write down key settings for creative techniques on a piece of card and carry it in your wallet or camera bag. Don’t get flustered and race around; it’s better to come away with ten really great shots from one location than 50 mediocre ones from different places.

9. Don’t hide behind zoom lenses

To get interesting photos, put yourself in front of interesting things. The beauty of using short prime lenses that they force you to get closer to your subjects, and often the resulting interaction makes for much more interesting images. Prime lenses often have superior optical quality and wider fixed apertures, too. Yes, you might feel shy, but the worst that usually happens is that you get shooed away. Usually, though, if you are polite and respectful, people will agree to be photographed, and often really enjoy seeing the resulting images on your camera screen. Even seasoned travel photographers admit to feeling shy on the street, but their desire to get a good picture overrides their nerves. This is the state of mind to emulate, without ever being pushy or aggressive.

10. Go beyond the obvious

Again, using the Angkor Wat example, the obvious place from which to photograph is right in front of the temple towers on the main path. By all means have a go, but trying to keep other people out of the scene will be nigh on impossible. Even if you do get a clear shot, it’s a composition that’s been done to death. Why not be a bit more creative and wander around to find more interesting angles and perspectives? Maybe take a portrait shot of a local character with the temple in the background. It doesn’t matter is it’s Angkor, Big Ben or the Pyramids of Giza; there’s always a fresh perspective on an iconic building if you think creatively. Focusing on side temples and smaller details can often yield good shots too, as with this shot of the deity Vishnu at Angkor. Experiment with creative effects and black and white too.

About the Author

Geoff is a highly experienced photography journalist, and recently stepped down as editor of Digital Camera, the UK’s best-selling photography magazine. He now writes for a range of publications. Geoff is a keen travel and portrait photographer, and a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society. 

Don't Make These Mistakes With Your Camera!

With digital cameras at their most affordable, anybody can be a photographer these days. Problem is, it takes more than a camera to take good pictures.

It takes a certain eye, a way of seeing things, to take pictures that make people go "Wow!". Fortunately, it can be learned. And the more you practice, the better you'll get.

If you're interested in becoming a good digital photographer, I recommend the "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros," a free report.

Start by taking a look at these most common mistakes people make when taking digital pictures:

1. Not knowing your camera

If you never read your digital camera's manual and learn its features and how to use them, you won't be able to make the most of it.

2. Not using a tripod

Tripods allow you to take the sharpest pictures even in low light. Use one as often as possible.

3. Not giving the camera time to focus

Digital cameras need time to properly focus and get the right exposure. It can take a fraction of a second or a couple of seconds. Account for this when taking pictures.

4. Relying too much on zoom

Using the camera's zoom feature makes the picture grainier. Get as close to the subject as possible.

5. Taking pictures against the light

This makes the subject dark and the background too bright.

6. Relying too much on the flash

Natural light gives the best pictures, so use it as much as possible. Flash tends to make images look harsh.

7. Not taking enough pictures

It's almost impossible to take the perfect shot at one try, so take many pictures. With digital photography, this doesn't cost you extra. Try different angles and compositions.

8. Always putting the subject dead center

Learn the rule of thirds in composition, and you'll have more interesting pictures.

9. Forgetting to check the horizon

When taking pictures with the horizon showing, make sure it's level.

10. Selecting a low-resolution setting

Your camera will allow you to select different resolutions. Don't be tempted to choose a low resolution just to save on memory space. Instead, buy additional memory for your camera and always take your pictures in high resolution.

11. Trying to take too much

Don't try to include too many things in one picture, such as people and scenery. A picture is more effective when it's focused on a single subject.

12. Not using the camera

You'll never know when a good photo op will come up, so have your camera with you at all times.

It may seem like a lot to think about, but with practice, these things will become second nature.

For those who want to learn even more digital photography techniques, check out the free report, "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros." It's a short but info-filled guide that will have you shooting digital pictures like a pro in no time.

Find out more about "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros" here:
www.learndigitalphotographynow.com

Christmas is ideal for digital photography

As the song says, "Christmas is the best time of the year." This is the time when families come over to eat a nice dinner together and feel that love and giving in the air. With a moment like this, it is right to capture this moment through digital photography and here are the steps to capture that memory right.

1. Prepare a list: In Christmas photography, it is important for you to have your digital camera ready. However, remember that the most frustrating thing that may happen in photography is when your camera ran out of disk space or batter so make sure you have fully charged the battery or have spare ones and sufficient space in your memory card.

2. Set up a portrait zone of your own: Find a good back drop or create yourself one where you can get nice pictures of everyone.

3. Capture the preparation stage: Want to be artistic? Capture your family members right on the act of preparing the food, wrapping gifts, and when they put décor on the area. And with the perfect angle, you will have flowing and expressive stills with their movements.

4. Find point of interest but just per shot: Set your camera to focus on just one item in photography. This will give you a very artistic shot suited for the occasion. Remember, less focal point is more in photography.

5. Arrange all family members for a group photo: Nothing will beat the memory of family members getting together for Christmas. Arrange the family members on right positions to get the best shot that will remind you of this Christmas season.

6. Make sure that Christmas photos fill your frame: Do not waste too much frame space. You will make a better focal point by zooming in to your subject with the appropriate angle and lighting.

7. Go close when taking pictures: This is connected with the sixth tip. Most of the time, zooming in may not give the best angle and shot so it is better to go closer to your object to fill the whole frame space.

8. Take the pictures without the flash turned on: Most of the time, flash distorts the expression of the photography. So better take pictures without flash even at night and let the Christmas light elucidate a natural feel on your photography.

By doing these steps, you will have pictures as if taken by a professional photographer, suited for a special occasion of the year.

Palin is the author of Onewashopping.com. If you would like more information about Price Comparison Services, please visit http://onewayshopping.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Palin_Mergrego

How To Prepare For A Photo Shoot

by Michael Kryzer

One of the keys to being a good freelance photographer is being well-prepared. The following tips will help you to be ready for your next big photo shoot.

1. Plan Your Photo Shoot in Advance

Brainstorm before you go and make a list of all the photos, subjects and angles you want to shoot. Consider the places, attraction, activities, and scenery. Consider the people and poses. Evaluate possible backdrops and lighting conditions.

2. Be Familiar with Your Camera's Features

It is a good idea to read through your camera manual again so you know all the features that your camera offers. You might be surprised to discover a feature that you haven't used for a while or that you had forgotten.

3. Always Test Your Camera

It is vital to know that your camera is functioning properly. If you shoot with film have not used your camera for some time, then shoot a short roll with several pictures and have it developed. With digital camera take some shots and upload these to your computer to check that everything is working satisfactorily. There is nothing more embarrassing than discovering at the shoot that your camera does not work.

With digital cameras, make certain that the resolution is on an appropriate setting. There's nothing worse than discovering after the shoot that your digital camera was still on the smaller, lower quality resolution you used last week to take some funny shots of your dog.

4. Check You Have Sufficient Photo Storage

Be sure to pack plenty of film. For digital cameras make certain that you have sufficient storage disks or cards to hold all of your photographs at a high resolution.


5. Charge Your Camera Batteries

Be sure your camera has fully charged batteries and always take some spares. Don't forget to pack the power cord so you can recharge your camera on the go.

6. Clean Your Lenses

Always clean a lens using a proper lens cleaning brush. By doing this you will be able to remove fingerprints and dust particles without damaging the lens.

7. Pack Your Accessories

You'll need your charger and cables to connect your camera to your computer. Depending upon your camera model you will probably need to take a combination of lenses and filters as well as your flash. Don't forget a plastic bag in case you need to protect against moisture.

8. Take a Back Up Camera

Always take a back up camera to an important photo shoot. You might consider taking a one-time-use, waterproof camera which will serve as an emergency backup as well as being useful for any beach or underwater shots.

9. Check the Weather Forecast

Check the weather forecast in advance, and prepare contingency plans just in case it doesn't turn out as expected.

Now you can ensure your next big photo shoot is a good one. You cannot be a successful freelance photographer unless you consistently take good photographs. To do that requires good planning, so remember to follow these tips, and all the best with your next photo shoot!

About The Author

If you would like to start your own freelance photography business and learn how to sell your photos, please visit http://www.CameraCareer.com

You'll discover all you need to know including which photos to take and how to get the best fees possible for your photos.

Dreaming Winter Photography

Winter is one of the best times of the year to take photos, however, winter shooting can be tricky as majority of the landscape is white and the background is bright.


The sight of early morning snow, the shimmering frost in the trees, your sister falling off in your snow filled front yard and your stunning snow angel...

Don’t you ever wish you could just capture that moment right away and place them in your computer desktop? Right, sounds easy but for an amateur photographer this may sound too challenging and laborious. But thanks to the dawn of digital photography and winter photography need not be exclusive to the professional anymore.

You have to remember a few pointers though. Winter shooting can be tricky as majority of the landscape is white and the background is bright. When shooting a snow filled area, the brightness of the snow may often cause your digital camera to somewhat underexpose the scene, thus making the snow to look gray. To correct this, you might have to increase your exposure compensation so the whiteness of the snow can be appropriately captured. The time of the day you took the picture can also have an effect in your image. So if you want cooler shots shoot closer to midday but if you want warmer shoots, shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Although traditional photography belief tells us that using flash outdoor is not necessary but if you are shooting a winter photograph, using a flash can bring out details and highlights that might not be captured without it. However, if you are shooting close shots avoid using flash as much as possible as the reflection can greatly reduce any detail in your photo.



With the flexibility of processing available with digital cameras, you have better choices when in comes to choosing the finished format of your photograph. There is really nothing to lose to trying winter photography. You might even be surprised with the images that you captured. Once you have become accustomed to winter photography and have been familiar with the different techniques, you will find that winter is one of the best times of the year to go out there, take photos and make use of your digital camera. You will be surprised to see that the final results are worth the hassle.

Now that even the UK is having alot of snow you should grab the opportunity before it quickly melts away!

Just be careful you don't slip and fall!

Krister

8 Tips For Better Digital Photos

Whether you consider yourself an amateur photographer, or you just want to create better family photos, there are many things you can do to get better photos. Here are some easy tips to use the next time you head out with your digital camera.


Whether you consider yourself an amateur photographer, or you just want to create better family photos, there are many things you can do to get better photos. Here are some easy tips to use the next time you head out with your digital camera.

Even a beginner can take professional-looking photos - suitable for framing.

Be Prepared

Keep all your photography equipment ready for use. Collect everything you’ll need into one place. A camera bag is ideal, because it keeps all your stuff together and lets you carry it all with you. Everything in its place. A good camera bag will let you organize a miniature tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, etc. - even a plastic bag or waterproof housing to protect your camera in wet weather.

Hold your Camera Steady

Blurry photos are almost always the result of camera movement. Just your own unsteadiness, causes your camera to shake enough to blur your pictures.

So steady yourself and your camera before you take the shot.

Plant your feet firmly on the ground and tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Instead of using the LCD viewer, steady your camera against your forehead and frame the shot using your camera’s viewfinder. You can also steady your upper body by leaning against a wall or a tree. Or totally eliminate any camera movement by using a tripod.

Once you’re all set, gently press the shutter release in one motion. Pressing the shutter release too hard could jerk the camera downward.

Get Closer

One difference in “snapshots” and really great photos is the composition of the shot. Unless you’re shooting an outdoor landscape, you can improve most photos just by getting closer to your subject. Depending on the situation, you can physically move closer to your subject, or use the zoom feature on your camera for the same effect. Try to get within a few feet of your subject so you eliminate most of the background. You’ll like the results.

Take more Pictures

Even professionals take loads of shots of the same subject - to get just a few that they will use. With a digital camera, you can delete the images you don’t like, and only print the winners - so don’t hesitate to take several shots of the same subject. Change the angle of the shot. Get a little closer. Adjust the lighting.

Why not fill the entire memory card with pictures of your kid at the pool, or your daughter in her cap and gown? The more pictures you take, the better the odds that you’ll get a few shots that will really thrill you.

Vary the Lighting

Using natural light will give better skin tones when photographing people, so try not to use the flash if you don’t have to. Outdoor daylight shots are easy, but you’ll have to be a little more creative when shooting indoors. Try using the light coming in from a window for warmer tones than you would get using the flash.

Experiment with natural lighting. You can get stronger shadows by moving your subject closer to a window, and turning your subject can create more dramatic shadows.

Eliminate Red-Eye

Red-eye is the result of light passing through your subject’s eye and reflecting back. You’ll get it more often when using your flash, just because the light from the flash isn’t as diffused as natural light. So the first tip for eliminating red-eye is simply to avoid using your flash when you don’t absolutely have to.

Another way to reduce red-eye is to have your subject look anywhere but at the camera. This reduces red-eye because any reflection isn’t directed back at your camera lens.

If you have to use the flash, some digital cameras have a built-in feature to automatically remove red-eye. Use it.

Go for Candid

Instead of posing two (or more) people looking directly at the camera, get a shot of them interacting with one another. Even two people having a conversation is more interesting than having them stand next to each other facing the camera. Some of the best professional portraits have the subject captured deep in thought, with their attention focused inward, rather than on the camera lens.

It makes a more interesting shot. Your portrait will look more natural - less posed.

Create a Scene

Putting your subject in the center of a photo is just boring. You’ll get a much more pleasing result if you place your subject off center when you frame the shot.

This is a truly professional technique. Place your subject so that they occupy 1/3 to 1/2 of the total composition, but NOT at the exact center of the frame. Capture an interesting background object in the rest of the frame.

Anybody can practice these techniques. They’re easy and you’ll get better, more professional photos.

Please let me know how you get on!

Krister

Did you get yours yet?

Digital photography is an art, but it most certainly doesn’t have to be complicated, no matter how frustrated you may get taking digital pictures.

If you haven’t used your camera for months or when you do use it, you’re disappointed with the results – it doesn’t have to be that way. Even if you’ve avoided buying a camera because you’ve never considered yourself to be a great photographer – it can all change right now.

Yesterday, I told you all about the f r e e guide from Dan Feildman called, “Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros”…if you haven’t picked up your copy yet, I encourage you to do so now.

If everyone has goofy faces at all the parties or your vacation pictures turn out too dark to see that amazing sunset – you definitely need this. The highly-informative guide helps you choose the right digital camera, covers the basics and gives you the information you need to take AWESOME photos.

You can sign up for your no-charge guide:

www.learndigitalphotographynow.com

…and start taking better photos you can be proud of right away. Again, there’s no charge for the guide - simply sign up and get yours. It’s that simple!

To your digital photography success,

Krister

Free Guide Ends Your Digital Photography Frustrations

You have a digital camera (or plan to get one) because you want to preserve the important moments in your life – but it can be incredibly frustrating when the results aren’t quite what you’d expected. Blurry pics, over-exposed and under-exposed images – we’ve ALL been there.

But digital photography doesn’t have to be that complicated. To get yourself started out on the right foot, I really encourage you to download a complimentary digital photography guide called:

“Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros”

This 28-page guide gives you rock-solid advice on:

- Getting started as a digital photographer
- How to choose a digital camera, if you don’t have already or are thinking of upgrading
- Understanding the settings on your camera
- 4 important photography basics
- 6 strategies for GREAT photos

…and more.

You can sign up for your no-charge guide:

www.learndigitalphotographynow.com

…and start taking better photos you can be proud of right away.

To your digital photography success,

Krister

"Waste-Of-Time" Digital Photography "tuitions"

Did you know that a simple Google search will reveal a massive industry of Digital Photography "tuitions"...

...which contains courses, manuals, DVD's and 3 day classes etc. where you can EASILY spend $1000's or more to learn Photography.

The Photography tuition industry is in fact so big that sales revenue from it is in fact larger than the revenue from the sales of Digital Cameras itself! And you know what else...?

It is NOT in most "Photography Guru's" best financial interests to produce courses that show you how to quickly and easily master the basics of Digital Photography (eventhough that is EXACTLY what 99% of newbies want and need)...

...If they did they would most certainly "kill their own Golden Goose" because you wouldn't need to spend hundreds of dollars on the rest of their training DVD's.

Most Digital Photography training material leaves you feeling even more "overwhelmed" after you've been through it than before! This is a deliberate ploy, so that you'll order EVEN MORE training material.

So they are basically a complete WASTE OF MONEY!
And this is the "dirty little secret" they don't want you to know and why you won't find other courses like "Your Guide To Digital Photography!"

In it Dan Feildman shows you how to become a competent and confident Digital Photographer user with just 10 minutes a day. And for a fraction of the cost of other alternatives.

You'll learn all the shortcut insider secrets that other people will take 20 hours of DVD's and $300 or more to show you.

Want proof? (You should!) Then read this:

"I came by chance on to your website, and i'm delighted. I have bought "Your Guide To Digital Photography" and all of the extras you offer which are simply amazing.

I've search the web for lots of help but I didn't find anything which could help me, as I'm 75 year-old, (a young75 that is) and very keen to accomplish some degree of success with digital photography.

Yes I don't learn as quick as I once did, but Dan covers everything you need to know.

I want to congratulate you on your teaching methods.

"Simply Brillant".

Without a doubt, I have learned more about the basics of Digital Photography with your method in a short space of time, than I would have been able to do with anything else.

Since buying your programme it has been extremely rewarding for me and I want to thank you for giving me a renewed desire to continue learning and producing great photographs... "

Robert Albert. (Smithrobertalbertsmith456(AT)blueyonder.co.uk)

WHAT EXACTLY IS "YOUR GUIDETO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY!"?

"Your Guide To Digital Photography" was designed specifically to get new users extremely competent in Photography in the shortest time possible.

"Your Guide To Digital Photography!" is the epitome of this philosophy. There is no unnecessary "fluff" or time wasted on actions you may NEVER use.

You will learn the most important and most useful Digital Photography tasks which the pro's don't tell you about. There is NOTHING out there that focuses on this like they do. Why?

Because Dan has been in this position himself when he first started and he knows how frustrated, intimidated or overwhelming Digital Photography is for a newbie.

Follow this link to learn more: www.learndigitalphotographynow.com

If you want to get proficient Digital Photography in record time then there is NOTHING out there better than "Your Guide To Digital Photography!"

It's really simple to use and follow, and all about you having fun with your Digital Camera as soon as possible. GO AHEAD...

...Give it a try today. If you aren't overjoyed with "Your Guide To Digital Photography" or your results, let Dan know and he'll let you keep EVERYTHING for free. (Including the $117 worth of bonuses).

Follow this link to see exactly what you get and why it's the perfect choice for Digital Photography Newbies: www.learndigitalphotographynow.com

Regards, Krister.