{"id":34060,"date":"2014-08-06T09:00:19","date_gmt":"2014-08-05T23:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/blog\/?p=34060"},"modified":"2015-01-29T15:02:03","modified_gmt":"2015-01-29T05:02:03","slug":"how-to-take-great-travel-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/how-to-take-great-travel-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"How to take great travel photos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it\u2019s a super fancy DSLR camera or your trusty smart phone, here are our top tips for taking great travel photos. (#nofilter required!)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Tower<\/a>

Tower Bridge. London, UK<\/p><\/div>\n

BEFORE YOU GO<\/strong><\/p>\n

For those of you taking a camera (not just your smart phone)
\n1. Pack light<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the sake of your back and shoulders, only take the equipment that is necessary.
\nGoing on safari<\/a>? Admittedly you\u2019d be kicking yourself if you don\u2019t take those big telephoto lenses with you. If you\u2019re heading to a bustling city for the weekend, however, leave those long lenses behind and opt for short, sharp lenses for capturing local people, architecture and colourful street art.<\/p>\n

2. A camera stored around your neck screams \u201cTOURIST\u201d<\/strong>
\nWhen you aren\u2019t taking photos, put your camera away. Having it out around your neck doesn\u2019t necessarily make you a target to would-be thieves, but it sure makes their targeting easier having it constantly out on display.<\/p>\n

RESEARCH
\n<\/strong>3. Postcards<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cheat a little. As soon as you get the chance to wander into a gift shop or newsagency at your destination, keep an eye out for the postcard stand. You can find some great ideas for the most photogenic spots in the local area.
\n4. Sunrise\/Sunset times<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\u201cThe<\/a>

\u201cThe Photographer\u2019s Ephemeris (TPE)\u201d iOS App<\/p><\/div>\n

The best light of the day for photos is always found shortly after sunrise, and shortly before sunset. Most decent iOS and Android weather apps will be able to give you an idea of the exact sunrise and sunset times on any date in any given location.<\/p>\n

So you know when the sun is going to set, but in what direction? For those who want to go a step further, sacrifice a few dollars and get your hands on something like \u201cThe Photographer\u2019s Ephemeris (TPE)\u201d<\/a> app for iOS, Android, Windows or Mac. It has all the natural light information you need to plan the perfect photo.<\/p>\n

COMPOSITION<\/strong>
\n5. The rule of thirds will never fail you<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Sunset<\/a>

Sunset over Steveston, British Columbia, Canada<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before you take any photo, try and imagine your image broken up into a grid of nine equal parts. As the theory goes, lining up the main subjects of your image with the intersecting points, or at least the lines, will create a more balanced photo.<\/p>\n

Put more simply, when you\u2019re taking landscape photos where the line of the horizon is present, try to line it up so you have:<\/p>\n

– one third land (or water) and two thirds sky, or conversely,<\/p>\n

– one third sky, and two thirds land.<\/p>\n

6. Look for patterns and vibrant colours<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Urban<\/a>

Urban patterns in La Paz, Bolivia<\/p><\/div>\n

Two things are for certain, photos are always improved when A) vibrant colours are captured, and B) you can capture patterns and textures that the eye can explore. Local farmer\u2019s markets are perfect spots to find these!<\/p>\n

7. Change your angle<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\u201cThe<\/a>

\u201cThe Illuminated Crowd\u201d statue in Montreal, Quebec, Canada<\/p><\/div>\n

Remember those postcards mentioned earlier? More than likely they will capture the local photographic hot spots from their most common angle. Go ahead and do your best to match them, but then spend some time exploring the same subject from different spots and angles.<\/p>\n

8. Rain doesn\u2019t equal pain<\/strong><\/p>\n

So you arrive at your dream getaway spot only to be met by less than desirable weather conditions. This isn\u2019t the end! Rain creates amazing wet, shiny, reflective surfaces you can explore. You\u2019ll be amazed at how much rainy pictures can be improved by simply switching to \u201cblack and white\u201d mode, or by working a little B&W magic post-shoot.<\/p>\n

9. Tell a story<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Ancient<\/a>

Ancient calligraphy rubbings in Xi\u2019an, China<\/p><\/div>\n

One creative, well-timed, beautifully lit shot can be magic, but a series of great shots exploring the same subject or theme can tell an amazing visual story.<\/p>\n

PEOPLE<\/strong>
\n10. Candids are almost always better than posed portraits<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Two-faced<\/a>

Two-faced protestor in Vancouver, BC, Canada<\/p><\/div>\n

People can be awkward when they are conscious of the fact you\u2019re taking their photo\u2026 and it shows. Sneak some shots in of your chosen subject before and after you have them pose, for a more natural, less awkward portrait.<\/p>\n

11. The selfie<\/strong><\/p>\n

In contrast to the last point, sometimes you just need a good selfie. The main thing is to be ready; to steal that spot in front of the Eiffel Tower, to get in a shot with passing wildlife, just be prepared to jump and snap! If you\u2019re planning a selfie, using natural light rather than harsh artificial lighting is less likely to results in strange shadows across your face.
\nAt the end of the day don\u2019t be afraid to take a selfie. If you end up with hundreds of travel photos without you in them, it can be a little sad when you get home. Your face will help you remember what you were feeling at the time \u2013 Mum might like a copy too.<\/p>\n

HABITS<\/strong>
\n12. Remember to look behind you<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s pretty easy to become distracted by all the amazing new sites, places and people you see in front of you as you make your way through your travel destinations. It\u2019s important that you stop and take a look behind you from time to time. Great photos present themselves all around you!<\/p>\n

Thanks to Rob Masefield<\/a> from the Lastminute team for his pro photography tips! As he puts it, at the end of the day, don\u2019t get too addicted to viewing everything you see through a camera. Put it away whenever possible and remember to live your travel experience.<\/p>\n

If all that talk of photos has inspired you, check out Top Picks<\/a> for some great travel deals.<\/p>\n

Have we missed any? Give us your best pic tips in the comments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Check out our latest flight deals<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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