Make your good vacation pictures into great vacation pictures by learning a few simple Vacation Photo Tips.
Be Prepared 1.
There is no worse photo mistake then not having enough memory and batteries for your entire vacation of photography.
Take twice as much memory and batteries that you think you will need.
2.
Know your camera.
Make sure you understand the different features and camera settings to use.
Do not wait until you go on vacation to learn how your camera works.
Experiment with your camera ahead of time and critique your photos.
3.
Learn a few Photo Composition tips on a digital photography tip site.
Understanding just a few techniques like rule of thirds and diagonal lines will make a big difference in your photography.
4.
Travel to your destination on the web before you actually go.
In other words, do a little research on the web to get some ideas ahead of time on what you may want to photograph.
Have a Back Up Plan 1.
Have a system in place to back up your photos.
It would be a tragedy to lose or accidentally delete your precious memories.
I take my laptop with me and after each day of photography, I upload the photos to my computer.
2.
Some people plan ahead and use internet access at locations during their vacation.
This eliminates the hassle of taking your laptop computer with you.
You can use online backup services or upload to your own web site if you have one.
3.
A third option is to take a portable HyperDrive Memory Card Reader.
They currently sell for a few hundred dollars.
They are the size of cell phones, have a ton of memory and your camera memory cards slide directly into them for an easy, quick upload.
Tell a Story 1.
This is one of the most forgotten vacation photo tips.
Start with the idea that you are telling a story.
Begin with your preparations and a few photos of your traveling departure.
Take a few mundane photos throughout journey, including pictures of signs, photos of your hotel, campsite or transportation.
These are great to use as you transition from one location to another or from one activity to another.
2.
Include people in your vacation photos.
That may be people you are traveling with or it may be people involved in your photograph that you don't know.
If the person that I am photographing is the main subject, I always ask permission.
Establishing good eye contact and having a friendly smile do wonders for getting permission.
You must be respective when photographing people you don't know.
Take some photos where people are the main subject of your photograph.
Also, take some where the main subject is the scenery and the people just add a little visual human interest.
3.
Shoot a good variety.
Take close-ups and distant wide views.
Take your pictures at different times of the day.
Change your angle when you photograph a subject.
Move in or out.
Move left or right.
Even move up or down if possible.
If you want more ideas of taking better pictures before your vacation, go to web sites that offer photography tips.
Keep a Journal 1.
Keep a small notebook to record a few details of your photography.
That should include the obvious time, date and location.
2.
Your journal of your vacation pictures should also include a few notes on your experience when the photo was taken.
What impressed you when you decided to take the photo? You may want to include a few technical notes like camera settings on lighting conditions.
3.
Your note will not only help you remember your fun times, but also be a great addition to the photos when you get home.
You'll be able to add notes in your photo scrap book or slide show.
Have Fun Do not let the photography become so important that it ruins your fun.
Vacations should be fun and so should your photography.
Avoid a few photo mistakes by preparing ahead of time.
You still may get a few bad vacation photos like I do.
But you can edit them out later and you will be left with some great vacation pictures.
Make it your goal to have fun learning how to take better photos.
You vacation is supposed to be fun.
Learning a few vacation photo tips will help you have a great time during your vacation and afterward as well.