How to Take Great Photos on Holiday
Almost no-one enjoys coming home after a long holiday. One of the only consolations that can be gleamed from a return to reality is the fun that can be had in showing off your snaps to make everyone jealous! However, obtaining those great photo shots can be tricky – after all, we’re not all photographers! That’s why we’ve put together these tips on getting that great set of holiday snaps, whether you’re going to stick them on prints, or simply show them off!
Don’t just aim for sun. Whilst it can be tempting to just take photos on those beautiful, sun-kissed days (preferably at noon!), some of the most beautiful shots are obtained in bad weather, or with dark skies behind the subject. Try taking photos at odd times of the day, or when it’s pouring down. Portraits, especially, can be far more compelling with more overcast backgrounds.
Keep the subject away from the centre. Whatever the centre-piece is of your shot – whether it be a local farmer or Mount Rushmore – one of the most central rules in obtaining a good photo is to avoid placing them right in the middle of the shot. If your shot has the horizon within it, then place it either above the frame if the foreground offers interest, or below it if the skyline is compelling. This structuring – called ‘composition’ – is a vital part of more advanced photography.
Combine two different elements where possible. Another technique popular amongst genuine photographers is the combination of two main elements, which can provide a real sense of depth and meaning to shots. For instance, getting a photo of a local set with a backdrop of a noted local landmark can give the shot a real resonance that a simple shot of the landmark by itself won’t have.
Look at post-picture processing. Because of software like Instagram, post-picture processing is no longer purely the tool of professional photographers. Simple touches like increasing the contrast can breathe new life into an image. Factors such as selective toning – ie, making certain sections of the photo black and white – can also give a previously less interesting shot a bit of life, though it isn’t a technique that should be used too often.
When shooting the locals, include their environment. This tip falls in slightly with the previous one about including two elements in a shot. If you’re taking photos of locals (with their permission, obviously) then try to include some of their local environment in the frame. This always helps to give the shot a little more colour.
