Taking photos when you’re on holiday is the best way to remember all the fun you had whilst there. Not only do you get to take physical reminders of your memory home with you, but you also get to look back on them whenever you need to. And even when you take rushed photos that have lens flare or funny faces in them, you’ve still got some amazing memories in hand!
But if you’re sick of taking sub par photos whilst you’re on a trip, we’ve got some tips to help get the perfect shots. A good holiday photo will not only do the rounds on Insta, but you’ll have a wonderful piece to print out and hang on your wall. With that in mind, here are some of the best tips to keep in mind when you’re snapping on holiday.
Take a Step Back to Frame Your Picture Better
If you want to get more into your pictures, you’ll just need to take a step back. Look where you’re going as you do, but go back as far as possible without losing focus. You’ll be able to frame the overall image a lot better, and really give a sense of the massiveness of what you’re taking a photo of.
If you’re in Paris, for example, the Eiffel Tower can be seen for miles around. You can take a good picture of it no matter where you are. But once you’re actually visiting it, it’s best to take a step back and capture it from the bottom – you’ll be able to show off just how tall the structure really is! Once you’re done, head up to the top and take an opposite photo, to really hammer home the frame of what you’re photographing.
Try to Shoot in Different Lights
Different lighting will produce very different effects in your photos. As such, try to shoot at different times of the day. For example, the way natural light settles across a beach bay during dusk can really make the sand and the sea pop, while the accompanying town or village bronzes into the background.
That will add a lot more depth to a photo compared to one taken at noon – these are best for selfies and group pictures, as the sun always captures your best angle. You can also wait for those moments during sunrise and sunset to capture the sky turning different colours, which can add a lovely contrast to whatever is set underneath. A pink sky can really complement the blue ocean it fades into, or the height of a mountain covered in snow.
Dress Your Best
Dressing your best will always make you show up well in a photo, even if you consider yourself to be less photogenic than other people. But the truth is, it’s all about how your photo is taken and the way you’re carrying yourself. Confidence really helps when it comes to snapping a picture you’ll keep forever, and when you’re wearing something you love, that’ll naturally come across.
So before you go on holiday, go shopping. Head online to shop swimwear, jackets and coats, shoes and sandals, and even just bracelets and necklaces that’ll help draw any and all attention. Giving yourself a focal point for the picture goes a long way in composing a good scene, especially when you’ve got a fantastic background behind you.
Detail Shots Should Be Personal
Getting close to something is naturally intimate, no matter if it’s a particularly beautiful flower or an ancient statue. That means any shot you take of it should be personal. So whatever you want to capture, make sure you capture it! Never mind if someone else thinks you should take a photo of a different feature, or that you should approach from a different angle.
All in all, go for the detailed close-ups that you want to see. Add a little something of your own to each image, such as a certain angle you really like or a different camera orientation, or a focal point you prefer over any other. As long as it feels like you took the photo, it’s going to be a great shot you’ll really enjoy looking back on.
Taking amazing holiday photos takes a bit of practice, so don’t worry about the flurry of your first shots. You just need to get used to setting up and framing your pics properly, and using tips like those above, that won’t be a problem much longer!