by Brad Mauer

Created on: April 27, 2009

Vacation Photographs

When we go on vacation it creates memories we would like to cherish for years to come. The problem is generally we go on vacation, pull out the camera, and just shoot away a bunch of below average snap shots. If we want to improve on this common problem we need to do our research in advance. Generally we know where we are going on vacation for months in advance, this will give us plenty of time to get ready.

Once we figure out were we are going the photography begins. Research this place immediately, check magazines, the Internet, and any other resource you can find on the subject. We want to find any monuments, abnormal areas, and things that have little to no exposure. With the monuments in mind we need to figure out a way to get the shot that no one else has done. These locations have been shot millions of times so it is going to be hard to find a shot that no one else has done. With that in mind most people go and shoot the exact same shot, this is the shot you see everywhere of this monument, so it will not take much to improve on this theme. Photographing other objects that most people don't think of will give you more memories, generally families go and shoot the world famous places that they are at for just a few moments, and leave out the places were all of the memories are actually made.

Look for opportunities to get the subject framed by an odd looking plant or tree to give it a unique twist. Get in close to the subject, we have all seen the picture were you have this little itty bitty building and ant sized people around it, common snap shot. Get in close so everyone can see who and what we are photographing, fill the frame. Don't include anything that takes away from the main theme of the picture. Always before snapping the shutter check around the edges of the frame, this is the area generally overlooked. Pay attention to exposure, and bracket lots of frames. You will ruin a photograph if you wash out all of the beautiful colors that attracted yo to it in the first place.

Find out about local customs while you are vacationing here. You may be in luck and be in town at the right time for a festival. With people in festive garb you can get some very unique and beautiful shots no one else has. Be friendly and ask before taking the picture. Include local people and animals when you are in locals were the society is different than what you are used to.

Remember photography is all about the light, if you don't have it right you will never win. Pay attention to the differnt lightin in the area. Sunrise and sunset photographs always make great additions to the vacation photo album. If you are making a album a great way to start it is with a sunrise photograph and then end with the sunset. For more photography tips check here.

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