There is nothing better than loading the family in the car and heading out on an adventure! It doesn’t matter if we’re hiking close to home or getting lost in the streets of Paris, I always look forward to reliving our adventures through great photos. My favorite photos are those taken in the moment that were unplanned but perfect in every way.
This photo summarizes our family vacation last year
I want you to relive your vacation memories too so take a peek at my top 5 tips to take great photos on your next trip!
Get to know your camera
It doesn’t matter what kind of camera you have, understanding the features is important. With endless possibilities on the market, you need to find a camera that fits your needs. Get familiar with your camera by reading the owner’s manual and understanding all the capabilities it offers from focusing to image resolution.
A great camera is the Olympus® OM-D E-M5 Mark II because it is packed with a ton of features including a lightweight, weatherproof body that is ready to go anytime you are!
Must have accessories
I never leave home without my camera, extra charged batteries, and empty SD cards. After turning on my camera at The Harry Potter Studios to find the battery dead I always leave the house over-prepared. There is no worse feeling than that red battery symbol flashing at you just as you begin to capture the perfect photo.
Practice Patience
From lighting to waiting for strangers to get out of your shot when it comes to taking photos you need patience. I can’t tell you how many times I get the kids set up and ready to take a photo and some tourist wanders into my frame. It used to bother me but now it is part of the experience, I’ve learned to roll with the unexpected.
Driving Lessons in Legoland
Perfect lighting, is that even a thing? Lighting helps bring out the colors in your shot while making a scene more creative. Some of my best touristy shots happen while everyone is still in bed. I put my sneakers on, grab my camera, and head out in the early hours of the morning when the sun just starts making an appearance. I get to enjoy some time alone and get some amazing photos with perfect lighting.
Creative Eye
Change your perspectives, instead of looking at something from your point of view think of what really captures the moment. It could be through the eye of a child or maybe from a different angle.
Some of our favorite memories were captured by the kids. They know how to use the basic functions of the camera and will take turns capturing the moment with a simple picture that they can cherish for years to come.
The Perfect Shot
After you get familiar with your camera and all the functions it is important to learn the rules of composition. These are my simple rules:
- Make the scene simple
- Fill your frame
- Avoid putting your subject in the center
- Try different angles
- Pay attention to your focus point
But the most important is don’t be afraid to break all the rules! The picture is yours so make it great and reflect you and that moment in time.
Quick stop at Deadman's Bar just outside of Moose, WY
The easiest way to learn how to take great photos is to get out and use your camera! Start taking photos and play around with the settings, change your focus point and perspective. Let your creativity flow naturally and just have fun.
Where would you love to take great photos?
3 Comments
I would love to go back to Montana to take some great shots now that I have a new DSLR, my first! I loved these tips, thanks!
I will keep these tips in mind for our next vacation! Thank you!
Good camera tips! And the photos are good!