Five Tips for Better Vacation Photos
Take Control of the Digital Camera for Compelling Travel Images
Aug 1, 2009
Even the smartest cameras have relatively dumb flash units. The flash sensor can tell it's dark, for example, but it can’t tell it's inside a huge Gothic cathedral, where a flash will be both annoying and useless. (The light from most flashes can only penetrate 20 feet or so ahead of the camera.)
A photographer, however, is much smarter. By reading the manual to learn how to switch her camera from automatic mode to manual, she can make her own decisions. Big indoor spaces, places where a flash will disturb others, nighttime scenes – all these call for no flash, a slow shutter speed and some means of steadying the camera.
Other times – outdoor portraits, for example – a photographer may want to "force" the flash by switching it to full-time mode, so it can banish stray shadows from an otherwise sunny composition.
A New Angle on Digital Cameras
It would be convenient if 5 feet or so above the ground was always the best position for viewing something. But here in the real world, it often helps to reconsider one's angle and be willing to risk getting your pants or shoes a little dirty.
Shooting from below, for example, can add a fun perspective to shots of children and pets, who normally are regarded from above. Stooping may also let the shooter cram more into a wide-angle view. A little climbing, on the other hand, will put the photographer above distractions and add drama to crowd scenes.
Golden Sunlight = Great Digital Photos
A smart photographer schedules her time so that she can take important outdoor shots during the "golden hour," the 60 minutes after sunrise and before sunset. Sunlight is diffused through a lot more atmosphere at these times, giving it a soft, warm glow that flatters just about everything and everyone.
Early in a trip, a traveler can use jet lag to his advantage – dawn appointments seem much less onerous if you're already awake. And dinner reservations can always wait until old Mr. Sun has made his exit for the day.
Try the Camera's Black-and-White Mode
Consider shooting in black-and-white mode. Sculpture, machinery and other objects that convey little color information often benefit from being seen in black and white, which focuses attention on the dominant aspects of form and composition.
Black-and-white is much more forgiving of sub-par lighting, especially gray, gloomy outdoor light. A scene that will look washed out and drab in color can have dramatic contrast in monochrome.
Keep the Camera Steady for Clear Images
Whenever a photographer shoots in low light or at a long zoom, images will benefit from steadying the camera in some way. But there's no need to lug around a full tripod. Gadget makers have come up with numerous compact add-ons to do the job. Or you can improvise using benches, walls, signposts – anything steady you can brace the camera against.
A traveler who keeps these lighting and composition principles in mind will be the master of his digital camera and come back from trips with consistently great digital photos.
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