How to Take Better Vacation Photos

It happens every year to millions of us. We take that magical vacation only to return home with snapshots that fail to capture the fun and excitement of the trip. This year when you strike out on your next adventure, you can follow a few simple steps to improve your vacation pictures and get the photos you've always wanted.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Film
• Camera batteries
• Digital media storage cards
• Tripod
• Camera bag
• Camera accessories
• Camera

Before You Go

1. Know how to operate your camera. Read the camera instructions to find out if there are features such as red eye reduction, fill-flash or pre-programmed shooting modes that can improve your photos.

2. Practice using your camera by taking a test roll of film or a few digital pictures. This way you get a good idea of what you and your camera can do.

3. Buy a camera bag if needed. Not only will a camera bag protect your camera in transit, but it will also help you carry your camera comfortably.

4. Pack your camera and accessories. Don't spoil your vacation by forgetting to take your camera. Make sure to pack plenty of film or media storage cards and batteries. Remember items such as tripods, battery chargers and lenses.

While on Vacation

1. Zoom in on the subjects in your photos so their faces and expressions are visible. Include only as much of the background as is needed. Sometimes a more interesting photo can be of the smaller parts of a large object, such as the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower. Pay attention to the scene you are shooting. A stray sign at the edge of your viewfinder or a busy background can ruin a great photo.

2. Take plenty of candid shots to capture the fun memories. Break out of the norm and take more than posed pictures in front of landmarks. Try telling the story of your vacation through photos.

3. Change your perspective so you are not always taking "straight on" or "postcard" shots. Try getting out of line at an attraction to find a different kind of shot. Experiment with different angles by moving your camera around while looking through your viewfinder. Place the subject off-center in the frame. Take a mix of horizontal and vertical photos.

4. Breathe in while holding your camera close to your face as you press the shutter button. This reduces camera movement that causes blurring.

5. Keep the sun at your back. When the sun is behind your subject, it is likely to create a dark shadow over them. Use your camera's "fill-flash" mode to counteract this problem if you can't change their position.

6. Use available light to your advantage. Sunny days are good for landscapes, but cloudy days are better for taking portraits. The "golden hour" at dusk and dawn make for dramatic photos.

7. Take as many photos as you can. The more pictures you take, the better your chances of capturing great shots.

Tips & Warnings

• Camera bags can be used for more than just cameras. If you don't mind carrying a little larger bag or a photo backpack, you can carry other items with you such as maps, cell phones and snacks.

• If you are traveling with younger children that are interested in taking photos, buy a couple of single-use cameras for them to use.

• A tripod is a handy accessory that reduces the chances of blurring in photos. Tripods can also be used for self-timed family portraits or dramatic nighttime photos. A railing, large rock, table, bench or other flat, stable object can be used as a makeshift tripod.

• If you are using a digital camera, remember to use the LCD screen to preview the photo you just shot. If you are not happy with the results, take another photo.

• You can improve your digital photos after you get home from your trip. Use image-editing software to crop out clutter, eliminate red-eye and correct lighting problems. You can also add text or special effects such as sepia tone and soft focus.

• Do not put your film in checked bags. Airport security's X-ray machines that are used for checked baggage can ruin your film. Place film in your carry-on bags because gate X-ray machines do not damage film. You may also ask screeners to hand-check your film to bypass the X-ray machines altogether.