How to Improve Your Vacation Photos

If you are like most people, you take lots of photos while on vacation, only to discover that most of them didn’t quite turn out as well as you had hoped. But there are some steps you can follow to make your next vacation photos as good as a pro's!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Camera (digital or film)
• Plenty of memory cards or film
• Batteries and battery charger, if you have one
• Tripod, optional

1. Before you go, visit websites and look at other photos taken of the sites you will be visiting. Decide which photos you liked, which you didn’t and what it was you liked or disliked. Make notes of the areas you would like to visit.
2. When you get to your destination, visit your hotel gift shop or local stores to look at postcards. Though you will not want your photos to look exactly like the postcards, they will give you an idea of the local beauty and landmarks. You may decide you like a certain building or landmark at sunset or in the morning light better. You may learn of some site or activity you were unaware of, and it may provide artistic inspiration. Purchase some of your favorites to take with you for reference.
3. Try to capture some of the subjects you’ve seen in the postcards. They are in the postcards for a reason; either they are associated with the destination’s history or are a subject of beauty or fame. Capture some of your friends or family at the site.
4. Photograph the same subjects, but use a completely different vantage point or style. For example, if you take a picture of a famous building from the front, you might also capture a close-up shot of the door with its detailed wood or metal work. Or take a picture of an archway with a family member visible in the distance looking away at an unknown subject. These different styles can create dramatic effects.
5. Take close-up shots of street signs or hanging signs you want to remember, but blur the background of equally important subjects for an artistic flare.
6. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment. Take candid shots of friends and family. Experiment with camera settings.
7. If you do not take a tripod with you, try to brace your arms or hands on a steady surface while taking the photo. This prevents camera shake, thus preventing blurring.
8. Take lots of photos. This is easier and less expensive with digital cameras, of course. The chance of getting more good vacation photos increases with the number of shots you take. And with either digital or film, you can always throw out the bad ones.
9. Print your favorite photos for albums or picture frames and enjoy.