When it comes to travel photography its not about the camera you have.  Think about it, photographers like Ansel Adams & Yousuf Karsh could create better images with a pinhole camera than most of today’s photographers can with the most sophisticated computerized cameras made.  Photography is not even about the beautiful images we create. For most of us it is about telling stories and preserving family memories.

Having the latest and greatest equipment is awesome if you can afford it; however, it is not necessary for taking great photos of your family.

So, what is necessary? Being prepared and understanding the capability of the equipment you have. In last month’s blog I discussed the importance of understanding color and white balance.  But what do you need to know after white balance?   Mostly, understanding your lenses and how they affect depth of field and background perspective, and basic composition.

After you have an understanding of your camera, lenses and composition you are ready to start planning for creating great photos on family outings, home happenings and vacations.

Here are 4 Tips to having great vacation photos:

1. Research

This is an awesome family task that will be remembered as much as the trip in the years to come.  It’s ok to plan your trip on locations you want to have your family memories created. Read everything you can about the place you’ll be visiting. Make a point of befriending other photographers via social media. Nothing is as valuable as another photographer who has been there questions about great places to take photos and local customs and traditions you might find interesting to take your family and take pictures

2. Be authentic – Immerse yourself in the cultures you visit

Almost everyone is obsessed with tele-zoom lenses.  I personally prefer to use wider angle/focal length lenses and become part of my surroundings. The wider the focal length the more of your background is as much a part of the image as your family. That doesn’t mean don’t bring a longer focal length lens with you.  There are lenses for every occasion.  If you are looking for a great multi use lens try either Tamron’s 16mm – 300mm or 18mm – 270mm Lenses, both are great multi-functional tele-zoom lenses that will tend to almost all of your photographic needs.

Longer focal length lenses will compress your image which is great when you want to create a more intimate image, an image that tells the story of a local living their daily routine.

3. Trust your instincts

When visiting other cultures you need to trust your instincts.  I generally rely on establishing relationships with a local or two to point you in the safest direction for you and your family.  Be careful, there are bad people everywhere who are looking at you as a meal ticket, so don’t ever assume or be lured into having a false sense of security. Even if it feels safe, don’t let your guard down!

4. Have fun

Yes, getting the shot is important, but it’s your “Kodak Moment” and enjoying the moment and being thankful that you have the opportunity to even be in that moment is more gratifying.   Don’t lose sight it’s your vacation first, not a photo safari.  Your photos will be more meaningful if you immerse yourself in them.

What to do with your photos

So now you have great photos, but what are you going to do with them?  Several great ideas come to mind:

• You can make an official Book to celebrate each event/vacation, or even an annual. Sign up for a class and learn to design your own album in Photoshop.
• Design a fabulous Holiday Card.
• Make an Ornament.
• Make a Calendar
• Make enlargements for your wall.
• Visit us online at larmonphoto.com for other creative ideas