With winter in the rearview mirror, we’re all excitedly planning spring and summer trips. No matter where our travels take us, there’s one thing we all do on vacation: Capture the special moments with photos! Capturing the essence of a vacation through photos is an art that can enhance the experience and provide lasting memories. We asked professional photographer and friend of Front Porch Alabama Kim Eriksson for some tips on how to amp up the quality of our photos. With the right techniques, anyone can transform their travel snapshots into stunning visuals that tell the story of their journey. Here are Kim’s top six tips …
1. Keep It Simple
A cluttered photo can be overwhelming and distract from the main focus. Aim to have a clear subject in your photo, allowing the viewer’s eye to land and then explore the rest of the image. I try to look for an open area without any clutter or people in the background so I can focus on a single person or groups without distraction.
2. Befriend The Rule Of Thirds
This classic composition technique involves dividing your image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and placing your subject at the intersection of those lines. Most cameras and smartphones have a grid feature that can help you align your shots accordingly.
3. Change Your Perspective
Changing your viewpoint can drastically alter the feel of a photo. Try shooting from a higher or lower angle than usual to capture a fresh perspective of a familiar scene. This can also help in getting the horizon straight, which is crucial for a balanced composition.
4. Context Tells The Story
Context is key in photography, particularly when capturing the environment surrounding your subject. When you show your subject in its context, you add depth and emotion to your photo. This helps in telling a more compelling story, whether it’s an image of your kids jumping on the beds in the hotel room (yes, I allowed mine to do that only on vacation) or the excitement on an amusement park ride.
5. Add Magic In The Golden And Blue Hours
Utilize the soft light during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) and the blue hour (the period of twilight each morning and evening) for a natural filter that can make any scene look magical. This light can add mood and drama to your photos.
6. Get In the Photos
How often do we moms return from vacation only to discover that we are in NONE of the images? We avoid images sometimes because we haven’t lost that baby weight we intended to lose… or we feel frazzled and we can always take that photo tomorrow night. Truth be told, ten years from now you will be amazed at how youthful you looked that night, and even if you look a little frazzled—well, it’s a reflection of how we all feel when our children are little, and what’s so wrong with that? I promise, your children will be glad you captured the moment. Get in the photos and embrace the memories you’re creating!
By incorporating these tips into your photography routine, you’ll not only improve the quality of your vacation photos but also enhance your ability to capture the moments that truly reflect the spirit of your travels. Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you, so don’t hesitate to use these tips with your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera. Happy shooting, and may your next vacation album be full of breathtaking images that transport you back to those special moments!
About Kim Ericksson
With more than 20 years of combined professional experience in photography, documentaries, fine art painting and publishing, Kim Eriksson is a Birmingham-based boutique photographer. She works with families to create portraits and imagery that can be treasured forever. Kim also helps businesses of all sizes enhance their branding with photography and graphic design.
