Ok. So you’ve read up on the technical side of taking great photos. You know your aperture from your exif and you’ve experimented with shutter speeds. But there is something missing from the photos you’ve been taking. They’re ok, but that’s it. Just ok. Why? You wonder. Well, here’s a little secret: it’s all about luck. Well not really. More to the point, great travel photography is about creating your own luck.
An obvious, but often overlooked aspect of Travel photography is getting to know your subject. I don’t mean planning weeks ahead the best way to get to your destination and the best time to go (although this is important too). What do you do once you get there? Walk around the scene. Look at the angles. Look at the people. Speak to people. Become part of the scene. Think about the message you are trying to convey, and the way you want to convey it. Is it about the place itself or the people that live there? Are you looking at the broader picture or the finer details? Or both?
First thing first, determine what will be your main focus in your start-out business. Is your main goal is to just go from event to event taking just basic, quick snap shots of couples and their friends? Or is it mainly going the step of the way to taking really detailed, sharp images of wedding cakes, roses, crystal glasses, etc.? That will be up to you to decide.
There are numerous resources available on the internet and in print, most of them free. An hour or so online can provide a wealth of information, not to mention inspiration. A pocket travel guide can also be an invaluable investment as a reference to have at your fingertips as you go.
Today’s digital cameras come with plenty of technology. Take advantage of it. This means using your camera’s scene mode facility. This mode automatically sets your camera’s settings depending on the time of day you are shooting, the amount of sunlight available and the type of shot, landscape or portrait, you are taking. The scene mode can help you snap some incredibly professional shots. As a beginner learning how your camera works will pay big benefits.
Take pictures of local signs, buildings and famous landmarks. Be very careful with the position of the sun. Try taking images when the sun is to your side. This will cast long shadows along the front of the building. Use a polarising filter to cut out any glare from the glass in buildings.
Taking travel photos can be fun and it should be. Why not though add to the power of the images and be creative. Look for that extra ingredient that will give your travel photos real power. And enjoy your travels!