Take Better Photos on Your Family Vacation
As we are gearing up to go on a week long family vacation, I want to share with you a few tips on how to better document your family vacation in photos. For some, it might be the last thing you think about. But what is the best way to capture that unforgettable memory and share with family and friends afterwards? Photos, of course! Nowadays the technology makes it so easy and convenient for us to snap a quick photo anywhere and anytime with pretty decent results. So the tips I am going to share with you today are not so much about the technical details on how you should work your camera or phone, but rather focus on what you should and should not take pictures of.
1. Be A Good Storyteller
Everyone enjoys a good story. But what makes a story good? It needs to have interesting plot, setting and characters. The same principles apply when you document your family vacation story in photos. First of all you want to take shots that describe the setting you are in. Where is this place you are visiting? How are you getting there? Do a little research online in advance to find some interesting facts about the places and incorporate the key structures or landmarks in your photos along the way to create the setting.
Next is to include the characters. This is an easy one. You and your family, of course! While you certainly want to get a few shots where everyone is looking and smiling at the camera, make sure you also snap pictures of the in between moments as well. The candid in-between moments express the true emotions and personalities which helps tell the unique story about your own family!
2. Get In The Photo
One thing I have to remind myself is to get in the frame myself! I am definitely more comfortable staying behind of the camera than in front. But our family photos will be incomplete if I am always missing, right?! Maybe you feel the same way, so let me encourage both you and me to practice being in front of the camera and engage in the activities and let someone else takes charge of the picture taking.
3. Avoid Distracting Objects Or Crowds
When you take pictures at popular tourist spots, try to find different angles that do not include many distracting objects or crowds. You can place your subjects closer to the camera and only show the key surroundings or structures that you like to have in the frame. Or shoot from either a lower angle or higher angle to create a cleaner background.
4. Say No To Squinting Eyes
Have you ever taken photos where the light is so bright that everyone can barely open their eyes? Oh yes, I know I have! The easiest way to remedy this problem is to turn your subjects around so they are not directly facing the sun. Or find a nice even shade to take photos in. The harsh lighting creates unflattering harsh shadows and frustration for everyone, especially for young kids.
What if you just can't find a good alternative place with shade or a good angle without sacrificing the perfect background? Try take a wide angle shot to include more surroundings instead of close-up. You can also try to engage your family in doing something other than looking directly at the camera, maybe have everyone make a silly face or jump. This way, you not only solve the squinting eye problem, but also create the perfect and fun candid action photo opportunities.
5. Zoom In To Get The Details
Think about all the things you plan to experience with your family during the trip. It can be a local restaurant, a play, a relaxing afternoon on a sandy beach, or nature hikes. Don't forget to zoom in or get close-up shots of some of the details behind these experiences: the food, the poster about the play, the sand castle that your kids built, or the beautiful blossoms that you find along the trail. These little details help complete your vacation story!
I hope these tips inspire you to take more amazing photos on your next family vacation and capture many precious memories that you will want to revisit over and over again! I plan to share some of highlights from my family vacation with you in the upcoming blog, so stay tuned!
