Tips For The Beginning Travel Photographer

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A good photo can conjure so many memories of the sights and sounds of the traveling experience. We often regret not having brought a camera for trips in the past, or for not having enough understanding of the basics of taking awesome travel photos. If you are new to travel photography, whether because you’ve always wanted to include it on your passion-project list or are truly keen on a professional path, here is a list of dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Firstly, get to know your camera intimately. Whether you’re using a DSLR or a point-and-shoot, you must master the buttons and features. Take time to get familiarized with the menu, so that you can change settings on the fly especially when the timing is crucial, like when you’re trying to capture a sunset.

Next is to have a clear idea of what the Golden and Blue Hours mean in photography. The former refers to the time of the day when the sun is still low, offering a warm glow over the scenery. You have to both wake up early and wait a couple of hours before sunset if you are to capture Golden Hour shots. The Blue Hour is that short period when the sun has already sunk below the horizon, casting a magical blue hue on surroundings. This is an awesome early-evening moment for taking gorgeous panoramic pictures.

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Finally, embrace the value of composition. It often spells the difference between a so-so shot and one that can get you an award. Keep to the rule of thirds; unless you are taking a portrait, always put the subject slightly left or right of center. Imagine dividing the image into nine squares or use the camera feature that shows them, then place the points of interest along the intersecting lines and squares.

My name is Chris Halajian from New York. I used to work on election photography, but now that I’m retired, I follow my grandchildren and great-grandchildren around and take great photos of them. For similar reads, visit this page.