Whether you spend hundreds of dollars on a digital camera or you’re happy to snap away with your smartphone, our top tips will ensure that you capture some truly memorable photos.
1. The camera
When spending thousands of dollars on a trip away, spending a little more on a quality camera will help you capture better photos that will last a lifetime. While a $150-$200 camera will satisfy, spending an extra $300 on a Digital SLR camera will make your photos look more professional. Faster shutter speeds on a quality camera also reduce the chance of photo blur allow you to take more photos.
2. Playing with light
Different lighting conditions can improve your shots. One rule of thumb is to shoot with the sun at your back to make your subject front-lit, helping you avoid shadows on faces and bringing out more detail in your subject. Sometimes you may not be able to change your stance, so look for a camera that offers Intelligent Auto which automatically senses the light and automatically adjusts aperture and shutter speeds for a bright sunny day, sunset or a cityscape at night.
3. Be creative
Some of the best photos happen when you move out of auto mode and take advantage of your camera’s capabilities. To do this, you don’t have to move to full manual settings, but can try shooting with settings such as aperture-priority mode, which puts your subject in focus and blurs the background. Try shutter-priority mode to help you capture movement, such as a flowing waterfall.
4. Framing and point of view
Add a new dimension to your photos just by choosing a new point-of-view. When possible, try shooting from ground level or from high up. Even small changes in perspective create big differences in the way things look. And don’t be afraid to tilt your camera diagonally every so often.
The more you move around and look at your subjects from all angles, the better your chance of getting that ‘keeper’. Try using your camera’s optical zoom to get in close with a single, dominant subject that fills the frame. You do not have to get a ‘whole person’ in shot – try cropping in on them instead.
5. Rule of thirds
Capture significantly better shots with this simple rule. It’s an easy way to create interesting, well-balanced shots. Just imagine lines that break the frame into thirds, horizontally and vertically. Or, see if your camera has the option to display gridlines in your viewfinder. The points where these lines intersect identify four strong spots where you can place subjects and prominent features in your shot. Any of these four spots can be used as a focal point to create a natural balance that’s more interesting than the actual centre of the frame.
6. If you’re using your iPhone …
The beauty of the iPhone is its easy-to-use interface. And the iPhone Camera app makes taking a photograph almost a no-brainer. There are loads of features included in the Camera app – some more useful than others. To make the most of this useful little happy snapper, here are some of the functions you should know.
While capturing your memories through photo is a fun part of your holiday, don’t forget to put your camera down and enjoy the experience and sights as they happen. The chance to travel through some of nature’s untouched and magical scenes is one which should not be missed and the joy of the moment will remain in your memory forever.
These photo tips will ensure that you capture the best pics possible when you’re taking in the sights of Western Australia on your AAT Kings’ guided holiday.
