Preserve Your Memories: How to Take Better Vacation Photography

Welcome to this guide to better Vacation Photography. Most people feel like it just isn't a vacation if they don't lug a camera and snap a few shots of the sights and landmarks. Taking pictures on vacation is a time-honored and global tradition! However, some of us photographers take it a step further.

Vacation Photography Tip #1: Storyline

First, you should think of your trip as a story, with a beginning, middle, and an end. Your photos should reflect this chronology, both for your personal memories & enjoyment, and for the enjoyment of your friends & family at home! 

Vacation Photography Tip #2: People

Don't just stand back and photograph the skylines, the sunsets, and the sights. Get the people too. When you look back and remember your trip, you'll want to remember your travel companions, whether they are your friends, family members, or kids. Sometimes a child's reaction to a historical landmark makes a much more compelling photograph than the landmark itself will, so keep your eyes open for an opportunity!

Vacation Photography Tip #3: How about Yourself?

Take pictures of yourself, too. You can use the self-timer feature on your camera, or you can try and hold the camera at arm's length. Although neither method is likely to produce your most artistic work, remember that you're an important part of the narrative, too. You'll want to remember your participation in the journey as more than an invisible observer.

Vacation Photography Tip #4: Different Cameras

Try and bring several different cameras. A simple point & shoot is important for capturing those fleeting moments. You'll want to use it along the way to shoot quick & candid photos, but if you own D-SLR, you should take it too! That way you can capture more artful shots, and you'll have greater control over the presentation of the most scenic points of our trip. Using different cameras will certainly make your resulting vacation photography more varied & interesting.

Vacation Photography Tip #5: Symbols

Don't just go for the obvious when taking vacation photography. Look for objects that have strong symbolic value to evoke the feelings of your trip, and their own unique visual composition. For example, a well-composed shot of sandal half-buried in the sand at the beach can have a more powerful narrative function than a panoramic view of the ocean. 

Look for ways to present your surroundings and subjects in subtle, more interesting ways. Give it a try yourself!

Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Draw on the narrative power of your pictures to tell your story for you.

This will ensure that you won't put your viewers to sleep while narrating the slide show of your latest vacation. 

Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun!