Perfect Vacation Photos

By Marcia Womble

If you're like me on vacation, you keep your camera glued to your side. Every time a "Kodak" moment presents itself, my camera is ready to take 20 or more photos to capture that one perfect shot. To ensure that your vacation photos are a success, here are some simple steps you will want to follow:

Prior to your vacation:

1. Be sure to thoroughly read your camera manual. You MUST know all of the ins and outs of your camera. Determine if you have red-eye reduction. Where is this setting located on your camera? Does your camera have a scene shooting guide or pre-programmed shooting modes to assist you in certain photo-making situations? Some cameras (particularly digital) come equipped with shooting modes to assist you inside, at the beach, in the snow, and using available light for example. (I have discovered with my own camera that some of the pre-programmed modes don't work as well as I would like.)

2. Practice, Practice, Practice using your camera!! After reading the manual, put what you've learned into practice. Take photos of family members or simple landscapes. Be sure to use your camera at different times of the day. How do your photos look with the sun behind you and in front of you as you take the photos? You must practice to discover what your camera is capable of doing for you.

3. Pack your camera and all necessary items. A camera bag is extremely helpful. Don't forget batteries, film, extra media cards, a small tripod. While on a trip to Disneyworld with my family, of course, my batteries ran out of juice. I forgot to pack the extras into my bag and had to pay a fortune for new batteries at a kiosk in the world.

While on vacation:

1. Take LOTS and LOTS of photos. The more photos you take, the more choices you will have when you get back home. Sometimes it can take many shots to capture that one shot you're looking for--the shot that shows the true mood and fun of your vacation. Make sure all of your photos are not "posed" shots. Remember, "variety is the spice of life!"

2. Zoom in to capture the faces of your subjects or a unique object you've found. Crop out unnecessary parts of the background. Focus on what is most important to you in the photo. I've made amazing pictures of up-close seaweed--you'd never know it was seaweed! Taking photos of your kids--get down on their level.

3. Try lots of different angles. Don't stay cemented to one spot while taking your photographs!

Try these tips and see if your vacation photos improve.

Even after following tips for making "perfect" photos, our photos can fall short of our expectations. Click on my link below to discover how you can improve your photos when you get home from vacation. When you show your photos to your friends, they'll think you hired a professional photographer to tag along on your vacation!

Venice

Venice