Memories are our only way to reminisce about past travels. The best way to recall these memories is through photographs. If pictures are the only link to vacations then why not learn proper techniques to take a picture?
A surprising amount of preparation goes into taking professional pictures.
Before leaving on a trip, familiarity with the camera is a must. Digital cameras have many different settings and tools that can aid in taking a picture.
Now, the people are posed and the camera is ready to go, right? No, think again.
First, make sure that the light is right. Dawn and dusk create the most beautiful light that will complement most landscapes and people. Cloudy days may also give you better color.
Next, check the composition. For an interesting photograph, create a complex and interesting space. The rule of thirds is a creative tool that is used in photography, art and film.
A simple way to understand the rule of thirds is to take a piece of paper, divide it into thirds left and right and top to bottom. You will have four points and these points are the placement of your subject for the drama,"" said Shannon McMahan, owner of Shannon McMahan Photography.
Extremely posed pictures look unnatural. To create natural photographs look for candid moments.
""Candid moments when taken in the right way can say a lot about a person - and you as their friend or family have that ability to find those moments in them,"" said Allegra Mynatt, a masters student of photojournalism and illustrative photography at Syracuse University.
Make sure not to capture the person off-guard and ""snap their bad side, like when they have one lazy eye or five extra chins,"" Mynatt said. Capture them in an ecstatic laugh or a calm moment.
The most exciting part of traveling is experiencing other cultures. Capturing those cultures would be a valuable addition to any album. When looking at travel photographs ""people now want to know what it's like to be there,"" said Jim Richardson, photographer and contributing editor to National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic Magazine.
Make friends and become immersed in the culture. ""If you are going to a pub in Ireland you will need to buy a couple of rounds of Guinness,"" Richardson said. Capturing the true sense of the culture is extraordinary.
When traveling, landscapes often take your breath away. Imagine capturing their perfection on film. The first rule to capture the depth of the landscape is to establish cues for the viewer. Create layers with trees nearby - this will display the grandeur of the landscape.
Now, do not forget the batteries and click away.
