Article 2: Travel Photos That People Will Want To See
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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between your photo of a national landmark and the one that is published in that Travel Book that you bought?
Want to enthrall your friends with your photos instead of boring them?
Here are a few tips that will set you on the path to shooting better travel photos, no matter what camera you use or what skill level you are.
2.1 Postition
A common error is how you position the subject (a landmark, tower, castle, etc) in the photo. Most travelers will put the subject right in the middle of a photo. While this seems to be the normal thing to do, it actually isn't pleasing to the eye. It has been proven that aligning subjects about 1/3 of the way into a photo makes the photo look more pleasing. Just off center gives it an almost artistic look, especially when there is more to see than just the subject. So next time you want to shoot a landscape with a subject, shift it over slightly and you'll get the look of experts. See Sample 1
2.2 Going Vertical
Something a lot of travelers don't think about is a trick as simple as turning the camera sideways. Vertical shots accentuate tall structures, vertical lines(walls, flower stems, etc) and anything that is upright instead of wide. Turning the camera can catch more in the frame if the subject is tall, can create leading lines (see below) that make the viewer look at a specific aspect of the photo, and can literally gain you a whole new perspective on your subject.
2.3 Wide angle/not wide angle
This rule applies if you're shooting a larger landscape. Usually u take a photo from one angle/distance and think that will suffice. What you're missing are details in the shot. What you could possibly do is take multiple shots, one from a distance, and another of a detail in the view. (Using smaller "point and shoot" cameras, you can get this effect with a little leg work as you walk closer to your subject.) This gives you multiple shots to show off in a book, slide show, or on your wall! So take that extra photo, walk those extra steps, and you will be rewarded with detail as well as a wide landscape!
2.4 Leading Lines
This is a key factor in making shots appealing to the eyes. A quick explanation of "leading lines" are paths made by objects in foregrounds and backgrounds that lead the viewer's eyes to the main subject. This can be done in travel by horizons, buildings, paths, or basically anything in the surrounding area. Angled lines seem to have the best effect on the subconscious mind, but straight lines work well too. While its not always possible to use these lines, it is a good idea to keep in mind.
To think that you will learn all you need reading articles about travel photography is just not smart. Finding out your own tricks and techniques will help you more than any writing can, and to do that you need to get out and shoot. As funny as it sounds, starting in your own neighborhood for practice before a big trip could help mold your skills and give you end results that will make people actually want to see your next trip's slide shows!
Happy Traveling
Aaron Robb
