The old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" is never truer than when you're traveling. Nothing tells the stories behind the places you visit and the people you meet along the way better than a photograph. So, how do we best capture the story behind a destination through our camera lenses? I asked Ewen Bell.
As a travel journalist and professional photographer, Ewen provides "inspiration and information to help you make the most of your travel and photography." On his website, Photography for Travellers, he shares practical philosophies for amateur photographers. When I asked him about his top photo tips, this is what he told me:
- Get Closer: The easiest way to improve your photography is to get closer to the subject. The world changes when you get closer to it.
- Go Slow: Take your time and take better photos. Rushing about gives you lots of shots that you might not want to keep, so maybe it's better to go slow and enjoy the travel.
- Shoot Wide: Get a wide angle lens and get more into the shot. Many compact cameras shoot the equivalent of 24mm wide, and that's good.
- Look for the Light: Cameras shoot light not objects, so you have to practice seeing the light as your camera does. Lovely light makes for lovely photos.
- Ask first: Show respect for other people and ask permission before shooting. It avoids offending strangers and gives you a chance to better connect with the locals.
- Get Details: Take photos of the little things along the journey not just the big ones. The texture of a place can be revealed in the detail photos.
- Review your Shots: Every night have a look through your photos for the day. It helps you to appreciate the effort you put into them and can reveal some missing subjects that you can work on the next day.
- Creative Control: Try taking control of the camera instead of letting the camera determine your photo. Exploring the craft of photography is about cultivating your own ability to be creative.
Thailand - Photo Courtesy of Ewen Bell - For Love: We fall in love with places as we travel, so let that passion for a place guide your photography. Ask yourself what is it about the place that makes it special, and do my photos reveal that quality?
- People Matter: Travel is about people, and so should your photography. Your most treasured memories of a place are usually the people and their character, so try to get a little of them on film.
Comments
Jul 06, 2010
Also a good tip is to practice when not in travel, digital photo allow us to make a lot of pictures, so why not acquire some experience on the weekends ?
Jul 07, 2010
I am very much interested in photography and i regularly travel,your tips will obviously help me in my trips.
Jul 08, 2010
Those do seem like some good tips. I would also add, for Britain at least, know your rights legally. Many people have arrested or harassed by police and security guards for taking photos of buildings in London, but it IS NOT against the law.
Jul 16, 2010
Thanks for the valuable tips, you really simplify photography for the average amateur!
Jul 17, 2010
I am a amateur photographer, and your tips were really helpful and simple to follow. I especially liked tip 8. Thanks.:)
Jul 20, 2010
#5 is the most important.
I hate when people just take random pictures of people without asking.
Jul 21, 2010
All of these are really good suggestions. I have two more for you:
Get a good MACRO lens. Not only is it great for capturing the closeup details, but for portraits of those you meet along the way.
Take a break from the camera. Remember to get out from behind the lens and see the full range of the world you are exploring. It's important not to spend all your vacation time capturing the perfect photo which will not be as inclusive as what your eyes and brain capture to create that memory.