Travelling is a passion that grips many. Of them, most love to click pictures of the scenes they come across. When we take that to a little higher up that is when professional photographers click travel pictures, there are a few tips and tricks they keep in mind. Know these will help starters get their feet off their ground faster.
Research the location
Each location has its specific nature and character. Is it a dry arid city or a lush green town? Will it be mountainous or plains? Knowing the ground facts will help you prepare accordingly. Join forums and read people’s experiences. If you are travelling specifically for photography it is important to know what time of the year to visit is just right.
Essentials to pack
Other than your dresses and shoes, a photographer has to pack extra batteries, charger, adapters, laptop, a hard drive, a fleece jacket with multiple pockets that can hold stuffs, and lenses as may be required.
Beat the rush
Tourists flock to places when it’s time for the photographer to exit. That is how it should be ideally. You can’t get the perfect picture with people walking right in front of or into your camera. Early morning shots and late afternoon is the best time to capture villages, towns and cities in their elements.
Choose the hotel with care
The hotel you select can offer you great pictures if you do it right. Find a room with a view. A picturesque location, overlooking the lake or providing a view of the mountains or the beach is the best option. Read reviews of hotels and you may be able to pick up a few details.
Shoot in RAW
The RAW contains a lot of detail. Its like the master negative and the JPEG is just the print. With a RAW in hand, you will be able to process the image differently at another time if you so wish.
Get the white balance right
When adjusting the color temperature, setting the white balance correctly will render the white portions of the photograph white and not grey or any other color. When shooting in RAW, the picture can be changed at will, post processing.
Use the filters
If you could carry only one filter, it would be a circular polarizer. It works in many situations. If possible, place the subject at 90 degrees to the sun for maximum polarization. To balance the skies it is best to use graduated neutral density filters.
Other tips that work for travel photography:
Carry memory cards and store them in a safe place where you won’t lose them. If shooting in coastlines, keep cleaning the lens to clear the cloudy vapour. Carry the camera in your carry on luggage, not in checked-in section. If traveling with your family, take them out on a holiday shopping in exchange for time spent shooting pictures.
