Travel Photography Tips

Written by Robert Bezman

Whether you�re embarking on a family vacation or your family reunion, it�s going to be a special time.

When we think of trips we�ve taken, we tend to remember them best with photographs.

Here�s some ideas to enhance your vacation, as well as your memories of them.

We will be covering "Location Preparation" and " Travel Photography Tips."

Whether you�re embarking on a family vacation or your family reunion, it�s going to be a special time.

When we think of trips we�ve taken, we tend to remember them best with photographs.

Here�s some ideas to enhance your vacation, as well as your memories of them.

Location Preparation

Since you know where you�re going (that's a minimum requirement), doesn�t it make sense to check out the location before you get there? Create a list of attractions, accommodations, special points of interest, amusement areas, shopping, etc. A good source to help you do this is: the Places and Travel sections of yahoo or msn.
Figure out the photo opportunities for each appropriate venue. Anyone can take a �that�s nice� picture of the kids at an amusement park. Wouldn�t you rather capture a �WOW� photo that could be hung over the mantle?
Depending on the location you�re traveling to, you can see what books are written about them that highlight the best photo opportunities for the entire area.
If you�re cyber-savvy, search using different combinations of: your destination, best photography locations, for images of the location, scenic spots, etc. The options are endless.
If you�re off to a non-big city area, scout out the national parks in the area. The great thing about national parks is that the scenery is usually so breathtaking, that a so-so shot looks outstanding, just because of the location. Once in www.nps.gov, do a search on photos and you will be presented with terrific shots of all the parks.

Photography Preparation

OK, you�re either traveling through or you�re at a wonderful location full of photo opportunities. You began this leg of your trip at the crack of dawn and as you�re pulling into the most scenic overlook for 400 miles, the sun is just starting to break the horizon.

You instinctively pull the car over, grab your camera and your tripod, and look for the best spot to set up. Just one tiny little problem� YOU FORGOT YOUR TRIPOD! Rather than smack yourself on the forehead then, why not plan these things now, before you leave?

Your list should include AT LEAST the following...

Do I need to repeat � BRING YOUR TRIPOD? It doesn�t take up much room, and as explained in the page on tripods, they allow you to capture entirely new categories of photographs that won�t be possible without one.
Memory. Of course, bring all the memory you have, but also pack your portable storage device (� way down the page).
If your camera has a hot shoe, bring your external flash, and any additional equipment that can be used to help with bounce flash.
Remember your external shutter release cable for those long exposures. How else are you going to get that �angel-hair� look of the waterfalls?
Don�t forget the basics like: batteries, battery charger, camera bag, and additional lenses and filters (if applicable on your camera).
And just in case you need it, bring the manuals for your equipment. It's only when you start to use things that you realize you forgot how!

For the best prices on all your critical camera gear, look here.Finally, don�t get so wrapped up in taking perfect shots that you don�t enjoy the trip. Remember to use the tripod so that you'll be in at least some of the photos.

When you get home, have everyone drool over your pictures by creating spectacular collages like this...

Here is a fully-functional trial version of the collage software used to create the above collage, for free.