Ronda's Tips & Techniques #4

Travel Photography Time

I am an amateur photographer whose love for photography grew out of my love for scrapbooking.  Now it rivals that love.  But the good news is they go hand in hand.  I have been blessed with the ability to travel.  Journeying to different places, I always feel the need to capture those memories with my camera.  I have also learned some valuable lessons along the way that I wanted to share with you.
I shoot with a Digital Canon Rebel XTi but these tips are meant for any camera since these are not technical tips but more "technique" tips.  I have geared these tips towards travel but some of these could easily translate into everyday techniques as well.  The first tip sounds so simple but easily forgotten.....always have your camera with you and ready.  Make sure you have plenty of batteries (or that they are charged) and plenty of film/digital cards.

Scenic Shots

In these photos you will notice there is something in the foreground, mid ground, and background.  The first shot is of a lake outside of Oslo, Norway.  I tried many different positions, including getting down very low (almost laying on the ground) to get the tree in the foreground yet making that little house pop. The horizon is NOT in the middle of the photo.  The second photo was taken in St. Thomas.  Again the sailboat was place in the foreground to make the shot more interesting.  The setting sun added warm tones to those beautiful villas.  Being mindful of light, changing your position, and being conscious of foreground, mid ground, and background allows you to walk away with some beautiful scenic pictures.  Always be ready to stop when you see that perfect shot!

Perspective

Your position can really change a photograph.  I sometimes get on the ground or grab a chair to get my shot. For the flowers & building picture, I was on the ground.  I love the green foreground but then you get that pop of red against those buildings.  I knew people were staring at me laying on my belly in the middle of a walkway but I also knew I got the photo I wanted.  If I hadn't been on the ground, the green would have been minimal, the red flowers may have just been the tips, and the photo would have looked very different.  The second shot I know is a cheesy tourist shot...but kind of funny right?  In order to capture Andy eating Pisa, I had to sit on the ground and shoot upward.  After people saw what we captured, they soon were following our example.

Soul of the Town


I love going to a new place and absorbing the atmosphere.  When I go home I want to remember it.  I try to capture it in my photos.  I love going to local markets, stores, and wandering the streets to find the city's soul.  Sometimes you just have to sit and observe for a while to find it.  These shots just take me back to the side streets of Venice, the local markets in Arezzo, the Vespa infested streets of Florence, the fashionable scarfs of Siena, and the outdoor markets in Playa del Carmen. 

Food & Drink


What more describes a place than its cuisine? So why not photograph those local eats that provide you such enjoyment.   Again you can change your position when photographing your food.  Stand up over it or get down on the same level, add a fork or spoon, or take a small bite.  Don't forget to get people enjoying the eats as well! 

Architecture


Architectural elements always interest me.  I think they speak the heart of the city.  I try capturing them from different angles.  I also notice certain repetition that describes that town.  For Venice (and lots of Italy) the columns and marble pieces were art in itself.  The work that goes into each piece leaves me breathless.  In England, the doors speak volumes.  While the house may look alike, the doors show the true personality of the home.  I found myself photographing door after door.  So search out that architectural element that speaks to you and describes the city you are in.

Locals

I may not speak the language of all the places I go but I do try to learn the pleasantries.  Hello, Goodbye, Thank You, Your Welcome.  I also learn the phrase "May I take your picture please?"  It goes a long way and can even make them smile.  I love taking back shots of locals.  This sweet guy was reading his paper outside his home when I came upon him.  In my weak Italian I asked to take his picture and was so happy I learned that phrase.  This other shot was taken actually in Playa del Carmen.  The local little girls were desperate for some gelato on this hot day.  The colors, the sweetness & innocent mesmerized me and I knew to grab my camera to capture the moment so it would last forever.

People Pics

Of course you have to take pictures of your family/friends who go along with you on your adventures.  I love capturing those shots that show so much emotion.  The first one is Mother/Daughter and tells so much of their relationship.  They love each other but Nicole is at an age where her mom just aggravates her.  People know I take lots of pictures and after a while they start to relax which allows me to capture the emotions.  The series of Nicole shows the progression from, well cheesy smile, to just raw emotion. Also look for places to do portraits while you are in a new town.  Try and find interesting backgrounds for great family shots.  We bring a small table top tripod and a remote for such occasions. 

Self Portraits

I don't always get in front of the camera unless I force the camera in some else's hand and say take my picture.  So I look for other opportunities to take self portraits.  Sounds silly but sometimes it is the only shot of me I get.

Snap, Snap away

Sometimes it is all about luck.  By taking lots of pictures, you sometimes come across a moment that if you hadn't been clicking away, you would have missed the shot.  This one is a perfect example.  You see I was actually in one of those boats in the middle of this little canal.  I turned around after going under the bridge and clicked at just the right moment.

I hope you find some of the tips helpful.  I encourage you to play tourist in your own town and see if you can capture the soul your city.  Practice makes perfect and the only way to get the pictures you want is to get out there and take them. 

Comments

[chiaweb]

a lot of nice pics also from my country!!
cheers from italy
chiara

[Lusi]

Thank you so much for sharing these great tips!
Lusi x

[annie]

Fantastic tips! Looking forward to seeing more of them on this site! (And a bit envious of your travels ;)

[JanMary, N Ireland]

Great tips.

I too love scrapbooking and photography - but am very amateur. I got a Canon Rebel Xti for Christmas, and am loving it. Heading to Paris in May, so thanks for the tips and the inspiration.

[Krys72599]

Funny I should read this today... Just returned from Paris Las Vegas - the casino - and took some photos that illustrate some of the points you made: architecture shots, scenic shots, and snap, snap away. I think I'll make the people shots and the perspective shots something to work on this next month. I only have a Canon digital A630 and a small Kodak digital (in my purse), but the idea is the same - practice, practice, practice, right?!?

[Glenda T.]

These pictures are amazing and the tips are just what I needed. Thanks!!

[lauren hagerman]

Ooooo.. LOVE all the photography and the advice!!!! Makes me want to take a trip to a colorful citY! However, I am thinking i should start with hunting out the colorful and architectul in my own city, huh?

[Amber Risher]

Amateur? More like PRO! Your photography is beautiful! I so need lessons from you...first I need a good camera! LOL Really stunning pics!

Amber R

[Patty S]

wow, ronda!!!! awesome tips and AWESOME photos! patty :-)

[Karla]

SUUUUUWWWEEEEEEETTTTT!!!! Girl you broke it strait up and down for us! Thanks so much ^---^,
-Karla

[christina]

I so wish I had read this before going to Ireland in 2006. I did some of what you talk about here, but your tips really would have made me think a bit more about the shots I was taking, and how I was taking them. Thank you for all of your simple to understand tips!

[detta]

I love these shots and thanks for the tips

[Rosa]

Great tips and beautiful pics!!
thanks, regards, Rosa.

[Sigrinn]

Makes me think of this site: http://www.wartoft.nu/galleri/uppsala36/

[vee]

awesome tips ronda!! I love your photography skills!!! I can't wait to take some photos with you in july! :)