SmugMug’s photo heroes have compiled their six top tips for producing great travel photography. But first, gaze at these nine incredibly beautiful photographs of Brazil.
Follow these tips to take pictures like a pro snapper
1. Find your focal point
Give those fairly predictable beach scenes with wide open shots of sand and sea a wide berth. They’re on the mundane side of things. Instead, find something for the eye to be drawn to naturally, such as a rock formation or a boat.
2. Lock your exposure
If you’re lucky enough to be using an single-lens reflex camera (SLR), learn how to use your auto-exposure (AE) lock button. When on the beach sometimes your subject’s face may come out too dark in order to expose the sea.
If you use the AE you can recompose. You still have the same composition, but can select which part of the shot you want to expose. In this case it’s your subject’s face.
3. Action shots
With any action shot, capturing the moment is all about a fast shutter speed.
If your camera allows it, go for 1/1000. If you are taking a photo of something offshore, such as water sports, you’ll need a good lens of around 150-200mm range to fill the frame with the subject.
4. Wait for the “Golden Hours”
This is when the sun is about to rise or set. At these times you will achieve the best light for your exotic location.
The tones of sunlight are generally warmer and can produce colours that are more vibrant and intense.
This is the most flattering time of day for portrait shots and landscape shots, too!
5. Perspective
Get low, go high, shoot from the hip or from the ground.
Use the rule of thirds, but freshen it up with some new perspective.
Anyone can take a picture of the Eiffel Tower but not everyone will lie on their back from its underbelly or walk up the stairs and shoot down.
6. Invest in a camera lens brush
They’re cheap – you can pick one up for around £15 – and the ultra-fine bristles will clean your camera lens from dust or sand without scratching the lens in the process.
You can also pick up blower brushes to blow particles away simultaneously.
And what is SmugMug exactly?
SmugMug is the largest independent photo sharing site in the world. They’re offering a free 14-day trial and membership starts at the pocket-money price of $5 per month.
