10 Tips for Taking the Perfect Photos From the Experts at National Geographic
It’s World Photography Day! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by sharing some tips from the expert photographers at National Geographic. The elite photographers of National Geographic often travel on many of the National Geographic Expeditions to share their skills with travelers.
Here are ten tips to help you up your vacation photos game.
1. Learn Your Gear
The first step in taking awesome holiday photos is knowing how your equipment works. Photographer, ecologist, and National Geographic Explorer Washington Wachira advises that knowing the capabilities of your camera will allow you to make the most of each photo op.
Washington travels with National Geographic Expeditions on their trips throughout Africa which includes teaching travelers to capture images of wildlife in their natural habitat. One of his goals is to help guests master their camera settings to make sure they’re prepped for their next photo.
Magic Kingdom crowds on August 7th
2. Work With the Sun
If taking photos during the daytime, be aware of where you are in relation to the sun. National Geographic Expert Camille Seaman says that natural lighting can really make or break your photograph so you should consider it before hitting the shutter.
During excursions to Alaska and Antarctica, Camille is able to spend time with travelers to teach them about lightning techniques along with other skills to help you capture beautiful memories on your trip.
Credit: Disney
3. Clean Your Camera Lens
Oil, water, and debris can build up on a camera lens resulting in hazy photos. Camille suggests that whether your use a professional camera or a smartphone it’s important to carry a microfiber cloth with you to clean your lens just before and after your photo ops.
Photo: Disney
4. Your Phone Makes a Great Camera
You don’t need a top-of-the-line camera to capture amazing photos. Expert Drew Rush embraces and encourages cell phone photography. On a recent expedition to the Canadian Rockies, National Geographic Expert Drew Rush only traveled with is phone but was still able to take high-quality pictures.
There’s an overwhelming consensus among photographers that may surprise you: top-of-the-line camera equipment isn’t required to capture amazing photos. Oh, and don’t forget to video capture. The occasional short vacation video can add more context to our magical moments.
Credit: Disney
5. You Only Need One Lens
Whether you’re heading to a Disney park or Yellowstone National Park you don’t need to switch out your camera lens. Instead, work on mastering the lens you have! Guests switching out their lenses to get the perfect photos often miss memorable moments while making the switch.
Drew is often asked for photography tips and advised that it’s best to keep it simple rather than focusing on switching out lenses. Being in the moment means that you may get some incredible photos that will surprise you.
Photo: Disney
6. It’s Handy to Have Binoculars
Sometimes, the most interesting subjects are not easy to see with the human eye. That’s why Drew recommends investing in a good pair of binoculars. Having a pair handy can help you hone in on what you want to photograph even though it may not initially be in plain sight.
Photo Credit: PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANS LANTING, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION, nationalgeographic.com
7. Tell a Story With Your Images
National Geographic Photo Expert Susan Seubert encourages ut to capture everything during your travels. This includes the food you eat, the accommodations you stay in, and the people you meet along the way. You can even use the album feature on your smartphone to stay organized.
Susan has accompanied travelers on over 40 expeditions including trips to Iceland, Fiji and Antarctica.
Photo: National Geographic
8: Composition Is Key
The way your subject is positioned in a photo is important. This is where the Rule of Thirds comes in (a guideline that suggests placing your subject in the far right or left third of your image.) Doing this can really help to bring your snaps to life! Whether you are using a camera or smartphone it helps to have the grid feature on to help perfect this.
Washington has another quick tip, take three photos during each occasion. Make one vertical, one wide angle, and one close-up. By getting into the practice of doing this, you’ll learn about how composition can affect your photo and prepare you for what works in different scenarios.
9. Show Off Your Unique Point-Of-View
One big tip shared amongst expert photographers is to always try to share your own unique view. Don’t worry about what you think others want to see. A truly powerful photo captures your unique experience.
Erika Larsen who works with travelers on National Geographic Expeditions like Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard said that the key to great photos is to be open to new experiences and let their creativity flow.
Photo: Disney
10. Take Time to Be Reflective During the Editing Process
After you’ve snapped the perfect shot, resist the temptation to post it immediately. Instead of publishing straight away, take the time to edit your image. Erika advises that photographers should try to live in the moment and save editing the details for when they are at home. Not only does this give you time to contemplate but it also means you can enjoy the moment rather than getting distracted by fine-tuning your photos!
Washington also recommends that guests edit images in color as well as black and white. Doing two distinct versions means that your photographs will communicate differently to the human eye. You’ll be surprised how the two versions convey different moods.
You’ve got this!
Of course, the best way to take your photography to the next level is to book your National Geographic Expedition where you can learn from experts during a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
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