Traveling is fun, but something else that is also fun is being able to show others all the awesome pictures you took as you traveled, or just post them on your travel blog! While it’s great to take photos of your travel destinations and all of their great features, it is also great to have yourself in those photos. It brings a lot more life to them. So how do you take those great photos again? Well, here are some great tips you can use to your advantage:
Plan
Just like with everything else, you will have to plan your photographs well before you take them. You should approach your own selfies with the same professionalism that you approach other kinds of photos. That way, they will come out looking infinitely better. Think of it as doing an academized review of your photographs.
For starters, start out with the list of shots you want to take for every location where you will be taking photos. You need to think really hard about the kinds of selfies you want. Do you want to look relaxed, or excited, or thinking really hard? Whatever it is, thinking hard about the kind of scenarios you want to create will help you execute them perfectly when it finally comes down to it.
Have Your Photo Taken By Someone Else
This is a controversial one. Some people, like a friend of mine who does custom essay writing, believe that no one can take photos of you as good as those you take yourself. However, sometimes strangers can see a good shot that we could not see on our own. And there is a limit to how much you can do when you constantly have to hold the camera at arm’s length.
A good rule of thumb is to ask strangers who already have cameras hanging on their necks to take photos of you. If they have a camera, they’re likely to already be good at photography. Also, the fact that they own what is probably an expensive camera means they aren’t likely to steal your phone or camera as soon as you hand it to them. They can also tell you some good poses and expressions to wear in order to make the photographs beautiful.
If you’re still iffy about having your photographs taken by another person, you can set everything up exactly as you would like it and ask the photographer to take the photos just as you instruct them.
Alternatively, you can consider buying a tripod. It’s like having someone else take your photograph without having someone else. With a tripod, you can set the camera up exactly as you want it to be and then set the timer, go to the spot where you want the photo taken, and pose as you wish.
Make Your Selfies Candid
If you want to take really good selfies, then you should learn to be as natural as you can. Even when you’re not taking a selfie and are having someone else doing it for you, being natural is a must.
Have you noticed that the best photos you see in newspapers, magazines, and your favorite Instagram pages do not look posed or staged? They look like candid photographs where the person was simply caught in the moment. That’s what you want; a candid picture.
Start by practicing natural body poses. Do not tense your shoulders or your head and keep your expressions and overall poses natural. When you’re relaxed, it shows in the photograph.
The Benefits of Tripods
Just like I pointed out before, having a tripod is like having someone else take a photo of you without having someone else there. You can set it up as you like and then get into position for the photograph.
Setting up a tripod is very easy. You prop the camera on the tripod and make sure the spot where you will take your photo is within the frame.
As for the shot, you have a variety of options. You could have a timer set up on the camera. Some cameras will only allow you a few seconds while others will allow you longer periods.
You could also get a remote shutter release that allows you to take the photos remotely. With such a device, taking a photo is as simple as pressing a button when you are in position.
You could also use your phone as a remote. There are lots of gadgets and even apps that allow you to link up your DSLR with your phone. That way you can control your camera with nothing other than your phone. The best of these even allow you to control your camera settings and adjust them from your phone. Combine that with a robotic tripod that you can adjust from a distance to alter the frame, and you basically have an extra set of hands.
Once you’ve taken the photo, you can check it out and make adjustments as necessary. With enough takes you will eventually get the perfect killer photo that you want.
Be Spontaneous
The best moments to capture are those that are only fleeting. These are times that need to be caught immediately, or they will be missed, usually forever.
If you’re traveling by yourself, it can be difficult to catch these moments. In fact, sometimes it can be impossible. However, if you have a travel companion with you, then you can simply let them take over the camera and take photos of you. That’s what I do when I’m not offering online assignment help. I travel with my friend, and they become my personal photographer.
Tell them to be like the paparazzi, taking photos at any and every moment, hoping to catch you in some act. That way, you are likely to have more candid photos. As for you, just go casually about your day without worrying about who’s taking photos of you. You might get some beautiful results.
Conclusion
Taking photographs may not be rocket science, but it certainly is a science and art all on its own. While everyone has their own individual style, there are some timeless tips you can use to your advantages, such as the smize technique and the use of a tripod. Use these well and your travel photos, and all your photos for that matter will never be less than stunning.