How to Take Good Vacation Photos

by Debbie Heidmans The Memories Place

One of the best tips for the perfect vacation photo is to research where you are going to take the shot. Always talk to the locals to ask if there are any cool spots for photos that are off the beaten path (if searching online, CityData Forums or Reddit city pages are a great place to start). Use Google Earth to research the location to find the best place for the picture. And make sure you note any significant markers or attractions you don't want to miss.

Use your wide angle lens. Let's back up for a minute: invest in a good camera. While phones today can produce a really quality image, if you are traveling in nature there will likely be many breathtaking scenic shots to choose from. While a phone can capture what's around you, a good camera with a wide-angle lens will give you as much of the landscape as possible.

fly fishing vacation

Always be on the lookout for wildlife. Again this is something the locals will help you with. Many photos will be able to tell you what kind of wildlife to expect and where to go to have the best views. Use a zoom lens to take pictures of creatures that may be likely to run away if you are too close to them. And always use extreme caution with dangerous animals. Keep a distance and use the zoom rather than risking potential conflict!

You should also include the family as much as possible. If you have kids, don't try to pose them. Staged photos often don't turn out how you like (we all know how unpredictable kids can be). Instead wait for candid shots that look more natural, like the kids laughing and playing at the beach. Capturing the kids in the moment will give you lots of happy memories to reflect on, rather than staged shots when the kids aren't in the mood.

Don't forget to include yourself in some pictures! Don't hesitate to pass the camera around so that everyone has a chance to include themselves in a picture. Sharing the camera with your friends or family is also a great way to get more variety of images. Give everyone a chance to take a picture of something that is memorable to them and you'll find many pictures of things you may not have thought about capturing on your own.

Don't forget to use your best vacation photos to create a photo blanket! A photo blanket is a great way to remember your vacation. You can even use it for a picnic on your next big adventure. Whether you want to pick your very best photo, or use a collage of your favorite vacation pics, our experts will create an elegant and lasting photo blanket for you! Order today here, and be sure to follow us on Pinterest to see examples of our work.