Photographing Memories of a Trip
By Andrew Hudson
Tell a Story
Always think how your prints will look when you show them to your friends and relatives.
You'll be narrating a story at the time so take shots to illustrate your story. Take
photos of your traveling companions before you leave home, while traveling to the airport,
and when you get back. Hopefully you'll see a change in your sun tan! Photograph
yourselves in front of "Welcome to..." signs to use as "chapter
headings."
Take a Small Camera
Despite having a lot of large 'professional' equipment, the camera I use most often with
friends is a small, "compact" camera. I have a really tiny model that I can slip
easily into a pocket and carry around with me. That way, whenever something unexpected and
fun happens, I'm ready to capture the moment.
Photographing People
The most useful tip for photographing people is to get closer. Try and fill the frame with
just the faces. Ask your subjects to stand or sit closer together, so there's less
"wasted" space in the photo. Turn the flash on, even when you're outdoors, to
highlight the faces.
Understand Your Flash
I often see people trying to photograph a live show or concert. Unfortunately this is
almost impossible to do with a normal camera. Most on-camera flash units are only
effective for about eight to ten feet - anything further away will just appear black on
the photo. Whenever you use a flash indoors, make sure that you're between two and eight
feet from your subject.
Don't Forget the Fun!
Many of the fun times occur between sights. Capture these with "ordinary" shots
- checking in, waiting in line, at the shops, having dinner with friends, with people you
meet.
Don't Forget You!
The problem with being the photographer is that you don't appear in the photos. Stand your
camera on a wall or table and use the self-timer feature, or ask someone else to take the
photo. Chances are they'll have a camera too and will ask you to return the favor!
Copyright © 1998 Andrew Hudson for PhotoSecrets Publishing. All rights
reserved. If you want to use this article in any way, please e-mail us for permission. This article was
originally written for Postcards Magazine, a publication for Carlson Leisure Group by
Cowles Creative Publishing.
 Andrew Hudson is
the author of PhotoSecrets, a new series of adventure
guides that takes you on a photographic discovery of the best views in the best places.
They are the first-ever, full-color, full-length, location-specific travel guides for
amateur travel photography.
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