September 7, 2017
You can’t capture everything & that’s okay!
Remember that a few powerful impacting photographs is better than 20 pictures of the same thing! I was trying to seize a moment to enjoy again later, when really…I won’t, but I was missing the experience in real time in a vain attempt to capture it forever. When you’re abroad, the temptation can be very real to document the trip in its entirety. But if you step back and only shoot the things that really speak to you, you can trust that the story of your travels will be told well. Put the camera down. Notice what’s happening with each of your senses. Be present, and the photos will follow.
Create your own piece of work!
Don’t replicate the same exact photograph as everyone else: Be you, and create your own iconic images.
Light is your #1!
Follow the light!! Light is your key to amazing photographs. Google “sunrise/sunset times” in your city and set your schedule around them. The gentle light that crawls in right before the sunrise, the cool haze right around sunset… There’s a reason they call these times “golden hour.” You can banish the harsh midday shadows, stay out of the noon heat, and avoid crowds, all by following the first and last light of the day. This also allows for siesta time, and there’s no arguing with that.
While light is #1, shade is a close second!
If you have to be out shooting in the brightest times of day, never fear! There are a couple of tricks that will help you manage that sun. First, seek open shade. You know that super-bright white light that happens in photos when the sun is hitting your subject directly? That’s called “blow out” and there’s no IG filter that will ever fix it. Avoid having mixed light on your subjects so you can properly expose for the entire image. Second, use the light to your advantage. Put the sun behind your subject (whether it’s a person or the Pyramids) and use it to create beams of light and lens flare. Basically, if you have to shoot in bright daylight, own it, but make the sun work for you rather than vice versa.
TAKEN ON IPHONE 7 CAMERA, UNEDITED.
Be open to your unique surroundings!
Be open to your surroundings, look for the not-so-used path: I can’t help but feel that the people who rush from one attraction to another are missing the real heart and soul of a place—the little discreet things that guidebooks never tell you. Keep your eyes open to the things you’ve never been told to shoot. Your photos will be exponentially better.
Keep it simple!
I find that they overlap a ton with how I imagine a life well-lived: being present. Being respectful. Looking for details. Ditching the stress of doing and seeing everything. Finding your own voice and using it bravely and generously.
Clean your camera lens – phone or professional camera!
Something so simple will help the clarity and the sharpness of your images. A small soft cleaning cloth, a little lens cleaning and your all set to go!
IOS users – swipe left!
Don’t miss a shot by swiping to the left! I can’t tell you how many times I missed a moment trying to unlock my phone and get to the camera. Now there is no worries, just swipe to the left and your camera immediately is ready for your, even if your phone is locked!
TAKEN ON IPHONE 7 CAMERA, UNEDITED.
Check your focus point!
Have a bunch of friends in the photograph and your afraid you won’t get them all sharp just tap to focus! Tap the boxes that come up and you will be in focus and sharp!
Rules of third & the grid!
Need help keeping edges straight? Simply turn on the grid for your camera! Go to Settings, photo & camera, scroll down until you see grid, and tap to switch it on.
Using the grid also helps if you wish to follow the rules of third.
Back up frequently!
Don’t forget to backup, save and print! There are so many amazing ways to display some of the images you have taken.
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If you are interested in reading more on the M&S blog, check out these posts:
TIPS ON FINDING YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
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