Holiday Photos
By Heather Hapeta
Do you, like me, hate that F word? Photographers use it such a lot! All I ever wanted was to record my trip. All I wanted was to have my memories enhanced by colourful images - a visual diary. But they keep using the ‘f’ word.
Call me an innocent if you like, but I don't even know what that 'f' word means! Books that use that word are too confusing for me. I needed clear, simple instructions - not words like apertures, shutter speeds, filter or f-stops.
Like you, I assume, all I want is to produce snapshots that produce those envious 'oohs and aahs' sounds from friends and family.
My trusty PHD camera and I have combined to create photos like that. For the uninitiated, a PHD camera is a simple one, (unlike the university PhDs that take forever to attain) only requiring me to Push Here Darling.
This camera takes great photos as long as I obey some of the lessons I've learnt during my travels: usually discovered by wasting money developing photos of headless friends, my fingers, and distant, anonymous scenery … isn’t the digital camera great the way you can get rid of those boo-boos with the press of the delete key?
So, how can you create those green-with-envy "wish I was there" comments from friends and family: how can you bring great photos home from your holiday.
First the basics: if you are still on film - load it correctly, and for everyone, keep your fingers off the lens AND take the lens cover off.
Over the years I have changed from an enthusiastic amateur to someone who has my photos accompany my articles in publications around the world - still using my PHD. So on that basis I offer these tips that I know will work for you as they do for me . . .
- Keeping your camera handy is vital as some of my best shots I missed! (However, this did ensure they have stayed in my mind in perfect colour and form)
- Filling the whole frame with the subject adds impact and close-ups are great.
- Eliminate the unessential, cut out the clutter, and don’t try to grab it all. Concentrate on one small area rather than the whole image you eye can see.
- Balance the camera on a fence, table, or other solid object if you are unsteady. Leaning against a post helps reduce camera shake.
- Early morning and late afternoon has the most favourable light, avoid midday if you can…although many computer programmes can correct lighting.
- Simple blocks of bright colour can make bold, interesting statements.
- Contrasting or complimentary colours always look great.
- Look at other peoples photos, (in magazines, exhibitions, etc) see what works, what catches your eye
- Vertical shots are great for height and portraits
- Horizontal ones are good for getting some background
- Hold camera at an angle for fun shots
- Have the subject lean on something, or have their weight on one leg for a natural pose
- Use a background that enhances the subject
- Balance the picture; rarely have the subject in the centre
- Take a series of photos; funny signs, a water theme, doors, faces, women working
- Use something to frame the subject, a tree trunk and branch, a door, a window
Travel always sharpens awareness of my surroundings; the different, the unusual and it is these things, the view of a new eye that makes great photos.
I take many photos during my first few days in another country, a different culture. We adapt quickly to the differences and then photos quickly revert to being a mere record of our travels, so takes heaps of photos of what is so different, so interesting to your eye.
The photos accompanying this were taken in New Zealand and Malaysia: great memories for me but interesting photos for others too.
