Summertime is in full swing, which means people are still enjoying their annual summer vacations. After all, 68% of Americans alone plan to embark on a summer getaway just this year.
Of course, summer vacays are about more than just swimming, delicious food, and fun adventures. In fact, they’re one of the best ways to enjoy family time and memories in the form of photos.
These days, everyone is intent on photographing everything. But that doesn’t change the fact that families have been taking pictures during summer vacations for years. From the Polaroid to the digital to the camera phone, people have more opportunities to snap photos than ever before. But the truth is, despite increased accessibility, advanced technology, and an overwhelming number of editing software options, people still get it wrong.
If you want to look back on your summer vacation and feel as though you’re actually there again, avoid these 5 vacation photography mistakes.
1. Bringing Too Much Equipment
It’s not just that bringing too much equipment quickly turns into a pain – because you have to carry it all around – it’s that when you bring all your most expensive camera accessories you risk breaking.
Having to focus on where your stuff is at all times, setting up to get the “perfect shot” of your kids splashing around, and then lugging it back to the car takes away from the moment.
You’d be much better off having one of the best Pentax cameras around and enjoying the time spent with family and friends.
2. Forgetting the Essentials
Okay, you don’t want to bring every piece of camera equipment you own with you on your summer vacation. But you definitely don’t want to forget the essentials like:
- Memory cards
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Camera case
The best way to avoid forgetting these things (and trust us, it happens all the time) is to make a list before you pack. Then, write out each individual item and check it off the list as you pack it.
3. Forgetting About the People
You’d be surprised at how easy it is to forget to include the people you’re on vacation with into your vacation photos. After all, if you’re in a beautiful place you’ve never been before, the scenery can be captivating.
But travel is not all about the places you visit; who you spend your time with is just as important.
Make sure to include people in the forefront of that beautiful scenery while snapping photos. It’ll make for more memorable stories later on when recalling the best summer vacation you ever took.
Is it just you and your partner on vacation? Check out these helpful tips for taking couple photos.
4. Not Having Your Camera Ready
If you want to make sure you capture every amazing moment during your summer vacation, don’t bury your camera at the bottom of your backpack.
The last thing you want to do is miss a picture perfect moment because you’re not ready. Luckily, small camera phones, which are not to be underestimated, fit right in your pocket and are accessible in a moment’s notice. And if you opt to bring a bigger camera, there are plenty of camera straps and easy to carry bags that make it easy to grab it in an instant.
5. Having Zero Variety
No matter what you’re taking a picture of, remember, variety is the spice of life. Try taking photos from different distances, at different angles, and even at different times of the day to capture an assortment of experiences. When you look back on those pictures long after the vacation is over, you’ll be happy you did.
And there you have it! 5 easy to avoid mistakes all rookie photographers risk making while on summer vacation. Just remember, pictures are great, but only if the company you’re with is better!