5 EASY STEPS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Understand Lighting

The KEY to any good picture is GREAT Lighting!

I prefer NATURAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING.

If you take pictures with the light from the sun on the back of your subject, it will cast a shadow on their face. This deepens the appearence of under eye circles, wrinkles, and fine lines.

You want the sun in front of your subject. This helps to smooth our their skin and add a natural glow.

However, the light should not be too harsh, or else the person will appear over or like someone threw a bucket of chicken grease on their face (oily), and not in a good way.

2. Less of You is More

Sure you are in the picture, but this shot is about more than you. It is about your environment, your outfit, and it is about conveying the magic of your experience in one shot.

So STEP BACK a few feet, try to include more of the background to tell a deeper story.

3. Rule of Thirds

Placing the subject to the side of an image can make it more interesting and appealing to the viewer.

Having the subject right in the middle of the picture can also look good, but it should be intentional and after you've analyzed how that positioning coordinates with the environment.

4. Frame your subject

Look for arches, columns, and other things in the background that can be used to surround your subject, while also drawing attention to the fact that they are the focal point.

5. Look for Color

Colors add a pop, they make photos more interesting and appealing to the eye.

However, also consider whether the colors in the image are cohesive. Do the colors have a cool or warm tone? Are they primary or secondary colors?

This wheel might help. Colors right next to each other and directly across from one another tend to mix well. However, use your best judgement and don't be afraid to be bold.

---

Now get to work! Move your feet! And photograph with intentionality!

Amarachi. Ama. Amalive.

Note: All pictures taken on iPhone 6S and edited in Lightroom CC (the iPhone app)