If you are anything like me, you like to take pictures of all of your adventures. But it is important to make sure you're LIVING in the moment and not just CAPTURING it.
Here are my top 5 tips for getting beautiful, fun images while still being fully in the moment of the adventure itself.
1. Do your research! When we go on a trip, I always try to research and find out what is in or around the area we are visiting. Is there anything historical and ancient? Beautiful viewpoints? What is the history of the area and how can we check it all out? I will literally map out a whole days' worth of events starting with breakfast, then hitting any sight-seeing spots, historical spots, museums, nature spots and such. If there are any sorts of shows going on (for example if we were visiting a ghost town and there were gun fight shows that were put on there) I find out the times so we can be there to watch. GO into it with a plan and know what you want to do.
2. Don't rush! This has to do with LIVING in the moment. For example, we went to Vegas and on the way home stopped at the Hoover Dam. Instead of just taking a pic as we went by, we stopped and took several hours exploring. We walked across it, read all the plaques, checked out the museum and gift shop, and then hiked up to the new bridge and walked across it. Take the time to really check everything out. Don't just go to one spot, snap your pic and then say ok done! You will miss out on so much doing that. Taking the time to really explore, leads to unexpected conversations with loved ones, finding cool spots you would have missed, learning something new about the area you're visiting. There are so many advantages to taking your time and really enjoying it all!
3. Know your equipment if you're taking it with you
This one is a big one! IF you are taking your equipment with you... know what lens you will be using for what and when. There is nothing worse than planning a perfect shot only to have it messed up because you used the wrong lens and had to change it and missed the moment. On the flip side of this... sometimes it's best to leave the equipment at home. At least 95% of the general population has a phone with a camera on it. Challenge yourself to use it instead of your big camera. It makes it easier to be in the moment, still capture it, and maybe learn some new tricks as well since you're using a smaller camera set up. This can be a fun way to capture your adventure without having to lug around an extra 10 pounds.
4. Trust your gut .. Depending on where you are traveling and what you are taking pictures of, make sure you are safe. Some places in the world are not as safe as they should be. Always be aware of your surroundings, do not get lulled into a sense of security. Keep your eyes and ears open and if you are in a spot or situation where your radar starts to go off telling you something isn't quite right, trust it. Better safe than sorry and no image is worth your safety.
5. Have fun!! Yes, getting that shot may be of utmost importance to you, but stop and be aware. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to even be where you are at that moment. Pinch yourself if needed, take a really good look around, and add this experience to your memory catalog. Remembering to have fun and be in the moment will help you stay relaxed and the pictures and stories you have from your adventure will be all the better for it.
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