Holiday photos not only record where you’ve been, they capture happy moments and precious memories – especially if you have children. So wouldn’t it be nice if you could make them even better? Here are seven tips to help you do just that. And remember you can take great images on your smart phone too.

All images were taken on my recent holiday with friends in Symi, Greece.

1)  Look for interesting reflections in water, and if you’re on a city break, in windows or glass constructed buildings. Think about capturing a world famous building or monument as a reflection rather than shooting the thing itself – it will add a touch of drama and creativity to your images.

2) Be prepared to get up early – even if you are on holiday! You’ll get the best light early in the morning between 6 and 8am, and in the evening between 5 and 8pm.

3) Don’t be afraid to ask. Local people, whether you’re home or abroad, are often one of the most interesting aspects of a holiday. Capture them as they go about their daily lives – but always ask first. You’ll be surprised at how many people will agree to have their photos taken. And if they say no, well, just look for another subject to photograph.

4) Look for details. If you try to capture everything in one image it could end up being cluttered and confused. For example, if you’re photographing a colourful street market, take some close ups of the produce or the stall holders – but remember – ask first! If you’re photographing a building, look for interesting architectural features such as door handles, windows, brickwork, or gargoyles.

5) Be patient when photographing children. Spending time together as a family on holiday creates precious memories for the future, that’s why it’s so important to capture it on camera.

But children can be unpredictable – even when they’re your own! So always make sure you have your camera (or smartphone) with you and that the battery is fully charged.

Have the camera set up and ready to go as you never know when your little ones will do something funny or endearing. Make eye contact with them and always get down to their level.

6) Frame your subject. Look at what you have around you – shrubbery, branches, arches, doorways, windows – and use them as frames for your subject.

7) Use your phone apps. In the first issue of Perspectives I talked about my favourite photography apps. They’re ideal for taking quick, creative shots. Take a look at the ones I recommended (http://anniearmitage.com/category/phone-apps/)

 

I hope these tips help you to capture some wonderful memories of your time away. And above all – have fun!

Annie Armitage – Photographic Artist

Annie Armitage is a photographer who specialises in producing timeless images.  As one of the top contemporary, family lifestyle photographers in the UK she produces images of pregnancy, newborn, babies of all sizes, families, teenagers (seniors), dogs and also has a commercial side to her business which is predominantly  headshots as well as formal but approachable portraits for annual reports or PR purposes and lifestyle images for SME’s portfolios and website.

 

Annie is based in Kingston upon Thames but is available for commission throughout the UK and Ireland and Internationally. Annie’s main working areas within London and Surrey are:- Kingston, Surbiton, ThamesDitton, NewMalden, Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Clapham, Battersea, Putney, Mayfair, Sloane Square, Holland Park Richmond, Barnes, Fulham, Sheen, Chelsea, Kensington, Hampton,  Twickenham, Teddington, StMargarets and throughout Surrey including Guildford, Godalming, Woking, Cobham, Weybridge, Esher, Claygate, Oxshott and Ottershaw

 

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To contact Annie about your requirements – please go to the Contact form on her website or alternatively email her at  annie@anniearmitage.com or call her on 07711 391919

All images and text are copyright Annie Armitage 2013.

All rights reserved. Please do not copy.