1. Lighting: The term ‘Photo’ means light. Thus an image can be captured only when there is an optimum level of light reflected on the object to be photographed. Once there is a good source of light, the picture can bring out amazing results. And hence, it becomes essential to have good lighting while clicking.
2. Composition: This is the art of knowing what to include in the frame and how to. You can be as creative as possible, but the image within the frame of the picture must attract attention. An eye for detail will do the trick and this is one skill that’ll surely improve with practice. The more you click, the more you see, the more reference frames your mind gets.
3. Motion Blur: Many times, while travelling in a bus or car, an image is made, but you just cannot decipher what it contains, since it is so blurred! There is a solution to that – simply increase the shutter speed if you have an SLR(Single Lens Reflex) or use a faster speed film(400ISO) for film cameras.
4. Memory: For the digitally savvy, remember to carry along many memory cards and transfer chords (USB chords), a good number of roles if analogue.
5. Alternative camera: This is very important for adventure enthusiasts. Small, one-time-use cameras for adventurous trips like glacier climbing, river rafting, etc. prove to be reliable even where your latest state of the art camera would fail.
6. Tripods: They work as an extra, extendable pair of hands. You can attach your camera to it for basic shots for a complete family picture or explore the wonders of night photography in your favourite travel destination. Tripods come in handy the most for telephoto shots.
7. Click through the glass: For SLR cameras, it is wise to use a polarizing filter if one is taking a picture of an object through a glass door. If shooting with a compact camera, stand sideways to avoid getting a big bright white circle (bounce off-camera flashlight) as your picture!
8. Filters: Use of yellow filters on a very sunny day can give you great detail and deep tones of a beautiful sky. There are many others, keep experimenting and you’ll get better.
9. When taking photographs of people, come in close for a tight shot unless the main focus in the background. Don’t make the mistake of taking pictures of people who are 15 feet away, due to which they cannot even be recognized!
10. X-Ray: For air travellers, get your films hand-inspected as you go through security. Many times, exposure to x-ray can damage your films.
These were some basic but important tips or things that one should keep in mind while dabbling into travel photography. “Experiment and research, as much as you can. As a travel photographer, knowing your destination in every way is key to making the most out of any trip,” says Rohit and the advice also serves as a sign-off note for people to go and start clicking!
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