Hey y’all! Spring Break season is upon us! If you’re going wheels up on you’re next adventure read through these tips to help you capture your trip and remember it forever.

To take these tips and 2 more with you on the go by downloading this cheatsheet I created for you to keep handy on your phone!

1.) Take The Photo From Above

These photos are some of my favorites because they show a different perspective. I don’t currently use a drone so I look for a balcony up high or rooftop restaurant to take the photo from.

2.) Focus on Details

It’s all in the details when you’re trying to tell a story. I love using details in my photography because I’m drawn to a more “photojournalistic” approach. The photo above was take when our family visited Sanibel Island which happens to be covered in seashells. Adding this to the album helped us remember our time picking seashells and how the beach was covered in them!

3.) Capture Candid Moments

Be a better storyteller with your camera by anticipating moments before they happen. These types of photos are my all time favorite because they show real life, not the cheesy posed photos. (Although I still have my family do those because whats a family vacation without a few in front of landmarks, am I right?!)

4.) Don’t always put your subject in the center

You may or may not have heard about the rule of thirds but I’m sure you’ve seen a photo where the subject is on one side of the frame, right? This is called the rule of thirds and many people like to use it because its visually appealing.

Check out this article to read more about the rule of thirds concepts.

5. ) Lines, Lines, Lines

Lines help to lead the viewer through the photo to the subject. See how the sidewalk lines lead your eyes to the Deegan? I like to use tlines on sidewalks, horizon lines leading to palm trees (like I did above in the rule of thirds photo) and shorelines when we are vacationing.

6. ) Consistent Editing

Consistent editing will help your photos have a similar vibe, grouping them together easier. This looks so much better on blogs, facebook posts and albums! My favorite editing apps on my phone are Filmborn and Lightroom. On my computer I use Lightroom and the Mastin Labs presets.

7.) Get in the Photo

Stop worrying about what you look like, your body is perfect, your windblown hair is sexy and there is always sunglasses to cover those mascara smudges under your eyes. You’re going to look back one day and wish you looked this good so just get in the photo! Your kids and grandkids will love looking back on these photos!

8.) Do your research

When you are heading somewhere new, research landmarks or unique photo locations! A 10 min location scout can make for one of your most favorite photos. It pays to do your research ahead of time!

Don’t bring all of your equipment and protect what you do bring – sand is a nightmare to remove from camera equipment. Trust me, I learned this one the hard way! To see what equipment I use click here. For vacation, I usually only bring my 35mm lens and Canon Mark IV.

If you don’t have a camera, use your phone! You can enable to the grid on your camera to help with creating lines and nailing that rule of thirds photo.

Lastly, have fun! Photography is so fun, use your inner artist to get creative capturing your trip!

Leave a comment below to share with me where you are vacationing to!