Being a Tourist

Taken by Sara Zevallos

What everyone hates the most about taking pictures in touristy areas are the crowds of people. Who are they? Where are they coming from? Why here out of the thousands of places in the world? It’s for the same reason as yours, travel and discovery.  If you are currently enjoying spring break or already making plans for summer ‘18, you know that wherever you go, you’re going to be taking pics. Whether your adventures will be documented on the gram or snap, your always going to strive for those best shots.

Taken by Sara Zevallos

     Rarely, you’ll find corners or empty areas of space where you’ll find little to no people and these are the best places to take pictures of your friends/family. These types of backgrounds may not be your plan A photo spots, but at least they are in the same location. Also, these photos would have their own uniqueness in comparison to the popular angles that everyone takes and posts on their holiday cards.

    When taking pictures of objects, such as buildings, monuments, sculptures, landscapes etc., try to angle your phone or camera looking upwards. By this action, the lense is focusing above instead of below where people are easily seen.

 

Taken by Cameron Boyle

       Most importantly, enjoy your trip and do not constantly focus on taking photos and posting on to social media. Social media can really be a waste of time when adventuring in a new place. Embrace the different culture around you and put your phone down, not everything needs to be documented. If this is your first time in some place new, put your phone and camera more often.

Taken by Sara Zevallos

Don’ts:

• Stop and take photos in the middle of a walkway for longer than 2 seconds. This is such an inconvenience to people who are walking and trying to get to places.
• Also when taking those photos, do not stand feet away from your shot.
• Using flash when told to not use flash (there is always that one person, smh).

Do’s:

• Ask other people nearby to help you take group photos. Don’t be shy, people are nice!
• Find secluded areas like streets or alleyways that are just as beautiful.
• Take public transport, rent a car and go out into the local side of town or maybe out of town. Not everything needs to be shot in the heart of the city.
• Plan what time of day in advance. Nighttime is totally different from daytime.