We know how it is.
But hey, this is the perfect time to brush up on your photography skills.
(And if you just up the contrast on that latest cat portrait?High drama.)
Yesterday, I asked Lifehacker readers to tell me their favorite travel photography hacks.
Heres what they had to say.
Find something to steady your hands on, like a railing or table or tree or something.
- Use your body as a tripod.
If youre sitting, rest your elbows on your knees.
The further your hands are from your body, the shakier theyll be.
Another reader, Tarquin Shrapnel-Carruthers has a fantastic hack in the form of creating your own tripod beanbag.
I find I worry less about them taking the camera and running off.
Photo taking and selfies are a universal language, so dont be shy.
Do I need a flash or not?
Should I face the sun or away from the sun?
Dont over think it or stress about being there at
just
the right time.
There isnt one perfect time.
Generally the golden hour around sunrise and sunset results in pleasing light for many types of photos.
I would start there.
Also, night photos can be really nice, especially in a city.
But what about using the flash?
GregR continues:
If youre indoors, a flashlight can help.
I always have one in my little backpack anyway.
The light will reflect and diffuse into something resembling useful.
Not perfect, but may be enough to get the shot.
It can be difficult or impossible to cover one without covering the other.
Think like a pro
The 1969 Dodge Charger Guy advises that you use the Rule of Thirds.
This means that you break the photo into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, creating nine squares.
The grid this creates allows you to focus on exactly where is the most important part of the shot.
And if youre really rad, stick the subject matter way off to one corner.
This cuts down on size and weight, and requires a lot less fiddling to get good shots.
You dont need photo advice, you know what youre doing.
It turns out they can also help when light is at a premium.
GregR also advises:
Black and white can be your friend on dark photos.
Even if theres no motion blur, photos of dark scenes can be noisy/grainy.
I find black and white is more forgiving in low light because the grain is less distracting.
