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FEATURE
THE ART OF CAPTURE A Guide To Travel Photography
The World is a wonderous place , each location has its own characteristics , a uniqueness that should be captured is portraying the feel of the place , it ’ s what makes a travel photograph something lasting , providing the viewer with a sense of being in that moment .
Photographs need to bring together all of the sensory loads that the composer sees at that very moment , the warm sand flecked winds of a desert , the smell of a waterfront market , the chaotic mass of a street demonstration , the love a mother has for her children . It requires the photographer to think about the situation and location to place the viewer within .
It ’ s easy to pick up a smartphone and snap a dozen photographs of a scene however almost always these are just snaps often glossed over and never to be considered an image that inspires or draws conversation . As photographers we are documenting the moment , consigning it to history , and as such a level of thought must be put into designing the image , composing , and capturing . Contemplate what drew you to the location ? A chance encounter ? Mass movement ? The setting sun ? These are all things that need to be acknowledged when creating the shot . Then there ’ s more , either at a more macro or micro level . Take the time to look or research your location .
Go to the effort to understand what it is where you are , learn some of the history , read books or travel brochures , and more importantly speak to the people . Understanding the culture is paramount , something that should be done regardless . Watch what the people are doing and gain an appreciation , this also helps to fit in without being intrusive or offensive . Considering what is acceptable goes a long way , it also helps gain access to areas that you might have thought to be off limits .
Take notes , in fact a notebook should be something that all photographers have as a part of their kit . It ’ s a great way to list first impressions , to document a sight so that you can come back at a later time after you have researched . Take as many details as you can , the feeling , the smells , the activity , the light , writing it down is a great way to remember as you will never again have the chance to recreate your first impressions .
Now that you have the notes take the time to revisit . Gain a level of knowledge of the location , again , research , find out when is the best time , as an example , markets are usually best in the morning and festivities in the evening . Take every opportunity that is presented and if you are in a group environment be prepared to distance yourself a little , a solo traveller is more approachable than a group all speaking and behaving differently to the people native to the situation .
Photographing on your own is also a chance to
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