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The main principle in Photoshop is understanding Layers, Layer Masks, Effects, Adjustment Layers, and Smart Objects. Find out more fundmental tips for Photoshop here.
Finally, not exactly a travel photo tip but equally as important. Storing the only version of your photos on the memory card in your camera while you’re travelling is asking for trouble. Cameras are prime targets for theft. Ideally, you should always have two copies of your images on separate external storage devices and keep them in separate locations. If you don’t want to carry a laptop and external drives you can upload your images to online backup and storage facilities (whenever internet connection is possible), which provide an easy way to add a high level of security to protecting your precious travel photos.
The ability of light to transform a photo from the ordinary to the extraordinary is one of the most powerful tools at the photographer’s disposal.. The keys to the right light are its colour, quality and direction. As you settle on a potential subject, note where the light is falling and if it enhances your subject. There is an optimal time of day to photograph everything, so you may want to wait or return at another time if you can’t find a viewpoint that works. As a rule of thumb, most subjects are enhanced by the warm light created by the low angle of the sun in the one to two hours after sunrise and before sunset, so plan to be at the most important places early or late in the day.
Make sure your photographs have a clear point of interest. This is usually the thing that caught your eye in the first place and should be the element around which your composition is based. Focus carefully on the subject to ensure it is sharp and aim to place it away from the centre of the frame. Don’t assume that your eye level or the first place from where you see your subject is the best viewpoint. A few steps left or right, going down on one knee or standing on a step can quickly improve a composition.
There’s no better way to learn shooting DSLR for travel photography than getting out there and doing it. Planning and executing a shoot in your own city is a great way to practise your research skills, test your camera equipment, perfect your technique, develop your eye and get a feel for changing light. As a bonus, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh insight into your home town. You’re sure to see it in a different light, literally, and to discover subjects and places you didn’t know about.
Research and planning go a long way to getting you to the right place at the right time. You’ll want to ensure you have enough time to cover all the important sights, as well as extra time to explore lesser known subjects and to experience the daily life of the people. Most importantly, check out the dates of special events such as festivals, public holidays and weekly markets. The spectacle, colour and crowds that are the hallmarks of these special days provide so many great photo opportunities that it’s well worth planning your trip around them.
No matter what camera you use, make sure you play around and get to know the ISO, shutter speed and aperture controls so that the mechanics of taking a photograph become second nature. You’ll then be able to concentrate on, and enjoy, the creative side of travel photography. When you come across interesting subjects and great lighting, you’ll have a much better chance of capturing those fleeting moments and expressions that make unique images.
