Unlike earlier generations that kept pictures to the last,
used films to capture moments, waited for nature to light the shot and
eventually for days to print and enjoy those moments, today's digital
generation think about pictures before they plan their vacation. And technology
has not only made it easier to take pictures, but also increased our urge to take pictures making us compete at the speed of light,
review and repeat till we are satisfied.
The truth is that someone's vacation pictures often inspire
us to make our plans and aspire for something better. The second truth is that
today's generation is fixated on making a statement of their life and happiness
through pictures on social media.
As a result, even before we let our brains absorb and
enjoy the beauty, aesthetics and grandeur of the place, we pull out our cameras
to digitally capture and instantly share them on Facebook and Instagram. From
then on, we often check on the likes and shares to judge if our vacation was
worthy enough, inspired people or made them jealous than enjoy the
vacation.
So, how does the self-obsessed generation click and share best
vacation pictures with all these distractions?
Begin your journey
with Google
Through our extensive usage we've transitioned Google from a
noun to verb. From answering our search queries, giving us a digital view of
the place, to 3D mapping, Google has become a digital genie enriching our
lives. A simple search on Google reveals a million pictures of Taj Mahal and
flicking through the library gives you an idea for possible angles, views, best
time to capture, etc.
Explore with Google
Maps
All roads may lead to Rome, but only certain roads are
scenic and offer unabated views. The first time I was on Avenue Kleber à Paris,
I came to a standstill at the intersection of Rue de l'Amiral Hamelin when I
spotted man-made marvel. Nobody told me that I Eiffel Tower plays a peek-a-boo
between the old buildings on Rue de l'Amiral Hamelin. Similarly, the sunrise
view from Pont Alexandre lll and a ride on Metro 6 between Tour Eiffel and Bir Hakim
stations brings out the beauty of both River Seine and Eiffel Tower. So, before
you set out to visit, explore possible routes that can add beauty to your
pictures and earn you distinction.
Best shots at sunrise
or sunset?
When I landed at Ankor Wat after my breakfast, I discovered
that the monument faces the West. It was a long trek to get there and I didn’t
go without taking a picture. I played around with my DSLR for quite some time
to capture a shot and I ended up with a silhouette despite overexposing the
background. Had I checked on Google Maps for direction of the monument, I could
have scheduled my visit towards early afternoon to get best shots of the ornate
facade.
Check out postcards
at local gift shops and bookstores
Over the years, I've gotten wise. When I went to Barcelona to
enjoy Gaudi's architecture, I visited a bookstore to look at postcards at
display. Pictures on postcards are often taken by experts and it inspires
people like me with ideas of all possible shots, angles and approaches to explore
Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and other monuments.
Time your visit
Sometimes people add beauty to pictures, while at other
times crowds can kill your picture. Timing your visit is crucial to capture the
right mood and ambience. I skipped visiting Tsukiji Market in Tokyo in the wee
hours, a busy time when whales are auctioned and later realized that dynamic
crowds around dead mammals are best shots to capture.
Hope you find my mistakes and tips helpful in capturing stunning
pictures on your next trip and multiplying your followers on social media.
Coming next: 5 days in Paris (must-see places, picturesque spots, best time to visit and take pictures and more...)
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