Photographing the World Like a Pro
The Caribbean provides photographers with an exquisite
canvas on which to paint their exposures. Translucent turquoise seas, lush
tropical vegetation and exuberant, friendly people all add up to one terrific
photographic opportunity. Add to this year-round sunshine, phenomenal sunsets
and breathtaking scenery and you have what is popularly known as a
photographer's paradise.
Yet as amateur photographers the world over know, it takes a lot more than a
wonderful backdrop to create memorable travel photographs. Here are several
basic techniques that will help you improve your snapshots and enable you to
"make" rather than just "take" photos.
Move Closer to Your Subject
As Robert Capa, the famous war photographer said, "If it's not good enough,
you're not close enough." With this thought, Capa went on to create memorable
photographs that were both intimate and powerful, achieving fame with his
close-up images of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Unfortunately, Capa
went a bit too far--he was killed by a land mine while photographing the
French Indochina war for Life magazine in 1954.
While visiting the Caribbean, keep Capa's advice in mind--after all, you'll be
on friendly turf. Too often, travel photos lose impact because photographers
don't move in close enough, and the subjects end up looking like specks on the
horizon. Instead of simply lifting your camera and shooting, ask yourself if
the main subject of the proposed photograph fills a reasonable portion of the
viewfinder. If it doesn't, either move in closer, or if you have a zoom lens,
zoom in. You can add further character to your photographs by off centering the
subject. By moving in closer, your photographs will have more character and
impact.
Use a Polorizing Filter
The Caribbean really lends itself to the use of a polarizing filter, which cuts
down on light reflection. Simply twist the filter around to render the desired
effect, which you can see through the viewfinder. You'll find that turquoise
seas become an irresistible sapphire blue, puffy white clouds seem to pop right
out of the photograph, and a rainbow's colors are intensified.
Use the Light to Your Advantage
The light in the Caribbean is legendary among photographers. Sunlight can work
to your advantage when used properly at the right time of day. This holds true
for both people and scenic shots. If you're an early bird, get up before dawn
and catch the sunrise and first hour of light. At sunset, shoot an hour before
the sun goes down. You will find that lengthening shadows add a new perspective
to your photos, and the warm glow during the sunset and sunrise hours casts a
magical glow over both people and scenery. It is no wonder that photographers
and cinematographers alike call this time "the magic hour."
Reduce Camera Shake
One golden rule you should follow when you "make" any photograph is: Take a
deep breath before releasing the shutter. Not only will this help you reduce
camera shake, but it will help you to focus your mind on the subject at hand.
The Caribbean offers great opportunity to create quality travel photographs. If
you follow these guidelines, your photographs will capture the brilliant blues
of the sea, the details of the tropical foliage, the glowing sunsets and the
warm smiles of the people.
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