Thank you Karen Fitting for these great photo tips!
Following these simple tips will not only help you have a more enjoyable vacation, but also an easier, faster time compiling the memories later for a photo album to show off your travels.
Vacation photo tip #1: Prepare. Have a system in place for capturing the memories you collect before you leave. Consider an accordion file, pre-labeled with each day of the trip, something like a coupon organizer. Pre-fill it with paper and an archival pen. Better yet, get some themed Journal Cards and colored markers. While on vacation, this stays open in the room so you can drop receipts, brochures, maps, postcards, anything picked up along the way into the proper section.
Vacation photo tip #2: Re-cap every day. Allow 15 minutes every day to jot down significant memories. Remember that funny story, places visited, how you felt doing different activities. To maximize your efficiency, use journal cards and an archival pen. Each day’s notes can be slipped into the proper section of your organizer. This can become a fun family activity with each person writing their own memory from the day.
Vacation photo tip #3: Get at least two. That’s two copies of brochures, maps, postcards, flyers, etc. One can be used to cut, tear and used while traveling as well as used in your scrapbook (if you wish). The other can be retained to help you write important things about the place or event when you return home.
Vacation photo tip #4: Photos to capture. Signs, streets, view from your hotel room, view from the pool/water back to your hotel room. I use these pictures to help me document where we have gone, activities we participated in and the place(s) we stayed. Remember to get into some of the pictures! If you can afford the photo package for your destination, it’s an easy way to get pictures of everyone.
Vacation photo tip #5: Delete. Yes, this is OK. Delete the bad pictures – the ones that do not contribute to the story. Use waiting time to delete from your device(s).
Bonus vacation photo tip: If you like to send holiday cards with family photos, consider bringing props, like Santa Hats, on vacation. These are often the best times to get the annual holiday card shot!
