"Photography in vacations: Mastering techniques for capturing perfect shots when the sun sets"
Taking Flattering and Artistic Travel Selfies with a Smartphone
In the age of social media, capturing stunning travel selfies has become a must for many. To create flattering and artistically appealing selfies, it's essential to focus on composition, lighting, background, and camera settings, as advised by Judy Hohmann, a specialist from "c't Fotografie" magazine.
Composition
The rule of thirds is a fundamental principle in photography. To apply it, position yourself a third from the top or side of the frame, placing your eyes or face accordingly. For full-body shots, try placing yourself slightly left or right instead of centred to create dynamic photos. Use the phone’s grid overlay to guide framing.
Time of Day
Shoot during the golden hour - shortly after sunrise or before sunset - when natural light casts a warm, soft glow that flatters skin tones and adds artistry. Avoid harsh midday light, which can create unflattering shadows.
Background Selection
Choose backgrounds that complement your subject without clutter. Use natural elements, architectural features, or interesting textures. For creative framing, you can use elements like car windows or mirrors for artistic effects in travel selfies.
Camera Settings
Use your phone’s rear camera instead of the front camera for better image quality and less lens distortion. Tap to focus on your face and adjust exposure manually by sliding up or down on the screen to avoid over- or underexposed selfies. Enable HDR mode for better detail in high-contrast scenes.
Additional Tips
Use a tripod or stabilizer with a remote shutter or timer for steady shots and to experiment with multiple poses without needing to hold the phone. Play with angles - shoot slightly above eye level to enhance facial features. Incorporate personal style with accessories or clothing to express personality.
Taking photos when the sun is low is practical because there are usually fewer people around at that time. To make oneself less prominent in the photo, consider sitting down instead of standing in front of an attraction, for example on a bench opposite the smartphone with the activated self-timer. One-color walls, the sea, or simple backgrounds can make a person come off better in a picture. A chaotic background can ruin a picture, especially when there is a main motif like a person.
Remember, regular backups of photos are necessary to prevent loss. You can do this via cloud services like Google Photos, Onedrive, or Dropbox, or manually with an external hard drive. Evaluating photos and deleting unsuccessful ones is useful, as it prevents a data flood.
By following these tips, you can create travel selfies that are both flattering and artistically appealing. Happy snapping!
[1] ct.de/fotografie [2] Judy Hohmann, c't Fotografie [3] Digital Photography School [4] Your Article Title Here [5] PetaPixel
While capturing travel selfies, utilize the rule of thirds for composing your shot, placing yourself a third from the top or side of the frame. (Composition)
To create a flattering and artful selfie, shoot during the golden hour when natural light casts a warm, soft glow. (Time of Day)
