Taking Your Best Spring Break Vacation Pictures

Spring Break Vacation is always a special, and fun time. It is understandable that you want to have special pictures to remember this special time.

Several years ago, when I bought my first camera, the pictures that I took were not very good. I realized that there was so much that I didn't know about photography, so I took a class at the community college, and read absolutely everything that I could get my hands on about taking really great pictures. After all this reading and study, I could put in a nutshell the tips that help me the most, in taking what I consider to be really great pictures. I feel, that if you use these tips, they will help you out as much as they did me.

1. You need a camera. Digital cameras are really nice to have because you can save so much money on the developing, and you can take lots of pictures and then decide which ones to keep; plus the view-finder on a digital is nice. They are not necessary though. There have been times that I forgot my camera, so I went to a local store and bought a disposable. They take good pictures; especially if you follow these tips.

2. Think of yourself as an artist. An artist will take the time to "set-up" his/her pictures, and you should too. If you are taking a "still," add a prop or two if necessary. If you are taking a picture of friends or family that your are vacationing with, take the time to position well. A few props and "silly" shots can make these pictures quite special, and fun. Don't be afraid to bring everyone close, and let the spirit of the moment shine through.

3. Keep the background of the picture as simple as possible. If the background for the "subject" of the picture is too busy, it will be harder to focus on the subject. Remember, keep it simple.

4. Make sure you use the right ISO. I won't go into detail as to exactly what this means, but basically it is the film speed. If you're using a digital camera, the camera will adjust automatically, but most digitals will allow you to adjust manually. If using a regular camera, it is important that you use the right film. There are three speeds commonly used.

100 - great for close-ups and stills

400 - for slow to medium movement. This film is used for most indoor and outdoor pictures.

800 - This speed has greater flexibility in different lighting situations, and is perfect for sporting and action pictures.

5. If taking a scenic picture, try to combine some forground in with the scene. This will give greater depth to the picture.

6. Don't always put the subject smack in the center. Sometimes it gives a unique touch to pictures when you put the subject off center.

7. Don't be afraid to turn your camera. It won't hurt it. Sometimes you can't always fit into the frame, everything that you want in the picture. Turn the camera so that the picture will be vertical. I started doing this when taking pictures of my family at the beach. I wanted the beach, the ocean and the sky in the picture at the same time, and the only way to do this was to take a vertical shot. Try it; it works great.

8. Always use the flash. This helps to eliminate dark shadows on the face, even in the sunlight.

9. Take your picture on the same level as subject/s. If you are taking pictures of your friends or family on your Spring Break vacation, put yourself on the same level. If they are sitting or kneeling, then so should you. It gives a more natural, and relaxed look.

10. Keep camera still. It is very hard sometimes not to jerk the camera when clicking the shutter button, and it's something that I have a hard time with; so I invested in a couple of tripods. I have a tall one for scenes and group shots, and a small one that folds up and goes in my camera bag.

Taking a lot of good pictures will help you to enjoy your Spring Break vacation for many years to come. Happy picture taking, and have fun!