How to Plan a Trip as a Photography Enthusiast?
One of the best things about road trips is that you can create them around any theme or interest you may have. For instance, those that are interested in photography can organize their vacation around this hobby and use every stop to shoot and work on their art.
Foreign drivers that plan such a trip should bring along an international driving permit issued by InternationalDriversAssociation since you’re not legally allowed to drive without one. This document is valid for a year and it will keep you covered for most trips.
Keep Your Trip Organized
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It may sometimes seem that the best shots will be spontaneous and just happen out of the blue. However, it’s rarely the case and both photography and road trips work much better when they are planned out. Make the plans around individual shots and therefore the route will come up on its own.
Since the trip is a big part of the process your plans should also include stops needed for breaks and for filling up on snacks and on fuel. This too can be somewhat limiting when it comes to what kind of shots you can take.
Get Up Early
One of the best and easiest things to do to get the perfect shot on your road trip is to get up early and shoot as soon as the light is optimal to do so. There are many advantages to doing so. First of all, you’ll get the lighting that you otherwise couldn’t and that means a lot with photography.
It will also give you a chance to access some locations when there’s no one around and to get a peaceful and serene shot that you couldn’t when others are trying to do it.
Plan The Shot
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It’s not enough to plan the location and the timeline of your shots. You’ll also need to plan the shot itself and that often needs to be done before you’re on the set since then you may only have a few seconds to take the photo.
The composition, the lighting, and the horizon are the three most important features to consider when taking a photo outdoors and when you use nature as your scenography. Consider all the other shots you’ve seen in the same location and think how they can be improved.
Include the Road in Your Shots
One thing not to overlook during the ride is that the road itself should be a part of the shot since it’s both a good opportunity to do so and an important symbolism. The open road is such an iconic image that brings out memories and associations and it’s easy enough to find the opportunity to take such a shot.
Keep in mind that you should only try to take this shot when it’s safe to do so. There will be plenty of time to do it once you’re on an empty road.
Back-Up The Photos
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It’s important that you make sure that your photos are saved while you’re on the road. In order to stop wasting time keeping track of memory cards – it’s best to back the photos on a cloud. This can be done automatically and the photos can be easily shared across different devices.
These services can be free or they may require a small payment depending on the amount of space you need. It will also make it easier for you to organize and therefore edit the photos once your trip is over and you’re ready to work on them.
Batteries and Battery Bricks
The same goes for managing batteries and making sure that your devices are ready to shoot at all times. You should have scheduled time for charging the devices when you decide to take a break and rest from the ride. It’s also important that you’re able to charge the phone while you’re in the car.
Power bricks are therefore an essential item to bring along, on your trip. Don’t try to save on these, you’ll need the best bricks out there so that you’re sure they will charge your devices quickly and last long.
Take Lots of Photos
There are a few shots that you plan for and that are mostly determined by the tour you’re taking. However, this doesn’t mean they are the only shots you could or should take. In fact, try to document everything on your trip. Some of the best shots will come out of these attempts and not the shoots you have been planning so carefully.
Some of the photos won’t be good enough and there’s simply nothing you can do about it. It’s however always a good idea to have as many photos to discard as you can.
Polarizing Filter
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A polarizing filter will be your best friend when it comes to photos that are taken outdoors or out of your car. They will increase the saturation of the photo and its contrast. This will make the photo crisper and clearer and it will make the shapes on it pop out and remain distinct to the observer.
This effect is needed because it counterbalances the blue of the sky which is a common feature of a photo taken on the road. The same goes for photos that are taken near a river or the sea shore.
Enjoy the Trip Itself
The trip itself is just as important as the photos and you shouldn’t overlook it. It’s important that you experience and enjoy the journey while you plan and take your photographs in the process. A road trip is often the best way to learn about the country or an area because it allows you to explore it on your own terms and get to know the locals.
Don’t hesitate to go beside the route you’ve planned and to make more stops than you initially planned to. If some things draw you in don’t hesitate to explore them further regardless of your initial plans – take the chances while you’re on the road.
