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Photo-taking tips for your next vacation [Aiken Standard, S.C. :: ]
[July 02, 2014]

Photo-taking tips for your next vacation [Aiken Standard, S.C. :: ]


(Aiken Standard (SC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 02--A majestic bird soars above you as you stand on the mountain's top. A bright fish jumps by your boat as you sail onto the lake. The sun sets as you sit on the shore's sand.

No matter the moment -- all can be captured.

This summer, be you on a cruise, at a theme-park or on the coast, make sure to have your camera handy for all the moments that await.

To assist are tips by area photographers Chris Lydle of Chris' Camera Center and Dave "D.S." Owens of Mind's Eye Photography.

Lydle has worked with photography and cameras for more than 50 years.

For the last 40 years, he has owned and operated Chris' Camera Center.

"I bought a traditional Mom-and-Pop camera store in Northern New Jersey on April Fools' Day in 1974. I grew and prospered during the hey-day of film, added one-hour labs, thought I was quite a hot shot," Lydle said via a release. "In 1999, we moved to Aiken and almost immediately -- three months later, to be exact -- opened Chris' Camera Center South from scratch." Owens has been with the craft for more than 40 years.



He self-taught himself digital photography around 11 years ago.

Below are some of their photo-taking advice.


--Know your equipment. An intermediate photographer might bring along various lens, reflectors and a tripod. The everyday photographer might just have a cellphone or a digital camera. No matter what you are using, study it before your trip. Read through your instruction manual. Take a class. Test out different subjects and different lighting. Play with the settings and effects.

That way, when you do run across a photo-worthy moment, you will feel more confident in taking the shot.

"You should concentrate on the picture rather than the camera settings," Owens said. "Otherwise, you might miss the shot." --Double-check your equipment. While packing, make sure all your items are working. Is your battery low? Is your memory card almost full? To avoid any of this from happening while you are away, bring an extra battery and, perhaps, an extra memory card. Carry both with you while you are out.

At the very least, bring your battery charger and have a way to unload photos off your memory card.

--Make sure equipment is clean. A dirty lens can impair your vision while taking the photo.

--Always use a flash, even when outside.

"The colors look brighter and more cheerful," Lydle said.

This is most recommended when taking photos of people.

Since "the sun is so harsh this time of year," it is also advised to have your subject look away from the sun. The camera's flash can help you illuminate her face instead.

--Look where and how you are shooting. Set-off your subject to either the right or the left. Then have him facing inward toward the center.

Placing a subject right in the middle can be distracting to the photo's viewer, Owens said.

Also, "be conscious of your background," Owens said. The background's subject matter can influence your final product.

--Pick unique spots. While on your trip, explore local places.

"Local people and eateries make great road travel photography so keep your eyes open for the unfolding of what will surely be that perfect picture," Lydle said via the store's website.

--You can never take too many photos.

"You might have one out of 20 to 30 shots that's a keeper," Owens said.

___ (c)2014 the Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.) Visit the Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.) at www.aikenstandard.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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