Travelers get to experience so many new things: food they’ve never even heard of, a picturesque castle off in the distance, new friendships with fellow travel companions. It can be overwhelming at times, a sort of sensory overload. That’s why a camera, or video camera, is so handy- it allows you to keep the memories. Here’s how to best record the special moments you have while traveling.
Capture the good stuff
Pictures tell a thousand words, even the obligatory selfie. If you’re not a professional photographer, you can still get some great pictures. The key is, don’t just point and click, think about what you’re shooting first. One of my favorite tips is to never take a photograph with the sun directly behind you as it creates a boring, flat light on the subject. Instead, if you shoot with a light source to the side, or behind the subject, you can create a more interesting photo.
Another fun way to preserve the memories of a great trip is to take a bunch of selfies. Yes, I know, the picture of choice for prepubescent teens, but there’s something to it. Take a selfie in front of various landmarks, and slightly change your facial expression in each one. Afterwards, you can collect them all together and use it as a flip book effect. It’s neat flipping through the photos as your face starts off solemn, then slowly turns into a grin, all while the background changes to show off the places you’ve been.
Film the experiences
A video fleshes out where you’ve been, it tells more of a story than a photograph. That being said, you’re not going to want to watch a 10 minute video of you walking down a street. The best way to use a video camera is when you first experience new things or places, think of it as a diary. You can capture the feeling of walking into that beautiful church, or how you feel when you step out of the train into a new country. Videos tell stories, so make sure to tell yours.
Simply put, traveling is fun. You get to experience new cultures, see new, interesting things, and meet new people. So go ahead and start making those memories.
