Reel In Treasured Art From Family Vacation Photos

by Baines Kinnison

2010-05-25 13:05:32

Every summer, thousands flock to foreign and domestic hotspot destinations around the world to enjoy all of the sites and leisure that await in tropical paradises, theme parks, natural wonders and far-away cultures. The photos you take have the potential to be the building blocks for eye-catching art that will dial up vivid conversations, memories and experiences at a mere glance. Keep these tips in mind and visit the digital artists at CanvasPress.com to get your best family vacation shots transformed into memorable artwork and living room masterpieces.

Take kid pictures first.
When you first visit an attraction or landmark, immediately pick out a spot with a good background and take your photos of the kids. Your children may be adorable upon arrival each morning but after hours of walking in the sun and climbing over every object in their path, they'll be intensely less photogenic and far less interested in your documentation efforts.

Distractions.
Avoid photos with lots of other people in the background. They're a distraction to the image and won't be as appealing as artwork on your wall. A crowd will also depersonalize your photo. Wait for a clear space or try a new angle. You'll be glad you did.

Going abroad.
Experience the locals. Travel studies show that most Americans visit the sights but avoid meeting the people while on vacation. The locals will know everything that the brochures and maps do not, not to mention that you may just end up having dinner with some interesting new friends. Those memories will be just as special as the photographs you took of the sights, if not more. So, be sure to get good pictures with your new pals.

Know your camera.
The higher the resolution of the image, the bigger you can blow up your photo on canvas and still get a sharp, crisp image. The right settings and keeping it steady by using surrounding architecture or a tripod will get the best results. If you're shooting photos underwater be sure you're using a better than average, water-friendly camera. Many of them aren't as waterproof as you may think.

Think of your vacation as a story that can be told.
Document places and experiences with multiple shots. If you're walking through a castle in Ireland, don't just get a shot of the castle. Tell the story of your visit to the castle by taking multiple shots that show the beginning to the end of each experience. These will make for an excellent collage. Canvas Press can arrange any number of photos into a single collage or even multi-panel collage.

• Start with an introduction. Get an overhead shot of the castle grounds from a tower or shot approaching the front gate.
• The action. Whenever safely possible, take images that show your family interacting with the surroundings. This will bring life to otherwise standard snapshots and show “THIS is what we were doing here.” Maybe there's a spot where you can place the camera for a timed shot that features you and the family. Get involved with as many photos as possible. Snap a preview to see where you'll fit in and if the light and camera setting is ideal.
• A unique perspective. It's a good idea to try different angles and perspectives on the family and the objects they encounter during your trip. Find an interesting element that you can zoom in on and snap a close-up of. For example, close in on a special feature at the castle like a chandelier or shiny goblet.
• Finale. Every story has an end and unfortunately, so do vacations. Look for a chance to show the 'end' of the trip...leaving out of the giant gates or crossing the mote. Shaking hands with the tour guide. Be creative and don't fear asking a local to snap a shot. Just don't take your shoes off and climb in the fountain...Good talk, Russ.

In all seriousness, don’t be afraid to ask someone to take a picture for you. Ask another group of tourists and do them a favor by taking their group or family shot as well. Also look for people who have a camera similar to yours, they’ll know what to do when you hand it to them and they might not cut your heads off in the process.

Transform Your Memories On Canvas by having them printed and preserved on canvases to make exceptionally beautiful wall hangings that will never fade. Whether you're using raw film or a digital source, Canvas Press can create dynamic artwork on a canvas. Even your old vacation images can be brought back to life and added in for a collage.