70 per cent of project already sold out within a week during the project’s soft launch
It's important to take note of the surroundings and, sometimes, the best picture comes from not being afraid to experiment with angles. Think Eiffel Tower from the bottom up. Pay attention to lines and layout of the frame to make use of every element around you. A literal picture of the same landmark can become redundant. Get your subject to interact in a fun or interesting way within the frame. Tell a story and take multiple shots, as a simple eye roll or hand movement can make the photo unusable.
Usually, a sign of a good photographer comes from composition. Photography 101 says to always consider "The Rule of Thirds": visualise your photo getting split vertically into three frames and position the subject either on far left or far right. Putting the subject at the centre is considered amateur photography and is avoidable. A pro tip: ask your partner about the exact framing they're looking for by taking the frame first. Alternatively, you can ask them to share references from Instagram or Pinterest to understand the style of photography they are looking for.
Getting the right lighting can flatter or ruin an image - remember those red eyes? Overhead lighting is usually a "no-go". Natural lighting is the best option with an emphasis on the 'Golden Hour', a period right before sunrise or sunset during which the sunlight is softer and warmer than when the sun is higher in the sky. Another option is the 'Blue Hour', a period during twilight, when the light is evenly diffused. Both options make for great photos that require little or no editing.
Speaking of editing, there has been somewhat of a backlash recently over images that use heavy filters as they ruin the authenticity of the actual subject/scene. The hashtag #nofilter has risen in popularity to promote a more realistic approach to portraying ourselves and our settings. However, in order to enhance our photos, some light editing is acceptable. Remember to keep it real when editing the highlights, shadows, vibrancy, and, of course, skin blurring.
Be the voice of reason
We all want to get that perfect shot and are willing to go to extreme lengths to get them in order to stand out and get those comments and likes. Trekking to hard-to-reach locations, staying out later at night to avoid crowds, waking up before sunrise, or enduring uncomfortable conditions to get a better shot are just a few examples. While we can be focused on taking the best travel shots, it is important not to forget ensuring peace of mind. Be that voice of reason for your loved ones and remind them of the importance of taking out travel insurance to protect not just their equipment but also themselves from any harm. That is the surest way of being the best Instagram partner and to always get those picture-perfect moments that you've been looking forward to taking back home.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
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