HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY MEMORABLE WITH BETTER PICTURES

There is no doubt that New Zealand is a photographer’s paradise. Every road presents a jaw-dropping opportunity for a stunning shot. With a few easy tips and tricks, you can turn the best moments into life-lasting memories. If you are one of those rare people who do not own a phone, this article might not be of interest, however, to everyone else, we are here to help capture the magic moments of your holiday!

MAGIC HOUR

Forget worrying about the light, nature has its own mood setting that is impossible to beat. An hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset are called the magic hour for a reason. The pink, red, yellow, orange, and blue colours of the sky will look incredible whether you’re a skilled photographer or not. 

MOVEMENT

Motion equals emotion. Even if you’re only trying to take a simple picture with the landscape behind you, show some movement! Get your arms (and legs?) up in the air, move your body in silly poses, and pretend to be an animal or a tree. These will be the most precious moments to remember, and they will always put a smile on your face when you look back. 

THE RULE OF THIRDS

This is the only professional photographer’s tip you will ever need to know. Imagine your photograph split into three parts, both horizontally and vertically. Now position your main focus point along those points where the imaginary lines intersect. This simple trick will take your photographs to a whole new level. 

NEW PERSPECTIVE

Every tourist can stand up and point a camera straight in the middle. Why not squat or lie on the floor? The same view photographed thousands of times by hundreds of people will look a lot different and way more interesting. Alternatively, find something you can climb on and get a higher perspective. 

LOOK UP

This is our most simple and favourite tip. It applies not only to photography but also to everyday life. Once in a while, remember to stop and look up. Whether to capture a moment or just to see the world from a new perspective. You’ll be surprised by your discoveries. 

WHEN IN THE WOODS

Pointing your camera at the sun in bright daylight might not produce the best results. However, that’s an exception if you are in the forest. Position yourself so that the light shines through the trees, especially if the sun has started going down, you are guaranteed some incredible images. 

CAPTURE THE MESSY MOMENTS

There’s nothing wrong with having your gallery full of landscape pictures. However, your trip is made of so many little moments. Are you picking logs for the campfire? Is everyone pitching in when cooking dinner? How about making that cup of coffee in the morning? Capture these moments, and you will be taken aback whenever you want to feel like you are on holiday again. 

ROCKS ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Even if you own a tripod, sometimes that extra weight can feel unbearable on a hike. As always, nature comes to the rescue. Find a solid, stable rock, or build a little fortress for your phone or camera. Set the timer, and off you go. Remember to pull some silly poses and funny faces!

GET INSPIRED

With so many ‘must-see’ attractions, there are plenty of photographs of these iconic places. Have a look at how others have captured the landscape and try to mimic it yourself. 

LET’S PLAY A GAME

If you’re travelling with other people, it might be rare to capture everyone together in a single picture. If you feel a bit daunted by the idea of constantly asking other people to take your group photos, turn it into a game! Did someone lose at a game of cards? They can find a stranger to take a group photo! Did the designated driver take a wrong turn by accident? Make this task his punishment. You will not only have stories to tell but also pictures to remember them by. 

THE PERFECT PRESENT 

With all these tips and tricks, you are guaranteed to have some amazing photographs. Now, let’s put them to some good use! Why buy some unoriginal souvenirs when you can make your own? You can order prints, keychains, mugs or anything else that you come up with. The personal touch and the story behind it will be greatly appreciated by your friends and loved ones when you get back home. 

The best news is you do not have to be a professional photographer to capture the most magic moments of your holiday. Feel free to tag us on your holiday pics with your ute and inspire even more people to join us in this magical journey of life by travelling!