Top 20 tips for...Vacation vibes

Benedict Brain explores fresh ways to make meaningful photographs that capture an authentic sense of place while you’re away on your hols

- Benedict Brain

Being on holiday and away from home can be a great way to invigorate your photography. Have you ever noticed that, when you’re on vacation, there suddenly seem to be photographic opportunities everywhere you look? The same subjects that might feel dull and ordinary at home can take on an exotic and exciting photographic allure when you’re on holiday.

Going on a summer break is also a time when you escape the tyranny of everyday existence and the day-to-day grind of work, and this too can feed the creative process. It’s certainly true that a lot of people make their most interesting work when they’re away from home.

However, being away doesn’t on its own make you a better photographer – so in this feature we’re going to explore ways to stimulate your creativity, give you food for creative thought, and help you take your photography to the next level. Wherever you are on your photographic journey, there are always ways to improve your workflow, hone your craft, and rejuvenate your way of seeing. Here you’ll discover handy skills and techniques and get an injection of ideas that are sure to help you on your creative wanderings.

Better still, some of the skills and ideas that you explore on holiday can filter back into your photography when you get home – and make you a better photographer year round! Pack a bag and let’s get started…

Be prepared