1. By Jonathan Gaskill Culver-Union Township Public Library June 7, 2011

2.   1- Don’t forget your camera! While many families prepare for their much deserved vacation things can get hectic. It is not uncommon for families to leave home without their digital camera or video recorder. 2- With that said- Digital Cameras are a MUST! While most people have converted from film cameras to digital cameras, some still haven’t. There are so many benefits of purchasing a digital camera, they are perfect for every family. 3- Don’t just take photos at milestones on your vacation. While its great to have the picture of your entire family in front of some great location, random pictures of your family while you are away are great. With candid pictures you will be surprised at the memories they bring back when you look at them after your vacation. 4- Take pictures of the things you see. Many people only take pictures of their children, however it is great to take pictures of the things that you come across. Pictures of buildings, statues, animals and even odd things you come across are great to look at once you are home. 5- Don’t be afraid to let your children take over! Kids can be responsible for taking some of the best pictures while you are on vacation. They often notice things that you don’t. Pictures from your child’s point of view may be a little crooked or blurred but often times they are great depictions of your vacation. 6- Don’t pose for every picture. Be honest and truthful in your pictures, it captures your behavior in the moment. There is nothing better than a picture to capture your child’s utmost excitement as they travel with you! 7- Take as many pictures as you can! While some moments may seem more important than others, the truth is every moment is important. Capturing every detail of your vacation is well worth it for the future. Your children will grow up sooner than you think. The places you go may change, and you may never have the opportunity to be there again. Treasure every moment and take pictures to remind you of what it was like while your family was there!  A picture is truly worth a thousand words and by following these few tips you are bound to take the best pictures possible while your family is on vacation.  * From http://www.parentalguide.org/vacationphototips.html Some General Tips*

3.  Content  It says everything…  What is in the background?  What is your subject?  Consider context…  What is up with this photo?

4.  Framing the Subject  Do a little composition  Don’t just line ‘em up.  Pyramid?  Consider the background.  Do you really need a head to toe shot?

5.  Backgrounds  Not too busy…  Not just space/air…  Keep it simple  Don’t obscure subject.  Watch for objects behind subject…

6.  Spot/Line  Consider horizon  Level camera  Use fixed objects to show perspective  Pick the right spot/area of emphasis  Vanishing point…  What is the matter with this photo?

7.  Emphasis/Balance  You don’t have to color coordinate, but it helps.  Don’t go overboard.  What is the point of your photo?  Have we gone too far?

8.  Composition  To get more keepers, compose your photographs  Keep it simple  Avoid busy backgrounds  Avoid point-and-shoot situations

9.  Acknowledgements Photos in this presentation were taken from http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/category/photos/vacation/ http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/category/photos/vacation/ --Outline taken from John Hedgecoe’s The Photographer’s Sourcebook

10.   Photobombing…  http://thisisphotobomb.memebase.com/tag/vacation/ One more for good measure…