whether you're headed out of town with

the "nice camera" that's been collecting dust in your closet or the iPhone that rarely leaves your pocket, harnessing available light is what will make this year's vacation photos even better than last year's!


As you'll hear me say many times, photography is "painting with light" so if you can wrap your mind around this singular concept as you are out and about, I guarantee that you'll be in for a treat when you come home and sort through your images.


Here are a few simple adjustments you can make before you snap your next vacay photo (featuring some of the first photos I took on my first DSLR in 2015... eek!!!):

Balancing light


  • When possible, favor natural light over artificial. The sun is by far the brightest light source available (yes, even on cloudy days!) so when given the option between taking a photo with indoor light or stepping out on the patio or near a large window, choose the latter.
  • In full sun, favor "open shade." You ideally want your subjects (and yourself) in the shade but with your subjects facing a wide-open sky.
  • In full sun and the absence of shade, have your subject face their shadow (see example).
  • On overcast days, have your subjects face the brightest part of the sky.
  • If you are indoors, step near a large window and turn off other light sources (overhead lights, lamps, etc.). All light has color and mixing light sources -- for example, sunlight and a lamp light -- will do some weird stuff in camera.
Someone standing next to a red car in front of snowy mountains wearing a navy sweater and jeans.

consider composition


If you're taking a group photo, obviously it makes sense to put the subject in the middle of the frame. But for alllll those other vacation photo ops? Consider utilizing the rule of thirds by placing the focus of your image off-center.


This composition is visually appealing and allows you to incorporate other elements in the frame (like paths or fences) as lead lines to draw attention to your subject. As in the example, should your subject be facing one direction, allow for negative space in the direction they're looking.


Hiker enjoying scenic mountain vista on clear day with backpack.

got haze?


You've probably taken a photo only to realize later it looks hazy or even blurry (as though taken through a plastic bag). While this can give a "cool" effect at times, it isn't as appealing if you weren't going for it intentionally.


Haze is caused by sunlight getting directly into your lens. It can mess with focus and clarity, giving an overall washed-out look to the final image. To avoid this, position yourself so that the sun is at a 45-degree angle to your left or right. If you need to position your subject directly between you and the sun, make sure there is something blocking the light from entering your lens directly (such as a tree branch, building, or even your hand).


(Example image is the only one I could find from that vacation because I deleted the worst ones!!!)


Snowy landscape with rippled snow patterns and mountains silhouetted against a setting sun.

Back from vacation and ready to have someone else take the photos?