Capturing great memories it’s a beautiful experience that requires someone else’s skills and expertise. But it’s also in your hands to make it happen in a unique and meaningful way.

Couple photoshoot in Vilnius Town Square — © Uri Foto

The best travel experiences are the ones that feel amazing and unique; not only because they are different, but because we live them as such.

Thus, a vacation photoshoot doesn’t have to follow certain patterns or a specific set of rules in order to be successful.

In this blog you’ll learn some relevant tips and practices to take the best out of your vacation photography experience in the Baltic capitals.

If you’d like to have a photoshoot in Tallinn, Riga or Vilnius please contact me here.

1. Define your goals

Family Photoshoot in Vilnius, Lithuania — © Uri Foto

It is important to define your goals and expectations when planning a vacation, and so it does with any activity you’ll be likely to do during such special time.

When defining your photoshoot goals, ask yourself these questions:

• Which kind of pictures am I looking for?

• Do I prefer spontaneous pictures, posing ones, or a combination of both?

• How challenged I feel to capture fun moments and situations?

• Do I want to get personal travel pictures or gift someone with them?

Your answers will help the photographer to get a better idea of what you are looking for, plus it will be easier for them to adapt to your preferences from the very beginning.

2. Capture emotions

Solo traveler photoshoot in Riga, Latvia — © Uri Foto

A local photographer should capture your travel memories as they naturally happen, by taking the creative decisions to immortalise them in the best possible way.

To portray yourself in amazing frame-worthy compositions is a must for any holiday photoshoot, but there can be special moments that cannot fit into such criteria:

A beautiful smile or a romantic look cannot wait for “better arrangements” to be made.

When these moments happen, the photographer should either capture them “on the spot” or let them go forever. And such decision can totally change the value of your final pictures.

3. Relax, and keep it natural

Couple Photoshoot in Tallinn, Estonia — © Uri Foto

“You tell us what to do!”. That’s the first thing some customers tend to say right after introducing themselves.

After many years working in the photography industry, I’ve realised that many people don’t have a clear idea of what a vacation photoshoot entails.

Being unsure about how-to behave in front of the camera is completely normal, but some customers feel the need to be guided right from the start.

I’m not saying a photographer shouldn’t give any guidance, but customers should feel relaxed and comfortable to behave as they are, and it is the duty of the photographer to capture those moments as they naturally unfold.

4. Pick the right time

Family Photoshoot in Tallinn, Estonia — © Uri Foto

There are 2 important aspects to keep in mind when planning a vacation photoshoot: the atmosphere and the light.

In practical terms, this means choosing the best possible time to avoid crowds, plus getting the best lighting conditions for outdoor shooting.

For this reason, early morning shootings are the best option to capture a wide variety of pictures.

Making sure you pick the right time will allow you to have more creative possibilities.

5. The light is your friend

Family Photoshoot in Riga, Latvia — © Uri Foto

You don’t want to capture yourself under the typical midday light, with the sun pointing right at your face and creating unpleasant shadows below your eyes.

The few hours after sunrise and the few ones before sunset are the best moments to take advantage of a softer light, especially during the Golden or the Blue hour.

However, cloudy skies can also provide great lighting conditions for taking pictures outdoors: The diffused light produces a balanced layer that softens any harsh contrasts, providing a greater range of luminosity ideal for skin tones.

In that sense, having a photoshoot during a sunny day is no better than having it on a cloudy one. While the earlier will bring more contrast and dramatic elements to your pictures, the later will provide a softer, even light to any composition.

6. Dress up, but not too much

Romantic photoshoot in Riga, Latvia — © Uri Foto

Sometimes I’ve had clients arriving to a photoshoot with a sports jumper and a pair of sneakers; others so dressed up they couldn’t even walk naturally.

Considering that you’ll be walking around for a pretty long time, choosing what to wear for a photoshoot should be a matter of elegance, but also comfort.

Remember, you want to be comfortable, both physically and mentally. No matter how fashionable your clothes are. With that being said:

• Avoid pure blacks: Dark clothing won’t let you stand out from the background, and sometimes this can be a real problem when it comes to lighting, especially for night photo shooting.

• Tone down your bright side: Lighter colors like beige or pastels fit better with skin tones. Avoid wearing pure whites or very saturated colors, as they will over shine your face and become a nightmare for the photographer.

7. Don’t forget to enjoy!

Vacation Photoshoot in Riga, Latvia — © Uri Foto

Sometimes we are so focused in the shooting process that we forget to relax and actually enjoy the experience.

Like I said before, you cannot rehearse a beautiful smile or a cheerful moment. These situations might happen or not happen, but when they do, they are the best moments to capture in a photoshoot.

And remember: capturing great travel memories it’s a beautiful experience that requires you to trust someone else’s skills and expertise. But it’s also in your hands to let this happen in a unique and meaningful way.

Enjoy!

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Travel & lifestyle photography

Best tips for a successful vacation photoshoot