Introduction
A getaway vacation offers the perfect opportunity to explore new destinations, create lasting memories, and capture breathtaking photographs. Whether you’re planning a trip to the sunny beaches of California, the enchanting streets of Italy, or the rural landscapes of Iceland, you and I both know you’ll probably take too many photos.
It’s okay to capture unique visuals and fun memories, but when you get home, what happens to those photos? Maybe you proactively print and frame your landscapes or post your favorites on social media.
In this article, I hope to convince you to actually save your vacation photos and use them in eight unique and creative ways. From sharing them with loved ones to scrapbooking your travels, remember that these are your vacation photos — your memories. It’s entirely up to you what you choose to do with these images, but maybe you can use them to make your world a little more artsy.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Pre-Planning Your Vacation Photos
Research and Plan Ahead
Before embarking on your summer adventure, take time to research your chosen destinations. Familiarize yourself with iconic landmarks, natural wonders, and local culture. Explore online travel guides, photography blogs, and social media platforms for inspiration and to discover unique photo opportunities.
Travel influencers like Kiki from The Blonde Abroad or Kate from Adventurous Kate offer insights and inspiration for anyone wanting to travel.
By planning ahead, you’ll have a clearer vision of the shots you want to capture and maximize your time during your vacation.
Pack the Right Gear
When it comes to photography, having the right gear is crucial. While professional cameras and lenses can yield exceptional results, a high-quality smartphone with advanced camera features can also produce stunning images.
Choose a camera or smartphone that suits your preferences and skill level. Additionally, make sure to pack spare batteries, memory cards, a tripod for stability, lens filters for various lighting conditions, and a durable camera bag to protect your equipment during travel.
For me, I love my Canon Rebel DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera. You can find the newest version, the Canon Rebel T7, on Amazon for under $500.
Capture Authentic Moments
While iconic landmarks are undoubtedly worth photographing, don’t forget to capture the authentic moments that make your summer vacation special. Candid shots of friends and family, street performers, bustling markets, and intimate moments with loved ones can tell a compelling story and add depth to your travel album.
Be observant, patient, and ready to seize those fleeting, genuine moments that truly reflect the spirit of the places you visit.
Embrace Golden Hour
The “golden hour” refers to the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and diffused, casting a magical glow on your subjects. During this time, the colors are more vibrant, shadows are softer, and the overall atmosphere is simply enchanting.
While it may be a little inconvenient waking up early on vacation, it may be worth it to capture the incredible morning light. Take advantage of the golden hour to capture breathtaking landscapes, silhouette shots, and romantic portraits that truly evoke the essence of your vacation destinations.
Experiment with Perspectives and Composition
Don’t be afraid to break away from conventional angles and experiment with different perspectives and compositions. Get down low for a unique worms-eye-view shot, climb a nearby hill for a stunning aerial view, or use reflections in water or mirrors to add intrigue to your photos.
Play with leading lines, the rule of thirds, and the placement of elements within the frame to create visually engaging and dynamic compositions that draw the viewer’s eye into the scene.
Part 2: Processing Your Vacation Photos
After an exciting vacation, the sheer number of photos can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re like me and want to get the best pose at each photo opp. To ensure your memories are organized and ready to share or treasure, processing them thoughtfully is key. Below are my tips for how to simplify the process and make your vacation photos shine.
Delete As You Go
Not every photo needs to make the final cut. As you review your images, delete duplicates, blurry shots, or vacation photos that don’t capture the moment as you intended. This keeps your collection manageable and helps highlight the best memories.
Typically, if I’m on a multi-day vacation, I try to delete 5-10 bad vacation photos anytime I get a down moment. These moments could be while you’re waiting for family or friends to get ready in the morning, on a long car trip, or right before bed at night.
Choose a Few Favorites From Each Day
Vacations are filled with countless moments, but selecting a handful of highlights from each day can create a more meaningful narrative. These curated images will tell the story of your trip without overwhelming viewers with too many similar shots.
Likewise, choosing these vacation photos ahead of time while on your trip will help you down the road when posting or scrapbooking the vacation.
Edit Consistently
A cohesive look ties your photos together beautifully. Whether you prefer vibrant and colorful edits or a soft, minimalist style, apply similar filters or adjustments across your vacation photos. This process of editing consistently ensures your vacation album feels polished and harmonious.
I’ve noticed even the slightest contrast and saturation boosts can make your vacation photos really pop!
Part 3: Actually Doing Something with Your Vacation Photos
Now that your photos are curated and polished, it’s time to share them and make them part of your life. Vacation photos are meant to be enjoyed and remembered, not hidden away in digital storage. Here are two creative ways to showcase your memories:
1. Post on Social Media
Social media is a fantastic way to share your travel highlights with friends and family. Create a carousel post or a series of story highlights that tell the story of your trip. Pair your photos with captions that bring out the emotions and moments behind the images—whether it’s a funny anecdote, a breathtaking view, or a memorable meal.
While this may be the easy option for many, you can always add a creative and unique spin when posting your vacation photos. For instance, you can use tools like Canva or Photoshop to create collages of your vacation photos. Marissa at Pretty Presets and Actions has a great Photoshop tutorial for how to create a collage in a carousel.
2. Design a Gallery Wall at Home
Turn your best shots into art by printing them in various sizes and creating a gallery wall. Choose matching frames or a mix-and-match aesthetic for a modern touch. Arrange the photos in a pattern or collage to make a visually interesting story of your travels. Sites like Printique or Walgreens make ordering prints easy.
Give your favorite photos a permanent place in your space by turning them into a gallery wall. Select a mix of prints in various sizes and arrange them in a pattern that complements your décor. A gallery wall not only brightens your home but also serves as a daily reminder of your adventures and the memories that make you smile.
3. Host a Photo Swap Night
Invite your friends over to share their vacation photos while you showcase yours. You can project images on a TV or wall and let everyone narrate their adventures. Bonus points if you serve food inspired by your travel destination! It’s a fun way to connect over shared stories.
4. Design a Custom Map
Pin your travel destinations on a digital map and include your favorite photos. Services like Mapiful let you create a physical map to display, but Google Maps or Canva are great for digital versions. It’s a chic way to commemorate where you’ve been and inspire future adventures.
5. Make Photo Gifts
Turn your photos into everyday items like mugs, tote bags, or phone cases. Websites like Vistaprint and Zazzle let you customize gifts easily. These are not only fun to use but also make great gifts for family or friends who might have shared the trip with you.
6. Make a Time-Lapse Video
Compile your travel photos into a quick time-lapse or slideshow. Apps like iMovie or CapCut let you add transitions, music, and effects. Focus on telling a story—like a “day in the life” theme or a before-and-after comparison of your destination.
7. Turn Photos into Postcards
Design custom postcards using apps like PostSnap. Mail them to friends and family with a personal note about your adventures. It’s a nostalgic way to stay connected and share your favorite moments tangibly, especially in this digital age.
8. Submit Them to A Copyright free website
If you’re proud of your photography, consider sharing your work with the world by submitting your images to a copyright-free website like Unsplash or Pexels. These platforms allow others to use your photos, showcasing your creativity to a wider audience.
Personally, I post my vacation photos on Pexels. I try not to include images of faces nor identifiable aspects. Currently, my images have been viewed over 150,000 times, downloaded by people all over the world and even featured in a local news article.
Your photography could inspire or assist someone else’s project, turning your vacation photos memories into a meaningful contribution to the art community. For example, this photo of UNF was featured in an article on ReligionNews.com. This exact photo was also published with online articles about the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at UNF and why you may need a hard copy of your diploma.
Conclusion
Summer vacations offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, allowing you to capture the essence and beauty of your chosen destinations.
By planning ahead, packing the right gear, and embracing the unique characteristics of your travel destinations, you can create a stunning collection of photos to remember your adventures. Then, you can actually do something with those images instead of letting them fade into your memories. Whether you choose to post and share your vacation photos, or create something artsy with them, allow yourself to finalize your vacation with a memorable craft.
So, grab your camera, set off on your journey, and let the world be your canvas.
