Exploring the cultures of the world should never be done alone; instead, it’s an opportunity to capture the unique beauty of the people you encounter along the way. Whether it’s a candid beachside photo or a formally posed portrait, these images of the locals should serve to remind you of the amazing connections you made abroad. To get you started, here are some helpful tips for taking portraits of the people you meet on your travels.
1. Setting the Stage: Capturing the Essence of a Foreign Land
Nothing can beat the feeling of discovering a foreign land and being captured by its unique essence. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by sights, smells, experiences, and conversations that you won’t find anywhere else. It is this atmosphere of adventure which lurks in the air that keeps a traveler coming back for more.
- Behold its Vibrancy
- Sample its Flavour
- Unlock its Secrets
The best way to get acquainted with a foreign land is to wander around. Be open to the sights, sounds, and smells that it has to offer. Feel the beat of the streets and the conversations of its citizens. Taste its street cuisine and observe its architecture. Each of these provide one with a glimpse of how the culture thrives and lifestyles differ from one’s own.
At the same time, it is important to never forget to seek out the hidden gems. Whether it be a hidden beach, a secret waterfall, or a forgotten temple, it is the discovery of such places that defines one’s travel experience. These small snippets of culture, traditions, and local stories that are shared add to the discovery of a foreign land.
Last but not least, make sure to keep souvenirs along the way to remember the incredible journey. These can be anything, from handmade jewelry to music CDs. At the end of the day, it is these small tokens, gathered from the many places visited, that make up a lasting collection of memories and mementos.
2. Finding the Right Light: Striking a Balance in Portrait Photography
Navigating the world of portrait photography comes with its unique list of challenges. From finding the right person to photograph to stunning the ideal backdrop, doing justice to any portrait typically requires more than just a few clicks of the shutter. Once the perfect location and the subject are both in frame, the next focus should be on the light.
For any serious portrait photographer, understanding and mastering lighting should be priority number one. Even the most naturally-blessed subject can look lack-lustre if the light isn’t right. To make a long story short, it’s all about striking the right balance – one that can help bring out the best in any subject matter.
When it comes to light, portrait photographers have two main tools:
- Indirect sunlight: This is typically the preferred method for outdoor portraits, as it provides a softer light. Plans tend to turn out best when you can take advantage of indirect sunlight at either the beginning or the end of the day.
- Artificial lighting: For indoor or studio portraits, the photographer typically has to rely on artificial light. This can take various forms, such as flash, continuous lighting or a combination of both.
When it comes to portrait photography, playing around with how and when you use each type of light will help you find the right balance. With that said, a bright sunny day is obviously not the same as a dark, cloudy afternoon. Each type of natural light carries its own distinct character, and all of these nuances should be explored. Through some trial and error, the portrait photographer should be able to come up with a lighting scheme that best suits the style and needs of their work.
3. Capturing the Moment: Connecting with Subjects in a New Country
There is something about discovering a new country and being surrounded by unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. It can be an overwhelming experience as the traveler relishes in the strange newness of it all. However, the real challenge is in knowing how to capture this overwhelming experience and share it with others. For the intrepid traveler, here are a few ideas on connecting with your subjects in a new country:
- Develop a rapport with locals and get to know the people. Hearing about their stories, dreams and aspirations can be very interesting and will allow to see the country through their eyes.
- Learn a few words in the native language. Not only will this allow for easier interactions, it can also foster a feeling of comfort and respect that can lead to some authentic images.
- Be mindful of cultural and religious conventions. Not everyone welcomes having their photo taken and no traveler wants to incur the wrath of a local by seeming disrespectful.
Once you break the initial ice, be ready to take on any opportunities. Whether it’s street photography, portrait photography or documentary photography, capture moments that tell the story and vividly convey the feelings of the place. Look for light, capture gestures, find interesting foregrounds and backgrounds, and experiment with angles. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the country as you journey through the streets, getting to know its people and recording its beauty for others to experience through the images.
The best part of being a tourist photographer is usually feeling like you are a part of the community. The trust you gain from those around you is invaluable and the experience of observing and connecting with people in a new country can be both fulfilling and extremely rewarding.
4. Finding Your Own Style: Crafting Unique Portraits Abroad
No matter where your travels take you, you can always find unique opportunities to craft stunning portraits. Whether you shoot landscapes or human subjects, resist the temptation of the tried-and-true compositions and techniques and try to explore bold and creative paths. Here are a few tips to help you find your own unique style abroad:
- Get creative with the environment
Take a look around your location and try to use the physical features to your advantage. Consider using the surrounding environment to craft unique scenes and evoke emotion. Can you construct a portrait in a ravine, on a coastline, or in a field of flowers? - Colors and tones play a big role
Natural landscapes offer an endless array of tones and colors that can be used to create unique and memorable portraits. Experiment with angles and shadows and observe how colors affect one another. Watch the way your subject interacts with the environment and the different colors and textures you can bring in to the shot. - Know your subject
Pay attention to your subjects and their unique characteristics, so you can make the most of the available light and the environment. Do they have unique clothing or equipment that can be used to construct intriguing images? Can you use their relationship to one another to build a story in the portrait? Get to know your subject and use this knowledge to build striking portraits.
Gathering elements from the environment and crafting unique interpretations of the foreign landscapes is a great way to expand your portfolio and make bold statements. Personal documents of your travels can become captivating pieces for others to enjoy. Bring your vision to the world and take the opportunity to hone your craft and find your own style.
So, with these tips in hand, get out there and get creative! With some practice and a sense of adventure, you’ll be sure to return home with amazing portrait photos taken from around the world.
Happy shooting!