Create the perfect photo book tribute to beautiful summer moments. First, use our pro tips below to take the best travel and beach photos during your vacation or even just a great day trip with friends and family, then choose from a wide range of photo book designs, sizes, paper and cover finishes. Voilà! You will definitely cherish your favorite memories for many summers to come. (And don’t forget to print out multiple copies to share with loved ones!)
How to take the best travel photos
Play with different angles
Even recognizable or frequently photographed locations can be even more eye-catching when you capture them from a fresh perspective. For example, shoot buildings looking up rather than straight on.
Position your subject
To create more powerful photos, place the subject off-center and leave the rest of the frame empty. Imagine the shot divided into three sections (like a tic tac toe grid).
Use silhouettes
Put your subject between you and the setting or rising sun to create dramatic silhouettes-perfect for framing.
Capture colour
Look for the vibrant and unique colors. You can find them anywhere-shop displays, graffiti, even in farmers’ markets. Here, a shopfront full of bags and scarves becomes a striking photo.
Try black and white
The contrast of black and white accentuates lines, textures, and edges, making it a good choice for turning snapshots into dramatic photos.
Snap signs and symbols
Landmarks, signs, and memorabilia can make for fun, creative photos. Look for opportunities to capture the flavor of your destinations – great for creating a travel photo book too.
Scrapbook style
Take photos of ticket stubs (from public transit, theater performances, concerts, flights etc.), menus and whatever else you can think of to turn your book into a digitally printed ‘scrapbook’.
How to take breathtaking beach photos
See the small details
Use your camera’s macro shooting mode to shoot small details such as a footprint in the sand, a coconut washed to shore or an intricate seashell.
Capture beach play
To catch the action try something new and set up your camera on action shooting mode or burst mode. Action shooting mode uses a fast shutter speed to stop action, so you get clear photos without blur. And burst mode lets you take multiple pictures with one click of the shutter button, perfect for catching a sequence of moves.
Position the horizon
Rather than cut your image in half, make the composition of your photo more interesting. For example, notice how the horizon line in this photo is in the top third of the image – providing more visual interest. You can do the same with vertical elements such as trees, tall buildings or just your friends.
Adjust to the light
When at the beach, avoid harsh shadows by shooting on cloudy days, in shade, or around sunrise or sunset. You can also use your camera’s flash when shooting in direct sun to get rid of strong shadows on faces or other objects in your shot.
Black and white shots
The colors of the sea and sky can be marvelous, but don’t forget that the contrast of black and white accentuates lines, textures, and edges, making it a good choice for capturing beach scenes and coastlines.
Plan your photos
Nothing compares to being prepared for taking your perfect beach snap. You can use the clear horizon of a calm sea with props and your imagination to layer objects in the photo. For example, hold up a little souvenir ship in front of you using the sea as a background. To achieve a blurry background keep the focus on the ship.
Our bestselling photo book designs
Pick your photo book size and finish
From adorably tiny 5×7 photo books to large 11×14 photo books, we’ve got a wide range of sizes. We also offer a range of cover and paper options, such as chic leather or matte covers and glossy or metallic pages.
How will you preserve your summer memories?
We love seeing what you come up with! Please tag us @SnapfishUS and #snapfish on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. Check out the Snapfish site for even more custom gift ideas.