Holy Kaw! All the topics that interest us

Photography tips from National Geographic

Fancy yourself an amateur photographer? Looking to pick up a few new skills? NationalGeographic.com shares expert photography tips to help you get the most out of your next photo adventure. Each how-to tip is illustrated by a National Geographic user-gen My Shot image:

Media_httpdldropboxco_uosoa

Photo Tip: Local architecture is an important part of any destination, but building shots tend to be dull. A dependable remedy is to compose with a compelling foreground element.

Media_httpdldropboxco_dbyth

Photo Tip: Dining is a big part of the travel experience. Cuisine and dining traditions are emblematic of local culture. They’re one of the most tangible ways that one destination is distinguishable from another.

Media_httpdldropboxco_nzddw

Photo Tip: If you are staying in one place for several days, check out the long-range weather forecast and plan your shoots around the weather that is best for specific subjects.

Media_httpdldropboxco_ehaza

Photo Tip: Find leading lines. Landscapes are full of linear elements— roadways, train tracks, fencerows, ridgelines, tree branches. Use these lines to lead the eye into your picture. Leading lines are most effective as diagonals.

Find more tips for photographing cities here and landscapes here.

Total National Geographic aggregation.

Photo credits: 1. Ghani Khan, My Shot; 2.Dean McCartney, My Shot; 3. Stan Feil, My Shot; 4. Christiano Pessoa, My Shot