Photography tips: on the move
Road trips don't just grab wannabe writers – there's plenty out on the asphalt to keep your viewfinder occupied. Get in the passenger seat with Steve Davey
Steve Davey | Issue 125 | January 2012
Whether you’re a budding Jack Kerouac or an eccentric Aunt Augusta, the journey is often more important than the destination. Capturing that on memory card can be a challenge though, so here’s how to make sure that your road trip doesn’t end up being a series of disconnected, blurry pictures.
Firstly, try to look for that classic establishing shot, that sums up the journey. This might be a desert road stretching into the distance, or a track snaking down a mountainside. This should say what the essence of the road-trip experience means for you.
The most important things on a road trip are time and flexibility. Is it all but impossible to get great shots from a public bus. Ideally you should have your own vehicle and be able to stop at will. This will mean you can shoot anything you see by the side of the road and also take your time if you need to.
Learn how to work fast. Even if you’re travelling on your own you don’t want each picture stop to take half an hour. Be prepared to wait though if the shot requires it – sometimes hanging on for the right subject (a person, animal, vehicle) to wander into frame is well worth the effort.
A big part of the journey will be the local life by the side of the road. Fuel stations, food stalls, roadside temples and even road crews can all make fantastic subjects, as well as the people who just live by the road side.
If I’m driving myself, I leave a rucksack-style camera bag on the passenger seat, where I can easily get to it (you’ll usually have to seatbelt it in). I also have a camera and mid-range zoom ready at all times. I loop the strap around the passenger seat headrest for safety. An unsecured camera will inevitably end up flying onto the ground or – worse – causing an accident.
Steve's handy hints
1. Keep a look out for interesting and bizarre signs
These can create an amusing pic or even pass as social comment. Try to photograph them in context, showing the rest of the road in the frame to give an idea of the sign’s connection to the road.
2. Don’t be so focused on the road that you forget the country
Wander off the main highways: rural backroads often pass through more beautiful scenery and give you more chance to stop. Look on maps for scenic routes – these will often offer more rewarding views.
3. People are the highlight of any trip
The danger of being vehicle-bound is that you can be cut off from the locals. Make time to meet and snap people who live, work or even travel down your chosen road. This will give your pictures a greater human dimension.
4.A place to a name
When photographing the road, try to include something characteristic to give a sense of place. This might be an iconic car, a local flag or a road sign.
The big three rules: shooting a road trip
1. If you only remember one thing…
Try to shoot an essence of the journey and what it means to you. Imagine if you were travelling with a friend; what would you point out to them? These are the things you should then try to photograph.
2. Tech tip
When shooting from a moving vehicle use as fast a shutter speed as possible to avoid camera shake, as well as using a continuous focus mode. Photographing things further away will minimise the effect of motion blur.
3. One for the kitbag
Some lenses have vibration reduction systems built in. These can also reduce camera shake from moving vehicles. Look for the initials ‘VR’ on a Nikon lens or ‘IS’ (Image Stabilisation) on a Canon.
Steve leads a range of travel photography tours, with land arrangements by Intrepid Travel. Forthcoming destinations include Ladakh and Morocco. For more details, check out www.bettertravelphotography.com
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