The 3-Minute Tutorial to Amazing Vacation Photos

(Photo: Michelle Yam)

"First up: Nothing says travel like a shot out of an airplane window. Totally cliché, but who can resist, right? If you're able to afford first class tickets or lucky enough to get an upgrade, this tip may not apply to you. For the rest of us, try booking a window seat in rows where the wing of the plane is visible. Including a part of the wing in the shot gives a sense of scale and perspective especially with the background from below.

"Also, be mindful of glare or your reflection on the window, so you may have to move your camera around a bit. Shooting through a window may make the shot look hazy, so increase the contrast and sharpness of the photo when editing."

(Photo: Michelle Yam)

"For some of us, part of the travel experience is enjoying and documenting the places we stay at. Whether it's the charming decor at the AirBnB studio, the cool lounge at the hostel, or the scenic view at the resort, find something to photograph that shows the unique features of the place.

"In this photo of the SBR Curacao that I stayed at, while it's completely natural to want to run out to the terrace and get shots of the stunning ocean view, I actually stayed inside and photographed from the lobby instead. Doing so gives a broader scope of the place and gives your viewers some context of where you're staying.

"For this shot, because the outside view is the focal point, we want to expose the photo for that. In fact, back up enough so that there's a silhouetted frame that showcases that view."

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(Photo: Michelle Yam)

"This is the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, a popular tourist attraction. One way to get the shots you want without people in the frame is to get there early before the crowd. The other option is to wait patiently for a small break when nobody is there.

"For this shot, I was going to wait for this guy to clear out. But then I thought he actually gives the bridge a sense of scale, so I took the shot. I also took one without him but prefer this shot better. While composing your shots, look for leading lines that guide your eyes to the subject."

(Photo: Michelle Yam)

"The 'rule of thirds' is one of the main principles in composition that makes the photo look more interesting and well-balanced. Imagine this photo with two horizontal and two vertical lines on it, much like a tic-tac-toe grid. The horizon here is placed on the top third instead of the center. Certainly, there are scenarios where it's okay to 'break the rule' but in this shot, placing the horizon on the top third highlights the beautiful, white sand beach.

"I visited the Divita Marijn Aruba in the low season, so I got to enjoy the beach with minimal people around. This shot shows how serene it was."

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(Photo: Michelle Yam)

"If food is an important part of the travel experience for you to document, some additional planning may be needed to get those delicious shots. When possible, ask to be seated outside in the shade or inside by a window to take advantage of the natural light. Food looks best photographed in natural light.

"You may also want to make reservations during non-peak hours to ensure you get the table you want. This also allows time to enjoy the food without feeling rushed and perhaps to chat with the restaurant staff on suggestions of things to do."

(Photo: Michelle Yam)

"Many of us love to photograph landscapes when we travel. When I visited this coffee plantation in Colombia, I took plenty of shots of beautiful green acreage on rolling hills. However, my favorite photo ended up being this close up shot of the growth stages of a coffee bean. Shooting the details of the place can add to the storytelling and also complement the panoramic shots."

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  (Top photo: Thinkstock/iStock)