A former schoolmate, Reuben Krabbe, wrote an excellent post about mastering the technical aspect of photography to free the creative mind. Truer words could not be said. An editor often treats an imperfect image as he or she treats an unedited manuscript: as a waste of time.  Photographers should embrace ISO, shutter, aperture, and flash techniques as a writer embraces grammar. It isn’t always fun, but it’s essential.

While extreme sport photography and location portraiture often require copious amounts of both technical equipment and knowledge, travel photography relies more on unique perspectives in unique places. Thankfully, the basics are often enough.

The following images display basic exposure decisions that all travel photographers should instinctively know.

Rule 1:

Exposures 1/25” f/2.8 and 4” f/22 are identical; however, the depth of field changes dramatically.

Rule 2:

Independently changing either the shutter or aperture will affect the overall exposure. For each full stop (Ie: f/4-f/5.6-f/8 or 1/250-1/125-1/60) the camera sensor will receive either twice or half the light.

Rule 3:

The inverse-square law of light isn’t for scientists. It’s for photographers. Thankfully, it is simple to understand. Doubling the distance between flash and subject results in a quarter of the light reaching the subject. (Light=1/Distance²)

Rule 4:

Fast shutters can freeze fast moving objects. Sports photography often requires shutter speeds above 1/500”. Raise the ISO to increase the shutter speed when the available light isn’t sufficient.

Rule 5:

Live. Love. Create. Never be afraid to experiment. Once the basics become instinctive, try new things and have some fun.

Related posts:

1. 10 Travel Photography and Travel Writing Markets that Pay
2. 5 Accessories Travel Photographers Should Carry
3. Where to Submit, Sell and Market Travel Photography
4. Gear: What’s In My Camera Bag?
5. Playing with Color Temperature for Effect

Tags | Adventure Travel, autumn, course, equipment, Experience, gear, photojournalism, Portraits, Travel, Travel Photography