Important to think before you shoot

The advantage of using an SLR type system is that it gives access to any number of lenses. In this case I shot the farmer on his tractor with a very wide lens (Tamron 11-18mm, 4.5 – 4.6) to capture both the farmer and dramatic backdrop.

Chef Ray. A picture taken at the food markets to reinforce our experiences with food and the locals we meet. Camera: Canon EOS 80D with a Sigma 50mm, 2.8 lens. Flash used.

Local Drummer Sonny Williams a one-time performer at Warkworth’s Kowhai Festival. This shot has a link to the country visited and a link to the country travelled from. Canon 80D, 28-135 lens.

Mahurangi Matters Beer columnist, Tahi Bar owner and professional photographer Ian Marriott was in Rarotonga last week for both relaxing and taking pictures. Here he offers his thoughts on taking great photographs.

Whether it is the holiday of a lifetime or an annual pilgrimage to a much-loved destination, we all love to capture great photos of our journeys. But do we know how? Here are my tips:

1.    Always show respect for customs and cultural traditions of the area you are in. Gain some local ahead of time could save you embarrassment or even worse.

2.    There are inevitable “oohs” and “aahs” on every trip. When you encounter your perfect scenic  shot, take your time, compose and frame the vision, check your settings and don’t be afraid to use the automatic mode if you are not confident  with your camera’s controls.

3.    Always have a camera with you so that you are ready for that candid shot or moment of humour. You never know what you may stumble upon.  Not all good holiday shots should be taken with  travel guides in mind. Record your journey.  

4.    In photography, there are times of the day referred  to as the “Golden Hours”. They are the hour at and after sunrise and the hour before and up to sunset. These times impart the best light for photography.

Photography is painting with light and you want your memories to be vivid, so aspire that your photographs give life to your memories.

Ian previously worked as a sports and event photographer in the English Midlands. See more of Ian’s photographs at photowolf.weebly.com.