A Photographer’s Guide to Taking the Best Vineyard Pictures in Australia
You can’t help but want to snap a few pictures when you’re on vacation somewhere new. You’re experiencing exciting things and want something tangible to reflect on in future years. While you don’t necessarily need an album full of professional-style photos, knowing how to take great pictures can contribute to an overall aesthetically pleasing photo album. If you’re planning a trip to Australia to see some of the best vineyards, keep these tips in mind:
Use a Monopod
Whether you’ve booked Hunter Valley wine tours with friends or are exploring vineyards on your own, don’t underestimate the value of a monopod for your trip to a vineyard. A monopod or unipod is a single-legged camera support to help you take steady photos.
Monopods are traditionally more mobile than tripods, giving you more flexibility and convenience while traveling. While you can use them as ‘selfie sticks’ to take easier group photos, monopods are also convenient for taking stable photos if you typically struggle to keep your hands steady. You may also enjoy getting new angles that potentially wouldn’t be possible without a monopod or tripod.
Remove Photo Distractions
One of the best pieces of advice you can receive when it comes to taking better pictures is to remove anything in a photo that might distract from the intended focus. In a vineyard, that might be a rotten grape on an otherwise perfect bunch or a dying leaf on a flourishing vine.
If you can’t remove something that’s detracting from a photo’s perfection, try to cut it out of the frame. For example, if someone is in the background of a group photo with your friends on a vineyard tour, you might crop them out of the frame or move your group closer together.
Choose the Right Time of Day
You don’t always get to decide which time of the day you visit a vineyard. This is especially true if you’re going on a special vineyard tour as part of a wine trip. However, if your goal is to take the most aesthetically pleasing vineyard pictures, aim for a time when the lighting is even.
Normally, this is early in the morning, once the sun rises or as the sun sets. Where possible, avoid taking photos in harsh light when the sun is highest in the sky. Intense light may affect photo quality.
Look for Effects to Enhance Your Pictures
Most vineyards are beautiful all on their own, especially those in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. Most vineyards here enjoy a backdrop of sprawling farmland, rolling hills, and dense bush. The natural environment makes for spectacular photos.
However, you can enhance such photos even further by looking for special natural effects and incorporating them as a focal point in your photos. A rainbow, a unique cloud formation, or beautiful sky colors can all enhance photos beyond what you thought possible.
Rely on the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds describes composing pictures, films, or paintings within nine equal parts of a frame. Use this composition principle, and you may enjoy more powerful and striking photos. After dividing the image into nine equal parts, ensure the most critical elements are within two horizontal and two vertical lines. Some experts say that using the rule of thirds creates more interest, tension, and energy in a photo.
Use a Wide Angle Lens
If you have an SLR camera, not just your smartphone, you have more options for getting creative with your vineyard photos. A top photography tip is using a wide angle lens with your camera for more dramatic perspectives. Wide angle lenses can also help capture the vastness of the landscape.
While sometimes expensive to buy, a wide angle lens can be useful for more than just vineyard pictures. You can also use it in regular landscape photography, agriculture, real estate, and beautiful starry night photos.
Take Your Time
You don’t always have to think about lighting and angles when snapping pictures for your personal photo albums. However, it can be worth taking your time when you’re trying to take those standout shots. Think about where the wind is blowing, where the clouds are, and how low the sun is. Taking a moment to consider your surroundings before taking a photo might help you take a picture you can look back at and admire.
You deserve photos you can look back on and be impressed with. If you’re heading to Australia to explore the many beautiful vineyards, take note of these tips above. You might be surprised by how many professional-style photos you can capture with lighting, accessories, timing, and patience.