As you head off on your summer holidays you will undoubtedly have packed type of camera packed to capture those precious holiday memories. Whether you are using a top of the range DSLR or your camera phone, there are plenty of things you can do to get the best from your holiday photos.

Capture the natural moments.

Candid shots are my favourites. You can avoid the potential for cheesy smile by capturing your family playing, whether it’s playing in the sea, eating icecreams or climbing trees. Those natural expressions of joy and happiness can sum up the mood of your holiday. People don’t have to be looking at the camera – shots of the family interacting with each other or with their surrounding is what tells the real story of your holiday

Remember to be in the photos.

Don’t fall into the trap of always being the photographer. Your kids want to see your in their holiday photos too when they look back on them in years to come.

Search for the best light.

Lighting your photos is a crucial element. During the day on holiday sunlight can be unbearably harsh. Find a shaded area, maybe under a tree or sheltered by a building where you can get a nice even light. When possible the best soft flattering light for photos is the first couple of hours after sunrise and the last couple of hours before sunset. Making it into a fun outing for children at a time they might not usually be going out can help add to their excitement and enjoyment of having photos taken.

Use different angles.

Not every picture has to be taken face on. Try shooting from above when your child is lying on the ground looking on the sky, or lie on your tummy while the family runs towards you
Mix up with close up and distant shots. To tell the full story it’s lovely to get details shots of expressions, but also show your family in the bigger picture, as part of the whole holiday scene.

Relax.

Don’t make taking the family holidays something that the children resent or that any of you find stressful. If you are not getting the results you want one day then put the camera away and try again later when everyone is in the right frame of mind

Use your photos.

How many of us are guilty of taking our holiday photos, but then not doing anything with them, leaving then hidden on your computer or phone? Why not make up a holiday photo album or make them into a collage for the wall and keep those holiday memories alive for longer