TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN TAKING TRAVEL PHOTOS

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Readers are often asking what camera I use to capture my travel photos around the world – but the truth is that your gear is just the start of capturing great travel photos, the next steps are learning how to use your camera and learning what to look for to take a great shot.

Admittedly, I’m pretty amateur when it comes to photography. I haven’t taken any courses and everything I know I’ve learned by a process of trial and error – so this post will be most useful to you if you’re a beginner (like me!) and are about to head off overseas (because travel photos are the only photos I really take).

First up, my gear.

When I first started travelling I invested in a large DSLR camera because to me, they looked pretty professional/like I’d know what I’m doing. But the truth was that I had very little idea as to how to use this camera, and it was weighing me down (both in terms of use AND weight!!).

So last year I switched to an Olympus PEN E-PL7 – a compact, lightweight, little box of genius. Since then taking travel photos has been much easier – mainly because it is a mere fraction of the weight to carry around, and there are so many handy settings for beginners that it is incredibly easy to use. You can read more on the specs of my camera here.

And just recently, I’ve added the Olympus E-M5 Mark II to my collection – as well as a fancy fisheye lens! This camera performs more like a DSLR, so I’ll be switching to this camera for photography and continuing to use my PEN for all videos.

What to Look For When Taking Travel Photos

Now to the guts of it: You’ve got your camera, you’ve learned to use it, now — what do you look for in order to get a great shot?

Think About What You’re Photographing

There are some pretty common subjects that people are shooting when they’re travelling. If you’re in Paris, you’re gonna get a shot of the Eiffel Tower. If you’re in Rio during Carnival, you’ll be shooting people. Out in the depths of Torres del Paine, you’ll be shooting landscapes. And camping in the desert? You’ll be shooting stars! (pun intended – sorry!).

            Sights/Structures 

Sights and structures such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, etc. are a very common subject to shoot whilst abroad. Most people go for the straight-in-front-point-and-shoot approach, but there are many better ways to shoot structures.
Structures have many angles and are often quite intricate, so don’t be afraid to get up close and personal to show the details. Also consider taking a photo underneath, on top of, or from a unique point of view like the photos of the Eiffel Tower above, as seen in the distance from the towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

People

People are a different ball game. In terms of the techy side of things, I like to shoot portraits with my 14-42mm lens. When looking for opportunities to photograph people, one of the biggest considerations is to ask or not to ask? Whether or not you should ask a person their permission to take their photograph really depends on the circumstances of the time. It won’t pay you any benefits to get up close and personal in someone’s face without asking them first, however if you’re far away using a long-range lens or the situation calls for photography, then go for it. As for what to look for – consider taking snaps that reflect that person’s culture and showcase a different culture to your own – essentially that is what you and others will find interesting… because although we’re all different, we’re still all one in the same.

Landscapes

Landscapes are perhaps the most elusive of all – they appear easy to take to the naked eye, but lighting plays a huge key to the success or otherwise of your photograph. Sometimes you might arrive at a destination ready to capture a sunset, only to find out that your frame is completely backlit (your camera is facing the sun and this blackens your entire photo). If this happens to you, return again at a different time of day or research the best time to take a photo in that particular spot. Golden hour (the hour before the sun sets) is great if the light is in the right position, or stick around for blue hour if all else fails (when the sun has gone and the sky is dimly lit).

Night Photography

Night photography is something that is new to me, but I’ve had fun experimenting with it nonetheless (the photo above was my first go – I’m still practising with this!). The important thing to remember when capturing stars or structures in the night is your shutter speed – this is what controls how much light gets inside the lens for the photo. Of course being night time, you’re going to want more light inside. Here’s a quick guide to help with night photography – and don’t forget to include a subject in the frame!

Capturing Moments

The next thing to consider when taking travel photographs is to create memories through the photographs you take. A picture in front of the Eiffel tower smiling face-to-camera won’t remind you of much, but a picture holding your favourite macarons with the Eiffel Tower in the background will remind you of that magical picnic you had.

Another great way to capture moments is to grab quick snippets of video each time you get out your camera to take a photo. It doesn’t require any extra effort if your camera is equipped for both (I use my Olympus PEN E-PL7 normally but have just added the Olympus E-M5 Mark II to my collection as well), and it is relatively straight forward to edit this footage together on programs like iMovie (free) or Final Cut Pro ($379.99).

Telling a Story

Finally, don’t forget to tell a story.

Imagine you are standing there inside the main town square of Prague and you take a photo of a gorgeous façade. Sure, it looks impressive… but it doesn’t mean anything without a storytelling element. This can be as simple as waiting for a bicyclist to ride into frame, giving the photo an untold story – one that remains a mystery to the person viewing the photo.

CHECKING IN TO THE BROOME HOTEL, NYC

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There are limitless options for hotel check-ins when you visit New York City. But there are a few ‘special secrets’ that you only hear about by word of mouth, and those few hotels feel much more like you are coming home, rather than checking in, for your stay in the city.

I checked in to the Broome Hotel in Soho, NYC, to see why this particular boutique hotel is a home away from home for so many return guests. What makes this hotel such a unique experience in the city? There was only one way to find out — to try it out for myself.

The Broome Hotel, NYC

With only 14 bedrooms, a mere handful of people are lucky enough to callThe Broome Hotel their home each evening. From the moment you check-in and are shown to your room, you’re made to feel like a resident, much more than a guest.

There’s a 1:1 ratio of staff, meaning that the utmost care is taken to ensuring guests (or shall we say residents) are made to feel at home during their stay. Breakfast is complimentary (and ridiculously good), welcome chocolates are another welcoming touch, and the staff will go the extra mile to ensure you enjoy your stay in Soho.

I checked-in to The Broome Hotel in the early hours of the morning, much earlier than the check-in time of 3:00pm.

Because the room was not yet ready and the hotel was fully booked (if you want to secure your spot, do so in advance, rooms at The Broome are hard to come by), while I waited the staff brought me green tea to soothe my terrible throat, and even offered me breakfast while I waited inside the cafe – of which is currently only open to hotel guests between the hours of 7-10am.

The room was rushed to be cleaned for me, and no later than 12:00 noon I was shown to my room on the third floor. All rooms are delightfully bright and with simple furnishings, but it was the bed that really swept me off my feet. This would rival some of the world’s leading luxury hotels for the best hotel bed I have ever slept on. Talk about luxury linens.

During my short stay I was made to feel like a guest in my own home, with no request or question left unattended. If you’re a person who doesn’t like hotels, you will love The Broome. If you’re a person who loves hotels, you’ll have a hard time finding other properties around the world to match The Broome’s homely touch. Moreover, the rates are incredibly affordable for New York City. Particularly when this is one of the hottest neighbourhoods in town.

Rooms start at $300 per night.

A LUXURIOUS RETREAT IN RURAL TUSCANY: CHECKING INTO VILLA LE MASCHERE

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The words ‘Tuscany’ and ‘villa’ naturally conjure ideas of romance, luxury and  seclusion, and this is exactly what Villa Le Maschere is all about. Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside only 25 kilometres from Florence, the opulent Villa Le Maschere is a luxurious retreat that stands overlooking the Mugello valley below.

Originally constructed in the second half of the 16th century, Villa Le Maschere has hosted popes, noblemen and artists, who selected this residence as their accommodation of choice when they journeyed between Florence and Italy’s north. After falling into disrepair in the 20th century, a five-year painstaking restoration effort has transformed this stately home back to its former Renaissance-era glory and into a 5-star, luxury resort. An 18 hectare sprawling park surrounds the villa dotted with sequoia and rare trees as well as deer, owls and hares. When I was invited to represent World of Wanderlust on a luxurious weekend at Villa Le Maschere, I knew that a chance to stay at a romantic Tuscan villa such as this was not an experience I wanted to miss.

                      

Checking in

As soon as the car pulled up to the grand entrance of the villa, I knew that I was in for special weekend. The magnificent facade of the 16th century villa, decorated with twenty-two masks carved into the stonework and painted in a beautiful late Renaissance style, stopped me in my tracks with its magnificence. As I entered the lobby to check in, I noticed how effortlessly modernity and tradition had been blended together, with original Venetian flooring, frescoes and ornate tiling intuitively combined with modern furnishings. The warm and welcoming staff at reception had my room key to me in a matter of minutes, and before I knew it I was being escorted up to my first-floor suite.

                              

Rooms

Villa Le Maschere offers 65 rooms and suites to guests, each of them furnished uniquely. The former glory of the Florentine Renaissance period is evoked through the beautiful hand-painted frescoes, four-poster beds, luxurious, bright fabrics and the intricate pottery and sculptures that adorn each room. I stayed in the luxurious Chini Junior Suite, dominated by green fabrics decorated in Liberty style. The separate entrance way was richly decorated with Chini ceramics, a Florentine artist renowned in the region.

Whilst each room has been furnished in the style of the period, modern luxuries have not been forgotten at Villa Le Maschere. Think fluffy robes, designer toiletries, a fully-stocked mini-bar and LCD satellite TV. I especially loved the white marble bathroom with its spacious double vanity and the large, luxurious bath. Wi-Fi is also complimentary, although the thick walls of the villa meant that the signal was intermittent.

                       

Dining

There is no shortage of dining options available to guests at Villa Le Marchese. Guests are spoilt for choice with three restaurants on site, all serving refined Tuscan cuisine. A complimentary buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, offering a complete selection of sweet and savoury options, including gluten-free products as well as prosecco. I’m not sure there is a better way to begin the day than with a champagne breakfast on the beautiful terrace overlooking the property! The wait staff were attentive and efficient at all times, making each guest feel important with impeccable service.

                             

Come sunset, the terrace is where you want to be. Dinner outside is really something special in the summer months with live music drifting through the balmy air and with endlessly flowing wine. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced a more romantic setting!

                      

Wellness and relaxation

The pool area had to be my favourite part of the Villa Le Marchese experience. The resort boasts not one, but two adjacent swimming pools with sweeping views over the Mugello valley below. I kept my energy levels up with snacks from the pool bar (all of that lounging around is really exhausting) and glasses of prosecco or campari in the late afternoon became quite the habit!

                             

The Wellness Centre is free for guests and is housed behind the pool area and showcases spectacular views of the countryside through three large arches that lead directly into the pool. Guests can enjoy a Turkish bath, the sauna and jacuzzi at no extra cost. A full range of spa treatments are also available by appointment and the massages are heavenly.

                      

If you feel the need to leave the villa

You really have no need to leave the villa at all during your stay with everything you could possibly need available on site, but if the Tuscan hills stretching below do start calling to you, there are a few attractions nearby that you might enjoy.

Golf

Just 10 km away from Villa Le Marchesa is UNA Poggio dei Medici Golf Club, and boasts one of Tuscany’s most impressive courses. Although I’m no golfer (far from it, actually!), I had a fun morning learning some golfing techniques on the green. 

                      

Scarperia

A similar distance from Villa Le Maschere you will find the medieval town of Scarperia that is famous for its history of knife making. Be sure to visit the castle and see the exhibition of knives inside.

                      

Chini Museum

The Chini family is very famous throughout the region for their ceramics production. You can make a trip to nearby Borgo San Lorenzo to the Chini Museum, housed in another stunning Renaissance-era villa. The museum explores the history of ceramic manufacturing by Chini, many pieces of which are now housed in Villa Le Maschere and decorate the rooms.

                      

Book this accommodation if…

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious escape to the Tuscan countryside, Villa Le Maschere is the perfect choice. A stay here will transport you back to the Florentine Renaissance and all of its former glory. From the moment you check-in up until your departure, the villa’s staff adopt the ‘everything is possible’ mentality with their exceptional attention to detail and warm manner, making you feel immediately at home. For a romantic and secluded getaway in a magnificent, historical setting, Villa Le Maschere is your ideal destination.

STAYING ON VICTORIA FALLS AT THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE

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There aren’t many hotels in the world that could rival The Royal Livingstone’s location — situated almost on top of Victoria Falls along the Zambezi River. Indeed, in just a few minutes you will reach the pedestrian entrance to the falls – flash your card – and you’re into the UNESCO World Heritage Site free of charge.

Situated on the Zambian side of the falls (of which are shared with Zimbabwe), this is the third property in the Sunlux Collection – known as South Africa’s “Golden Triangle” of luxury hotels I am visiting on my trip to Africa. Whilst we’re now in Zambia, the three properties are indeed three of the most luxurious properties in the region… each with their own unique flare. The ‘flare’ here, we might say, is distinctly African… in a Victorian / safari / animal prints kinda way. It’s the Africa you imagined and The Royal welcomes you like a royal guest indeed, to the party of the century. Before you go you should know that the hardest part is leaving… but while you’re there, this is one of the world’s most special oasis’.

The Arrival

For a royal landing, I was greeted by a representative of the hotel at customs + immigration and whisked through to the VIP line – smooth!

From there, we met with my driver at the arrivals area who took me the short journey to the departure point for my water taxi to the hotel. Of course you can choose to drive the short distance to the hotel without the water taxi arrival, but many guests choose this little extra as they’re eager to get on the waters of the Zambezi River.

Once we arrive (10-15 minutes later) at The Royal Livingstone, I was met with a colourful welcome in the form of Edward – the life and soul of the hotel. He walks around in a bright red traditional outfit (you won’t miss him), and is on hand at all times to ensure you have the time of your life from the moment you arrive, to the time you must regrettably leave.

I was then treated to a complimentary welcome hand massage (nice touch!) and a cold ice tea. Shortly thereafter, I was accompanied to my room – 5078 on the ground floor – and checked-in.

The Room

It wasn’t long before I had checked into my corner suite and began to settle in to life on the Zambezi river. The rooms are far from the opulence you see throughout the public spaces of the hotel. Instead they are made to feel homely, warm and inviting. At the end of a long day of activities or exploring the Zambezi river, it’s a warm welcome and those homely touches you enjoy most.

The bathroom was my favourite feature of the room – featuring a large shower and bath tub. Bathroom amenities are the same throughout all of the Sunlux Collection Hotels, featuring Molton Brown products and replenished twice daily.

There is a great wi-fi connection for the remote location of the hotel and I was surprised by the speed – never an issue with the technology! All in all, I felt very much at home here inside my corner suite and most enjoyed early afternoons in my private deck area watching the sun begin to set.

The Service

I had high expectations for the level of service at The Royal Livingstone following a number of recommendations and for the most part, this was the case. Every so often you would encounter a staff member who could care less if you wanted to order a drink as a paying customer, but these were exceptions to the rule. The service at The Royal Livingstone does for the most part, live up to its’ name.

Even if you do encounter the odd staff member who isn’t particularly interested in your query or comment, this is far out-weighed by the fantastic and energetic service you will experience from the management staff and guest relations. Edward is the life and soul of the hotel – never too far away to check on all guests’ experience and ensure they are enjoying their stay.

While each room is said to be equipped with a personal butler, I didn’t see mine during my stay – nor did I require anything to warrant calling him/her.  

The Activities

Inside the hotel, you simply must book yourself in for a sunset treatment on the Zambezi River. The spa manager was more than helpful in arranging a treatment to best suit my needs, and I left feeling completely rejuvenated after a 90 minute traditional African massage – their most popular offering.

Outside the hotel, the options are endless. During my stay I enjoyed: a private walking tour of the falls, a microlight flight over the falls, canoeing on the Zambezi river (with the crocodiles and hippos), a gorge swing and much more. There is also a bungy for the more adventurous – or a helicopter ride should you wish for more covering when flying over the falls.

In Conclusion,

I could not possibly praise this hotel more highly. This is renowned for being one of the most luxurious accommodation options on the Zambezi River, and is as close as you can stay to the Victoria Falls (so close that you will hear them 24/7, peacefully in the background). Be sure to come prepared to try a few activities as there is so much to enjoy whilst here. And don’t miss that sunset massage on the Zambezi! An absolute must do.

A LUXURIOUS RETREAT IN RURAL TUSCANY: CHECKING INTO VILLA LE MASCHERE

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http://baomoia.blogspot.com/2015/08/co-gai-gay-soc-khi-ot-vung-kin-ban-trai.html

The words ‘Tuscany’ and ‘villa’ naturally conjure ideas of romance, luxury and  seclusion, and this is exactly what Villa Le Maschere is all about. Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside only 25 kilometres from Florence, the opulent Villa Le Maschere is a luxurious retreat that stands overlooking the Mugello valley below.

Originally constructed in the second half of the 16th century, Villa Le Maschere has hosted popes, noblemen and artists, who selected this residence as their accommodation of choice when they journeyed between Florence and Italy’s north. After falling into disrepair in the 20th century, a five-year painstaking restoration effort has transformed this stately home back to its former Renaissance-era glory and into a 5-star, luxury resort. An 18 hectare sprawling park surrounds the villa dotted with sequoia and rare trees as well as deer, owls and hares. When I was invited to represent World of Wanderlust on a luxurious weekend at Villa Le Maschere, I knew that a chance to stay at a romantic Tuscan villa such as this was not an experience I wanted to miss.

                      

Checking in

As soon as the car pulled up to the grand entrance of the villa, I knew that I was in for special weekend. The magnificent facade of the 16th century villa, decorated with twenty-two masks carved into the stonework and painted in a beautiful late Renaissance style, stopped me in my tracks with its magnificence. As I entered the lobby to check in, I noticed how effortlessly modernity and tradition had been blended together, with original Venetian flooring, frescoes and ornate tiling intuitively combined with modern furnishings. The warm and welcoming staff at reception had my room key to me in a matter of minutes, and before I knew it I was being escorted up to my first-floor suite.

                              

Rooms

Villa Le Maschere offers 65 rooms and suites to guests, each of them furnished uniquely. The former glory of the Florentine Renaissance period is evoked through the beautiful hand-painted frescoes, four-poster beds, luxurious, bright fabrics and the intricate pottery and sculptures that adorn each room. I stayed in the luxurious Chini Junior Suite, dominated by green fabrics decorated in Liberty style. The separate entrance way was richly decorated with Chini ceramics, a Florentine artist renowned in the region.

Whilst each room has been furnished in the style of the period, modern luxuries have not been forgotten at Villa Le Maschere. Think fluffy robes, designer toiletries, a fully-stocked mini-bar and LCD satellite TV. I especially loved the white marble bathroom with its spacious double vanity and the large, luxurious bath. Wi-Fi is also complimentary, although the thick walls of the villa meant that the signal was intermittent.

                       

Dining

There is no shortage of dining options available to guests at Villa Le Marchese. Guests are spoilt for choice with three restaurants on site, all serving refined Tuscan cuisine. A complimentary buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, offering a complete selection of sweet and savoury options, including gluten-free products as well as prosecco. I’m not sure there is a better way to begin the day than with a champagne breakfast on the beautiful terrace overlooking the property! The wait staff were attentive and efficient at all times, making each guest feel important with impeccable service.

                             

Come sunset, the terrace is where you want to be. Dinner outside is really something special in the summer months with live music drifting through the balmy air and with endlessly flowing wine. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced a more romantic setting!

                      

Wellness and relaxation

The pool area had to be my favourite part of the Villa Le Marchese experience. The resort boasts not one, but two adjacent swimming pools with sweeping views over the Mugello valley below. I kept my energy levels up with snacks from the pool bar (all of that lounging around is really exhausting) and glasses of prosecco or campari in the late afternoon became quite the habit!

                             

The Wellness Centre is free for guests and is housed behind the pool area and showcases spectacular views of the countryside through three large arches that lead directly into the pool. Guests can enjoy a Turkish bath, the sauna and jacuzzi at no extra cost. A full range of spa treatments are also available by appointment and the massages are heavenly.

                      

If you feel the need to leave the villa

You really have no need to leave the villa at all during your stay with everything you could possibly need available on site, but if the Tuscan hills stretching below do start calling to you, there are a few attractions nearby that you might enjoy.

Golf

Just 10 km away from Villa Le Marchesa is UNA Poggio dei Medici Golf Club, and boasts one of Tuscany’s most impressive courses. Although I’m no golfer (far from it, actually!), I had a fun morning learning some golfing techniques on the green. 

                      

Scarperia

A similar distance from Villa Le Maschere you will find the medieval town of Scarperia that is famous for its history of knife making. Be sure to visit the castle and see the exhibition of knives inside.

                      

Chini Museum

The Chini family is very famous throughout the region for their ceramics production. You can make a trip to nearby Borgo San Lorenzo to the Chini Museum, housed in another stunning Renaissance-era villa. The museum explores the history of ceramic manufacturing by Chini, many pieces of which are now housed in Villa Le Maschere and decorate the rooms.

                      

Book this accommodation if…

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious escape to the Tuscan countryside, Villa Le Maschere is the perfect choice. A stay here will transport you back to the Florentine Renaissance and all of its former glory. From the moment you check-in up until your departure, the villa’s staff adopt the ‘everything is possible’ mentality with their exceptional attention to detail and warm manner, making you feel immediately at home. For a romantic and secluded getaway in a magnificent, historical setting, Villa Le Maschere is your ideal destination.

Rooms can be booked through the Villa Le Maschere website.