Documentary Photography & Vacation Photos: Getting More Than a Snapshot
Changing My Method.
In July 0f 2017, I had the opportunity to go to a family reunion in Kansas for a weekend and stay with my sister and her family in New Mexico for a few days after that. After being a San Antonio portrait photographer for 7+ years and following strict homework guidelines for the last two years of college, I wanted to document my family’s interaction and experience without pre-determined rules.
Game Plan.
Instead of trying to control my scene, I decided to let moments happen naturally and reacting to what I see the world around me doing. Over that week of always having my camera around my neck, I found myself taking images outside my usual box and falling back in love with photography in a different way.
Seeing Results.
I found myself seeing and adjusting my manual camera settings faster, my sense of composition improved as I tried to fit as much of the story as possible into each photo, and my appreciation for each moment exponentially increased because I was trying to take in every second of it.
Life Long Memories.
When I returned home from my journey, I was able to share each day’s events and honor the special moments I was able to spend with family. I love getting to look back at each day’s activities and remembering that chapter of my life.
To see more of what I do, visit my website!
Your Turn!
I want to see your favorite image(s) that you’ve taken on vacation! Post them to Instagram and tag @boldjoyphotography with the hashtag #BJPblog.
About the Photographer:
Elizabeth Leland is a senior at The Art Institute of San Antonio where she is earning her BFA in digital photography.
After picking up a camera in 2007, Elizabeth developed a love for interacting with people and making genuine connections through the lens. She practiced her photography skills on any person, place, and thing she could fit within the frame of her camera.
Elizabeth continued to grow in photography and took every opportunity she could to learn from small business owners, established photographers, and teachers. She has worked happily as a portrait and event photographer for most of her career, and found her passion in commercial photography.