Key Tips On Taking Amazing Photos In Jakarta While Traveling (Sponsored Post)

Very few people would consider Jakarta as a landscape for taking beautiful imagery, full of beautiful spots to take the most stunning photographs. However, there are tons of breathtaking places sprawled across the entire city, you just need to know where to look. Not only that but these places can also be your sweet escape from Jakarta's buzzing city life.

So how do you take seemingly gorgeous photographs that will simply take anyone's breath away? Here are a few key tips for taking fantastic photos in Jakarta while traveling.

If you want to master a particular piece of art, then you have to make it a point that you shoot every day. To become better in your craft, you have to practice. There is no other way. Spend hours and hours behind your camera to practice a particular skill. As your ability gradually improves over time, you can start depicting specific stories too, behind the lens. 

Constantly experiment. Gradually, your voice and style will eventually emerge over time. So never stop exploring and tread into unknown territories- you’d never know what you’ll find. It’ll turn you from an amateur to a seasoned professional photographer capable of adapting different styles.

What we mean if your images aren't as stunning or standing out like the way you want it to be, chances are- you aren't close enough. Get close and fill the frame with your subject and reassess. Did the photo improve overall now that you’ve disregarded the extra space? 

The closer you are, the more you’d get hold of all the vital details of the photograph making it more compelling than it ever was.

Before you raise your camera and take a shot, see where the light is coming from. Light is an essential element in taking good photographs, making the ordinary look extraordinary, so use it to your advantage. Let it be your guide. Is it natural light coming from the rays of the sun, or from a light bulb? How is it illuminating the overall scene? Is it casting away the shadows, or does it do a great job in highlighting the parts that you want to emphasize the most?

Always ask permission if you wanted to photograph someone. Treading into a different culture and country can be at times challenging, as a lot of people have different beliefs, perspectives, and cultures as you. Therefore, take the time to ask permission first from your subject out of respect.

A lot of us think that using the camera's flash is only for nighttime or indoor use. The trick here is when you’re in a harsh environment- like being exposed to the bright rays of the midday sun, use your flash to create an even exposure on the overall photo, as well as removing the potentially ugly shadows from the sun.

There are several things that you have to take into consideration to be able to use your ISO more effectively. 

Time of the day: For example, if you have to shoot midday, you need to set your ISO between 100-200. If you’re shooting in a tripod at night, you need to increase it to record the light coming in on the camera's sensor.

How well lit is the subject: If the overall scene is too dark, you can try adjusting it to a higher ISO from 800-1600. 

Sharpness vs. image movement: Do you want a photo that depicts a more fluid motion or a sharper image? Using a high shutter speed is needed to capture a fast movement, and you’ll need a higher ISO. On the other hand, if you want movement in the overall photo, you’ll be using slower shutter speed, with lower ISO.

If you want a subject to stand out from the overall photo, you can use framing as a technique to draw attention to it. Framing a subject of a scene can lead your audience's eyes to the primary focal point. 

To create a more interesting photo, make a more interesting picture by deliberately shaping the light. Shape the light source behind or on the side of the subject. Try to avoid shooting when the sun is directly above you as this creates a flat photo. 

To be able to break it down, you need to cut your photos into thirds either by vertical or horizontal lines. On the cross sections of the grid, you then place your point of interest in there.

Taking a good photo while traveling isn't easy. The most important thing of all is savoring the moment, and don't be afraid to break the rules every once in a while. Inspiration can come in a variety of forms so soak in every moment! Experiment as much as you can and continuously explore different possibilities with digital photography- as this would make you a better photographer in your craft. 

Michael Schacht is a portrait photographer and photography educator based in Chicago Illinois. As owner/operator of 312 Elements Headshot Photography located in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, Michael oversees the day to day operations and has had the opportunity to photograph thousands of corporate professionals over the last decade. Through his direction, attention to detail, and people skills, he's helped these clients to craft a narrative around their personal brand. It's his belief that the headshot is the modern dad business card and that a better headshot is essential for a better career. Michael, his wife Meghan and his two daughters reside in Tinley Park Illinois where he is a community leader and active participant in the local business sector. Michael studied business at Ball State University and photography with world renown headshot photographer, Peter Hurley. It was Hurley that trained Michael in the art of human expression. Michael is now a Headshot Crew certified Mentor and active member of the Headshot Crew community where he was named one of the top 20 headshot photographers in the world.