Tips for Documenting the Moments in Between while Traveling with Amy

Some of my favorite travel photos are the ones that capture the companions, both human and furry, that share the journey with me.

Before we even pull out of the driveway, I try to snap a quick selfie with everyone piled into our minivan. I usually do this for the timestamp in the metadata so that I know the exact time we began our journey. It's also a simple way to capture the excitement before the miles start rolling by and everyone gets bored and the bickering starts! 

As the trip unfolds, I look for opportunities to photograph the little moments that tell the story of the journey itself. The kids laughing in the backseat, heads bent over a game or book. The inevitable moment when everyone falls asleep after a long day of exploring. The mountain of blankets, snacks, backpacks, and travel gear that somehow takes over the car. 

CREDITS: Template: Cindy Schneider - Double the Fun 41 / Kit: Traci Reed - Sunkissed

And I never forget the pets! Our dogs and rabbit are always part of our adventures, whether we're heading out on a road trip or spending the week camping. Some of my favorite memories are captured in photos of them peeking out the car window, curled up on a campsite chair, or happily kayaking with us. They are just as much a part of our family stories as the people are! I never want to forget that we have to pack an extra camp chair just for our spoiled shih tzu and the faces of friends when we tell them they can’t sit there because that is the dog’s chair!

When you're documenting your travels, try to remember to photograph all of your travel buddies, not just the people. Capture the family dog riding shotgun, the stuffed animal that accompanies every trip, the favorite travel pillow, or even the well-loved cooler that appears in every camping photo. These details may seem ordinary today, but years from now they'll help tell a richer, more complete story.

Travel Buddy Photo Ideas:

• Take a selfie before you hit the road.

• Photograph the kids in the backseat throughout the journey. Capture the activities they bring to keep themselves busy on a long drive or flight.

• Capture pets relaxing during the drive.

• Document everyone asleep after a long day of adventure.

• Take photos of your pets at rental homes, campsites, trailheads, or on your adventures.

• Include favorite travel companions like stuffed animals, blankets, or travel games.

• Photograph the view from each travel buddy's perspective.

• Capture candid moments instead of only posed photos.

Camera Equipment that I take on almost all of my trips:

• iPhone

• Canon EOS Rebel T5i with a 18-135mm lens

• Canon  70-300mm lens

• Extra batteries & camera cards

The destination is important, but the people and pets we share the journey with are what make the adventure memorable. 

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