Photo tips

[Gale in KY]

My first visit to Tulum, I didn't take the digital camera...I brought along disposables and was very disappointed in the quality of the pics when I returned home. Nothing is as beautiful as that water color..and it just didn't show up in my photos.

I've noticed this happens with photos others take as well..so lets hear the tips from those who get the best pictures!

Someone told me that the best photos of the water are taken between 11am and 1pm..the sun is in just the right position to give you accurate water color in your shots..something about the reflection of light?

Next?

[beachreader]

I agree with the water color being best in mid-day. Here's my favorite from Mayan Grill (ignore the time stamp, it's wrong; probably around 1-2 p.m. in March):

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7dd29b3127cce82421bdcce5700000016108Aas2rVo2ZuS

Even though my camera is sort of average, you get a clear difference between the sky blue and two or three shades in the water.


The night-time shots are my challenge, since my flash is too bright for close-up pics IMO, makes the food look all fake. Someone here gave me the tip to try taping a piece of tissue paper over the flash to tone it down a bit. That's the one I'll try next trip.

[Gale in KY]

I can't wait to get my hands on my toy! It has night settings on it, so I should finally be able to get some good after dark shots. I am as excited as a kid in a candy shop...hope it arrives soon!

[TheWindyCity]

Yeah, I was the tissue guy. You can use that, or thin white paper if you are taking a close up of food.

As far as water color, mid day is about the best:

6:00 AM Azulik Deck
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1500.jpg

10:00 AM Sian Kaan
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP0924.jpg

2:00 PM Copal Tun Tun Bar
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP0892.jpg

8:00PM Hechizo beach
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1069.jpg

[DougSR]

Next time someone goes with a decent digital camera I would like to see the same view taken at different times of day. It would be an interesting comparison.

[Gale in KY]

I will be happy to help you out with that Doug..Be there on the 9th and will be taking day/evening/overnight shots.

[beachreader]

Windy, I love your sunrise pic! I think like pictures better with a little framing and structure to look at, as opposed to just ocean and sky. Not that there's anything wrong with the ocean and sky...

Where was your Sian Kaan pic taken? What are those thatched structures along the beach?

[TheWindyCity]

Hey Beachreader.....that was at that concrete lookout post at the main office/restaurant/banos area in Sian Kaan. Don't know what the thatched structures were. I was only aware of the thatched huts you can stay in that are about 250ft inland from the office building.

The sunrises are the only reason I'd wake up at 6:00 AM while on vacation. That, and to walk right into the warm Caribbean!

[Steve O]

Make sure you can operate your camera with one hand because it's to much work to keep putting that cerveza down.

[Gale in KY]

Now that's a GREAT tip Steve!!!!