Not every photo from your vacation has to be posed.
If you'd like to have more images that tell the story of your trip, try these tips.
1. Encourage your family/friends to be themselves around the camera or phone (This may take a day or two if they're used to stopping and posing when they see the camera).
2. Use a wide-angle lens like a 16, 20 or 24 mm. Or use the widest lens setting on your phone.
3. Compose your photo with the landmark, sign or attraction at the top of the image. Walk alongside or slightly behind your family/friends and make pictures as they react to seeing something.
Above is an example of this technique in Washington, D.C., as my wife and son walk toward the U.S. Capitol.
The settings can be seen below.
Got questions about making better vacation/travel pictures? Use the contact form on this site to send in your question.
Lens (mm): 16
ISO: 200
Aperture: 4
Shutter: 1/2000
Program: Aperture Priority