A picture is worth a thousand words
East Kent, with its stunning coastline, historic towns, picturesque villages, orchards and expansive countryside views, offers a wealth of photographic opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
So whether you've got all the kit and take your photography seriously, or whether you like to snap away on your mobile phone to upload images to Instagram, your holiday photos can be a beautiful reminder of your trip!
Here are some tips to inspire your next photography adventure in East Kent and help you capture some stunning memories:
A Photographer's Paradise
This part of the world truly has it all...
Coastal Photography
- Dramatic Skies: The dramatic skies over the Kent coast, particularly at sunrise and sunset, provide stunning backdrops for your photos
- Iconic Landmarks: Capture iconic landmarks such as Dover Castle, Deal Pier, and Ramsgate's historic harbour
- Coastal Walks: Explore the coastal paths and capture the beauty of the cliffs, beaches, and quaint seaside towns.
Historical Photography
- Medieval Town of Sandwich: Capture the charm of half-timbered buildings along narrow cobbled streets
- Canterbury Cathedral: This magnificent cathedral offers countless photo opportunities, from its stunning architecture to its intricate stained glass windows
- Castles at Dover, Deal and Walmer: Explore the historic East Kent castles and their picturesque surroundings
- Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre: Where gladiators set up a vast trading hub and coastal fortress
Rural Photography
- Picturesque Villages: Discover the idyllic villages of East Kent, with their thatched cottages and traditional Oast Houses
- Countryside Landscapes: Capture the beauty of the Kent Downs, with its lush green fields, ancient woodlands, and winding country lanes
- Wildlife Photography: Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as birds, deer, and foxes.
Our favourite local photo-opportunity spots include:
- Canterbury Cathedral: The awe-inspiring creamy white Caen stone monument looks stunning during golden hour. The incredible cloisters with exquisite fan-vaulted ceiling medieval heraldry and carved figures, and the spectacular stained glass windows are also well worth capturing.
- Botany Bay, Broadstairs: With it's chalk cliffs, it looks particularly spectacular at sunrise.
- Reculver Towers: On Kent's north coast, this dramatic and eye-catching monument can be seen across the coastline from Herne Bay to Birchington. Wonderful for taking sunset photographs.
- Deal Pier: The last remaining fully intact leisure pier in Kent. It's unadorned concrete structure is sometimes likened to the ribcage of a ship. At 313 meters long, you can get great shots of the shoreline.
- Blean Woods, Canterbury: 11 miles of ancient woodland, with plenty of paths to explore the ever-changing beauty of the changing seasons. Wonderful location for wildlife and bird photography. Plus, you might be lucky enough to spot the three European Bison which were recently introduced!
Photography Tips
Plan Ahead:
- Research: Learn about your destination's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and best photo spots.
- Pack Smart: Bring your camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards, and any necessary accessories.
Golden Hour Magic:
- Sunrise and Sunset: These times offer soft, warm light that can transform your photos.
- Blue Hour: The time just after sunset or before sunrise, when the sky is a deep blue, can create dramatic and moody images.
Compositional Tips:
- Rule of Thirds: Divide your image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and place your subject along these lines or at their intersections.
- Leading Lines: Use lines in your image to guide the viewer's eye towards your subject.
- Negative Space: Use negative space to draw attention to your subject.
- Symmetry and Patterns: Look for symmetry and patterns in your surroundings.
- Framing: Use natural elements like trees, arches, or doorways to frame your subject.
Experiment with Angles:
- Get Low: Shoot from a low angle to emphasize the height of a building or landscape.
- Get High: Use a tripod or elevated position to capture a bird's-eye view.
- Unique Perspectives: Try different angles to create unexpected and interesting compositions.
Capture the Moment:
- Candid Shots: Capture genuine moments and emotions.
- Portrait Photography: Get close-ups of people and their expressions.
- Action Shots: Freeze moments of action and movement.
Post-Processing Tips:
- Edit Wisely: Use photo editing software to enhance your images without overdoing it.
- Crop Strategically: Tighten your composition by cropping out unnecessary elements.
- Adjust Exposure: Correct exposure to ensure your images are neither too dark nor too bright.
- Enhance Colors: Use tools to adjust color saturation and contrast.
- Add Filters: Experiment with different filters to create different moods and styles.
Instagram-Worthy Travel Photos:
In today's digital age, sharing your travel experiences on Instagram has become a popular way to connect with friends and family, and inspire others. To ensure your photos stand out, here are some additional tips for sharing Instagram-worthy moments:
Use Relevant Hashtags
- Destination Hashtags: Use specific hashtags related to your destination, such as #Kent, #GardenOfEngland, #Sandwich or #Canterbury.
- General Travel Hashtags: Use general travel hashtags like #travel, #wanderlust, and #instatravel.
- Trending Hashtags: Keep an eye on trending hashtags to increase your visibility.
Tell A Story
- Create a Visual Narrative: Use a series of photos to tell a story about your trip.
- Captions: Write engaging captions that complement your photos and tell a story.
- Geotag Your Posts: Geotag your posts to help people discover your content.
By following these tips, you can capture stunning vacation photos that you'll cherish for years to come, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Happy shooting!