January 29, 2024, by Jip Groot

The tips from a photographer: a Q&A with photographer Nina van Hilst

Travel
January 29, 2024, by Jip Groot

The tips from a photographer: a Q&A with photographer Nina van Hilst

How do you take the most beautiful holiday snapshots? Do you capture the best moments, alone or with the whole gang? We all think that (let's be honest) is important, because how nice to look back later on these moments that also look beautiful. We answer many of your questions in an article here, so that you can read everything carefully and always have it at hand. Is that just as useful? Let's start with today's topic (drum roll):

 

“Everything you want to know as a starting (travel) photographer!”

 

Of course we asked none other than Nina van Hilst, part of the Barts Bende aka team Barts Boekje. Besides writing, her other profession is photography. By motherhood among the most beautiful places in the world.

The tips, tricks and don'ts of photographer Nina van Hilst

The tips, tricks and don'ts of photographer Nina van Hilst

Nina van Hilst In addition to being the oldest Barts Boekje family member (in Barts Boekje years, in Barts Boekje years...), he is also an experienced photographer. An indispensable part of the team for more than eight years and has been writing about sustainability since day one. She takes enviable snapshots. From family photography and corporate photos to maternity sessions. Let's start the Q&A.

What do you want to know as a starting travel photographer?

If your phone has a good camera, you will go far, but nothing beats a good one (system) camera. A phone camera is especially functional on city trips, in the streets and in nice shops. For nature, vast landscapes and beautiful (catering) interiors, a professional camera simply gives you many more options with depth and light.

Tip 1: go on an adventure! Visit an unvisited forest nearby or a historic village further away. Book that ticket and take those extra steps to see if you can find something interesting. Be curious and get lost sometimes.

How do you work with (back)light?

Seek out the light. Choose bright backlight for extra drama. In low light, look for a hint of light and go for it moody. And do you want a nice one? Selfie, then turn around to see how the light best highlights you.

What is a good camera for a beginner who wants to take better photos than with an iPhone?

De Nikon Z fc system camera. We also have this camera as an 'office' camera and it actually goes with us on all Barts Boekje trips. And furthermore, especially for portraits, I often find the lens more important than the camera.

How do photos remain high quality when you post them as stories/posts?

It is best to edit them on your laptop (Lightroom), then put them in JPEG and then transfer them to your phone transfer.

How can you edit photos smoothly and quickly, without them looking too exaggerated?

You can view the images of (for example) the Nikon Z fc system camera super easy to transfer from the camera to your phone with the SnapBridge app. It looks like magic! I always think that moment is a real gift. From there you can easily work in the Lightroom app (on your phone) and you can create a very impressive image without much knowledge or experience. Play with contrast (not too much), brightness, light (also try something darker, that is sometimes very nice) and warmth. If you really want to edit, shoot as a RAW file and edit in Lightroom on your computer.

Have Barts Boekje photos been edited? With a filter? Is it common to edit?

Most influencers use a filter or edit the photos slightly on Instagram. This can be done by always using the same filter in your phone photos. Although there is also a trend to show photos (and yourself) as they are. Do what feels right for you.

Why is finding help so difficult in terms of explanation?

There are photographers who give courses in this. You can also contact your favorite photographer to see if they would like to give you a beginner's course.

How do you get started as a starting travel photographer without spending days on post-processing and sorting?

Select during your trip. After each day, select the photos you like most. And keep your edits minimal. If you pay attention at the moment of photographing, you will not have to do much editing.

What are the best editing tips/tricks?

Do you go for real or do you go for just a little gravy? It's good to develop your own style. Some people like light images, others like dark ones. Never use too much filter, contrast or saturation.

What is the best setting for photos with an iPhone?

There is no “the best”. Do you like light or dark photos? Anyway, a tip for taking photos with a camera app. The iPhone has a funny thing that it automatically "makes your photo better" after taking a photo, which affects the atmosphere of your photo. And this cannot be turned off.

What program do you use to edit photos?

Just use the standard photo app on your phone and use the camera in Lightroom. Lightroom also has an app, but you cannot edit RAW photos on it.

Where can I follow a workshop with my own camera? Including Lightroom workshop, for example.

Workshops can be found via Instagram. I've done it before and really enjoyed it. And I probably know other photographers who also enjoy doing it. So please take contact me or your favorite photographer.

Which lenses are the best?

This also depends on your wishes. For portraits I like to work with a fixed lens (e.g. a 35mm or 50mm) and when traveling I sometimes use a various lens (24-70mm). If you really go into the vast nature, you may want to use a telephoto lens.

How do you, as a (starting) photographer, get a report in a magazine? For example Vogue/Living/Elle.

Take the courage and approach them! Magazines often work with permanent photographers for years, but who knows, they may just be looking for your cartoon story.

Where do I start as a starting photographer?

Do, do, do! If you are a portrait photographer, you can photograph people in your area. If you want to become a travel photographer, go out there. Make sure you post your images regularly on Instagram and LinkedIn (yes, really) so people can get to know your work.

Where can I follow a workshop with my own camera? Including a lightroom workshop, for example.


De Nikon School gives workshops and also offers private workshops. But perhaps the camera store in your area also offers workshops. On YouTube you can follow endless inspiration and education videos, such as on Nikon Europe – YouTube

Which lenses are the best?


This is different for everyone, one person may be very happy with a 600mm telephoto lens, but another person may want to photograph landscapes. A fine one allround lens for traveling with the crop frame camera is the DX Z18-140mm. If you have a full frame, you will be fine with the Z 24-200mm. Nikon's S class lenses have the best optical quality and are therefore a lot more expensive.

Which camera is best to use for interior photography that is easy to use?


Actually, any camera is suitable for this, but especially look at the lens. In interior photography, a wide-angle lens, such as the Z 14-30mm, is often used to capture as much as possible. Because you also (often) use a tripod and can therefore shoot at a low ISO, you do not have to have the fastest sports camera. The Z30, Z 50 or Z fc is ideal to start with in combination with the Z16-50mm kit lens.

Where can you find the best filters/presets?

In addition to the in-camera filters, you can also experiment with external screw-on filters, such as polarization filters and ND (Neutral Density) filters. The Pol filter ensures that reflections disappear, so you can remove reflections from water and enhance green/blue tones in the air. With the ND filters, a kind of sunglasses for your lens, you can work with longer shutter speeds, making water appear milky in the photo, and shoot with longer shutter speeds.

 

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