Award-winning photographer and kikooworld.com contributor Chase Guttman, enjoys traveling with his family and capturing special memories with his camera. Here, he shares tips that may inspire the budding shutterbugs in your clan.

1. Be adventurous.

“Veer off the beaten path. Take the road less traveled,” advises Guttman, who has visited dozens of countries and 45 US states. “Try to compose images that portray the essence of the culture you're experiencing. By thinking outside the box, you can put a fresh spin on a frequently photographed subject or destination. Don't be afraid to stretch out of your comfort zone and experiment.”

2. Get closer.

“When you create a feeling of intimacy and connection with your subject, you’ll capture stunning portraits,” advises the New York City native. “Every face tells a unique story. Wrinkles map out a life of hardship and piercing eyes offer a peak into a person’s emotional state. In essence, portraiture allows you to unveil your subject's world for all to see.”

3. It's in the details.

"Zero in on essential details that will tell a larger story about the people or destination you're capturing. Be aware that what you leave out of the frame can be as important as what you include,” advises Guttman. "With focus, you can effectively squeeze an exciting visual experience within the rectangular shaped frame.”

4. Head towards the action.

As illustrated in many of his favorite images, Guttman explains that “By diving into the middle of the action you’ll capture an array of energy and emotion. Local markets, sporting events, and festivals offer unique insights into people’s daily lives."

“No matter what camera you have in hand," he adds, "you can paint dynamic and visually arresting action shots by clicking the shutter while moving your body at the same pace as the moving object you're trying to capture.”

5. Plan ahead.

“It helps to be in the right place at the right time,” advises Guttman. “Early morning conditions offer unique advantages for photographers. Wildlife is more likely to be active and visible. A tranquil atmosphere makes water reflections more pristine, and you'll have a better chance to capture dawn’s magical mist and dew. Also, early morning and evening lighting provide the best opportunities to create stupendous landscape and cityscape shots.

 

Chase Guttman has a long list of awards associated with his work including Young Travel Photographer of the Year, a Grand Prize in National Geographic’s International Photography Contest for Kids, and an Emerging Photographic Talent by the Young Photographer’s Alliance. to name a few  His work has been exhibited at the Royal Geographical Society in London and he was included as a Top Ten Travel Photographer in the New York Institute of Photography's latest book. Check out Chase's amazing work and his book on Drone photography! at ChaseGuttman.com

Chase Guttman is a passionate and talented photographer, political junkie, intrepid explorer, and world traveler. Chase visited more than 35 countries, 45 U.S. states, and 8 Canadian provinces by the time he was 12.

He's crossed Saharan dunes by camel in Morocco, dogsledded with an Iditerod legend in Wyoming, taken wagon trains across the Dakotas,