National Geographic Photographer Alison Wright narrowly escaped death in a bus accident on a remote jungle road while on assignment in Laos. Afterward she published a book entitled "Learning to Breathe," chronicling her experience.
Today, Wright is back doing what she loves.
I ran into Alison in Bermuda where she shared a few of her tips for taking better travel shots during a tropical beach vacation. She says it all comes down to working with the available light.
For starters, avoid bright light. Get up at dawn, or shoot the golden hours at sunset.
Next, in addition to capturing the sunset, look for a subject the warm glow is reflecting upon.
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Plus, work with the "bounce light," the afterglow following the sunset. It illuminates the surrounding sky for beautiful landscapes.
Want to capture your resort after dark? The time to take a night shot of a lighted building is at twilight.
And finally, when taking a portrait, use natural light instead of a flash. Try to get what Wright calls a "catch light" natural light in the eyes. It brings the face to life.
For more information on photography workshops led by Wright, visit www.alisonwright.com.
If you purchase her book online, the proceeds go toward the Faces of Hope Fund which is helping to establish a rural clinic for the people who saved Alison's life.