Top tips for perfecting your Santa Barbara vacation shots.

Taking a vacation to Santa Barbara, whether it’s on your own or with family and friends, is a happy and exciting time. There is always a memorable, funny, or majestic moment to capture as you relax and unwind. Taking great photos is not a skill that comes naturally to everyone but there are a few things you can do to ensure that you have plenty of wonderful images to remember your Santa Barbara vacation by.

A joyful group dances and plays on the lawn in front of the Santa Barbara Mission at sunset.
A candid moment captured in front of a historic mission building with red flowers in the foreground.
A relaxed group picnic on a blanket with the Santa Barbara Mission in the background.

Simple Photography Tips for the Santa Barbara Traveler



  • The moments are what matters on a vacation so try not to get the people you’re with to pose too often. Instead, focus on capturing special moments between your children or between friends. You also never know when a unique moment might present itself in your surroundings so always have your camera ready. 


  • If you are looking to get some great shots of the scenery around you, it’s always best to get up early if you can. The lighting will be better earlier in the day and hopefully, there won’t be as many people around. 


  • Before you pack up your belongings and head out the door, become familiar with the settings on your camera. Take out your camera’s manual and have a quick read through the settings and features to ensure that you’re up to speed with what your camera is capable of. 


  • Don’t forget to take some detailed shots too. While you want to capture the scenery and be able to show others what you experienced on vacation, taking the time to zoom in on the smaller details can make for some amazing photos too. Whether it’s a great meal that you had or the beautiful detail on a building, try not to discount those shots. 


  • Bonus Tip: Get a few shots of the locals and anything that might be going on around you. These shots tend to tell the best stories.
Family portrait on beach with coastal vegetation in background during golden hour.
A family shares a candid moment together on a sunny beach with palm trees in the background.
A joyful moment captured between family members at the beach on a bright day.
A happy family relaxes together on a white blanket at the beach with palm trees in the distance.
A couple shares an intimate moment while sitting on a blanket at the beach.
Parent lifts child playfully in the air against blue sky at the beach.
Family playing together on sandy beach, holding hands and having fun.
Family relaxing together on white blanket at beach with coastal cliffs in background.
Child runs through shallow ocean waves while family watches from beach.
Family walking together along wet sand at beach during sunset.
Family enjoying playful moment together at beach during golden hour.
A family walks together barefoot along a serene beach at sunset with cliffs and palm trees in the background.
A group enjoys a tranquil moment together walking on wet sand at the beach during golden hour.
A casual group stroll along the shoreline as gentle waves roll in during sunset.
A cheerful group walks together along the beach with mountains visible in the distance.

Safe travels!