List: Proud to be Cheesy

I’d consider myself an aspiring photographer, and travel provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with technique while capturing memories of new places, people, and things. Of course we all want to catch the perfect moment that will lead to fame and fortune, and there’s nothing wrong with having an artistic eye.

Some people shun all the trappings of being a ‘tourist,’ often identified by taking (or being in) cheesy, posed pictures, in front of monuments and buildings. However, there’s nothing to say that a good dose of irreverent fun can’t be thrown in along with the ‘serious’ shots. Sure, they may be a bit embarrassing to take at the time, but as ‘novel’ as these ideas may seem, they’ve been tried and tested by many a fellow traveler who has gone before.

So go ahead, and try out any (or all) of these categories! The results probably won’t grace the cover of any publications, but travel is sometimes just about enjoying the moment and appreciating the lighter side of life!

1. Boundary crossing
Any national border or artificial geographical line will do here; just be sure to place one foot (or hand, if necessary) in each relevant segment, look straight at the camera, and smile!

Try this at: Four Corners National Monument (The conjunction of 4 U.S. states,) on the Equator, at the Prime Meridian, or in Basel, Switzerland

2. “Stock” photography
Sure, you're not being punished, but the empty holes of that old wooden stocks are just calling out to be filled with a head and two hands. Just be careful not to get stuck!

Try this at: Europa Park (Germany), Bermuda, Colonial Williamsburg

3. Super-human feats
You too can appear have the strength of a superhero or the magical ability to read a newspaper while immersed in water. All it takes is the right location, creative camera work, and a knowledge of the rules of perspective.

Try this at: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Dead Sea

4. Mimicking a statue
Life imitates art: For some reason, many people’s reaction to sculptures is to either mirror the pose or to pretend to interact with the immobile object in some way. Again, you may think you’re the first person to think of such a creative idea, but it’s probably not true!

Try this at: Communist statue park (Budapest,) Vigeland Sculpture Park (Oslo,) Easter Island

5. Posing with people (or characters)
The idea of cozying up to a stranger just because they have a costume or animal suit on may seem strange at first, but as a former college mascot, I can say that usually these people like being treated as a minor celebrity [Any sort of soldier or palace guard doesn’t fit into this category, though, and should be excluded.]

Try this at: Any theme park, Doorman at FAO Schwartz in New York City

So, next time you find yourself in an obviously touristy location, in between checking angles and analyzing the light level, why not give in and take the cheesy snapshot along with the masses? If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em….