Photography Tips for Open-Top Bus Tours

Taking photos from a moving Hop-On Hop-Off bus is tricky. You have motion, wind, and varying light to contend with. Here is how to nail the shot.

1. Safety First (Shutter Speed)

The bus is vibrating and moving.

• Setting: Keep your shutter speed high (at least 1/500s) to freeze the action and avoid blurry buildings.
• Phone Users: Use "Burst Mode". Take 10 shots and pick the one where the framing is perfect.

2. Where to Sit

• Front Row: Great for forward views, but you have the glass screen which can cause glare.
• Back Row: You get a clean view behind the bus (great for trailing shots of the road) and side views without window frames.
• Side: Sit on the Left side (kerb side) for better shots of buildings and pedestrians. Sit on the Right for wider streetscapes and oncoming traffic.

3. Anticipate the Landmarks

Listen to the guide! If they say "Coming up on the left is the Peace Wall," get your camera ready before you arrive. The bus might not stop long.

4. Include the Bus

Don't be afraid to include part of the red bus in your frame. It adds context and leads the eye into the image.