Taking Vacation Photographs

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Vacations are very memorable experiences and as such should be remembered long after you return home. One of the best ways to remember the wonderful time you had on your vacation is with photographs. Every time you look at a picture you took on your trip you will your spirit down memories path in accordance with your unforgettable journey. These pictures you take are priceless and it is worth learning a few tips to make your picture-taking memories more rewarding.

When you begin to pack for your vacation, keep in mind the things you will need for your picture-taking excursions, such as:
• Camera, batteries (plus extras), memory card(s), battery chargers
• External flash (if needed), tripod, portable storage device
• Power adapter (if traveling abroad)
• Camera case—waterproof if you plan on going to a beach or wet vacation spot
• Underwater camera if you like to scuba dive or snorkel (even a cheap disposable one will get those unforgettable underwater shots!)
• Be sure your camera has a wrist-strap—you don’t want to lose your camera when you are handing upside-down in the rainforest treetops!

Make sure to charge your camera batteries before you leave home, and ensure that you clear your memory card. It is also a good idea to take an extra memory card with you. Don’t be afraid to shoot lots of pictures of the same subject – a digital camera can hold a lot of pictures and you can sort out the good from the bad when you get home.

Do a little research before you leave home about the spot you are traveling to and try to pre-plan some of the photos you may wish to take. You can research travel guides, books and magazines to help plan what pictures you may wish to include in your memory album. This may also be helpful not only in planning what type of shot you may wish to take, but may affect when and what time you travel to a certain location. Would you like a picture of misty sunrise over the Rocky Mountains? Or you can plan a shot of elephant feeding time at the San Diego Zoo—or maybe fireworks over the Eiffel Tower? Make a list of these potential shots and plan your trip accordingly.

Be sure to remember to include the human element when you are taking pictures on your vacation. Pictures of scenery are great, but since this is your vacation it should be a memory experience at the same time. Take pictures of your family and friends, and even some of the people you meet at the places you travel to. All of these elements add to the quality of the experience. And, try to get at least some pictures with you in it. There is always someone around to take a picture of you in front of that famous landmark—just be sure it is someone trustworthy not to run off with your camera. A good idea is to take along a cheap disposable camera that you can give to the passerby instead of your expensive one. This way if he does drop the camera or runs off with it you won’t have too much to lose. You may not get as good a picture quality, but it will still be a memory shot.

Always remember to take lots of pictures on your vacation. That time in your life is a one-time experience. You may return to the same vacation, but the time spent there will offer a different experience each time you visit. It is priceless to remember the great time you had through your vacation photos.