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Shooting great vacation photos, even with that new digital camera, takes smarts and know-how. Badly taken vacation snaps can be awfully disappointing, but good ones are a lifelong treasure.
Power management
Dead batteries ruin great photo ops. Always take two sets of batteries and a charger. Use one set in the camera while the other charges.
Find out what kind of power adapter you need when travelling abroad possibly a transformer, more likely just a plug adapter and get it before you leave.
The digital camera's LCD screen is a power burner turn it off and use the optical view finder most of the time.
Protect your gear
Digital cameras are very susceptible to water damage. Stay away from water and carry your camera in a waterproof bag.
Add a pack of silica gel to reduce moisture further.
When going through airport security, put memory cards in the plastic tray provided to avoid x-rays, metal detectors, or anything with a magnetic field.
Pack enough memory
The camera's manual should tell you how many shots at a given size and quality you can store on your memory card. Use this information to calculate the storage required for each picture, then multiply by the number of pictures you expect to take.
Conserve by using lower resolution for shots you know you'll only want to print small or e-mail.
Exploit your digicam's greatest feature: edit as you go delete shots that don't work.
Take the camera's AV cord and plug it into a PC to get a better look at the pictures.
Know your camera
Most digicams don't take the picture the split second you click the shutter. Try to anticipate the shot. Then check the LCD to make sure you got it. If not, shoot again.
Understand and exploit creative manual options. Use a fast shutter speed to stop action, for example, or a slow shutter speed to create a pleasing blur when shooting a waterfall or something with implied movement.
Use your camera's advanced digital features. Many digicams help you shoot pictures you can later “stitch” into panoramas using a computer. Many will also apply special effects black and white, sepia tone, etc.
What to shoot
Shoot more often in the half hour to two hours before and after sunrise and sunset. The low-angle light at these times produces dramatic and pleasing results.
Look for shots that capture something of the local ambience and culture.
Check calendars ahead of time for festivals and other special events you can shoot.
Get up close! Zoom in on the details. Almost every camera has a zoom button that lets you get close and create a much more interesting photo.
Don't pose subjects. People look relaxed and comfortable when they're engaged in activity –fixing their hair, petting the dog. Anything that keeps their mind off your lens is good.
Change your perspective. Most people stand up and shoot their photographs. Try bending over, getting down on your knees, or standing above your subject.
What to do with your photos
Once you've enhanced your photos, try using your photos for a project like a photo calendar. These make great personalized gifts.
You can create a digital scrapbook or slide show to share with others.
With a program like Windows Movie Maker, you can even create a movie of your still images, complete with music, movement, and narration.
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