Photo Tips

Following is a set of basic practical tips for photo taking. It is not intended as a comprehensive guide to taking good photos! If possible, do a liitle research about your walk and destination(s) before you leave home, using travel guides, newspapers/magazines, location websites, etc. - then make a list of what you'd like to photograph.
 If you use a film-based camera, buy your film before you leave and take enough.
 Always have your camera handy - you never know what will be round the corner.
 When it is very hot and sunny and there is little cloud about, try to avoid taking shots in the period from just before mid-day to mid-afternoon - the bright sun tends to wash out the colours. Conversely, taking shots just after sunrise or just before sunset can dramatically enhance the colours.
 If your camera lens will accept a lens filter and you are going to places with dust/grit/sand, fit one. A UV/Haze or Skylight filter will both protect your lens from scratching and filter out harmful components of the sun's rays.
 Be careful when opening your camera (e.g. to change a film or memory card) in dusty conditions, such as on the beach, when the wind is blowing dust about, etc. - dust and grit can play havoc with the camera.
 When using the telephoto end of your zoom lens and you are not using a tripod, brace yourself against a wall or post to minimise camera shake.
 In poor light and taking a subject outside the range of your flash and/or when using the telephoto setting on your lens, if you have a digital camera that will allow the resolution to be changed (often labelled 'ISO'), set it to a higher value than normal e..g. 800 or 1600. Your picture quality may suffer a little, but at least you'll get an acceptable shot. Remember to change the setting back to 'normal' or 'auto' after.
 When first arriving at a photogenic location, take at least one picture immediately, even if the weather is not too great - I have had an experience where the weather worsened dramatically, preventing any further pictures from being taken. If the weather improves and you are around the location for a little while (e.g. over lunch), you can always take more carefully framed shots later.