I’m in the process of re-writing some of my older gallery code into a new, modern Wordpress plug-in. Read the story so far.

This isn’t meant to be a hard and fast guide to taking photos. It’s more a list of things I’ve come to realise. Looking through my photos, you’ll see a couple of gems, but, the majority are just moments. But, if you put all those moments together, it’s something special to me, and those that were there with me.

1. Always have a camera
   This seems really obvious, but it’s a mistake I still make. Get yourself a small camera that fits in your bag. I have an Olympus Mju that’s served me well for the last two years, and has survived 6 months of backpacking.
2. If you think it might make a good or memorable picture, take it!
   How many times have you seen something, thought about it, and then carried on? One of the joys of digital photography is that you can take a lot of photos and edit them later. If you see something that takes your eye, even if it’s only for a moment, there’s probably a reason why you thought about it. So take it!
3. Format the memory card when you’ve backed it up
   This is something I do automatically, but I’ve heard of people who’ve never done it, and it’s resulted in them losing most of their photos. I doubt this would always happen, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
   
   
4. Take lots of photos
   Digital photography is a blessing as it allows you to take more shots than you can ever keep, and delete the bad ones. Hopefully you won’t take bad ones, but everyone makes mistakes.
5. Mini camera tripods are worth their weight in gold
   About 2 years ago, I started playing with long exposures, and I suddenly discovered how much better my photos became if I used something to rest on. Then I got a mini-tripod and have never looked back! Even the simple shots come out better, and it’s such a simple thing to leave in with your camera – or even attached to the camera. I personally use an Octopus style tripod.
6. Set-up somewhere to upload your photos
   In this day and age, it’s so easy to get your photos online. Sites such a flickr and myspace make it so easy to let your friends know what you’re upto. But, make sure you do it before you leave, and let your friends know what the address is!
7. It’s not always about the camera
   I have a Canon 20D Digital SLR and an Olympus Mju. Obviously an SLR isn’t the most practical thing to be carried around, and you’ll be amazed how good the shots that the pocket camera’s take now. When I was travelling in Asia, I opted for my pocket camera, and was so happy with the shots it took!
8. Don’t forget the timer or be afraid to ask strangers to take group shots for you
   This is one I always forget, and I’m hoping that by writing it down and telling everyone to do it, I’ll remember myself! I look through the shots taken for me, of me with the people I met, and I wish I’d asked more people to do it for me!
9. Get a tough little camera
   That’s an odd comment, but I say it as I look at my pocket camera and each scratch, dent or blemish reminds me of stumbling on the steps of some amazing temple, or crazy night’s drinking on Khao San Road. Part of the appeal of the Mju was that it’s semi-waterproof and has a toughened case, much like Canon Ixus cameras – I had a tough choice between them, especially being a Canon fan!
10. Smile!
    Now that’s a cheesy comment – no pun intended. But I look back through some of my photos, and the number of times we look dead-pan in them is frightening! That look just doesn’t convey the feelings at that moment. Even if you think you’re grin looks silly after, it’ll still make you, and those looking at your photos smile with you. Trust me on this.

This list is written quite off the top of my head. I’ve been meaning to write something along these lines, and with my trip to Japan, and then home coming up, I was keen to get my creative juices flowing again. I hope it works for you too!