First, take a deep breath. Excellent – now I’m going to tell you the good news. The basics of photography are just basic. You could spend months in a photography class. Or study a dozen books on technique. But there is no need. With a good camera and some photography tips to start shooting, you’ll be well on your way to taking pictures of trips you’ll be proud to show off.

Ready? And here we go.

Buy a good camera

It’s really where you get what you pay for – shovel. Digital technology has evolved so quickly that it’s easy to find a high-quality camera with a high pixel count for less than $200. If you do not plan to print size larger than 5×7, a 6- to the 8-megapixel camera will work fine. I recommend the one with some sort of image stabilization – it helps immensely with moving situations and low light when you cannot use the flash. My camera also lets you change the ISO speed or movie speed. It will be useful more often than you think and it is easy to switch with most cameras. If you need a professional photographer, localgrapher.com is the best place.

Take your time for this purchase

Do some research, go to a camera store with people who know your products, ask questions, read the manual. If you are not comfortable with the setup, you will not feel comfortable using it. Do not think that you will get used to what makes you hesitate, trust your instincts and continue. You have so many options with digital cameras that there is no need to compromise.

Know your camera

Sit down with this manual and spend some time getting to know all the features of your camera. Practice turning the flash on and off by changing the ISO, switching from one program function to another. Scroll through the settings – do you want the date on all your photos? Flash option or red eye? Set your camera to take everyday photos and change the settings to suit the situation.

Do not worry about the technical material

And there are many in the picture. Aperture, shutter speed, thirds rule, depth of field, perspective – release. There are some rules you should know to take great photos. And once you realize it, give the freedom to simply shoot.

Change your point of view

Literally. Kneel down, get out of the way, and move on Closer – really fill this screen with the subject. Take a picture of the stained glass window, crossed by the sun. Or the jagged arches of a ruin that exploded into an incredibly blue sky. Look up, look down, stand belly down and look at the view from there.

Take more than one shot

Do not settle for your first photo. Take several, from different angles. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Do not change immediately

You will be tempted to get rid of photos that do not please you right now. Wait until the end of your trip, when you have time and distance to see them. Delete blurred or dark photos, but save the rest. They will look completely different at home on your computer screen. If you think you do not have enough space for all the photos you plan to take, take 2 or 3 memory cards. Even with a higher resolution quality, you will be able to capture the content of your heart.

Bring a good quality lens cloth

Do not look for the cheap type of suede, buy one in a Photoshop. Check your lens when you turn on your camera and regularly if you leave it when you are on the move. If there is wind, be careful when checking the lens frequently or turn the camera off between two photos. Not only will the photos be free of spots, but the dust will not enter the lens, where you cannot do anything about it.

Have fun!

Do not spend your entire trip looking at the screen of your camera. There are times when you should store your camera and enjoy the experience. Some things require you not to take photos. Take the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and buy postcards or a small guide as a souvenir.

With these tips and localgrapher.com help, your imagination and a sense of adventure, you’ll be on your way to getting your best travel photos.