Making the Most of Your Holiday Snaps

You would have a hard time trying to find a tourist without some sort of camera these days, whether it takes still shots or records all those unforgettable experiences on video to be shared with everyone back at home. Not all those photos will convey just how great the moment really was, however. There are a number of ways you can make sure that your vacation photos come out as well as you could wish.

The first secret is to take the right equipment with you. It can be difficult to choose the right camera, but what you need is something reliable that you feel comfortable using, and which will produce high quality images. It’s a good idea to choose a hybrid camera that will be able to take both photos and video, rather than trying to fit two separate ones into your bag. A good example of a hybrid is the Powershot from Canon (model S3 IS). The optical zoom reaches a magnification of 12 times, which will come in handy for shots of all those famous landmarks. There is a massive six megapixels of resolution to ensure you capture every detail. You’ll be able to grab a quick shot on the move as well, thanks to the clever image stabilization. Best of all, the Powershot lets you take still photos as well as movies. You can even take a photo, or movie snap, while recording video. And with its clear widescreen playback you can see all your movies as soon as you make them. Don’t leave home without a good supply of batteries and memory cards though, otherwise your camera will end up spending most of the vacation at the bottom of your bag.

The second secret is in choosing the right shot. Keeping a key landmark or a magnificent landscape, such as the mountains you’ve come to see, or a stunning sunset, in the background will create an atmospheric and memorable picture. Look around for the perfect setting for a family photo- something with lots of color, or an interesting light will work well. For a more natural photo, grab an unexpected shot of a loved one. Take a picture while they’re enjoying the scenery or relaxing on the beach, and you’ll have a much more personal and surprising record of the trip than if you ask them to pose.

Thirdly, be ready to take risks. Great photos don’t always come to you. Sometimes you need to go out and find them, and with a rugged, waterproof camera you’ll be able to go that little bit further. Choose the six megapixel Powershot ELPH camera (model SD600) to get underwater shots on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. Then play your adventures back in widescreen on any TV or computer, thanks to the useful 16:9 filming feature. Make sure to wrap your camera up in the secure waterproof case (model WPDC40) and your camera will be safe at up to 130 feet down! It’s the perfect solution to keep your camera dry from splashing waves during those less adventurous beach photos too.

The fourth secret- one which will ensure you get everyone’s favorite memories, and shots of all the family too, is to let other people have a turn with the camera. Let your children record their favorite sights and sounds with a simple camcorder such as the DC40. It takes great four megapixel photos and records video straight onto DVD so that you can watch back the fun without any fuss.

Finally, why not share your vacation with your friends and relatives at home, before the trip is even over. Take a compact photo printer with you and you’ll have printed copies of all your best photos in less than 60 seconds. The Canon SELPHY printer (model CP510) is ideal since it produces photos on a special paper that turns them into your own personal postcards.