Preparing For A Trip Or Vacation

Don't wait until the last minute to get ready. Plan your picture-taking event ahead of time and make sure you’re prepared.

Recharge Batteries & Carry The Charger - Recharge your batteries or get fresh ones. Rechargeable batteries are more cost effective in the long run.

Pack A Spare Set Of Batteries

Check Memory Card - Transfer or erase any old pictures on it. If the card has been used in other devices, it’s a good idea to reformat the card in the camera to make sure it’s ready to go.

Carry An Extra Memory Card - For vacations and special events where you’ll take lots of pictures and videos.

Bring Along The AC Adapter - If you are working near an outlet, you can plug in when your batteries run low and recharge your spare set.

Make Sure Everything Works - Put the batteries and memory card in your camera to check that everything works.

Clean Your Lens - Use a soft damp cotton cloth or specialty lens cleaner and bring the lens cleaner with you.

Plan Ahead – Bring Accessories

• Do you need a tripod or monopod to steady the camera for action shots?

They’re small and light weight and easy to travel with.

• Should you bring a sun shield (like a hat with bill) to reduce flare if shooting into the sun?

• Be prepared for the weather: Carry a plastic bag to keep the water or sand away.

• Planning a vacation? Think about what pictures to take ahead of time so you’re prepared

to capture the whole story.

Check Picture Quality Setting - If you’re going to take lots of pictures consider setting the picture quality (picture size) on your camera to less than the maximum. This will help to conserve space on your memory card. The highest quality picture setting on many cameras (especially those with greater than 6 MP) is only needed when you are shooting a scene that you might want to print poster-size or that you are likely to need/want to crop.

Take A Quick Peek At Your Manual - Check for specific information and suggestions for taking the pictures on your agenda.

Carry A Notebook - Jot down details that will help you tell your story better.

Carry A Single-use Camera - Perfect for adventure trips like scuba diving or white water rafting where you may not want to carry your camera.

Collect Everything And Put It In Your Camera Bag - Use a list like this one to check off the items you pack in your camera bag. That way you’ll make sure nothing gets left behind.

Most important, have fun taking and sharing your pictures.

Feel free to add something to the list that I may have left off.