Digital Photo Tip #1 By Bruce Kirkby Mar 1, 2005

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Bring your camera with you—
everywhere!

It sounds simple. To take a great photograph, you need to have your camera. But how many dazzling scenes have you been left staring at thinking, “If only….”

Today’s digital cameras are tiny and more portable than ever. They also allow users to shoot endlessly, without concern for film or processing costs. It is easy to simply delete what you don’t like. So why not slip one into your briefcase, backpack, or purse the next time you fly?

This Christmas, while visiting family in Vancouver, I stuffed my new digital camera into a pocket as we left for a casual oceanfront stroll.

Only five minutes after leaving home, the sun streaming through mist and trees created an interesting effect and I snapped a few shots. Upon reaching Wreck Beach, we found a skimboarder sliding through the surf, and I couldn’t help but pull off my shoes and socks and document a Vancouverite having fun during what should be the coldest season. An hour later I was home, reinvigorated, and had two fine images to share.

In future columns, I will talk about the importance of breaking every photographic rule you know. (Notice both images this month were taken into the sun, one with the horizon purposefully skewed.) But to start with, if you want to improve your photography and have some fun at the same time, treat your camera like the vital travel accessory it is.