1 - Photography should be fun

If it all gets too technical, you will lose the magic of the moment. That is why I love Panasonic LUMIX Cameras - they make taking pictures so easy.

2 - Always have your camera with you 

3 - Don't shoot everything from your standard eye level 

If you don't and some incredible event happens, you will be really upset. Imagine seeing an alien space ship land in some remote location and not having a photo record for proof.

Or, on a more down to earth level, talking about the big fish you caught is a lot more convincing with a photo to back up your story.

I just love my TZ Camera because it's so compact and easy to carry.

Changing the height of your shooting angle changes the perspective and the dynamics of a picture. With landscapes, if you can get a little height by standing on something, it will give you greater depth of foreground in your picture. When shooting wildlife it is often good to shoot from a low angle as it makes the animal look bigger. I found this out when photographing elephants in Africa.

However, I must admit if you are shooting from the ground it gives you a much harder start if you have to run.

4 - With digital photography it is important to use your histograms 

5 - Get up early! 

This display is great in helping you see if you have the correct exposure and is simple to understand. If the pixels are running up the far right side, portions of your image will be over exposed (white) and if they are running up the left side, portions of your image will be under exposed (black). For the best results the histogram should be a bell shape.

The hardest part about photography is getting out of bed, but those who do will be rewarded with some great shots. At sunrise most people are still in bed so it gives you locations without the crowds.