You want to remember your vacation just the way it happened. While you might think that you have a great memory right now, there is a good chance that the memories will fade a bit in time. You won’t remember just how great your accommodations were, or you might not remember everything about that dolphin show at SeaWorld. In order to refresh your memory, the only thing you need is a photograph. Of course, since we aren’t all professional photographers, taking good photos can be something of a chore! Here are some tips to ensure you get some great looking pictures on your next getaway.

With digital cameras, everyone thinks that they can just keep on snapping and that they will get some good photos. While that might be true for some, it is much easier when you take just a little bit more time to line up your shot and make sure everything is in focus. Additionally, make sure that you are taking more than just close ups of the family and friends. Take some landscape photos, photos of your meals, photos of the stores and shops you love, and everything else that makes up the perfect moments of the vacation.

Make sure you get some nice shots of everyone in the group too. That includes you, the photographer. Here’s a travel pro tip though. If you ask someone else to take a photo of your group, make sure you choose someone you trust. Namely, someone who is a worker at an event, a waitress, and the like. Passing an expensive camera to a random stranger is simply not a good idea.

Candid shots are just as important as set up shots. Those little moments that you capture can give you the memories of how the vacation really was for you. Take photos of the wildlife too. Even if it’s just a bird you see when you are having your morning coffee on the balcony. That picture will remind you of how you felt at that moment. Feel free to get creative with your photos as well. Consider using some cool apps or fun software, such as Photoshop, to do a little bit to make the photos stand out.

When you are going on vacation, you never want to leave home without a camera. Whether you are taking your cell phone camera, a digital point and shoot, or a DSLR, start snapping some photos.