Depending on the type of photography you will be doing, it may be helpful to keep the following tips in mind.

Sports Photography

• Use the fastest shutter speed possible to freeze the action.
• Using a telephoto or telephoto zoom lens gets you into the action and gives pictures more impact.
• Use a monopod to steady the camera and eliminate fatigue.
• Avoid tripods; they are cumbersome and not conducive to sports photography.
• Learn the game you're photographing and how to anticipate the key play or peak action.
• Position yourself in the right spot to get the shot when the action occurs.

Travel Photography

• Research your destination.
• Travel as light as possible.
• Keep camera gear in a personal bag or carry-on bag during flights.
• Bring backup batteries and several digital memory cards.
• Back up your photos every day onto a laptop if possible, then back up onto an external drive.
• Keep a couple of large freezer bags and garbage bags to protect gear from water.
• Take photos early in the morning to avoid tourist crowds and to take advantage of morning light.
• Check your homeowners or renters insurance to make sure it covers your equipment outside the U.S.

Flash Photography

• Don't use flash unless it's really necessary; try selecting a higher ISO number as an alternative to flash in dark settings.
• When indoors using a hot shoe-mounted flash on a DSLR camera, try pivoting the flash upward and "bouncing" the light off the ceiling for a softer lighting effect.
• Use fill-flash when shooting outdoors in bright conditions to eliminate harsh shadows on subjects' faces.
• When using flash at night, try lowering the camera's shutter speed in order to avoid blacked out backgrounds.