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Sure, everyone takes pictures when they travel — but not everyone does it well.

Besides following the basics of light, color and composition, here are a few more practical tips from the experts:

• If you're embarking on a travel adventure - especially to places you've never been before - leave the new camera home. Reading road maps is one thing, but there's nothing like trying to capture a famous landmark at sundown if you have to first check the manual before you take the shot.
  
  Of course, in some cases you may not have a choice - in which case take time as possible before departure to become familiar with all the new features fresh out of the box (you'll thank yourself later.)
  
  
• While on the road, you also probably don't want to get too creative with lenses or techniques. For example, you may be inspired to a black and white photo essay on a famous monument or religious landmark. But if you've never faced the challenges of B&W, the result may be a disappointing "gray soup". Again, the more time experimenting before you leave, the better.
  
  
• If you think that either the language or the local photo shop in a foreign country may become a barrier to getting your hands on emergency supplies like cables or memory disks, always remember to pack extra (especially on long trips) to avoid shutting down your photo excursion entirely.

More about travel photography around the Web:

Check out some of the best sites for learning how to do it like a pro. You'll see examples of professional work and learn from others who share basics and advanced techniques for "shooting" safaris that let you bring home photographic trophies you'll be proud to share with friends and family...

The Travel Photography Home Page - They call themselves the home page for travel photography and with the amount of resources they link to, they might just be right. Bookmark this one, you'll be using it often.

TribalEye Images - How would you like to get advice from someone who's been shooting travel photos successfully since 1987? This is Jamie Marshall's site... full of tips, advice on buying equipment, resources, forum, and related links.

Fodor's - It isn't surprising that this travel guide giant has a very good section on travel photography. This page may not help the pros very much, but for newbies and more experienced amateurs it's a must visit.

Photo Secrets - Skip all the commercials and cut to the chase at Photo Tips. With advice for every level of expertise.

The Long Trip Home - This is a nonpaying ezine, but they seem to be attracting a gifted pool of contributors. The essays and photos are first class. Browse for some inspiration and check the links for more information.

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