Being the family's go-to photographer, getting the camera vacation-ready is your responsibility. Is your camera able to capture those memorable shots on the summer road trip, cruise, or sightseeing expedition? Not every single photo that you will take this summer is going to be put on display in beautiful picture frames in your office for all of the planet to see, but making sure that your camera is ready ahead of time will insure that you are ready and able to complete the job, just in case. Follow these great tips to insure your camera is going to be vacation-ready.

• Make sure that you plan ahead. Doing all your leg work now, prior to deciding to depart on vacation, enables you to get a head start on great pictures. Are you aware of what exposure compensation is? Will you be informed about fill flash? If you'd like to see everything that the digital camera can achieve and what each function is, then the best spot for you to look is inside the user guide. After you read your manual you'll be able to test out the many functions that your style of camera has to offer. If you don't have time to look at it before your getaway, you may take the manual along with you and study it in your car or on the airplane.

• Look through travel guides. Know more about the area that you'll be vacationing in. Make yourself a makeshift photo shoot checklist, and place on it any landmark, particular site, or place which is of interest to you. This list will help you to be organized and enable you to not lose any of the key shots you are attempting to capture. Plan on getting a lot of shots that capture the flavor of the locals - including foods, crafts, events, festivals, plus more.

• Give your camera a solid "once over". Giving your camera a checkup increases the likelihood that you will end up having a number of great vacation photos. Snap some photos for a test, and review the photos on the computer. Ensure that colors appear natural and the pictures are sharp. Add fresh batteries to your camera bag or recharge your camera's internal battery. Make sure to pack your battery charger so that you won't miss out on any photo opportunities. If you are traveling internationally, make certain you pack a power source adaptor that works in the land in which you are visiting.

• Pack your additional lenses and accessories. Along with any extra lenses, make certain you remember to bring your lens adaptor. Be sure to also have a lens pen and lens cloth so as to clean your lens each day of your vacation. Make sure to pack your accessories, like a tripod, for example.

• Get any memory cards all set. Most cameras hold a limited number of shots in internal memory. You'll regret paying out the price that gift shops require to buy additional memory cards in the event you leave yours at your home. Clear your memory card by storing and then deleting any pictures that are in it so that it is ready for the trip. It might be worthwhile to invest in an extra memory card just in case one you have becomes filled - this can help you not to develop the need to delete any photos that you aren't positive that you want to.

• Think ahead about how you want to display your photos. A great way for vacation photographs is vacation-themed picture frames or frames that remind you of your getaway. For instance, if you're taking a vacation cruise, then a picture frame constructed from natural materials like bamboo or seashells would be a wonderful method to display your trip photos that will also increase the memories you've got of the vacation.

No matter if you happen to be headed across the country or across the state, adopting the above tips will make your trip photographs even more memorable.

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Display your favorite photos in one of our classic wood hinged picture frames. Shop online and see our ready made photo frames online http://www.yourpictureframes.com/ now or call 800-780-0699.