Holiday Photography Tips: 8 Questions to Ask Before You Go

At the start of the summer I start hearing the same questions:

"Should I upgrade my phone?"

"Is it worth taking my camera?"

"Which lens should I pack?"

"How many memory cards will I need?"

And perhaps the biggest question of all...

"Why don't my holiday photos ever look like what I saw at the time?"

If any of those sound familiar, you're not alone. The good news is that taking better holiday photos rarely comes down to buying expensive new equipment. In fact, a little preparation before you leave home can make far more difference than upgrading your phone or squeezing another lens into your suitcase.

So, before you zip up your case and head to the airport, here are eight questions I think are worth asking before you go. 

1. Should I take my phone, my camera... or both?

This is probably the biggest decision people make before they even start packing. The good news is that there isn't a right or wrong answer. It depends on two things: the type of holiday you're taking and how important photography is to you.

If photography is one of the reasons you've booked the trip, perhaps you're heading to Iceland to photograph waterfalls, on safari or hoping to capture beautiful landscapes, then I'd definitely recommend taking a camera if you have one.

On the other hand, if it's a family holiday, a city break or you just want to travel light, don't underestimate what your phone can do. It's always with you, it slips into a pocket, and you'll probably find yourself taking far more spontaneous photos because it doesn't feel like a piece of equipment.

For many people, taking both works well. Use your phone for everyday moments, meals, family photos and those unexpected little discoveries. Save your camera for the occasions when you know you'll enjoy slowing down and spending a bit more time creating photographs.

If you do decide to take your camera, don't feel you have to carry it everywhere. Leave it safely at your accommodation on days when you know you won't use it. You'll enjoy your holiday much more than if you're carrying a heavy camera bag simply because you think you should.

My advice? Don't choose the camera that takes the best photos. Choose the one you'll be happy to have with you when something memorable happens.

2. Should I upgrade my phone before I go?

If you're already wondering whether your phone is good enough, it's very tempting to start looking at the latest models before your holiday. But I wouldn't rush into an upgrade just because you're going away.

Most smartphones from the last few years are capable of taking beautiful holiday photos. In fact, I often see a much bigger improvement when people learn a few simple techniques than if they buy a new phone.

So when is it worth upgrading? If your phone struggles to focus, the battery barely lasts a day, you've run out of storage or you're consistently disappointed with the photos it produces, then an upgrade could be worthwhile. But if you're only hoping your holiday photos will magically improve, I'd save your money. A new phone can be exciting, but understanding the one you already own is often the best upgrade you can make.

3. I've got a camera but I only ever use Auto. Should I still take it?

Absolutely. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to understand every button and setting before your camera is worth taking on holiday. You really don't. Modern cameras do an excellent job in Auto mode, and I'd much rather you came home with sharp, well-exposed photos than spend your holiday worrying about shutter speeds and ISO while everyone else is waiting for you.

If you've never ventured beyond Auto, don't let that put you off. Enjoy using your camera, get familiar with how it feels in your hands and concentrate on spotting moments worth photographing. There's plenty of time to learn the creative settings when you get home.

One small suggestion before you travel: take your camera out for half an hour this weekend. Make sure you remember how to charge the battery, change the memory card and zoom the lens if you have one. A little confidence with the basics will make picking it up on holiday feel much more natural.

Your holiday isn't the time to put yourself under pressure. It's the time to enjoy taking photographs.

4. Which lens should I pack?

This is where people often start overthinking things. If you've got a selection of lenses, it's very easy to convince yourself you'll need every one of them "just in case". In reality, most people use the same lens for the vast majority of their holiday photos.

If you're trying to keep your luggage light, I'd recommend taking one versatile zoom lens (something like a 24-70mm or 24-105mm) or one or two of your favourite lenses rather than your entire collection. You'll spend less time changing lenses, less time deciding what to use and more time enjoying your holiday.

It's also worth thinking about the type of trip you're taking. A wide-angle lens (around 16-35mm) is ideal for landscapes and architecture, while a telephoto lens (such as a 70-200mm) comes into its own for wildlife or picking out distant details. But if your holiday is likely to include a bit of everything, versatility usually wins.

Remember, every extra lens adds weight to your bag and another decision to make each time you stop to take a photograph. Travelling light often means you'll carry your camera more, and that usually leads to more photographs, not fewer.

5. What should I pack with my camera?

Once you've decided to take your camera, it's worth spending a few minutes checking you've packed the essentials. It's surprising how many holidays start with a flat battery or a full memory card!

A few things I'd recommend packing are:

• At least one spare battery if you have one.
• Two memory cards rather than one. It's always reassuring to have a spare.
• Your battery charger and the correct charging cable.
• A microfibre cloth for cleaning your lens. It takes up hardly any room and is invaluable for removing fingerprints, sea spray and dust.

One final tip: once you've copied your last photos safely onto your computer or external drive, format your memory cards in the camera before you travel. It's a simple habit that helps reduce the chance of card errors and means you start your holiday with a clean slate.

6. Do I need a tripod or a special camera bag?

For most holidays, probably not. Unless you're planning to photograph waterfalls, stars or long exposures, a tripod is likely to spend more time in your hotel room than out exploring with you. If you do think you'll use one, consider a lightweight travel tripod rather than a full-sized model.

The same goes for camera bags. You don't need a huge backpack with room for every lens and accessory you own. In fact, I'd often choose a comfortable day bag or small backpack that doesn't attract attention and is easy to carry all day. You can buy neoprene pouches to protect your lenses.

The simpler and lighter your kit, the more likely you are to take it with you. And that's far more important than having every piece of equipment you own close at hand.

7. Have I forgotten anything?

You've packed your phone or camera, chosen your lenses and remembered your charger. There are just a few final checks I'd recommend before you head off.

If you're taking a camera, make sure the date and time are set correctly. It only takes a minute, but it makes organising your photos much easier when you get home.

If you're using your phone, check you've got plenty of free storage and, if you use cloud backup, make sure it's working properly before you travel. It's also worth checking that Find My iPhone (or the Android equivalent) is switched on. Hopefully you'll never need it, but if your phone is lost or stolen, you'll be very glad you set it up before you left home.

Finally, don't forget the little things. Charging cables, a travel adaptor if you're going abroad and any spare batteries are easy to leave behind when you're concentrating on the bigger items.

None of these jobs takes more than a few minutes, but they're exactly the sort of things you'll be pleased you remembered on the first day of your holiday.

8. Is there anything I need to know when I'm travelling?

A few simple tips can help keep both you and your photos safe while you're away.

If you're travelling with film, be aware that some airport security scanners can damage undeveloped film, particularly higher ISO films. If possible, ask for a hand inspection instead. Digital cameras, memory cards and phones aren't affected in the same way, so there's no need to worry about those.

If you're flying with spare camera batteries, remember they should travel in your hand luggage rather than your checked suitcase. I'd also recommend keeping your camera, lenses and memory cards with you in your hand luggage wherever possible. Not only are they better protected, but you won't have the worry of valuable equipment disappearing if checked luggage is delayed or goes missing.

Finally, be sensible with your equipment once you arrive. In busy tourist areas, avoid leaving your phone or camera on café tables, and don't feel you have to carry all your gear with you every day.

A little common sense goes a long way, leaving you free to concentrate on enjoying your holiday and taking great photos.

Ready to go?

A little preparation before you leave home can make a remarkable difference to the photos you bring back. You don't need the latest phone, a bag full of camera equipment or an expert knowledge of every camera setting. A few sensible decisions, a little planning and the confidence to keep things simple are often all it takes.

If, while reading this, you've found yourself thinking, "I'd love to feel a bit more confident with my phone," or "I've had my camera for years but still only use Auto," that's exactly why I run my Phone Photography and Get Off Auto workshops. In just a few hours, you'll learn the practical skills that make the biggest difference, without being overwhelmed by technical jargon. They're designed to give you confidence, so you can spend your holiday enjoying the experience rather than worrying about camera settings.

Wherever you're travelling this summer, I hope you come home with photographs that bring a smile to your face every time you look back at them. Have a wonderful holiday!