in mind (or should) when taking photos, such as lighting (watch out for backlighting, shaded faces, etc.) and simple composi-tion rules such as not cutting off the top of your subject’s head, but there were a few that most of us don’t think about. Here are the ones I thought most helpful.

First, think people, places, things. The best travel photos will often include all three. To illustrate, let’s say you want to take a picture of the Eiffel tower on a rainy day in Paris. You could take one of the tower in the mist, which would be an okay photo. However, if you put your kids or companions in the shot (people), with the tower glimpsed over their shoulders (place of interest), visible just under the rim of an umbrella (a very specific thing that evokes the conditions), you have a great shot.

At familiar sites, emphasize something other than the subject. Hand in hand with this is look, then think, before you shoot. Before you take your photo, take a quick look at your surroundings, and give yourself a second to think about anything interesting that might be happening. Some examples: a motorcycle gang in front of Mt. Rushmore, a bobby in front of the Tower of London, a raven on a ledge in front of the Grand Canyon.

And don’t forget humor, always a good component for anything in life, actually. A goofy hat or pose, an incongruous element – Masaai Warrior with cell phone hooked to the pocket of his robe, or a monk using a cell phone, for instance.

Take control, set up your shot, and end up with photos you will be proud to share, and friends will be eager to see.

Don’t miss Grease, at the Tuacahn Amphitheater in St. George, with BC Chamber of Commerce and friends, Saturday, September 10. Space is limited, so buy your tickets for this day trip NOW at the Chamber, 465 Nevada Way. Call 293-2034 for details.