A Fun Twist On The Annual Vacation

(NAPSI)-An annual vacation can sometimes become monotonous, especially if your budget doesn't allow for an exotic venue. This year, consider keeping it fresh by making photography part of the adventure.

Viewing your trip through the lens of a camera can add a fun and inexpensive twist to the ordinary, while ensuring lasting memories. And according to National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson, you don't have to be a pro to take incredible pictures.

Here are some easy photo tips from Richardson to help you capture memories on your next trip:

• If you want to focus on something small or short, get down low, very close to it.

• To add color to a picture, frame your subject with leaves or flowers in the foreground and get really close to them.

• Boring pictures can become interesting pictures when you leave stuff out. If the photo is all about the details, leave out what might detract.

• Most really good night shots aren't taken at night. They are actually taken at dusk, just after sundown. Set up your tripod and wait out the perfectly balanced moment.

A great photo can happen anywhere at any time, and now those vacation shots can land one person the ultimate vacation: a trip for two to the Greek Isles with National Geographic Expeditions and the chance to be featured in National Geographic magazine in an ad for Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries.

Through June 30, aspiring photographers can visit national geographic.com/lithium to enter a photo in the 2010 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest. There are six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy.

Whether a digital photography novice, a proud picture-taking mom or a longtime photo enthusiast, all skill levels are encouraged to enter.

"You don't have to be an expert or have expensive equipment to capture a magnificent shot," said Richardson, judge for the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest. "Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you're prepared to capture the moment when it happens."

To learn more tips from Richardson, see past finalist and winner photos and to make a submission, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/lithium.

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