Special to Places Magazine

But, today's advanced cameras are only part of the story. To get the most from these cameras, it's smart to choose films that work best under different conditions.

Photo experts recommend using different films for different types of photos. All films have ISO numbers that rate their "speed," or sensitivity to light; the higher the number, the greater the film's ability to capture good photos in reduced light. In other words: a 400-speed film is better for photos on cloudy days than a 100-speed film.

No single film works in every situation. Experienced camera owners may prefer slide films, while others enjoy the convenience of color negative films and easy-to-share prints. When you travel, you may want to switch films to get good results, so it's wise to carry several shorter, 12- or 24-exposure rolls of film in different speeds, instead of one roll of 36 exposures.

Which films should you use when? Some photo experts suggest the following:

• For indoor photos in museums or historic mansions, an electronic flash can distract visitors or reflect off display cases. Some museums forbid flash photos because thousands of flashes can cause fragile materials to fade over time. So try a fast film with an ISO speed of 1000 or 1600. Such films are meant for flash-free, existing light photos that won't harm antique tapestries, fabrics or artworks.



• If your camera has a zoom or telephoto lens, a 400-speed film gives fine results. Longer lenses require more light to register on the film. Today's ultra-rich 400-speed films also capture colorful action pictures or still scenes on overcast days. Use them at sports events or locales where lighting is less than ideal.



• For really changeable conditions—say, when you go from an indoor museum to an outdoor pavilion—try a 400-speed film. Many NSLR cameras have shutter speeds designed for mid-speed film in both flash and daylight conditions. The unpredictable excitement at America's theme parks calls for this type of film.



• Bright, sunny days on a cruise, at the shore or on the ski slopes call for you to try a 100-speed film that delivers good color. Sand, water and snow reflect and amplify sunlight. ISO 100 or slower films offer fine detail and usually yield sharp enlargements.
  

  Next, consider places you'll visit on your trip, then pack the films that fit those locations. Tour brochures and visitor guides offer useful "clues"; their photos suggest the conditions you'll find.

  For example, when touring historic battlefields and nature preserves, select films in the ISO 100-200 range. If your travels take you to racetracks, ballparks and the like, use faster ISO 400 and higher films that capture fast action.

Whenever you travel, a few simple picture-taking tips can help you get satisfying photos. Start by taking care of your film before you use it. Store film in a cool place; an inexpensive cooler bag works better than a hot glove compartment or car trunk. Give your film a few minutes to "warm up" before loading it in your camera.

Great travel photos come from good composition. Here are some tips for improving your travel pictures:

• Imagine a "tic-tac-toe" diagram in your camera's viewfinder, and place your subject at one of the four "intersections" in the diagram. This "rule of thirds" helps you compose more creative images than common "subject in the middle" photos.



• In landscape photos, place the sky's horizon near the bottom or top of the viewfinder by slightly tilting your camera up or down. This lets you concentrate on warm, rich sunsets or dramatic skies (camera up) or intriguing foreground scenes (camera down), depending on the situation.



• Keep it steady! Ever see a potentially great photo while driving? Don't try to capture it while moving; you'll likely get a blurred image and perhaps a dented fender! Instead, stop your car at the roadside and turn off the engine, because even an idling motor causes camera shake when taking photos from inside your car. Step out of the car to take the photo, or roll down the window and support your arms and camera on the door panel. Be sure traffic from either direction doesn't obstruct your view.



• Horizontal or vertical? Photo enthusiasts look for lines or planes in scenes to help select a horizontal or vertical picture. Tall objects—cactus, windmills, giraffes, statues or lighthouses—are best shown vertically. Go horizontal for scenes of vineyards, racetracks, covered bridges, ships in a harbor and, of course, horizons. (An exception: photograph city skylines horizontally and from a distance. Include one unusual object--a boat, helicopter, or nearby lamppost--to add interest.)



• Lighten up. Daylight photos of people or detailed objects benefit from fill-in flash, whether it's sunny or not. If the sun's high overhead, your camera's flash can lighten shadows on faces or other details.



• Capture a mood. Trips to popular locales usually result in midday photos with plenty of crowds. Early risers in out-of-the-way places often use the low sun of daybreak and early morning's stillness to create intriguing photos. To enrich your photos with expressive moods, look for colorful structures reflected in lakes and streams, or unusual shadows created by a rising or setting sun. You don't always need people in your pictures.