Blame it on the Pacific Ocean. Freelance photographer Dana Edmunds, right, started his career shooting waves as a youngster growing up in California.

"I came to Hawai'i in 1973 to shoot more waves," Edmunds said ... "then, after graduating (from The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif.) in 1984, I moved right back."

Known for his stunning Islandscapes — his work appears in local publications such as Hana Hou! and print advertisements — Edmunds' portfolio also includes lifestyle, portrait and destination photos. He lives with his family in Lanikai.

To help you bring home great photos of your vacation, Edmunds shares these tips to make sure that what you see on your camera's preview window is what you get.

— Chris Oliver

KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT

Photo opportunities may not repeat themselves and missing the moment while fumbling with the equipment is easy to avoid. If your camera is new, be sure to take some test shots before leaving so you are ready when that great shot appears before you. Bring the instruction manual along just in case.

LESSEN YOUR EQUIPMENT LOAD

Invest in a good-quality zoom lens.

CARRY YOUR CAMERA

Take it with you at all times and have it ready.

REGISTER, RECORD SERIAL NUMBERS

If traveling with new equipment, record the serial numbers and register the equipment with U.S. Customs. This is to avoid having to pay duty upon your return if Customs officials suspect you bought the equipment overseas.

SHOOT A LOT OF PICTURES

With digital, you can always easily delete them later.

TAKE PHOTOS AND A WALK

Go out for an early morning walk — when the light is good — with your camera. You'll get exercise and great photos.

RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION

Before departure, look for ideas. A little reading will help you avoid turning up the day after the parade, weekly market or annual festival and hearing how colorful it was.

FORGET THE 'KEEP THE SUN AT YOUR BACK' RULE

Side light brings out depth and texture. Back light adds drama, but use a lens hood to avoid lens flare, which can occur when a bright light source (like the sun) is shining on the lens but not in its field of view. Lens flare appears as a haze that washes out the image and reduces contrast. Also, the color, quality and direction of light change throughout the day. This can sometimes mean having to wait a few hours or returning the next day.

GET CLOSE TO YOUR SUBJECT

Shoot tight. Fill the frame so there is no doubt in the viewer's mind what the picture is about. A common problem is the subject is just too far away.

ASK PERMISSION

Ask before photographing people. In some countries it may cause offense.

HAVE FUN

Check the local newspaper and ask locals for ideas of where to go and what to shoot.

PICTURE THIS ...

Memorize these basic steps for making any photo even better.

COMPOSE YOUR SHOT

The rule of thirds puts the main elements of a composition at one third of the way from the sides of the frame. Which is best for your subject — horizontal or vertical? The camera's preview screen can be your guide.

CHECK THE BACKGROUND

Look at what is around and behind your subject to make sure nothing overpowers it in color, shape or size.

CHECK THE HORIZON

When shooting landscapes, keep horizons straight. I often do break that rule, however, when shooting people and places. Sometimes a little tilt to the camera adds interest to the shot.

CONSIDER YOUR VIEWPOINT

Eye level or the first view of the subject may not necessarily be the best. Look for interesting angles: Getting down on one knee or standing on steps can improve the shot.

MAKE SURE EYES ARE IN FOCUS

Viewers always look to the eyes first. It's very distracting if the eyes are out of focus.

— Dana Edmunds