Advice needed...

[desiab]

We are taking a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii Nov 2009 to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

I want to take the best pictures possible with my Canon S5. I have had the camera about 8 mths and am still learning.

Any advice on techniques or equipment to get the best results? I want to start now purchasing any filters or accessories that I might "need" .

Digital photography book recommendations also welcome.

I have photoshop and am working on getting proficient with using it in general. Tutorials on using it for digital photography would be great.

Some samples of pictures I have taken:

 

[MICKEY88]

you could take me along, and I will photograph your trip for you, you won't have to worry about carrying a camera...I'll even do it for free..

 

[desiab]

you could take me along, and I will photograph your trip for you, you won't have to worry about carrying a camera...I'll even do it for free..

That sounds like a bargain!

 

[Tuffcookie]

desiab,

It looks like you are going to be just fine! You take great pictures! I have the same camera. Don't you just love it?

TC

 

[bob100]

you can't go wrong on auto mode, just remember to take along plenty of SD cards (cheap and possibly free at buy.com!)

also, for more Canon S5 camera suggestions and free downloads of pdf files, check out http://s3users.com/forum/index.php

 

[MICKEY88]

That sounds like a bargain!

oh and I'll host the pics online for you and put them all on DVD...

so when do we leave.....????

 

[jann1033]

since most of your photos are nice and sharp but smack dab in the center maybe look up some articles on composition and practice that( tons on the web). it can really help make your photos more interesting...maybe practice some different types of artsy shots as well, ie intentionally tilting the camera fo a slanting horizon( really slanted not so it looks like you were holding the camera crooked), shooting lower horizons than normal ( thinking that might be great for a sunset type fantastic sky ) thinking if you practice now it might help you loosen up by then plus know what not to do ie what didn't look great
not familiar with your camera but an nd filter is great for sunsets...i bought one for my largest diameter lens and just hold it in front of the smaller ones, works fine since i usually take that type on a tripod with the timer and just make sure i hold it still when it's ready to shoot. i'm cheap what can i say.

 

[Frantasmic]

tripod or monopod
UV filter
Tiffen sells a neat 3 filter set with a circular polarizer, their red special filter to make landscape stand out, and one other one (maybe the UV filter above)
Take as many pictures in the bright daylight as possible since S5 does really well in bright conditions.
If you do take at night, get close and use as low of a "high" ISO as possible (400 or less).

I don't think an external flash will help as much in your situation.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures when you return.

 

[thomas998]

since your going to be at the beach a lot.. I might look for a polarizer, reflections from large bodies of water can be a pain.

And lastly.. I might not take any BW or Sepia shots... those effects can be done after the fact in photoshop and if you use a camera's BW or Sepia mode you can't get the color back later if you change your mind.

 

[desiab]

Thanks for all of the tips!

I would have replied sooner, but we just got back from a 5 day camping trip.

 

[DizzyV6P]

Bring a small tripod for those awesome beach shots (sunset AND sunrise). They'll come in useful for the waterfall shots as well.