When I first decided that I would start planning a RTW trip, I bought an Olympus C70 (I think it is called a C7070 outside of the UK) digital camera, a fairly decent compact. I have spent the last year messing about with all the buttons, settings, flash and manual controls so that I am happy that I am pretty competent with it. I am now really quite keen on the whole amateur photography thing and would like to be a bit more creative with my shots, particularly once I start travelling.

However, since I am leaving in only three weeks and naturally saving like mad, I’m not in a position to send lots of money on a new camera, or to start learning how to use a new one.

But, I just wondered if anyone would have any tips for getting a bit more creative with a compact camera on the road, or knew of any other gadgets (I am a bit of a gadget person) for a compact camera? I have been looking at things like a separate flash or different lenses to give me more options, but there doesn’t seem to be much that works with a compact camera?

I take my compact with me everywhere I go.

They're great for candid shots - best tip is to crouch or stretch when using it - get a different perspective on things. Use them to try and capture the atmosphere of a place - so take pictures of street signs, doors, litter, license plates, plates of food, etc - just everyday objects, but stuff that's different to what you'd see at home - when I was in the USA I kept taking photos of fire hydrants - they're different in every city.

I try to build up a collection of similar but different images, with shots from all over the place, they sit well together as a series, there is a common theme, but each one has it's own story to tell - a much better way to organise stuff in my opinion.

I hate it when people show me photos from their trips and it's just them in front of yet another landmark - taken from the bog standard tourist vantage point - take advantage of the small size and light weight of your camera - poke it out the window of a bus or a cab and take a unique shot of Sydney harbour or fifth avenue, just play around with it and have fun.

Yes, don't pose in front of anything. I want to see the pretty church or whatever not the dork in front of it, who is likely next to me showing the photos.

Saying that, if you can photograph in the early morning or evening, the light is often the best, though you may need to watch the light one day and shoot the next.

Take lots of photos, you never know later on which ones will work.

If you've ever learned rules for photography, rule of thirds, etc. you can ignore some of them, otherwise your photos will look all the others. Saying that, however, bending the rules is better than discarding them.

The Oly C70 is C7000 in the US, the C7070 is a totally different animal. The C7000 is very nice compact camera and you certainly can do a lot with it. However, you can't attach another lens on it. Cokin has a filter holder that's attached to the tripod thread, which should work fine. Since the camera has no hot-shoe, you can't attach an external flash to it... unless it's a remote controlled type. With the little time you have left, I would go to the library and browse through a few books to pick up tips on taking better picturs. Spend time shooting and learn from your own shots. Also spend time browsing Internet galleries, ie www.myolympus.org.

A few things come to mind:

- Composition: there're always more than one angle to a shot. Some stand out more than others.

- Lighting: landscape shots are more dramatic during the early morning and afternoon hours than mid-day.

- Portrait: how does the light fall on the face of the subject... front, back, side?

- Flash: how to adjust the flash intensity for the desired effect. how to use fill flash.

- Sepia/B&W: your camera has these options. Some shots/scenes are fantastic in Sepia and B&W.

- Filters: with the Cokin system, you have access to a wide selection of filters to play with

good luck

Heah Webbod, I know what you mean about the standard photos with somebody in it. Me, personally, I hate taking photos with me stuck in the middle of or next to a well-know landmark.

I have been known to stand in the one spot for over 30 minutes waiting, waiting, for all the people to get out of the way just so's I can get the shot I want.(Whilst tut-tut--tutting) and giving loud sighs!

One trick I like: when taking night photos with a compact camera, I rarely (ok, never) have a tripod with me. So taking non-blurry shots can be pretty hard.

I find that it works pretty well to put the camera on 'timer' mode (you know, usually reserved for the group shot) and set it down on a bench, railing, etc in order to completely eliminate any shaking - including that caused by my finger on the shutter button.

The problem with that is that the damn bench or wall is never exactly where it should be for the shot. I should carry my Ultrapod but I am a lazy git. I end up leaning against yucky utility poles a lot to steady the shot.