POINT 'N' SHOOT CAMERA CHECKLIST

Essentials:
Camera
Camera battery (x2) - It's essential to carry a spare battery regardless of where you are, even if your battery appears fully charged
Camera battery charger - if you have one, include a 12v adapter for in-car charging. Charge your batteries whenver you get the chance
Memory cards - It's a good idea to use cards that hold no more than about 200 images. Even this many could be disasterous to lose
Camera bag. A backpack is invaluable when going for bushwalks or rockhopping
Lens cleaning cloth - always safer than the corner of your t-shirt. Store one in a Glad-bag or another zip-lock plastic bag

Desirable:
Laptop & charger to download and organise images
Cable/shutter release to avoid camera shake when using long exposures
Tripod - both for long exposures and family portraits (with you in them!)


DOCUMENTING YOUR ROAD TRIP

Your camera is the ultimate tool for documenting your family road trip. Always keep it at the ready to photograph the wide range of aspects that make up life on the road.

Things to shoot:
Packing the car
Driving out the driveway
Australian towns - buildings, local attractions, main street, the pub etc.
People
Landscapes - look for interesting features such as: rocks, trees, flowers, water, old farmhouses etc. Be sure to include family portraits.
Family life: In the car, meals, kids playing etc.
Car shots on the road, especially through changing environments, eg. coastline, desert, rain forrest, cityscapes.

All these images help to tell the story of your trip. Some opportunities may seem the wrong time, mundane or even pointless at the time eg. kids colouring-in in the car or the other half changing a flat tyre (get over the anger!), yet these images are the one's that really add a special touch to your story. Make a slideshow and months and years down the track, you'll appreciate the time you spent behind the camera. Photographs are a great way of keeping kids' memories alive.