So you've been a happy snapper up to now, but want to take your photography to a new level.

The difference between a happy snapper and a serious, albeit amateur photographer, is their attention to detail BEFORE pressing the shutter button.

You DO NOT need a large DSLR to be a serious photographer. The size of the camera is unimportant, it is the usable features that the camera has and the knowledge of how to use them that will differentiate each photographer.

Always Be Prepared

You never know when you will be presented with a photographic opportunity, so most keen and serious photographers will often be found carrying a camera wherever they go.

Even though many mobile phones now incorporate a camera, they are no substitute for a proper camera. Get yourself a good quality branded Compact digital camera with carrycase of the size that you will happily want to carry around even when just popping down the road to buy your newspaper.

The specification of this "everyday  compact camera" is something that each photographer must decide for themself. Pixel count is not so important as even the most basic have a large number compared to a few years ago. The zoom range of the lens is the first thing to decide on. Ideally, you need one that encompases both wide and telephoto range. An in-built Image stability feature will also feature highly if you decide to get a camera with a long telephoto zoom.

Besides the "everyday camera", most serious amateur photographers also own more sophisticated cameras, lenses and other attachments to enable them to get the most out of their photography. Assuming that you didn't migrate from a film camera, you will almost certainly already own or want to have a DSLR, an assortment of lenses, a few essential filters, tripod and possibly an off-camera flash unit. And don't forget a suitable photographic case in which to carry them.

Planning Ahead

For serious photographic outings, the secret is to plan ahead. Research the area thoroughly using all facilities at your disposal including visiting Tourist Offices, Council websites and not forgetting Google Earth. Even a simple internet Search can provide surprising links to follow up.

Also think about how you are going to get to the location, the equipment you need to take to achieve your plan, and sufficient refreshments as well as rain and sun protection items.

If you are going to use public transport be it bus or rail, be aware of the limitations of easy movement within these confined spaces and only take with you what you definately need.

If you are resident in the UK and over 60years old get a free BUS PASS from your local council and use this whenever possible, even if you haven't been on a bus for many years. You will be surprised what you can achieve with a free Bus Pass and a Camera!

Also available is a Senior Railcard from your local railway station. Although there is an annual charge for this, it is quickly reclaimed as it provides a discount of 34% from most (not all) rail journeys. For example, the break even point from my home station to London is currently just FIVE trips and then I'm actually saving money.

Looking for the Unusual

Look all around you when out an about walking. This includes looking upwards and downwards. Most people when walking down their local high street only see the shop fronts and maybe the first floor level. To prove my point, try and describe to someone the architecture of the upper floors of the buildings in your high street.

Once you start looking all around you instead of just the level you are heading along, you will see much, much more and soon spot interesting and unusual things to photograph.