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We were on the ferry crossing over from the Ilse of Skye to the west coast of Scotland. I love the clouds hanging over the rocks like that.

Image: Taken by me

This is a story about my wife and son and how photography makes them happy.

Years ago, when my wife was at school in London, children with an artistic interest or flare were allowed to drop all the sciences and math subjects at the age of just 14. That sounds incredible to us now because we believe in a broad and balanced curriculum for our kids, and we'd argue that 14 is too young to give up math. But then things were very different.

However, my wife thanks the stars that she was allowed to drop these awfully difficult and confusing subjects because, being dyslexic, she was failing in them and they were getting her down.

She chose to study drama, fine art, dance, music, and Greek Literature! She also was lucky enough to have the opportunity to opt for photography. This was a state school in the middle of London. She had access to SLR cameras, fully equipped dark rooms, specialist teachers, and trips to top quality photography exhibitions at places like the Photographer's Gallery in London.

She tells me that that is when her life actually began! She stayed on at school till she was 18 years old and then went to one of the UK's top universities to study drama. She later became a drama teacher and then went into teaching children with dyslexia because she wanted to make a difference to them all!

Our son is dyslexic and we are both expert teachers in the field. We have bought him a camera and he spends a great deal of time meddling in the arts - he's just like his mum - happiest when he's being creative. He, however, won't be allowed to drop math or the sciences until he's much older, but in fact he's very interested in everything scientific.

We take cameras with us wherever we go, and now that it's so easy to take photographs without the expense of buying film and prints, we have so much fun. My son expresses himself well visually and can talk forever about the photos he takes and the video movies he makes.

When I asked him to choose a photo for this page he chose this one of the bald eagle because, even though it is a little out of focus, it shows how brave he is hahahaha!

Image: Taken by my son

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Image: G Adventures

The west coast of Scotland and the midnight sun, with the Ilse of Skye in the background. How beautiful - I love the chocolate color!

Image: Taken by me

This setting is for taking photos of really small things like insects. You may have MF on your camera settings without the symbol.

Image: Stock.xchng

1. Keep your camera kit as light as possible or you'll probably not feel like taking it with out with you and miss your best shots.

2. Your battery charger must be suitable for the country you're visiting or things can get dangerous! There will be information on the back of the charger, 100 to 240 volts will be safe almost everywhere.

3. Don't forget to pack fully charged spare batteries and empty memory cards before leaving home.

4. Hotel rooms usually don't have enough sockets, so consider taking a short extension lead with 4 sockets with you. Remember an adapter.

5. Research your holiday destinations, and check out if there are any festivals or special celebrations taking place while you are there. These are great photo opportunities that will set your holiday shots apart.

6. If you feel too conspicuous with a camera bag, disguise it by putting it inside a plastic bag or shopping bag.

7. Cameras hate sand and water so put them in a plastic bag when you go to the beach.

8. If you are running out of memory switch to jpeg, the smallest jpeg will save the most memory.

9. Use the built in flash to fill in harsh shadows in strong sunlight, or to light up subjects in the evenings or night.

10. Don't forget to take pictures of people, those you are traveling with and those you meet. Remember that it is always best to ask if you can take a photo of a person you don't know.

Image: Stock.xchng

Image: Stock.xchng

Rome -The Vatican Piazza. I love the way the camera has picked up the drops of water and the rays.
Image: My son took this shot!