The Washington Post recently presented its readers with some tips for using your point and shoot digital camera as more than a tool to capture holiday moments and travel memories. I thought this might be of interest to those of you that have taken my Digital Point and Shoot Photography class or my Travel Photography Seminar. So here are their tips and a few of my own.

On a piece of paper, write your name, number, e-mail, info and any specific instructions about returning your camera, then take a picture of it and save it as your first photo. If you lose your camera en route, the finder will know how to contact you.

Photograph maps, guidebook pages, fliers, store hours and other info instead of carrying them with you or writing them down. Use your camera’s zoom to get detailed views.

If you’re traveling with someone, especially a child, take a picture of him or her every day in case you get separated for an instant visual of what he or she is wearing.

Before you leave your hotel for a meal or sightseeing, snap a picture of the outside of it and any nearby street signs or landmarks to help you find your way back.

Take pictures of your rental car from all angles as soon as you pick it up. If you get blamed for any damages upon return, you can use the pictures as evidence.

Before you leave on a trip, take a picture of all your important documents like driver license, passport information page, credit cards (showing their numbers) and e-mail this photo to your self. If any of these belongings are stolen, you will have a copy accessible any place you can access your e-mail. Make sure to delete this photo off your camera once you have downloaded it.