Scenic vistas, windswept beaches, ancient ruins and centuries-old architecture... there can be plenty on a vacation to inspire the photographer in all of us. But every day of our lives offers enough beauty and substance to be worth capturing on film. (Even if that "film," is just the phone on your camera.)

According to Bruce Kirkby, this is one of photography's fundamental mxims: if you want to get great shots, bring your camera with you, everywhere. Given the increasingly light and compact point-and-shoot models today, it's easy to have a camera handy at all times. The real key, he says, it to simply be there and be ready.

And while nothing in your day-to-day travels might come to your mind as inspiration, Kirkby insists that if you take the time to look around a bit, even a first-time photog can find the beauty in the everyday urban jungle.

Bruce Kirkby's Digital Photo Tips

Here are some of Kirkby's tips to help get your photographic juices flowing:

Try shooting straight upwards, especially in the downtown core, using the widest lens you have.

Capture reflections in skyscraper glass. Try a self-portrait with the city behind you, or frame a reflected street scene.

Night lights offer a new and exciting look to the city. You'll need a long exposure, so be sure to use a tripod or brace your camera against something steady. Reflections across the waterfront look particularly good.

Coffee shops and ethnic neighbourhoods are great spots to look for candid photo opportunities. Take your time, and remember to ask permission if anyone looks uncomfortable when you point the lens.

Get up early! Morning light is soft, and there is a much different feel to the abandoned streets.

Isolate shapes, patterns and textures. The cityscape is a brilliant source of abstract images. Zoom in, compose tightly and experiment madly.

Photo courtesy of philip.bitnar used under creative commons.