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On a recent vacation to Topsail Island, I intentionally left my professional cameras behind - they're big, heavy and sometimes not a lot of fun to carry around. I was not on vacation to work.

But then, taking pictures is fun for me.

I didn't shoot a lot, but every day I saw one or two things that inspired me to take a picture, and just having a point-and-shoot to work with was surprisingly liberating.

When I carry my professional cameras, I'm always seeking, but with just a small camera in my pocket I didn't feel so much like a hunter - and the photos always came to me while I was doing other things.

Taking a walk on the beach at dawn, two pelicans flew past a brilliant sunrise.

Walking outside after a nap, I saw that my wife had neatly arranged some seashells on a boogie board to dry in the sun.

Even while carrying out the trash, I was inspired by the highlights created by the afternoon sun on splashing water.

I've never had a more relaxing vacation, and I don't think I've ever shot better vacation pictures.