When hitting a normal fairway bunker shot (without a high lip on the bunker), it is a much easier shot when the Amateur can think about hitting the shot thin on purpose. You do not want to hit much if any sand when hitting from a fairway bunker. This is easy to practice by finding a spot on the range that is hard pan or dirt. It is also very important to be sure to hit a club with enough loft to clear the lip.
Overall, hitting from a fairway bunker is a much easier shot then most Amateurs believe, keep it simple and think thin.