Snapping Beach Keepers

The long Memorial Day weekend is set to kick-off in just a few days. Traditionally, the holiday marks the unofficial start to summer. For many families that means picnics, backyard barbeques, and trips to the beach. If you are planning to document your family’s fun in the sun, consider these simple tips to keep your camera safe and your photos hot, hot, hot: Gear: Personally, I don’t bring a bunch of fancy camera gear with me to the beach. After all, you don’t want to expose your equipment to the hot sun for long periods of time. What’s more, if … Continue reading

Snapping Spectacular Sunset Shots

If there is any time of the year to snap a spectacular shot of a sunset it’s now. Summertime means frequent trips to the beach and whether you are spending time at the shore on the East Coast, a coastal retreat out west or camping in the heartland you are bound to witness an awe-inspiring sunset at some point. The trick is doing justice to its beauty with your camera. The following are tips to consider before pointing and shooting at the horizon this summer: PLAN AHEAD Think about your composition. Do you want a simple shot of the sun … Continue reading

Summer Vacation Photo Tips

Summer is here, time to pack up the clan and head to the mountains, beach, amusement park or zoo. But before you hit the highway or take to the skies don’t forget to pack your camera bag. The thought of missing out on all of the incredible photo opportunities your travels will provide is enough to take make any snap happy parent ill. In addition to your camera, make sure you have spare batteries, lenses, a cleaning kit, extra media cards and a mini tripod. Once you arrive at your destination be sure to remember the following tips: Don’t let … Continue reading

More Tips to Consider When Shooting Outdoors

It’s summer and there is no better time than now to take as many outdoor shots as possible. Whether you are capturing your daughter’s first swim lesson or your son’s first t-ball game you want to make sure you get the best photos possible. And since these summer activities take place in the great outdoors it’s important to learn how to use the sun to your advantage. For example: FLASH Turn off your flash. This is especially important if you have a moderate priced point and shoot digital camera off. Most cameras in this category have overpowering flashes that turn … Continue reading

Tips to Remember When Shooting Outdoors

If you are going to experiment with outdoor shooting techniques now is the time to do so. Summer is when most families spend the bulk of their days in the great outdoors and snap happy parents are getting a workout trying to capture all of their children’s adventures with their cameras. To avoid spoiling those spectacular outdoor summer shots (who wants a ton of shots featuring squinting faces or raccoon eyes?) consider following these tips: MADE IN THE SHADE When the sun is blazing seek out shade. Not only will the light be softer, but you will also avoid having … Continue reading

Taking Your Camera to the Beach… and Using It

Summer is here… a time when millions of families head to the sun, sand, and surf. And along with the sunscreen, water and towels most will tote along their cameras to capture the sun-filled memories of children splashing in waves or building monster sand castles. Only not every shutterbug readily whips out his or her camera in the heat of the moment for fear that the elements (water, sand, etc.) will damage their expensive digital devices. Meanwhile, others simply forget that their cameras are sitting in their beach bags waiting to be used. As you head out on your family … Continue reading

Choosing an Underwater Camera

In my last blog I revealed that my new goal for 2008 is to experiment with underwater photography. Currently, I do not own an underwater camera so I have been doing research on what type of equipment I will need and how much it will cost me. It didn’t take me long to realize that underwater photography is far from a cheap hobby, though the results seem to make the time, effort and money worth it. If you too are interested in taking beautiful pictures under the sea (or in the deep end of the pool) you are going to … Continue reading

Have Camera Will Travel Part 2

I know avid photographers who remember to pack their camera cleaner but forget to bring along clean underwear on vacation. In my previous blog I provided a list of some photography essentials you don’t want to leave home without. In this blog I thought it might be helpful to list some shooting reminders that are often overlooked by travelers taking aim in foreign lands. Tip #1—–When you are shooting subjects in foreign countries and you don’t speak the native language, the simple act of smiling, pointing to your camera and then pointing to the subject is enough to communicate that … Continue reading

Taking Pictures Under the Sea

I love taking pictures, but it wasn’t until I was sitting on a beach in Hawaii a few weeks ago that I considered experimenting with underwater photography. A very nice man saw me taking photos of my daughter at the water’s edge and asked if my camera was waterproof. When I answered no he showed me the waterproof rigid plastic case he was carrying his camera in while taking shots of his kids attempting to boogie board for the first time. I have to admit I was intrigued. My daughter loves the water but at age three she is still … Continue reading

Have Camera Will Travel

Most photographers wouldn’t dream of embarking on a vacation without their cameras strapped securely to their necks (or at least tucked away in a sturdy camera carry-on). With the busy summer travel season just a few weeks away I thought this would be a good time to review some basic tips on how to make the most of photo ops while you are on the road. Tip #1—–Pack the Instruction Manual. Modern cameras and their accompanying add-ons often have complex program modes, so always a good idea to pack a copy of the instruction manual in your bag before leaving … Continue reading