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

See What’s New at Universal Studios Orlando This Summer

The sagging economy is bad news for popular U.S. theme parks, but there may be a silver lining for families who spend the summer months racking up frequent rider miles on scream-a-minute amusement park offerings. This year several major theme parks are unveiling amazing new attractions designed to keep thrill seekers on the edge of their seats. One of the rides making the biggest splashes on the summer scene is Universal Studios, Orlando’s new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The interactive coaster is being billed as the “most mind-blowing ride” in the park’s history. Daring guests board the coaster and immediately … 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

Photography Week in Review for March 24-30, 2008

Whether you are shooting indoors, outdoors, during the day or at night there are a number of factors that can prevent you from snapping that frameworthy shot. This week I provided tips on how you can avoid the traps that can ruin a perfect picture. In addition, I covered a variety of issues that come up when taking your camera on vacation. The following Week in Review captures all of what you might have missed in the past seven days: March 24th—What To Do If Your Camera Gets Wet. I’m all for taking pictures at the beach or in a … Continue reading

How to Protect Your Camera (From Yourself and Others)

I recently returned from a trip to Hawaii where my camera got in a serious workout snapping shots of everyone (including the dozen or so family member who flew in for our reunion) and everything (including my 3-year-old daughter trying to dangle her baby cousin from my dad’s recliner). My camera also took a beating during one of our trips to the beach and I had serious misgivings about how it would work for the remainder of our trip. Today I took it in to my local camera shop to get it assessed and have the technicians there give it … Continue reading

More Ways You Can Protect Your Camera While on Vacation

In my previous blog I listed ways you could protect your camera while vacationing in a place with frigid temperatures. This blog is tailored to help those of you who are planning to take your camera to a tropical location. While the weather might be pleasant other elements could prove detrimental to your camera—-if you are not prepared. Before you head off on your island getaway consider purchasing a lens adapter and a skylight filter. Each provides added protection from the elements for both the lens barrel and the lens itself. Also, you’ll want to make sure your camera bag … Continue reading

Protecting Your Camera While on Vacation

Spring break is in full swing here. Some of our friends flew to Colorado to get in some late season skiing (that was before we got 15 inches of fresh snow on Good Friday) while others headed to Florida to escape the winter blues. We just returned from Hawaii where my camera got a serious workout at the beach. Regardless of where you vacation this year it is important to remember some basic tips to ensure your camera doesn’t become a causality while you’re away from home. COLD CLIMATES If your family enjoys tearing though fresh powder in cold weather … Continue reading