Search Results for: blog your camera and the elements

Challenge Yourself

SLR cameras are expensive, so it pays to make the most of all of their features. However, if you are upgrading from a standard point-and-shoot camera, then you might need some incentive to challenge yourself to experiment. Unless you are trying to profit from your passion, pushing yourself to use your camera to its fullest potential takes some encouragement. My advice is to look around at all of the subjects you can capture creatively with your picture-taking tool, and then work on your skills. For example, a trip to a nature preserve yields incredible photo opportunities. Professional photographers can make … Continue reading →

Photoshop Elements 8 New Features

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Have you seen the new features in Adobe Photoshop Elements 8? There are some pretty cool things they’ve added that will help you make your photos just what you want with less effort. One of the things I love about Photoshop Elements (verses the full version of Photoshop) is that it’s target use and audience is for touching up photos easily and quickly. There’s no need to be a Photoshop guru to use Elements because it’s made easy for the end user with presets, menus, and these fabulous new features: Have you ever noticed that you tend to want to … Continue reading →

More Stocking Stuffers Ideas for Your Favorite Shutterbug

My family’s stocking stuffer rules are simple: All gifts must be less than $20 and they must fit into the stocking. These stipulations can be a pain sometimes, especially when your husband has his eye on an expensive Dremel (it meets the size requirement, but not the budget) or your wife desperately wants a Dyson for Christmas. However, if your loved one is an avid photographer, there are many compact-sized, budget-friendly items available that make wonderful stocking stuffers, including: CAMERA BAG Camera bags come in all shapes and sizes, but I prefer using the compact ones for everyday shooting. A … 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 →

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 →

Dealing with the Elements

I’m sure you are familiar with the expression, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” The saying could easily be applied to photography especially when you’re scheduled photo shoot is interrupted by Mother Nature’s whims. I was reminded of this last week when I was trying to snap a shot of my daughter standing next to the first buds of spring. On this particular day it wasn’t my daughter who wasn’t cooperating, rather it was Mother Nature’s high winds that were causing problems for me (and my camera). It took me nearly 10 minutes to finally figure out that if … Continue reading →

An Indestructible Camera

My camera is more likely to be destroyed by a toddler than a tumble from the side of a cliff. Yet, I was still intrigued by Olympus’ newest addition, which was supposedly designed for adventure shooters who sign up for National Geographic-type expeditions. The company claims its new 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW is the “toughest point-and-shoot camera in the world.” There is no way I have the means to travel to the far reaches of the globe to put the camera to the test so I did the next best thing, I called my professional photographer pal who gave me … Continue reading →

Can You Take Your Video Camera on an Airplane?

Yes, you can; however, using it to record images onboard a commercial aircraft is an entirely different story. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way during my recent flight to Hawaii. Since the birth of my daughter I have diligently brought my camcorder on all of our family’s vacations. When we fly I simply place my video camera in my carry-on bag and shoot at will. However, during our recent flight departing from Chicago to Honolulu I was told that shooting at will was no longer acceptable. Actually, this is a more precise recounting of what happened on board … Continue reading →