18 Nov 08 Fantastic Family Holiday Photos

When it comes to family photo opportunities, few events can top the holiday season. These special moments were meant to be cherished and to grace fireplace mantels and scrapbook pages for years to come. Here are a few tips to help you capture the essence of your subjects and the authenticity of the moment.

Stake Your Claim: If you’ve ever watched a wedding photographer at work, you’ll realize there is often a very specific plan in place, and this includes knowing which photos will happen in which locations. Even if your entire family will remain in one place for the day, decide which setting(s) will be most appropriate for photography.

For example, you may decide to take photos in front of the family fireplace or near the Christmas tree. Are there items that need to be removed that would prove distracting in the background? Will you need to set up chairs, and if so, who will sit where? Feel free to grab a pen and jot down a few ideas. This forethought will greatly assist you in getting those fantastic photos because your subjects realize that you have a plan and will get the job done efficiently. Little ones will more likely cooperate as well because the process will flow quickly. You don’t need to be a drill sergeant, but being deliberate and having a vision will help tremendously.

Elevate Your Status: When it comes to shooting large groups, it helps to be creative. One inside trick used by professional photographers involves a chair. Grab one and stand on it! You’ll be able to accommodate larger groups and create a portrait that’s more visually interesting using this technique. The novelty of this approach may also keep your subjects captivated long enough to ensure everyone is smiling when the shutter snaps!

Take a Tripod… Here’s a chance to pick up a present for yourself! A tripod is one of the most valuable and affordable accessories you can have in your photo toolkit. A tripod will instantly improve your photographs by stabilizing your camera and eliminating ‘camera shake.’ In addition, having your camera attached to a tripod allows you to better focus on getting smiles from your subjects as your attentions won’t be so divided between balancing the camera and posing your subjects.
You can learn more about the quality tripods we offer here: http://tinyurl.com/68l85t

…And a Remote Trigger: Make the most of your tripod by adding a remote trigger, which will free your hands and allow you to interact with your subjects while shooting. Imagine how much easier it will be to recognize those perfect moments with a remote trigger in hand; your focus can remain on your subjects, and you’ll be in perfect position to record that one image when all eyes are open and on you! Here are some we recommend: http://tinyurl.com/55kxa5

Perfect Timing: Make sure you understand how to use the timer on your digital camera. Toss your camera’s manual in your bag and review it before setting up your photo shoot. If you can’t find your manual, don’t worry. Just do an online search for your camera model and add the words ‘delay timer’ to the search. You should be able to retrieve instructions to use immediately.
Take a couple of test shots to make sure you’re comfortable with the process. Delayed timers are actually quite simple to use in most cameras.

So much effort and love have gone into getting your family together during this very special holiday. By taking a few minutes to prepare, you’ll ensure that your photographs reflect that very sentiment and serve as a continued reminder long after you ring in the New Year.

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15 Nov 08 When to Send Your Camera In For Repair

Today’s digital cameras are a marvel of tiny electronics combined to work in synchronicity to capture those moments that matter most. Unfortunately, technology doesn’t always work as expected, and when your digital camera starts behaving badly, it’s time to determine if it’s a minor issue or something that requires professional intervention. Here are a few tips to try before taking it in for repair:

Check Your Batteries: A fresh set of batteries can fix everything! Insert a fully charged battery or replace the AA set and see if the camera responds. Sometimes it is the most common but overlooked issue that keeps your camera from turning on, so start with the batteries.

Check Your Memory Card: Did you know that your camera may not turn on if the memory card is full? This happens sometimes, so try offloading all the images from your camera card to your computer and then reformat the card. Once that’s complete, try turning on your camera and see if it responds.

Give Your Camera a Break: Like other electronics, sometimes your camera needs a reset, so consider taking out the batteries out for a day or so to let the camera reset. Make sure the battery is charged and then re-insert it after 24 hours. If your camera continues to malfunction, it’s time to consider sending it in for repair:

Next month we’ll provide tips on how to decide if it’s better to repair an existing camera or replace it with a new one. The answers may surprise you!

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11 Nov 08 Last nights photo class

Thank you to everyone who came to the Photography class at the library. It was a great success. 40 people, 2 hours, a lot of conversation and learning on both ends. We learn from you as you learn from us.

We will post pictures from last nights class on Flickr soon.

We will be hosting another class on a date yet to be determined.

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10 Nov 08 Taking Your Show on the Road This Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday provides us an opportunity to pause and reflect upon the many joys in our lives. That week is also considered one of the busiest travel times of the year, requiring many to venture across state lines or even cross country to celebrate with loved ones.

Here are a few tips so you won’t have to spend a moment worrying about whether your camera is ready to capture those smiling faces around the banquet table.
Preparation Pays: Those Boy Scouts know what they’re talking about when they advise us to ‘be prepared.’ This is certainly true when it comes to digital camera batteries. Make sure to pack an extra set of AA batteries or an extra rechargeable battery (depending upon your camera’s requirements). It is a very small investment and can mean the difference between getting the shots you want and hoping a relative will send copies of her pictures to you after the event is over. Stop by our store or give us a call, and we’ll make sure you have the right battery for your needs. http://tinyurl.com/4g84j6

Lens Cloths Save Time Later: Keep a lens cloth in your camera bag and spend a few seconds cleaning your camera lens before you start shooting. Finding a recurrent smudge on your favorite Thanksgiving photos can make you feel a little less joyous, and cleaning your lens before the event is far less time consuming than trying to correct the images using a photo editing program later.

Try a Travel Charger: The digital camera travel charger may be one of the most important accessories you can keep in your camera bag. You don’t need to worry about keeping up with extra cables or other attachments because our PROMASTER XtraPower Traveler series of chargers have a built in switching power supply and a flip up plug. It’s a very compact and simple charger to use. The internal 110V - 240V power supply means you can use this charger worldwide; this combined with the compact size makes it PERFECT for the traveler. http://tinyurl.com/48wpvl

Bring the Right Bag: Not all camera bags are created equal, and cramming your camera and accessories into a backpack or briefcase isn’t always the best idea. For special family visits and vacations, it pays to pack your camera and accessories in a properly-padded camera bag. There are designs for every budget and style preference, and when it comes to getting ready for a trip, a camera bag is the one accessory that can keep all your gear properly organized and protected.