Point-and-shoot cameras have come a long way since the days of the Kodak Instamatic. These days you can program high-tech digital cameras to take photos for you while you simultaneously juggle bowling balls and sip tropical libations on the beach. There is virtually no end to the amount of fab features included on some cutting-edge cameras. One of the latest and greatest trends in camera features is the high-resolution touch screen. Located on the back of the camera, the flat screen allows you to simply tap an icon with your fingertip to change settings. This means no more fiddling with … Continue reading →

Dads, grads, and new pads. The coming weeks bring an avalanche of special photo opportunities, from graduation ceremonies to Father’s Day, weddings and summer moves. If your camera has been hibernating for the winter, now is the time to wipe off the cobwebs and get shooting. For those of you who received a new camera for Christmas but have been putting off using it, the upcoming holidays and special events are prime opportunities to experiment. However, before you get snapping, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with your camera’s many modes. For example, even if you don’t have an … Continue reading →

These days it’s extremely rare to find a digital camera that doesn’t feature “Portrait” mode. By selecting the mode, the camera automatically adjusts for proper exposure, focus and white balance. Unfortunately, just because you have your camera set in the handy-dandy mode, doesn’t ensure you’ll snap a perfect portrait every time. Recently, photo experts have been criticizing camera manufacturers for misleading customers about the less than ideal exposure latitude offered by some point-and-shoot digital models. While the affordable cameras allow you to shoot in “Portrait” mode, most people don’t realize that doing so sets off the autofocus option which triggers … Continue reading →

I’m pretty sure I don’t look like a professional photographer. (Scroll down to my bio and judge for yourself.) Yet, earlier this week I was asked to show written proof that I was granted permission to shoot pictures on a high school football field. Never mind that I was wielding my tiny Nikon point-and-shoot camera and I was taking photos of my 6-year-old. Overzealous maintenance crews aside, I figured this was as good a time as any to broach the subject of photo permission, consent and the need for release forms. For starters, unless you are a professional photographer, who … Continue reading →

When it comes to camera accessories, owners of point-and-shoot cameras often feel left out. While it’s true that most of the latest and greatest camera add-ons are designed for expensive SLR cameras, there are still a number of cool accessories that will enhance the picture taking experience for point-and-shoot camera owners, such as camera bags, tripods, and media cards. Unless you are like my mother, who simply wants to press a single button and score frame worthy shots of her grandkids, then you probably enjoy experimenting with camera accessories that will enhance your digital photography. Camera accessories are not cheap, … Continue reading →

If you own a point-and-shoot camera, then you probably don’t stray from the auto mode much. While there’s nothing horrible about wanting to simplify picture taking, you might be surprised by how much better your photos could look just by pressing a few extra buttons. Knowing how to manipulate your camera’s Manual mode settings will go a long way to help you capture the best shots possible. To start, review your camera’s instruction booklet or look for the “M” on your camera’s menu. Each will provide details on how to best utilize features including ISO settings and shutter stop settings. … Continue reading →

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you are ready to take that perfect action shot, but you keep missing it? You push the button to take the photo, but your camera doesn’t seem to be responsive enough. While this can be frustrating, there are ways around your camera’s delay. Most of the time, the camera’s delay is caused by a setting or command you don’t realize you’re telling it to perform. You can get the photos you want by anticipating and preparing for the delays your camera needs. One reason your camera may be delaying taking the shot is because … Continue reading →