Tag Archives: camera tips

Tips For Shooting at Night

I’m as diligent a photographer as they come… as far as taking pictures is concerned. It’s the printing, sorting, and cataloging of photos (all the incredibly time consuming tasks) that I struggle with. I am a horrible procrastinator when it comes to placing prints in photo albums and going through stacks of shots to find ones that are frameworthy. Which is why it is only now that I’m writing this blog on capturing night scenes. A few days ago I finally got around to printing the photos I took during our family’s trip to the Botanical Garden’s Holiday Festival of … 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 →

What to do if Your Camera Gets Wet

It’s a problem most photographers have deal with at one time or another. Whether it’s a minor splash while you are taking photos at the beach or a major soaking when you get caught off guard by a freak summer thunderstorm at some point your camera will come in contact with water. Sure, there are a number of ways you can protect your camera from being drenched, including using a waterproof camera case or covering it with a plastic bag. (You can cut a hole in the front of the bag where the lens protrudes, place the bag around the … Continue reading →

Photography Week in Review for March 16-22, 2008

Whether you are planning your family’s spring vacation or getting a jumpstart on your annual summer trip this blog will come in very handy. This week I covered what you need to know prior to taking your camera on an airplane. From film and airport security screening areas to tips on protecting your camera from drastic temperature changes, here’s a recap of what you might have missed: March 17th—–Why You Should Never Pack Unused Film in Your Suitcase. It’s a lesson I almost found out the hard way during my recent trip to Hawaii and I tell you all about … Continue reading →

Why Camera Buffs Should Invest in Silica Gel

If you expose your camera to a variety of different elements then you probably have some silica gel in your home. Silica gel acts as a shield of dry air in an enclosed storage area such as a camera bag. It is a blue colored “desiccant” that adsorbs moisture and condensation. You can tell if it is working because it will change color from blue to white or pink. The color change indicates that the gel has absorbed the maximum amount of moisture. The beauty of silica gel is that even when it has absorbed the maximum amount of moisture … Continue reading →

Tips to Consider Before Taking Your Camera to the Beach

Spring break is right around the corner, which means many families are getting ready to ditch the snow and ice and head for the surf and sand. In my opinion nothing serves as a better backdrop for a family photo than bright blue skies, cobalt water and pale, sugary sand. On the flipside nothing can ruin your expensive camera faster than scorching hot temperatures, salt water or tiny pieces of sand getting lodged in all the wrong places. I grew up in Hawaii and learned the hard way what can happen to photo equipment when it is exposed to the … Continue reading →

Protecting Your Camera from the Elements

In a recent blog I encouraged you to venture outdoors with your camera to capture the incredible winter landscapes that have been created by the numerous winter snow storms which have been pounded the country from coast to coast this season. However, in that post I failed to mention that like people (especially ones like me who were born and raised in warmer climates) cameras and other photo equipment can be negatively affected by snow and freezing temperatures. To help prevent your camera from malfunctioning or sustaining serious damage it’s a good idea to store it in a plastic bag … Continue reading →

Getting Rid of Red-Eye and Saying Bye-Bye to Blurry Shots

If you thought having a green-eyed monster in your family was bad try having a digital camera filled with dozens of red-eyed ones. Those dreaded red-eye shots–dastardly enough to mar pictures of even the cutest child or pet. They are annoying… yet avoidable if you follow these tips: My brother calls them devil eyes (my other brother refers to it as the “Curse of the Cat Eye”), but the red color (and appearance that your subject’s eyes are glowing) has nothing to do with Satan at all. Rather, the red color comes from light reflecting off of your subject’s retinas. … Continue reading →