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Backing Up Photos From a Digital Camera
At-Home Printing from Your Digital Camera: The Dos and Don'ts to Preserve Photos
Digital Cameras that Kick It Up a Notch
Digital Cameras: What You See is Not Always What You Get
Printing Pictures from Your Digital Camera: No Computer? No Problem.
Quick Camera Tips for Better Pet Pictures
Using the Camera for Learning and Creativity with Children
2006 Archived Digital Camera & Photography Topics (11)
A digital camera is a fantastic tool for capturing the images of the important people, places, and events in life. The cost involved in shooting pictures is very reasonable due to the lack of film, the ability to delete unwanted images, and the opportunity to share and enjoy images without printing when desired. The creativity allowed by editing images from a digital camera is also a boon to home photographers. However, there are some harsh realities that need to be considered by those who create and store these digital images.
Hard drives sometimes fail. Viruses can invade and wipe out all traces any files stored on a computer. Fire, flood, and other disasters can destroy the hardware in which precious photos are stored. For anyone who places significant personal or emotional value on the photographs they take with their digital camera, making a second copy of such images is the key to assuring that these memories live on for many years to come.
The hard drive on any computer is limited and files sizes of most digital images are huge so extended storage there is not really possible. Certainly the memory with a digital camera is extremely limited and the portable media often used is important but not often a good choice for long term storage due to their vulnerability to failure. Luckily there are other options that make a better choice for long term storage.
All of the above options are good methods for storing images captured with a digital camera. However, it is generally recommended that rather than employing a single strategy, two methods be used so that each is indeed a "back-up".
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Since the introduction of the digital camera, consumers have hailed the convenience and immediacy of their work. Snapping pictures and being able to view them on the camera to determine if a retake is needed and sharing them online within moments of recording images are prized features. The ability to produce prints at home without the time involved in filling an entire roll of film, transporting them to the photo lab, and awaiting their development are also among the best loved skills of the digital camera.
Beyond the convenience of a such a camera however, the question of how well images printed at home would endure the years has been a significant concern. In the early years, the quality of the various types of printers, inks, and paper were much less reliable than the photographic processes used in a photo lab. Many years have passed however and progress has been made in developing more durable materials. In today's market, some printer manufacturers tout a life span of 75 to 100 years or longer for prints produced by their printers and materials.
In addition to the ongoing advancements in printer technology and paper/ink quality, home photographers can certainly do much to assure that their grandchildren will be able to enjoy the images that they record on their digital camera today through proper handling.
Materials
Do: Use of a high quality printer designed for printing the photos from a digital camera is recommended of course but quality ink and paper which complement each other helps to assure the longevity of the print that is produced. The best way to assure that the printer, paper, and ink used will work well together is to purchase them from the same manufacturer. The paper selected should be coated and designated specifically for printing photographs.
Don't: Use of some materials in framing, mounting, or matting pictures speeds the demise of the print and should be avoided. For optimum longevity, materials should pass ISO standards for being acid and lignin-free. Corrugated cardboard and PVC coverings are materials to be avoided when working with prints.
Handling
Do: When producing prints at home it is critical to assure that they dry before handling them. They may dry to the touch almost instantly, but it is advisable to allow them several hours before handling, framing, or storing them.
Don't: Prints created at home are particularly susceptible to damage from the oils in a person's skin as well as the abrasion created by touching or brushing against them, therefore minimizing how much these prints are touched can help to reduce degradation of the image.
Display
Light, humidity, contaminants in the air, and exposure to water are other factors that can significantly damage prints. Displaying unprotected, uncovered prints potentially exposes them to all of these factors which can result in an early demise for the images so lovingly captured by the camera.
Do: For display purposes it is wise to place prints in a frame with an anti-UV glass cover or to insert them into a clear protector; although polyvinyl chloride is not a recommended material.
Don't: Displaying prints where they will be directly in the sunlight promotes premature fading and placing them in environments with higher heat and humidity such as in a kitchen or bath can promote fading, blurring, and yellowing.
Storage
Do: Placing prints in an album offers a convenient method of properly storing them as well as labeling and displaying them for future enjoyment. Ideally, the album used should be acid and lignin-free, offer non-PVC page protection, and allow the user to attach prints via corners versus an adhesive.
Don't: Because of the negative effects of light, heat, humidity, and exposure to pollution and water, storage in both attics where temperatures can soar and in basements where humidity and the risk of exposure to water is greater is not recommended. Closets are a better option as it is best to store prints in a cool, dry, dark area.
The conveniences offered by a digital camera are ideal for those wanting to enjoy and share a moment via pictures. For those hoping to use their camera to provide a more lasting record, recent advancements in printing technology would seem to offer the potential of sharing memories captured today with future generations. Home photographers will simply need to use an appropriate camera, printing materials, and assure they follow a few rules when handling their prints to assure they provide a lasting impression.
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In an age when printers often act as copier, fax machine, and scanner and cell phones are not content to simply communicate, it would seem passé for a digital camera to rest on its laurels simply capturing and editing great images. With the challenge laid down, the digital camera has stepped up in the form of cross functional multimedia cameras.
First and foremost, the multimedia camera offers great, high resolution still photography capabilities. The Samsung Digimax i6 and i70 as well as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M2 are examples which offer 6-7 megapixel resolution. Complete with sought after features such as optical zoom and a 2.5" – 3.0" LCD screen these cameras don't give up much to accommodate their added functionality.
In addition to shooting photos, a multimedia camera can record high quality MPEG-4 video complete with stereo sound in some instances. With the Digimax i6 providing optical zoom and automatic macro focus, the filming capabilities are impressive. The Cyber-Shot version also provides video-editing and DVD-writing software for users to get creative in producing memorable films. Certainly, the efficiency of having a combined camcorder and still camera device in one is evident but the cost savings in some instances could be significant as well.
In addition to capturing great video, the Digimax i6 can play videos transferred from computer with TV quality images. Further encroaching on the domain of MP3 players, multimedia cameras live up to their name by offering MP3 download and play functions rounding out the entertainment experience.
The evolution of photography for the average home shutterbug has been vastly changed by the digital camera in the last decade, adding greater control over image quality and composition. With the introduction of the multimedia camera, it is clear the influence of digital cameras will continue well into the future.
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For those of us who use a compact digital camera for "casual" purposes, we've had the experience of setting up our shot, getting our subjects just where we want them, and then presto; the resulting image shows the top of the head or an arm missing from the scene.
What occurs in these instances is a frustrating phenomenon known as "parallax error". Stated simply, it is the result of the camera having one lens through which the camera focuses and records images and another lens through which the photographer views the scene to be shot. The two views are not identical and thus, the image that results is not always as we envisioned it through the viewfinder. This error is most pronounced when shooting at close range; such as in most "portrait" type shots.
Even those of us who are amateurs can avoid "parallax error" by one of just a few methods.
For the average consumer, a compact or point-and-shoot camera is the product of choice due to their portability and ease of use. Even with these more basic models, use of the correction marks or the LCD screen to frame shots taken at close range can help to significantly reduce any parallax error. For others who may want more creative control and don't mind a larger and more complicated camera, an SLR camera can eliminate parallax error altogether.
There are many millions of consumers who do not own a digital camera. They have not yet experienced the convenience of being able to edit and print their own pictures at home. For many who are less experienced or simply less enamored with technology, the thought of having to go through the multi-step process of getting images from their camera on to the computer, edited, and then printed isn't enticing. For others it would even involve added expense to purchase a suitable computer and any editing software.
What many of these people don't realize is that printing from a digital camera can be a very simple process and does not have to involve the use of a computer at all. This can be achieved by either purchasing a digital camera and printer that are compatible or ones that have Pictbridge technology which assures compatibility regardless of brand. Either way printing without a computer can be faster, easier, and less expensive if you don't already own all of the necessary hardware. For those who do own a computer, printing without it can still be wise as it can save valuable hard drive space to leave it out of the equation in the photo printing process.
Some printers have a card reader which allows users to insert the memory card from their digital camera directly and print pictures from there. These printers are a great tool for anyone looking for simplicity. For those who don't want to purchase a printer, a similar option is available in many drug stores via a kiosk although this does take away from the at-home convenience.
With Pictbridge technology a small cable is used to link the camera up directly to the printing device. The great part of this option is that it doesn't require much study to be sure the camera and printer will work together to produce prints.
Of course, for an increasing number of people their cell phone acts as their digital camera. For these individuals, a connection to the printer can be made through an adapter that communicates with Bluetooth. Printing then can be achieved directly without the use of the computer.
When connecting the camera, or its memory card, directly to the printer the option of editing is not lost. These printers offer simple editing functions such as adjusting contrast, and brightness as well as red-eye reduction and can be performed with the printers LCD screen much as they would on a computer.
Printing pictures from a digital camera should not be a complex or time intensive task. Removing computers from the equation simplifies the process and is easily achieved by connecting the camera or its memory card directly to an appropriate printer.
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Pets, like any member of a family, have unique personalities, individual responses to situations, and ways of expressing themselves. From a dog that loves to play hide and seek, peering from around a corner, to a cat that triumphantly perches in its favorite spot after removing any who dares to trespass on its prized territory, these small events are among the memories of pet owning families. Capturing the nuance of these situations simply requires a camera and the use of a few techniques which make photographing a pet unique.
Choosing the Shot
There are a number of ways to shoot great pictures of a pet with a camera. Portraits can be challenging with a pet, but the end results can be worth the extra effort. Using food, toys, or another person to direct a pet to look in a particular direction or to elicit a certain expression may be necessary. To obtain a more natural scene incorporating interaction with other animals or family members can help to create an image that better captures the true personality of the animal and a more typical atmosphere as attention is drawn away from the camera.
Common settings for pet pictures are where ever the animal is comfortable, such as lying on a favorite chair or gazing out a window. Another ideal setting is where ever they can be engaged in a favorite or natural activity. This helps to reduce some of the difficulty in getting an acceptable pose in front of a camera and better reflects the behavior and personality of a pet.
Setting Up the Shot
As is true when photographing other types of subjects, assuring that the background is free of clutter or distracting objects can help to focus attention in the shot on the pet. A plain background often creates the best backdrop. Wiping the eyes of a pet prior to shooting can also help to eliminate any distracting residue that will take away from the focus on their eyes.
Just as with small children anyone hoping to capture the best images of their pet will need to approach the situation with patience. Waiting for the right shot to happen is often a prime ingredient. Once the right setting or situation is selected and any needed props or helpers are assembled then the task of getting the best photo will frequently require multiple shots with the camera.
Taking the Shot
Getting photos that show the detail of a pet's features requires getting the camera up close and on their level. The pet should fill the frame and the photographer's viewpoint should be near the eye level of the pet. When getting close with the camera isn't an option, zooming can help to achieve similar results and when all else fails cropping during the editing phase can also improve results. Although the eyes of the pet should be the focus of the shot in most instances, it is important to shoot with the camera at angle if flash is used to eliminate the eerie glow that can occur when flash bounces off of the eye.
Whenever possible it is best to avoid using the camera flash with a pet. The risk of getting the unwanted reflection in the eyes is significant and some pets will even learn to avoid the flash by closing their eyes at an inopportune moment. For this reason, shooting pets outdoors is often easier, particularly early or late in the day or in the shade when harsh sunlight doesn't take away from their features. When photographing indoors and available light is insufficient, better photographs are easier with a camera that allows the in-camera flash to be disabled or removed. The photographer can then bounce the light off of a wall or ceiling to avoid any harsh glare.
Selecting the appropriate setting on the camera can help to assure optimal focusing. Many consumer model cameras have settings such as portrait and action which function nicely. Using the burst mode or sequence-shot setting when trying to capture images of a pet while playing can allow rapid shots that best capture the activity.
For millions of individuals and families who have pets as part of their lives, preserving memories of their time with us can be important. A good camera and knowledge of just a few photographic techniques can help to capture the kinds images that will be treasured for years to come.
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Photography is easily recognizable as an art form and a creative outlet for many whether professional or amateur. With a digital camera, the ability to allow inexperienced children to begin their experimentation with photography without the cost concern associated with film and developing is an even greater opportunity. Childhood experience with photography can promote creativity and provide a wonderful tool for learning in general.
Certainly, working with a child to understand the operation of a simple digital camera is necessary before beginning but the possibilities to stimulate imagination, story telling, interest in topics such as history, geography, nature, and sciences among others are endless.
The following are just a few examples of some of the activities with a camera that can get children started on a life time of study, a hobby of interest, or simply an enthusiasm to explore and learn.
A Project for Younger Siblings
Many children enjoy creating projects for younger children; perhaps it is the desire in all of us to mentor. Identifying items that have the various letters of the alphabet in them, photographing them with a camera, and producing an alphabet book for a younger sibling just beginning to read is an example of such a project.
To further stimulate imagination, the development of a story book is another possibility. As an example, using the family dog, the child photographer could take various pictures of the pet and devise a short story around "The Life and Times of Fido", "Fido's Big Adventure", or whatever title is appropriate.
A Travel Diary
Like adults, children can use a camera to keep their own photo journal of any travels; whether to grandma's house or to the beach a record of memories is certainly a treasure.
To expand on the travel diary concept and broaden the interest in travel and geography, the child might fabricate a cardboard character to travel even further. By giving the cardboard character to friends and relatives who may be traveling, the character can tag along and be photographed in additional locations. Each travel escort should return any pictures taken with a written paragraph about the journey and location. Over time a rather extensive travel diary, far beyond what the child will personally experience, will form.
The Nature Experience
Developing an interest in science and nature is easy when a camera can provide the focus. Rather than collecting live insects, leaves, rocks, or flowers; photographs can do the job while providing a more permanent archive. The camera also allows collecting of items that would otherwise be impossible; animals, sunsets, waterfalls, footprints, or whatever captures the observant eye of a child.
Beyond collection, a camera allows the study of some of the processes of nature. One example is to capture the progression of growth of a plant or animal. Whether planting a seed in a glass bowl and capturing its germination, rooting, sprouting, and growth or simply photographing a new kitten each week, the catalog of development helps to focus attention as well as potentially develop an interest in science.
Biographies, Family Trees, News Stories, and Documentaries
Challenging school age children to develop a family album complete with a short biography of each family member can stimulate creativity and allow an outlet for their sense of humor as well. Using a camera, some children even willingly accept the role as the family recorder of all special events with others making contributions as needed. A sense of responsibility can foster the desire to excel in their photographic efforts!
Another option for school age children which is a great summer project is to develop a monthly newspaper complete with pictures. The creative options are unlimited; from reporting on recent events in the neighborhood, the family vacation, the latest crime by the family dog, or updates on current or upcoming extracurricular activities can be among the articles accompanied by an appropriate photograph.
Stimulating Creative Writing or Story Telling
Stories can be formed by words, pictures, or both. Armed with a simple camera, a child can put together a sequence of pictures to tell a story; can a family member or younger sibling tell the story without the story being told in words? This type of activity is great for children who have an interest in doing projects for younger siblings.
Another activity to stimulate reading comprehension is to provide the child with a short story and ask them to illustrate the story with a few photographs using props.
Certainly, these activities represent only a very small number of the possibilities to use a camera in developing and expanding interests, fostering learning, and providing a sense of achievement for youngsters. With a little imagination, the camera can open up a whole world to the open mind and eye of a child.
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