digital photography

Recently I inherited my husband’s cell phone since he had found another one(on another network) that he really wanted. I was glad to get his even though I made fun of it when he first got it. Seriously, what kind of phone comes with tutorial videos on how to use it? It just seemed too complicated.

Well, I’m slowly learning about my new-to-me phone. My husband did take his micro SD card to put in his new phone. Not wanting to buy another one and knowing we had one somewhere at the house, I finally found it about two weeks ago. Now I can store ringtones and take digital photos with my cell phone.

I had forgotten how cool it is to have a camera phone. It’s just so darn handy. There are several things I would like to take pictures of but never have my digital camera with me. I always have my phone and for just a snapshot it’s great. It’s nice to be able to create a photo Christmas shopping list instead of having to write down items of interest. Or to take a photo of the office Christmas tree without having to break out the big camera that will draw attention to what I’m doing.

The camera phone is best for sharing those small, cute moments that you wouldn’t have time to whip out a digital camera to capture anyway. But with an always near cell phone, it’s just a menu option away.

Hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas and a wonderful Christmas season. Ours is off to a great start. This time of year is always a mixed blessing. Sad that another year is over but exciting in that a new one will soon start.

With the new year, I will be making a resolution to learn more about digital photography. I also want to get into the routine of taking at least one photo a day. So to keep me motivated, I will be posting a picture a day. Sometimes these may not be my photos as I can’t really expect to take a photo worth sharing each and every day.

Today I want to share a photo from last December. It’s my daughter helping to decorate the Christmas tree -

Now it’s time to get back to playing with those Christmas gifts. Happy holidays!

Winter in the south is a mix bag of extremely cold days sandwiched between unseasonably warm days. Winder landscapes are less than stellar since snow(those years we actually see it) lasts about a day or possibly two.

These photos of the 50 beautiful Winter Wonderlands are a sight to see. There are some stunning digital photos that really show the power of digital editing and using advance settings.

They are just absolutely beautiful. It’s a nice distraction from the holiday crowds that’s for sure.

This time of year we always try to think of the year to come and possible expenses. We also try to jot down a list of wants and needs. So I’ve been thinking about what I would like to buy for my digital camera within the next year.

This year’s Christmas gift is already bought and being enjoyed, so my list might be more of a birthday or anniversary wish list.

One item I definitely want is a flash. The Canon Rebel does have a flash but I really would like a more powerful one. I bought a telephoto lens and it is recommended that you use a detachable flash with it since the barrel is so long. You can possibly have shadows from the lens if you just use the normal digital camera flash.

Other than the flash I would like a macro lens and a nice lens for everyday use. The lens that came with the camera works well but it would be great to have a little more range with it.

So my list is small but could be expensive. I’ve decided not to think about another digital camera until I know more about the one I have.

I knew procrastinating would someday pay off. Because I kept putting off doing our Christmas photo card, I was able to get a cute photo to use for the card.

It’s a Christmas miracle! She actually wanted her picture taken and posed for it. Color me shocked. And yes, those are Christmas stockings she is wearing on her feet. Those kid moments are too adorable not to snap a few photos. Usually I have to chase her around or snap on the go to capture these moments.

Yesterday also would have been a great day for Christmas photos as snow fell in the morning hours. Too bad it was all gone by the early afternoon. Still snowfall is a rare treat in the south, so I’m sure that many folks snapped their Christmas card photos yesterday.

It’s nice to finally have that task completed. I have to admit that I really like that photo and am glad that my procrastination finally worked to my advantage.

One very useful digital camera accessory is a tripod. They are especially handy during the holidays for those groups photos. But they can be very useful the rest of the year, too.

Using a tripod ensures a steady picture. For some instances like long exposure, a tripod is about the only way to ensure a good photo. There’s not much that makes up a tripod. Three adjustable legs, the platform for the camera, and the leveler are the main parts. I’m sure I used the proper, technical term, too. Yeah right.

When I’m setting up my tripod, the first thing I do is set up the height. Once the right height is reached, I check the level. Then I adjust to make the tripod level. I then add the digital camera to the mount. I remove the mount from the tripod and screw it into the bottom of my camera. I then place it back on the tripod. It’s just easier to remove it than to try to place the camera on the mount while it is attached.

I also have a tabletop tripod that has been quite helpful when it comes to close up shots. It’s especially useful for the eBay photos.

Tripods are not that expensive and really there isn’t a ‘one fits every need’ kind of accessory. So just because you have one doesn’t mean that you couldn’t find benefit from having another one. Take a look at the different kinds and don’t shrug them off just because you already have one.

Digital cameras are definitely becoming the camera of choice for many. In fact, many companies are recognizing this.

Polaroid is phasing out its <a href=”http://www.polaroid.com/ifilm/en/index.html”>instant film</a>. This makes me sad. Not that I even had an instant camera but there is just something really cool about them. It’ll be sad to think that you can no longer buy film for them. They are still being used but really a digital camera and a portable printer could do the trick a lot faster and cheaper. At the fair, you can have your picture taken with a horse for $5. The picture is a Polaroid. For the same price, the person could offer several photos that are better quality and cheaper to make. Instant film is quite expensive.

Still, the instant cameras are fun. Remember the excitement of waiting for the picture to develop as your frantically fanned it to speed the process along?

It truly is the end of something amazing. Still it’s exciting to see just what the future holds when it comes to digital cameras. Who knows. One day there might be a digital camera that is also a printer.  Then maybe I won’t miss the Polaroid Instant camera so much.

This weekend was the weekend for local Christmas parades. Saturday alone three local towns had their parades - times were 10am, 2pm, and 6pm. We chose to go to the 2pm parade. I packed my digital camera with the long telephoto lens.

We arrived and staked out a place to stand. Then I noticed something. I would be shooting into the sun. My pictures would be less than stellar. Since I was lugging around my purse, camera, and a bulky fleece blanket, I decided to go back to try to ditch some of this stuff - including my camera since my pictures would have been horrible.

Then I remembered the parade route. We were parked on the opposite street of the main parade route. But the parade would be coming down this street since it would be making the block around downtown. Problem solved.

I was able to get some good photos since the sun was now at my back. Plus this street was way less crowded, which means it was easier to take pictures of the floats.

It’s always fun to snap pictures of events since it gives you a chance to take a lot of photos. The parade was nice and a good opportunity to enjoy my hobby of taking pictures.

Did you see the moon last night? The crescent moon and Venus and Jupiter smiled down on the world. It was definitely a photo opportunity. It’s like the sky was smiling - begging to have his picture taken.

Trying to photograph the moon last night reminded me why I haven’t been that successful at it. I need to use my tripod. The shutter speed will have to be incredibly slow, so it I don’t want a streak of light, the digital camera has to be as still as possible.

Also I need a much larger telephoto lens. We do have a telescope, so it would be pretty cool to be able to use it somehow to take pictures. Not sure if I can accomplish that with the equipment I have, but it’s worth a try.

I love to gaze at the moon and the nighttime sky. It would be wonderful to be able to take some photos of the moon especially on nights when he is ’smiling.’ Who doesn’t want their picture taken when they are smiling, right?