Digital Photography Ideas
Posted on October 21, 2008
Filed Under Digital Camera Features, Good Digital Cameras |
A problem with your digital camera when you’re out taking pictures isn’t always fixable.Use a different plan!As you’ve no doubt often heard, “The best defense is a good offense.” And the best offense here is to avoid problems with your digital camera in the first place.
That’s not to say things aren’t going to happen that are unexpected and unavoidable.Just a few precautions would prevent many of the common problems photographers have when out taking pictures however.
Dead Batteries
There’s nothing worse than missing that great picture because the camera battery died.Don’t let dead batteries be a problem. The solution is to always keep spare batteries in your camera case.A spare battery is handy whether you use regular or rechargeable batteries..
Also, bear in mind that if you’re outside shooting in cold weather, your batteries will die a lot quicker.If you like taking pictures outside in snow, a couple of extra batteries might be wise instead of just one. Digital batteries just don’t last as long when it’s cold.
Yes, batteries are expensive, but it’s worth the spending a little extra money to keep from beating your head against the wall because a dead battery made you miss that once in a lifetime shot.
When Cards Go Bad
A while back I went on vacation and took all my pictures on one card.All those wondeful memories were on that one card and I was sure I had lots of great pictures.I’d filled that card with loads of pictures from a memorable trip.
The scenery was indeed breathtaking, but what really took my breath away was when I tried to load the pictures onto my computer and got one of those dreaded “ERROR” messages.The memory card was bad and all of the files were corrupted.Without access to the files, the pictures were lost.
While it doesn’t happen often, cards can and do go bad.That’s when you wish you had a couple of smaller cards instead of just one huge card for your digital camera.For example, if you’re thinking of buying a 2-GB card, get a couple of 1-GB cards instead.
Yes, it’s cheaper to buy a huge bunch of gigabytes on one card.But what are your pictures worth? If you lose that one card, you’ve lost ALL your pictures. Don’t make that same mistake.Be sure you’ll have at least some of your pictures instead of losing them all.
Remember, two cards are better than one.
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring
The weather isn’t cooperating, or maybe you just like pictures of rain.If you’re riding in a boat or dallying at the seashore, there’s a lot of moisture around there too. You want to take pictures but you don’t want to ruin your camera.So what can you do?
Well, you can buy protective gear to keep in your camera case for such times. Places like B & H Photo or Calumet Photographic stores carry waterproof cases.If you only need waterproof casing once in a while, you might not want to spend that much money.
For a make-do solution, carry a clear plastic bag in your camera case to keep water off your camera.When traveling, if you forgot to put a plastic bag in your camera case, try using one of those clear disposable shower caps from a motel room.
Planning Ahead Saves Your Sanity
If planning ahead doesn’t save your sanity, it will at least improve your chances for good pictures with your digital camera.A dry camera, charged batteries and extra memory cards will at least give you the opportunity to try for good shots.
And that’s why you bought a digital camera in the first place, right?
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