Walsh Photographic Design Blog

What do I do now...my card is full!

Digital cameras...instant gratification...really convenient! True! But remember...your images are only temporarily stored in your camera. Be sure to back them up! Here are a few thoughts...

1. At least once a month, copy your camera card to a cd. It's easy and only takes a few minutes. Mark the cd and file it in a safe place. If you have time, print out an index sheet that shows you what images are on the cd.

2. Ok...you're really busy. No time to do the backup cd and index. Then take your memory card to your favorite retail photo department and have them create a cd & index for you. It's fast, inexpensive and the best way to make sure your awesome images don't vanish into etherspace!

3. While you're at the store...buy an extra memory card. Memory cards have gotten really inexpensive. You can easily rotate cards from camera to store without missing a beat. You won't regret it.

4. Create a photo libary on your computer! Copy your images into your favorite photo program. Archive, sort, rename, create albums, even print photo books. These programs are simple and fast. We are big Apple users and recommend iPhoto for casual users. There are great programs on the PC too! Like so many things, the important thing is to just get started.

5. BTW, never trust your images exclusively to the computer...computers can and do crash! Always keep a cd backup in a safe place...just in case!

Get the camera out of the closet!

Ok...this one seems obvious. Keep your camera handy! Put the camera on the kitchen counter or (if you're careful) in the car. Have it with you when you go fun places. Keep a spare battery nearby. Those great images you see are often just a matter of having the camera ready.

Photography Tip #3

Outdoor Photography in the Snow!
Ok, its finally starting to snow. Break out your skis and snowshoes and get outside. (Sherry, I promise to follow my own advice).

Winter is a great time to take a camera outside and capture images of your family, friends or just the incredible scenery. Many folks are very disappointed with snow photographs. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Get close to your subject. If you let the snow dominate your scene you will likely need to adjust your exposure. See tip #2.

2. If you want to show lots of snow adjust your camera to overexpose the image by about 1 to 1 1/2 stops, depending on how bright it is outside. Meters in cameras are calibrated to give a good exposure to a scene of average brightness. If you are out on sunlit snow the overall brightness will trick your camera into underexposure. The result will be a dark scene and grey snow! Yuk.

3. If you are using a modern point and shoot digital camera, see if it has a snow scene setting. Many do. This will attempt to make the exposure correction for you.

Good shooting! If you have a comment or question, please post it here!

Photography Tip #2 - Natural Images

Most people hate the idea of posing for pictures. We understand. So...when you set out to take a photo of the kids or your family, group them loosely, then let them interact with one another. We find that our favorite photographs are the ones where people are relaxed and relating to someone or something.

Give it a try...and take lots of images.

If you have a question you would like us to post here on the blog, please drop us an email at wpdinfo@mac.com

Photography Tip #1 - Outdoor Lighting

Many folks believe they need to face their subjects into the sun when taking outdoor photographs. Not so!

Facing into the sun can eliminate facial shadows, but the image is often spoiled by squinty eyes. Try placing the sun behind your subject. You'll get great hair and separation lighting. Then use a reflector or a flash to fill the facial shadows.

We often use a white wall or white foamcore to create a soft facial light. You will love the results.

If you have a question you would like us to post here on the blog, please drop us an email at wpdinfo@mac.com