Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 14: Aperture Values

Protecting Printed Photographs…

Photography may be almost entirely digital these days but printed photographs are still quite popular. Chances are, you have stacks of printed photographs stored somewhere in your home or office. In light of a new year and fresh starts, take a bit of time to make sure your valuable printed photographs are properly organized, protected and stored.

Have the Right Tools in Place: You don’t need very much for your organizing project—just a few archival-quality photo storage boxes and maybe an acid-free photo album or two. Also make sure to pick up an acid-free pen for writing on the backs of photographs or other items. In this instance, archival and acid-free products are extremely important in protecting your images for the long term. We stock a variety of these quality products, so stop by the store and let us help you get everything you need!

Consider Corners: When working on a photo album or scrapbook, consider forgoing glue to secure the backs of your photographs to the pages (unless it is acid-free) and use photo corners instead. Photo corners come in a number of colors and cuts and add visual interest to your scrapbook layout in addition to keeping pictures in place.

No Attic Necessary: Oftentimes, when people think of storing their printed or heirloom photographs, placing boxes in attics may come to mind. Instead of tucking them far away and possibly subjecting them to extreme changes in temperature and humidity, select an area of a bookshelf or other accessible area in your home instead. It’s best to have them stored in a climate-controlled environment and one with normal ventilation.

Another reason to keep the pictures in arm’s reach? It just might encourage a stroll down memory lane and encourage children and other family members to bring the photographs out and ask questions about their ancestry and history. Children are often fascinated by their family history and by relatives who have since passed on. Sharing what you know and reminiscing through old photographs is a great way to pass along stories and connect with family.

Vintage Photo Protection: If you have very old family photographs, it may be time to make a digital copy. Bring them to our store so that we can create a high quality archival scan for you and discuss the restoration options we offer. Having a digital copy will give additional peace of mind and will also allow you to share the image with family members who might want a copy for their own records and enjoyment.

Displaying Your Favorites: Select some of your favorite photographs and frame them so that they can be part of your ongoing conversations and reflections. When selecting a frame, aluminum designs are best as they are unaffected by changes in humidity. Also, make sure that your frames use UV resistant glass to protect the images from the elements. Try displaying them in areas not washed in direct sunlight for an added layer of protection.

Ignore other projects: Yes, protecting these precious memories are THAT important. After all, do you ever hear people say they would rush into a burning house to rescue their laundry? It’s the photo albums that top the list.

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 13: White Balance

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 12 Depth of Field

Tips for Photographing Holiday Lights

When it comes to photographing holiday lights, knowing a few tricks can greatly improve your chances of capturing images that truly represent the beauty of the celebration of light before you. Some people think that you need an expensive camera or an elaborate setup to photograph holiday lights, but in truth, you can work wonders with a standard point-and-shoot and a little knowledge of how to balance light.

Tracking Different Ambient Lights: Photographing holiday lights means keeping track of the diminishing ambient light—most notably, the sun as it sets. You’ll get the best results photographing lights BEFORE it gets dark. During the dusk period, you’ll find a nice balance of diminishing ambient light contrasting with the holiday lights, which means you’ll be able to see more objects in the background.

Try Tungsten: Set your custom white balance to tungsten, just as you would if you were photographing something indoors without using a flash. Holiday lights are balanced for tungsten lighting and this will give your images a warm contrast between the sky/background and the lights.

Composition Counts: When it comes to photographing holiday lights, use a good portion of the evening sky in the background. It will help to better highlight your subject and will add interest to the image.

Bring Your Tripod: Using a tripod is especially important in shooting holiday lights. It will provide stability, which is particularly critical with low-light photography, and will keep your shot properly framed as you continue shooting as the evening light transitions to black.

Take Ten Shots (Over Ten Minutes): Once you have everything set, begin taking a photograph every minute or so. Your eyes may not register the gradual changes so track the time with your watch or cell phone. Then, shoot every minute or so over a ten to fifteen minute period. You’ll see the changes in evening lighting as you scroll though your shots.

Photographing holiday lights is a fantastic way to stretch your creative skills and capture the beauty of the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to experiment; some of the most amazing images are captured when we try new things!

Stocking Stuffers for Your Favorite Shutterbugs!

Give the gift of storytelling this holiday season by stuffing some stockings with high quality photo accessories! You’re guaranteed tons of smiles and hugs when these little beauties are unwrapped.

Memory Cards: Ok, maybe not the slickest, fanciest gift but one of the most practical things to put under the tree. A high-capacity memory card will make sure the shooting doesn’t have to stop because the camera card filled up too quickly! We have many high-capacity, high speed models here and all are priced to move!

Protection Filter: If you choose one photography accessory this year, let this one be it! The PROMASTER Digital HGX Protection Filter is a crystal clear, colorless filter that is designed specifically to protect your valuable lens surface from scratches, smudges, dust, dirt and grime. Try our fingerprint test—you’ll be amazed!

It’s in the Bag!: Professionals will tell you that the right bag can make all the difference in keeping gear organized, protected and easy to transport. We’ve got models to handle all lifestyles and needs from compact models, rolling bags, messenger bags and more—we can find the perfect choice to make the ideal gift this holiday!

The Gift that Glows!: If you have an aspiring professional photographer on your gift-giving list, consider choosing a quality studio light or accessory. The pros know how critical it is to be able to manipulate and control light when photographing a subject and nothing can take the place of the right tools. We’ve got high quality stands, adapters and more.

The Basics: Creating a Holiday Home Video

When it comes to shooting holiday video, many of us simply hit the ‘record’ button and shoot whatever is in front of us. Maybe we ask people to say something; they offer an awkward smile and a wave and we’re off to the next unsuspecting family member. This year, take a few basic tips and let them transform your home video from amateur to extraordinary!

Beat the Crowds: If possible, take a few moments to video the surroundings before guests arrive. Zoom in on the decorations; shoot video of the tree, the presents or a cherished family photograph. If you have holiday lights or decorations outside the house, shoot some video of the front of the house as well as any snow or frost in the area. During the editing process (and editing is easier than you think), you can use these moments at the beginning of the video or as part of a transition.

Capture the Kitchen: Everyone knows that most of the real action happens in the kitchen! Capturing the conversations of family members reminiscing about holidays past, cooking together and enjoying one another’s company can make for a very personal and memorable holiday video. Try to stay back a bit—zoom in if possible—but keep your physical distance. You don’t want to intrude or hinder the natural flow of the conversation with your presence.

Get Some Support: This is one of those times when a tripod is an invaluable tool. Not only will it help you keep your shots steady, it can also become a fixture in a room—people will get used to it after awhile and you can capture more natural interactions. In fact, you can leave your camera running in one location for a bit; you’d be amazed at some of the unscripted gems you’ll record. Just keep an eye on your recording time! We have a number of high quality tripod options—just consider it an early Christmas present!

The Fun Interview Corner: Consider creating a small studio in the corner of a room to have friends and relatives share stories and sentiments on video. Offer lead-in questions such as, “What do you love most about the holidays?”, “What is your favorite holiday tradition?”, or “What is your funniest holiday memory?” Consider using an attractive chair and a small table with a family photo as shooting location. Also, pay attention to lighting—you don’t want your subject to appear harsh or washed out. Experiment with existing lighting and consider adding a small fill light if necessary.

Editing with Ease: If you’re new to video editing, get ready for a fun adventure! Don’t feel that you have to be proficient immediately. Instead, enjoy learning the basics—you’d be amazed at the quality of projects you can create with even the most basic software programs. Here are just a few programs for you to consider (please note we are not endorsing these choices, only sharing with you the most highly rated options):

· Adobe Lightroom

· Adobe Premiere Elements 9

· Apple Aperture

· Apple iMovie ‘11

· Corel Digital Studio 2010

· Cyberlink PowerDirector 8 Deluxe

· Windows Live Movie Maker 2011

Short Clips for Sharing: You can create short clips to share on Facebook, YouTube and on your personal blog. It’s a great way to connect with distant loved ones who were unable to attend.

The Perfect Gift: Once your video project is complete, send copies to everyone on your family gift list. Your storytelling skills will be warmly appreciated and your project will likely be one of the most valued and personal gifts your family has ever received.

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 11

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 10

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 9

"Pic of the Day" is back!

We may be blue but we will always stay true! Fort Worth Camera is bringing back PIC OF THE DAY! We are giving you the opportunity to submit up to 5 pictures. We will then post one a day on our blog for an open critique. By submitting your pictures, you get up to 5 chances to win tickets to the Cowboys game! Win 2 tickets for the game on Nov. 25th by submitting your pictures to fortworthcamera@gmail.com along with the photographer’s full name, image title and a brief statement giving permission to FWC to use your images. Deadline for submitting these pictures to be eligible for the drawing is Nov. 23rd at midnight. Jeff will be drawing the winner’s name on Wed, Nov 24th at noon. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity and get to see the Cowboys bring home another victory.

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 8

Photographing Fantastic Fall Foliage

Fall’s beauty is in full bloom, and photographers across the country are clamoring to capture the amazing turn of seasons. The trees drip with rich colors resembling garnet and jade jewels, the cool air whisks away the remains of a hot summer and the air is filled with anticipation for family-filled holidays. If you’d like to take some of fall’s finest moments and tuck them away to enjoy once the snow falls and the trees’ leaves fade away, here are a few tips:

Shoot Early or Late: Consider shooting during sunrise and sunset hours for the best lighting opportunities as these times can help you capture the richness of color around you. The morning hours may yield the best results because the air will be cleaner and largely free of dust, smog and other airborne particles. Those minute flecks in the air can have an impact on the richness and clarity of your images.

Wait for the Clouds: If you’re trying to capture the vibrancy of autumn leaves and colors, patience pays. Overhead clouds can help retain the depth of color in the foliage whereas direct sunlight is often extremely harsh and can wash out the colors you are trying to capture.

Experiment with a Polarizing Filter: While it may not work in every situation, a polarizing filter can help in those situations where bright sunlight might flatten fall colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools during your session; when you take the time to try new things, you discover additional tricks to add to your photography arsenal.

Capture Contrast: The rainbow of colors fall provides is even more gorgeous when coupled with contrast. A ruby leaf paired with green grass or weathered wood can create a more powerful image than either item photographed alone.

Stay Simple: Part of the beauty of fall can be captured in its simplicity. Zoom in close and focus on a single leaf or a small cluster of them. Spend a few minutes surveying your surroundings to find the perfect subject. It may be something completely unexpected such as an unassuming park bench or a solitary bird.

Rain Reigns: If it happens to rain in the location you wish to photograph, celebrate! The images you can capture after a rain occurs may just take your breath away. The leaves are clean and vibrant and the rain will clear away dust and other items that may get in the way of the perfect shot.

Play with Settings: If your digital camera includes settings to shoot in ‘vivid’ mode or has options to adjust saturation, use those settings to determine if the results are richer than what you would create in your standard automatic mode. You can also experiment with ‘cloudy’ settings on overcast days. Being open to experimentation may bring images that surprise and delight!

Holiday Challenge: Photographing the Thanksgiving

Few things stump the assigned family photographer like trying to shoot a large Thanksgiving table populated with people and decorations. The traditional table shot is an important annual ritual, and because of this, it’s worth investing in a little bit of advanced planning time to make sure you’re ready when everyone sits down to celebrate.

Things to Bring: If at all possible, bring a tripod and a remote trigger for your camera. A tripod will steady the camera and allow you to try different locations and angles to see what works for your particular situation. You will also want your lens cleaning kit nearby to ensure smudges don’t ruin your holiday memories. Better yet—consider our new Promaster HGX filter that has the exclusive REPELLAMAX Element Resistant coating which repeals moisture, dust, and fingerprints. Try the fingerprint test to see how well it works!

During busy holiday visits, you will also find extra memory cards handy. There’s nothing worse than running out of room on your memory card and trying to impulsively decide which images to delete to make room for new shots.

Lighting Considerations: When photographing a long table with people seated from one end to the other, proper lighting is critical to making sure everyone is evenly covered. If your light source is far away from your subjects, the light will fall off gradually; however, if you are shooting close to your subjects (using a point and shoot camera, for example), the light from the flash will fall off quickly and can make those seated further away from you appear darker (because the light from the flash is diminishing and not giving proper illumination). Here are a few things to try:

· Check available light around the table. Do you have windows that will provide light and how will this light change when it is time for everyone to sit down for dinner?

· Ask a couple of guests to ‘model’ for you for a few minutes. Seat one close to the front of the shot and the other at the far end. Play with different angles and with light sources (lamps, overhead, etc) to see which best provide necessary fill light.

· Try bouncing the flash off the ceiling to see if you can create a more even light stream across the table.

The Kids Table: This is where the real fun happens! If you have a separate kids table, make them the stars in a few photographs. Try standing on a chair and shooting from the top down while they hold up their water glasses in a kid toast. With kids, playing with angles is particularly important because you want to capture the event from their perspective so shoot at their eye level—as adults, we often tower above them, especially when they’re seated.

Holiday Photo Tip: The Traveling Tripod:

The Traveling Tripod: The holidays usually mean large family gatherings, and when it comes to photographing groups of people, few photo accessories are more useful than a tripod. Today’s travel restrictions can make bringing a tripod tricky, but we have some options designed to help you travel light and assist you in creating those memorable family photographs.

We have models that are small, light and demand almost no space in your suitcase. We even have miniature tripods that can fit in your pocket or purse!

Here are a few of our compact favorites: www.fortworthcamera.com/minitripods

We also have our new Clamper model, which is often called the Swiss Army knife of tripods. Use it as a table top tripod or clamp it on virtually anything. “The Clamper” has two extremely versatile clamp legs and works on flat surfaces, thin surfaces and round surfaces. It’s the perfect “problem solver” to have in your camera bag.

Outdoor Portraiture: Photographing Families

Cooler weather is the perfect time to take the family outdoors for a group portrait. With these tips, you’ll get some shots you can’t wait to share with loved ones:

Try Different Textures: The fall temperatures mean you can pull out all the fantastically-colored scarves, sweaters and hats. Play with layered looks and change accessories to see which items add that perfect pop op color and texture.

Photograph the Kids First: If your family gathering includes fairly young children, consider photographing them first. Start with individual shots and let them move around and offer suggestions. Take a few images of them in action—looking at flowers, sitting on a bench or petting the family dog—and show them what you’ve done so far. When they see the results, kids are likely to be more cooperative throughout the rest of the photo session.

Invite Friends: For twins and teenage kids, invite a friend or two. Photograph the kids and give them the images to use for their Facebook pages or personal blogs. Again, by making the event enjoyable, they are more likely to cooperate when the time comes for the family shot.

Take the Show on the Road: Consider photographing at a local park where you can experiment with backgrounds and utilize colorful fall foliage. We often assume our outdoor photographs must be taken by the lone tree in our backyard, but by making it a road trip, your options expand exponentially. Just make sure to test your cameras batteries and double check that you have everything you need before loading up the car! If you’re going to be at your location for awhile, consider putting some water bottles and snacks in the car to help keep the kids cooperative when hunger strikes.

Get it Together: Make sure you know how to use the delay setting on your camera if you intend on being in the shot. If possible, play with it a few times prior to your outdoor photography session. And, of course, your tripod will be indispensable

Take a few test shots without the kids so that you have the background scenery and the basic distance and positioning figured out. This bit of extra effort will help you get your group in order and get the images taken in pretty quick succession.

How I Share My Love! - Holiday Card Collection

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Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 7

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 6

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 5

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 4c

Create Haunting Halloween Photographs

Halloween is one of those times when kids can beg for candy without being scolded and adults can dress up in full costume with the excuse that “it’s for the kids, you know.” While you’re searching for the perfect costume, scary props and fun holiday treats, remember to plan a bit of time to create fantastic Halloween photos. This year, mix things up, have some fun and experiment.

Stage Your Shots: The standard head-on group shot is fine for starters, but here’s a chance to let the kids play a commanding role. Ask them to create their own scary poses or have them jump out from behind a wall and shoot once they scream “Boo!” Let them orchestrate a scene and photograph each step—your burst mode might come in handy here—and create a series of action photos that tell their unique and spooky story.

Photographing Your Jack-o-lantern: Photographing a jack-o-lantern can be a tricky proposition. Make sure the carvings allow enough light to come through the holes—consider carving a wider smile or eyes if needed. Most people put a single candle inside but for photography purposes, you’ll need more light to come trough so consider adding one or two additional candles per pumpkin. Better yet—try inserting a small flashlight instead.

You can also up the spook factor by placing your jack-o-lanterns on a reflective surface such as a wood table. Just be aware of the area behind you; keep the lights dim and move any objects that would clutter or compromise the background.

Make Your Own Lighting Prop: Instead of using a flash, which can be too stark to create the scary feel you seek, try taking a flashlight and covering the front with wax paper and a rubber band. Have your child point the flashlight toward his face—keep it at waist level and out of the shot—to create a soft and spooky lighting effect.

Give the Kids Presence: Position yourself close to the ground and photograph your subjects while shooting upward. By playing with your position and their poses, you can create an ominous image and make the kids look taller and more foreboding. They’ll get a kick out of seeming larger than life and the resulting photographs will be more compelling than a standard shot.

Enhance the Details: Does someone have an amazing make-up job or scary mask? Shoot their face full-frame for maximum effect. Today’s costumes have some of the most remarkable and intricate detail, so if something catches your eye, use it as a focal point for an image. Maybe it’s a skull bracelet or a prop that grabs you; it’s the small details that often make the most unique photographs.

No Reckless Photo Posting: Remember to never post photos of anyone else’s children on Facebook or other sites without first getting permission from their parents. It can be very disconcerting for someone to come across a photo of her own child without knowing about it in advance.

Happy Halloween!

The Best Gear for Braving the Elements

We welcome fall for the season’s respite from the sweltering summer sun, but with this lovely season often comes unpredictable weather and obstacles to getting that perfect shot we seek. With a little preparation, however, you’ll find that the outdoors can be a powerful partner in helping you garner some of your favorite photos ever!

Prepare for the Possibilities: Certain parts of the country are more prone to rain than others, but there will always be surprise showers hiding behind those seemingly sunny skies. It’s best to have provisions for rain and moisture tucked away in your bag, backpack or the trunk of your car. Keep a clear plastic bag to cover and transport your gear and keep it safe, along with a towel, compressed air and a lens cleaning kit.

Get a Jacket for Your Camera: The debate on whether dogs should wear sweaters rages on, but we fervently believe your camera should be properly dressed in lousy weather conditions. Our rain jacket is competitively priced and designed to accommodate most SLR and DSLR models. You can access all the controls through two side sleeves and getting the jacket on and off your camera is a snap.

Choose Gear that Weathers the Weather Well: There are many photography products designed specifically to withstand the rigors of temperamental Mother Nature. For example, our new AWXC Red Card (available in CF and SDHC) is an ultra high-speed memory card designed to be waterproof, shockproof and specifically designed for use in extreme temperatures. If your outdoor events include rain, sleet or snow, this media card will protect your images because it’s designed for use in difficult weather situations. Another bonus? These cards are manufactured in the U.S.A.

Protect Your Lens: We’ve all had those cringe-worthy moments when we realize that we’ve touched our lens or inadvertently bumped into something with our lens bearing the brunt of the collision. We have a new protective filter designed specifically to protect your lens from smudges and the elements. The PROMASTER Digital HGX Protection filter is a crystal clear colorless filter with second generation advanced anti-reflective coatings designed especially for use with digital imaging sensors. The HGX filters have the exclusive REPELLAMAX Element Resistant coating which repeals moisture, dust, and fingerprints. Try the fingerprint test to see how well it works!

Don’t Forgo the Tripod: Fluctuating weather conditions don’t always require keeping your tripod at home, especially for those sporting events and other situations where stability and positioning are critical to getting the best shots. Our new Classic Combi Tripods have sealed leg locks designed to resist moisture, sand and grit, so if you if you’re looking for a tripod that can take on any outdoor adventure, consider this one.

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 4b

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 4a

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 3

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 2

Westcott Modern Vintage for a 3rd of the price.

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Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 1

Let Your Summer Memories Follow You Into Fall…

It’s back to school time and many of us are mourning the end of summer’s carefree ways. While we want to look ahead to fall’s own unique beauties, we can still take summer with us. Here are just a few ways to keep summer alive as the seasons change:

Create a Summer Scrapbook—the Easy Way: Take a few minutes to search through your summer shots and tag your favorites (many popular image editing programs have a function that allows you to do this). Copy the images to CD or onto a flash drive and bring them into our store. We can show you how to create a great scrapbook in no time flat. Consider making an extra copy or two to share with your kids or loved ones; there’s something special about holding a book of your favorite images in your hand. We love seeing them on the screen but nothing compares to the printed version.

Get Framed: Have you often thought about enlarging and framing some of your favorite images but just never seemed to get around to it? Let us do the heavy lifting for you! Just bring your images into the store and we’ll show you all the amazing ways that we can bring your summer shots to life. Imagine that incredible memory hanging on your wall in a place where you can enjoy it each day. And think of all the great conversations that image can encourage…

Make Note of It: Email is wonderful for casual communications but the art of handwriting a card to someone remains highly valued—especially by the person who receives it! Bring in one of your favorite summer photos and let us turn it into a personalized note card set. Now, the next time you feel like dropping a line, you can share a summer memory, too!

Lunch Kit Surprises: Order a 4x6 set of your favorite summer photographs and tuck them into your kids’ lunchboxes now and then. Kids love surprises and photographs are an easy way to give your kids comfort and support as they transition back into a busy school year.

Did you know that you could create one or all of these fantastic keepsakes just by bringing your images into the store? Come on in and get started!

Inside the Life of an Aquatic Photographer

Alan Wulfe is seen by many as an underwater adventurer who spends his free time exploring the deep and filming a world few are fortunate enough to witness with their own eyes. His day job as the SVP of Alamo Aircraft LTD in San Antonio keeps him busy but he has made sure to make room for his aquatic photography passion. While he started with standard underwater photography, he quickly added video to his repertoire and has found combining the two mediums has taken his storytelling skills to an entirely new level.

For more than 35 years, Alan has pursued his passion for traveling in pursuit of aquatic discoveries. Alan is a dive instructor and his enthusiasm has spread throughout his family. “My wife and all four of my children have their open water certifications,” he says. He has also been generous in sharing his discoveries with his community.

“I regularly share my work with some middle school and high school science classes in Austin and San Antonio,” Alan says. “They enjoy seeing aquatic life and the videos help them learn in a fun and interactive way.” In addition, Alan’s videos are used as teaching aides for Texas State University’s underwater photography course.

Alan’s unique perspective is one that he’s happy to share with other shutterbugs who are just venturing into aquatic photography. When asked what are some of the most common missteps beginning photographers make when venturing into the ocean, he says, “One of the most common mistakes people make when starting is to buy the under $50.00 camera. I currently use a “Lights n Motion” housing and video lights with a Sony HD Video Camera for both video and still shots, but I have used Nikons, Sea & Sea and Sea Life for stills.”

When it comes to technique, Alan advises, “Another common mistake is not understanding how color is lost when light is diminished as you go deeper or further away from your subject. Shooting down on a subject gives poor results while a straight on or up shot with the sun or flash at the right angle will yield better results. Try to “fin in and zoom out” the “less zoom the better the shot”. Backscatter can easily ruin a great shot.”

Alan has had numerous excursions in fascinating places, so it was tough to pin him down on a favorite location. After careful consideration, he offers, “I’ve had many great adventures starting in the 70’s so it’s hard to pick a few, but Truk Lagoon was incredible because of the history still available underwater and Palau had unbelievable corals and sea life. Little Cayman is always a favorite because it is easy to get to and the diving is always great.” When asked if he has another adventure on the books, he says, “Our next trip is on a live aboard in the Maldives later this year and Fiji in 2011.”

Alan also encourages anyone who has been interested in aquatic photography to get scuba-certified. “It’s never too late to start and what you see underwater will amaze you.”

Can the iPad be Your Camera’s New Assistant?

Can the iPad be Your Camera’s New Assistant? While the iPad has received enormous media coverage regarding its role in the future of computing, the debate also includes its impact on digital photography and how we interact with our photographs. It’s still too early to say what the long term effects will be, but we have discovered a few ways your iPad can help keep you organized and streamlined.

Travel Lighter: If an upcoming business or personal trip only requires light computing, the iPad can help you lighten your technology load. Its design can also get you through airport security more quickly as it doesn’t need to be taken out of your bag and scanned separately.

Photo Back-Up in a Pinch: By adding an iPad Camera Connection Kit (purchased separately), you’ll now be able to copy the digital pictures from your SD camera card to the iPad. The import happens quite cleanly in iPad’s Photos application but don’t expect to create extensive albums or do much organization at this point. That said, having your digital photographs on a second device can provide peace of mind. Don’t delete the images off your card until you can get them to your primary computer, though; it’s best to keep them on the card until you can properly transfer and organize them on your central storage computer.

Share This: The iPad’s screen design is an excellent platform for sharing and viewing digital photographs—far superior to viewing images on your cell phone. Many of us enjoy keeping favorite memories on our laptops to enjoy at our leisure, and the iPad makes this even more engaging. You can also keep your Facebook page current by uploading images from your iPad or emailing favorite shots to family and friends.

For professionals looking to share their work, the iPad can serve as a digital sample book or portfolio. It will be a great conversation starter as well as a new way of displaying your best work.

While the iPad isn’t in a position to replace your laptop and image editing software, it can provide some support with some of the most common digital camera issues. And for those who travel regularly for work or pleasure, your back will be pleased with the lightened travel gear.

iPad Photo Apps to Consider:

· Photo Transfer App

· CameraBag for iPad

· Photogene for iPad

· Filterstorm

· Masque

Fort Worth Institute of Photography: Classes on the works

Our surveys are in, and our customers have spoken!
Here are only some of the topics that we are working on:

DSLR Video for Beginners
HDR Photography
Photoshop Elements - Beginner
Photoshop Elements - Intermediate
Nikon Capture NX - Beginners
iPhoto Software - Beginners
iPhone Imaging - Beginners
Studio Lighting - Beginners
Indoor Sports - Gymnastics
RAW File Conversion
Event Photography
Close-Up (macro) Photography
Baseball (Sports/Action) Photography
Zoo Workshop
AAA Travel focus - Beginners
AAA Cruise focus - Beginners
AAA Disney focus -Beginners
Canon DSLR - Beginner
Canon DSLR - Intermediate
Nikon DSLR - Beginner
Nikon DSLR - Intermediate
DSLR Flash Beginner

HOT BUY! Canon SLR Essentials Kit

HOT BUY! Nikon SLR Essentials Kit

HOT BUY! Promaster Flash 7500 EDF

Tips for Traveling Light with Photo Gear

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a two-week trek across the pond, packing right—and light—is critical to making your trek a success. After all, who wants to lug a bunch of superfluous gear around? Here are a few tips to ensure your gear bag is light, well-equipped and ready to travel:

Think it Through: Imagine your trip for a moment. Think about where you’ll be traveling. Do you need to take your DSLR with you or will your compact camera suffice? Do you really need that extra lens or can you do without it? Making a mental checklist of your itinerary can help you decide which items you need and which can be left at home.

Remember the Essentials: Make sure to pack a lens cleaning kit, extra batteries, your charger and extra storage media. These items alone will help you combat the majority of issues that might occur while you’re on holiday.

Choose the Right Bag: Traveling light means choosing the right bag for the situation. Would a backpack style help you get through the airports more easily, or is something with wheels that can also accommodate your other items be more appropriate? We’ve got designs that fit every need and budget here:

http://www.fortworthcamera.com/bags

Offloading for Longer Trips: If you’re traveling with your laptop, consider offloading your digital pictures on a regular basis. This technique can serve as protection in case your media card is somehow damaged or fails during your trip. Here’s another great solution—take your card to the local photo retailer and print a set or two before your return trip home. You’ll have one less item on your to-do list and your family will enjoy looking at the photos and reminiscing on the return trip. You can even use the pictures as a mini-scrapbooking project to keep the kids entertained while you travel.

Keep Everything Charged: Dead batteries mean an instant end to picture-taking fun and a battery that dies while you’re shooting might even corrupt your digital camera card. Fortunately, we’ve got a great solution! The PROMASTER GO! Charger is a compact multi-function charger that can charge your DSLR batteries and also serve as a charger or power source for your cell phone or music player.

The One Thing Summer Campers Need to Pack:

If your summer plans include a camping trip or even just a day hike, make sure to pack the one item (other than your camera) that will help you see the sights more vividly. The right binoculars will allow you to fully enjoy the amazing sights nature provides.

Consider our new Infinity EL•X 8x42 ED Binoculars. PROMASTER uses only the finest optical glass in the Infinity EL•X series. Coatings make all of the difference when you want a bright crisp image and PROMASTER has spared no expense here. These glasses feature PROMASTER's EXCLUSIVE TRANSBRIGHT™ 99.3% light transmission coatings for the ultimate in bright, crisp images as well as PROMASTER's EXCLUSIVE REPELLAMAX™ element repellent coatings that aid in keeping your optics free from dust and other environmental elements to ensure you get the maximum viewing enjoyment and capability from your binoculars

In addition to PROMASTER's superior optics and technologically advanced coatings, the Infinity EL•X series binoculars are waterproof, fog proof, and nitrogen filled to make sure that they always perform at an extreme level in extreme conditions.

And if that is not enough...PROMASTER offers our No Fault Lifetime Warranty!

Get yours here!