APERTURE PRIORITY

Aperture priority mode. This is where you could shoot if you want to control you depth of field. You choose the aperture (f-stop) and the camera gives you the correct corresponding shutter speed. You will notice that when you set a smaller aperture (larger number) you get a slower shutter speed. Conversly, when you set a larger aperture (smaller number) you get a faster shutter speed. Even though I am setting the aperture, I very closely watch that the shutter speed is fast enough to hand hold the camera. If not, I need a tripod. Also I need to make sure the shutter speed is fast enough to stop the action I am trying to shoot.
As far as depth of field is concerned, the easiest way I find to remember it is FAST shutter speed equals FUZZY background. SLOW shutter speed equals SHARP background. Fast is FUZZY, SLOW is SHARP.

TRIPODS

One of the most common problems we see in our business is that photos just are not sharp. The camera is focusing fine, the exposure is correct, but there is camera movement. It may not be as noticeable in a small print, but when you enlarge it, it is very apparent. The soultion is a TRIPOD. The tripod is the most overlooked accessory in the photographers arsenal of equipment. There are many types and styles and price ranges of tripods, and the trick is to match the size and capacity to your camera. If you are using a good SLR with a medium range zoom lens, you can't get by with a $39.95 tripod. This is one place where you don't try and get by cheap. If you buy a good tripod in the first place, it should last you for many years, and improve your photography. If you buy a cheap tripod, you will have to replace it many times, so buy a good one the first time, and you save money in the long run

Drawing for Don's Old Camera Collection

Hello again
Many of you have been asking about my old camera collection that was on display in our old location. Well, here is the scoop. It is going to be given away in a random drawing.
It consists of approximately 100 old cameras dating back to the early 1900's. There are Autographics, Brownies, Rollies, box cameras, a Hassleblad, Kodak Instant, 120, 620, 116, 616, 127, 135 film cameras, Polaroid. Many makes, many models. Some work, some don't.
The deal is this. You send your Name & e-mail to info@firstphoto.biz. The drawing will be held on JUNE 10TH. The winner gets the entire collection. All or nothing. It will be picked up at the store, or can be shipped at the winners expense to your location. I WILL NOT RESPOND to questions regarding what models are in the collection. It was something that I collected for over 20 years. There are very few if any duplicates. Just things that I thought were different and cool. No SLR's.
Good luck!!!!
Don

Ramblings After The Show

Well the PMA show is finished and we managed to fill our brains with as much information as we possibly could. It has been interesting to see the changes the show has taken on. Over the last few years the number of exhibitors that have been attending has slowly declined. Digital technology has had a major impact on the world of photography. Many manufacturers have gone out of business because there is just not enough demand for their products. In the not too distant future film manufacturers will have to make some tough decisions about what films to keep in their lines and which ones to discontinue. They may even have to decide if they are going to continue making film all together. I am not saying that film is dead but don’t be shocked to see the prices rise as the laws of supply and demand take over.

One thing is clear though. Digital photography has made things much more complicated. We have been given a new lease on life so to speak. The options and capabilities on the new cameras and digital printing are much more advanced than we used to have with film. This translates into power. But with power comes responsibility. I think the photographic manufacturers are acting a lot like children again; they are having lots of fun but not being very responsible yet.

Mike

Photo Marketing Show

Don and I are sitting in our hotel room in Las Vegas waiting to take a bus to the third day of the Photo Marketing Association annual trade show. PMA has this show once a year to show dealers and professional photographers all the new products in the world of photography.

So far there are lots of new and exciting products in the compact digital camera market. In the Digital SLR market, Sony has once again come up with some very innovative products that are really causing a stir among both the entry level and the serious photographers. They have definitely solidified their position as a major contender in the marketplace.

We will be bringing home information about many things such as Action Fast Straps, a simplified data back-up system and many more new must have products.

COLD WEATHER PROTECTION

If you are outside on a cold day, and take your gear inside to a warm humid environment, condensation can form both inside and outside your camera and lenses. This is bad enough, but if you go back out into the cold before the condensation evaporates, ice can form inside and outside your gear. This can be disastrous especially to todays sophisticated electronics. Before you enter a warm car or building, seal your equipment in a zip lock plastic bag or a tight sealing camera bag and let it warm up to room temp before you open it.

BATTERIES IN COLD WEATHER
Nothing is more frustrating than your batteries going "dead" in cold weather. They actually don't die, they just temporarilly lose power. Once they warm up, they will work fine. Make sure you carry a spare set at all times anyway, but in winter, carry them in an inside pocket, so, when your batteries lose power, you can rotate the cold ones to your pocket and the warm ones to your camera. That way you will always have power available. Just make sure you don't keep your batteries in a pocket with change, because they can short out causing a nasty burn.

Don't Forget To Make Prints

I know we are all suffering from the current recession but don't do things that you will regret later. Make sure that you are continually make prints of your images to have a hard copy of the important things in life. After we get through these tough times and things get back to normal, you don't want to have a span of time where you have no pictures.

You can cut costs by being a little bit more selective in what prints you choose to make but don't give up. Prints are relatively inexpensive and represent memories that can last a lifetime. When you look at a print it can take you right back to that special occasion and make you feel like you are there again. Make prints and relive the fun.