When you get your Dream Camera

By Christina VanGinkel

A friend of mine received her dream camera for Christmas. It has all the bells and whistles that a digital camera could have. Tons of presets, plus the availability to set things like the shutter speed and focus manually if the person using it so desires. It has a whopping 12 optic zoom and 8 mega pixels. Another friend of mine got what she considers her dream camera this year at Christmas too. It may have manual settings, but she does not think so. If it does, she would never use them anyway. The maximum zoom is three, whether that is optic or digital zoom, she is not sure about that either. It does have three mega pixels though; she said that is stamped on the outside of the camera face itself.

How two cameras, with such obvious differences, both be considered dream cameras is easy, really, as both of my friends will use their cameras for very different things. My first friend has grandiose plans for a vacation to rival all family vacations this upcoming summer, and wanted a camera to document every step of the trail. She wants the availability to zoom in on her kids as they climb among the rocks at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, and to take beautiful shots from the top of Pikes Peak that she can print and hang on her wall as her own personal art collection. My other friend wants to be able to take quick snapshots of her crafts to sell on Ebay. She does not need a zoom lens or a high resolution, as she doubts that she will ever actually print a single photograph, though the salesperson who sold it to her husband, assured him that with three mega pixels, the camera would take pictures that are more than adequate for printing at a typical 4 x 6 inch size.

This actual scenario paint a very vivid picture of why it is so important to know what you intend, or intend not to do with your camera, especially if you are in the market for purchasing a new one. With a price range for your average new digital camera ranging from less than one hundred dollars, to well into the thousands, it is not hard to be caught up in the bells and whistles available when shopping. That is fine if you will use them, but not if the camera will mainly frustrate you with all those perks, especially if you never intend to use them in the first place.

Because of these very huge differences in the available cameras, I have another friend, ok; really, it is me, who is reluctant to part with my old camera even though I have a perfectly good new one with all the prerequisite bells and whistles of mega zoom lens and tons of mega pixels. I like my old basic camera for taking an occasional picture to email or post a pic online at Ebay or a website. I know my new camera is capable of doing the same things, but I am so comfortable with the old camera that I find myself often grabbing it if I know that is what the pictures are intended for.

Having more than one digital camera is not even very odd. When I asked a few friends who I know just got new cameras, if they already had a digital, and what they did with it, I was not surprised to hear that many of them, actually most of them, kept their old ones for the very same reasons I kept mine. This whole discussion came about when a friend asked me what I was doing with my old one, as she would like to buy it. I was going to say that I gave it my son, but she knows me well enough to know that he has my oldest digital already. I did consider selling it to her, but in the end, I just could not do it. Like a good friend, I know the ins and outs of it, and I will continue to use it. SO to all of you new camera owners who received your dream cameras this past holiday, but find yourself reluctant to part with your old camera, know that if nothing else, you are not alone, as I am keeping mine too. As my two-year-old grandson says, it's mine, and no, you cannot play with it!

Print Master 16, Fun with Photos

By Christina VanGinkel

My daughter has gotten into the habit of purchasing me ink for my hp photo smart printer whenever there is a gift-giving event, such as a birthday or this most recent Christmas. It is the perfect gift for me, as I love to print photos at home. She bought me the printer itself on my birthday last year, and I could not even start to guess how many packs of paper and cartridges of ink that I have gone through. When she gave me the ink Christmas Eve, I peeked in the gift bags she had placed the ink in, was thrilled as I always am to receive the ink from her, (our own little modern day tradition!) and set the ink aside.

Yesterday, as I was putting some things from Christmas away, straightening up, and generally replacing order to our small home, I took the ink out of the gift bags she gave me them in and was intrigued when I noticed that the one package said it had a free CD inside. It read that it was the Printmaster 16 / HP Holiday CD and HP Idea Booklet. Well, let me tell you that I had that package open as quick as can be, because if I like anything as much as getting more ink to print whatever pictures strike my fancy, it is getting a new software program to play with. As I sat down to install it, I had a small thought that it was probably a limited version of the title, or one that would only be active for thirty days, and then expire. No, and no again, as it was the full program with no restrictions, now how cool is that?

I have been using the program since yesterday and could not wait to play around in it again this morning. A full-fledged graphics program for the home user, it makes banners, brochures, business cards, calendars, certificates, note cards, regular cards, iron-on, labels, envelopes, cards, fax covers, post cards, assorted crafts, and I could hardly contain my excitant when I realized that it also made stickers! As a scrap booker, I am always looking for fresh ways to add to my layouts and photographs, and stickers are one of my favorite things. With all the included graphics that came with the program, this would be one more place for me to turn when I need just the perfect addition to a current project.

Another interesting feature of this program, the Print Master 16, is that it also has included sentiments for the fronts and insides of the cards that it helps you make. They are broken down into Humorous, Sentimental, Traditional, Contemporary, and Spiritual. From these headings, you can then choose the perfect saying for everything from a birthday to a Bat Mitzvah, or a retirement, to a wedding, and almost every other occasion you could think of.

The program also lets you use an image already stored on your computer, one of the included ones from the program, or even scan one direct. Once you have the graphic you want to work with, Print Master 16 gives you the tools to edit the photo in a variety of ways, including crop and orientation of the photo, adjust the color, adjust the brightness and focus, even fix flaws such as red eye, dust and scratches, pet eye, even shiny faces. Print Master 16 also included numerous photo effects that you can apply with ease to your photos such as embossed frosted sepia, and pastel. If you want to only apply one of these effects to a small portion of your photo, this program will also allow you to do that with their built in area effects tool. There are also numerous artistic stamps included, that you can apply right onto your photos for even more added fun with your pictures.

With all of these tools in one program, I have a feeling I will be suing this as much as some of my programs that I actually paid top dollar for. When I mentioned the included CD to my daughter late yesterday, she said she never even noticed it on the package, but I am sure glad that she bought it!

Choosing a Frame to Match the Picture

By Christina VanGinkel

Choosing a picture frame can be a relatively uncomplicated task. For instance, if you want to match the new frame to others that you already own, and they are not identical, just all along a similar style, or if the frame is to be placed on its own and it really does not have to match anything, just that it be something that you like. Buying a frame for a particular picture though, that needs to fit a specific size picture, and that lends something extra to the picture beyond just being a frame, can be hard to accomplish.

I have many framed photographs in my home, everything from snapshots to portraits, and I would say that each frame is stylish in its own right, but nothing fantastic. I love photos, have taken many of them myself, and gladly receive them as gifts from others. My daughter knows that nothing pleases me more than bestowing a new photograph upon me of my grandson! Yet I now realize that I have not given justice to a single one of them by means of putting any effort into picking out their frames.

As I struggled with a Christmas gift to give my brother this holiday season, something beyond the basic token gift that it seems we always exchange, my sister-in-law phoned with the sad news that they had to put down their Akita, who had been my brother's best friend through several surgeries, illnesses, and cross-country trips. My brother went nowhere without that dog, they were truly the best of friends. His favorite photo of her was taken in the mountains, with them sitting side by side, a lush carpet of green mountain grass in front and directly behind them, and a blue sky to rival the bluest the sky has ever been. My sister-in-law suggested that I get that picture framed for him, as it currently was not only, not in a frame; it was just tacked up on their fridge.

My initial response was what a perfect idea. I knew how much that dog meant to my brother, that she much more than just a dog. So my search began. In all honesty, I thought that I would be able to find the perfect frame at a small gift shop in a neighboring town, as they are known for their unique gifts, and I recalled seeing a complete shelf of frames the last time I was there. Sure enough, they had the shelf of frames, and several more scattered throughout the store, but not a single frame worked. While I did not have the actual print, I had a good copy. The colors were so vivid that a frame in a very neutral color would work, but none of them jumped out at me, as being anything special and special is what I was after. I found one that was a heavy glazed ceramic that did catch my eye, with a scattering of leaves pressed to make a lovely design, but done is a green that in no way matched the colors in the picture, plus that the leaf theme really was not a match either, I left it right where it was.

I ended up searching several more stores when I was about to give up and call my sister-in-law to tell her that I would be sending my normal routine gift to him, when I found it. A soft, smooth wood, that looked a bit battered, it was oversized so that it leant more depth to the picture right from the start, even though the picture was a basic 4" x 6" size. It had corner elements in close to where the picture opening was, and the whole thing was a slight burned red color. I would never have given the frame the time of day had it not been for the picture itself. They seemed to have been made for each other.

I now have a new task, and that is to give each of my photos, the justice they deserve, by reframing them with more thought than just their size. While I already have an eclectic collection of frames, I actually realized that a few frames already in my possession would look much better with different photos in them, so I have started my frame and photo transformation already.

Choose your frames with a bit of thought and care, and you will be pleasantly surprised at what a difference the right frame can make to an otherwise normal snapshot or portrait.

Photography Tips to Take your Photos that Extra Step

By Christina VanGinkel

Place your subject, such as a bouquet of flowers, an infant, a kitten all curled up in a ball, on top of, or directly next too, a smudge free piece of Plexiglas, which has been placed on the floor or other suitable work surface, with a black cloth beneath it. Experimentation with the placement of your subject in regards to the Plexiglas itself will provide you with plenty of different shots to choose. When I first read about this technique, the author suggested that other colors of fabric could be used, but that black would provide the optimum amount of reflection, which is the whole purpose of shooting the subject on the Plexiglas in the first place. When you are ready to take the picture, move around with the camera until you get the shot you want in the viewfinder, keeping in mind that the more above you are from the subject, the more of the reflection you will be able to capture in the lens.

Try out different shutter speeds on an active subject. Reading all the literature in the world will not provide you with as clear an explanation of how the different shutter speeds change the outlook of a subject in motion like some actual shots will. Notice how a fast shutter speed has the capability to seemingly stop the motion in its tracks, while lessening the shutter speed will still capture the subjects, but with a muted blur, sometimes leaving a part of the subject clear, sometimes only catching the blur of color, but no fine details, all dependant on the speed of the shutter itself.

Staging a shot with props, much in the same vein that professionals do, is a good way to take your photography from ho hum to spectacular. When choosing props, consider what mood or attitude you are trying to convey, but keep your options open if you end up with something very different, as that is sometimes the real fun of using props, the unexpected. Try not to choose props that are going to overshadow or take the limelight away of the photographs main subject matter. Do choose props that might end up conveying the unexpected, such as those props you might use with a child or even a pet. One of the grandest photos a friend of mine ended up with was when she placed her daughters Easter bonnet on the family dog. Her dog is a mutt, but resembles a hound with short legs and big floppy ears, and huge eyes. As soon as the hat was placed atop the dogs head, the dog plopped right down and instead of trying to tip the hat off to chew on it, more or less what was expected, the dog sat perfectly still and aimed her oversized eyes straight up as if to ask what in the world was up! The photo has gone on to be one of her family's all time favorite shots of a much beloved pet. Props can be simple items, such as flowers or a favorite toy, or more obscure items, such as cans of paint. My favorite photo of my youngest son uses this exact prop. We had a can of paint that had drips all over the sides, and when it was dry, we had the idea to prop him (he was all of about two months old) next to the can on top of a splattered paint sheet, and we handed him new paint brush. He grasped that brush as if he were a professional painter and he still smiles every time he walks past the portrait, and he is now thirteen years old!

Take snapshots of a subject over a span of time you have pre decided upon. A caterpillar's cocoon could have you taking a picture twice a day for the span of time it takes for it to open and release the butterfly from within. A child, who is going through some significant first, such as their first year of life, or their first year of school, could have you snapping a photo one a week, or once a month, to document the major first of your choice. Change this idea a round a bit, and take a photograph each year of your husband on the first day of football season, or your kids on a specific holiday, but always in the same spot, maybe a tree in your yard. After a few years, it will be fun to assemble shots such as these all into a single scrapbook or layout!

Using those Not So Good Photographs in your Scrapbook Layouts

By Christina VanGinkel

Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and other celebrations often result in lots of photo opportunities. Even at celebrations, such as weddings, that may have a professional photographer there to capture the special moments, there are usually quite a few amateurs roaming around with cameras. At weddings, it is often popular to put out throw away cameras, so you never know who might be snapping away, from a young child in attendance who wants to try out the cameras, to the inebriated second cousin of the grooms. This of course, usually results in tons of photos, some good, a few exceptional even, and quite a majority that brings on the question of what was the person snapping the shutter thinking. Even among these photographs though, there are probably quite a few that can be saved for scrapbooking, and that is what is so great about scrapbooking in general, that even the worst photographs can often be salvaged into something.

Take all those shots of the partygoers for example, that have a head missing here, or a misplaced arm there, shots that do not show more than a face or two, and really have no defining moment caught. Dig out your larger paper punches and make a mosaic out of the faces in the crowd that are identifiable. This idea alone will use up many of the photographs that you thought were a waste. Put together on a page with names to match the faces, or even a few question marks, marking the big question of just who attended!

Similar shots that may have a bit more salvageable material in them than just a face or two, should be scanned into you computer so that you can crop the most interesting parts, turning them into new pictures, even though on their own, you may not think they have all that much noteworthy about them. Once you have assembled and cropped the best of the worst, use your photo imaging software to create a collage. The free program, Picasa2, offers this feature if what you have available does not. I used it to assemble an assortment of pictures that we snapped of my grandson at the County Fair a few months back. Some of them were side shots, or you could see the game he was playing, but not him, or the lights from a ride. I cropped each one to identify a moment from that afternoon and evening that on their own did not mean much, but when assembled back together into a collage, made a stunning backdrop for the one photo that I was able to capture that day that truly highlighted his experience of a first visit to a fair.

Some shots that would have been perfect, save for being terribly out of focus, just a big blur essentially, but maybe marking a special moment or time at the big affair, should be put through a graphic program's artistic filters. You might be pleasantly surprised that even though that blur is as bad as it is, once it has a colored pencil filter applied, or even a light charcoal, film grain, or even transformed into a watercolor, it may turn out to be the perfect photo for your next layout.

Maybe this is what I like so much about scrapbooking now that I think of it. I am not the greatest photographer by far, and I am often the one behind the lens when a snapshot is taken that is about as bad as they come, yet I still love to pour through these photographs on the smallest chance that there is a smidgen of an embellishment amongst the print. If I can find a use for some of the worst snapshots I have taken through the years, and turn them into things in a scrapbook layout that make others ooh and aah about the cool special effects I used, or to make them ask me how I ever thought to come up with a layout that incorporated all those peoples faces for example, it leaves me hope that many others, even those as un-artistic as I am, will also enjoy this hobby that has given new life to amateur photographers just like myself across the globe.

Photo Storage Tips

By Christina VanGinkel

Some photos turn out to be very special, when compared to others, though we often do not realize this until long after the photo was taken. Because of this small fact, it is of utmost importance to care for all of our photographs as if they were of the same high priority as those that mean the world to us. Dumping them in a cardboard box, or a plastic shoe saver is not only how not to store them, it can even be damaging to them. Photographs need to be stored in containers that are acid free, and free of several other harmful properties including peroxides and wood fibers. The easiest way to be sure they are in storage containers that will not harm them is to purchase those that are marked museum or archival save. This goes for all materials that they will be exposed to while they are in storage. Many old style magnetic albums are not safe for photos, and that is why many of the photos stored in albums such as these are now, some twenty to thirty years later already turning yellow and fading dramatically. If you have old photos stored in albums such as these, remove them immediately and move them to proper storage containers. If some are already damaged to the point that you feel they cannot be salvaged, try scanning them and reprinting. Many good software products are available that may be able to help you restore them to their former glory.

Temperature and humidity levels are also important to a photograph's health. Temperature is recommended to be no higher than 70 to 75 degrees, with a humidity level of no more than fifty. Some experts will even recommend a humidity level of no more than 30, especially for long-term storage. This is why museums have such strict guidelines for temperature and humidity levels, as these two things if left to their own devices, can quickly cause irreparable damage.

Handling photographs often can also be damaging to them, as the oils on our own hands can be strong enough to cause irreparable damage. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling. Negatives and slides are especially sensitive to oils found on the hands, and I have always been told it is practical to wear a simple pair of cotton gloves before handling, to keep them from deteriorating or becoming damaged.

Where you place your storage containers, can also have an adverse effect on your photos. Do not store them in a closet that has mothballs, or stack them in a basement or garage where they may be exposed to cleaning solvents, or other odorous materials. Be sure you do not hang framed pictures in direct sunlight either, as the sun can cause the ink in a photograph to break down drastically quicker than if the same photograph were hung out of the direct sunlight.

When storing photographs in a scrapbook album, be sure to use only acid free products, including all papers, embellishments, and adhesives, as anything that comes in contact with your photos that is not acid or lignin free, can cause damage.

Kodak EasyShare Z740

By Christina VanGinkel

In searching for a camera that had both a mega pixel rating of at least four, preferably five, and an optic zoom lens greater than 3 X, all for a price at less than $300, I thought that I would most likely come up empty handed. Maybe I would find a camera that boasted one feature or the other, but not both. I did not expect find a digital camera that had both, plus a lot more, and that is exactly what I found when I discovered the Kodak EasyShare Z740.

With 5.0 MP (mega pixels), it can capture photographs with enough quality to print them out at a stunning 20" x 30". More pixels translate into more options with your photo once you have snapped the shutter too. With that much information saved, you can crop a specific part of the picture with ease, and still have enough quality left to print. Add the KODAK RETINAR Aspheric All Glass 10X Optical Zoom Lens, and zooming in on subject that is far off, is not a problem, nor is close up photography. With both numerous automatic settings, and manual settings, getting the perfect picture is no longer a problem. Figuring out where you are going to hang all the stunning photographs you end up with might be though!

With 16 scene modes to choose from though, you may never have to use the manual settings, ever. They include:

Portrait
Sport
Children mode
Party mode
Beach mode
Flower mode
Fireworks mode
Snow mode
Backlight mode
Close-up
Night Portrait mode
Landscape mode
Night Landscape mode
Museum/Manner mode
Text mode
Self Portrait mode

The camera also has five built in color modes including:

High color
Natural color
Low color
Sepia
Black and white

Because the camera has the Kodak name, you also can be assured that it comes with their exclusive KODAK Color Science Image Processing Chip, to assure you of color as it were meant to be, not something that is going to need tons of tweaking to get it to look natural.

Viewing your future photos is both simple and an ease to do with the crisp, 1.8 in. (4.6 cm) high-resolution indoor/outdoor display. So crisp a screen display, you can even view it with ease in direct, bright sunlight. You can also review pictures as they were taken, or zoom in up to 8X to give you a look at any possible cropping you might want to do, all without having to download a single picture.

If not all of these features are enough to make you want to order on right now, also consider the fact that the Kodak EasyShare Z740 is capable of capturing up to 80 minutes of continuous video with audio. How long will depend on the size of the memory card you are using with the Kodak EasyShare Z740, but with prices on memory more affordable now than ever before, this will not even be an issue. In addition, because this camera is built around the Kodak EasyShare format, and comes complete with the EasyShare software, sharing your video and pictures with friends and family is truly as easy as ever. You can also add the optional docking station to this camera for one button download of media to your computer.

If you are looking for a full featured camera at a reasonable price, pick up the Kodak EasyShare Z740 today!

Close Up and Macro Photography

By Christina VanGinkel

When taking photographs, the average, non-professional photographer is usually very object-oriented. We zoom in on a particular subject, such as a person, or take a panoramic shot of some event that is taking place, say a parade, or a soccer game, and we shoot the complete scene. What many of us never do though, is to take a close-up shot of an object, or grouping of objects. Why we would want to, you might be wondering, when we already have tons of personal photos we do not know what to do with. Why would we want to take even more photos that might look interesting, but that do not have a true usefulness? Well, actually there are numerous reasons we might want to get some up close and personal shots of some otherwise everyday objects, with some very interesting ways to use them.

If you are looking for artwork to hang on the wall, something a bit beyond the average, or are a scrapbook artist that would like to use more of your own personal photography in your layouts, think of all those times you needed the perfect background paper and just could not seem to find the perfect paper. These are the ideal opportunities to use shots such as these. Background paper is one of the most interesting pieces of a layout, yet finding the perfect paper is not always easy to accomplish, even when there are literally hundreds of manufacturers. So personalized do many of us get with our scrapbook layouts, that finding the background we envision is like the proverbial needle in a haystack. So why not use the digital wonders we already own to shoot our own personal supply of background papers.

If you are sitting there saying that you are not any good at close-up photography, then look at some of the pictures you already have. Is there an element in one of them that captures what would have been the perfect close-up if you had thought of it when you took the original, for example, how about those sweet baby feet in the snapshot of your newborn? Just crop away the rest of the photo in your favorite photo editing software, and voila, the perfect close-up. This technique is simple, and can be applied to both old and new photos.

If you still are not finding the perfect picture for your needs, and your camera is capable, try what is referred to as macro photography, where the lens captures the texture of an item you have zoomed in to as close as you could. The texture of an item like leather, or the threads of a cotton or silk fabric in a color that is fab, will result in a picture that once framed, will be just as fab hanging on the wall. Experimentation is as much fun as the results.

So grab your camera and instruction book and teach yourself the basics of close up photography, or dig through your existing photographs for those, out in the open elements, which would be ideal for your needs, and dust off that editing software that you just had to have but rarely use. The results can be fun, and even more fun to discover.

Give a Kid a Camera This Holiday Season

By Christina VanGinkel

With the cost of digital cameras dropping fast, get a child in your life one for the upcoming holiday season, and be prepared to get back a great big thank you and some amazing photos too! While any camera, film or otherwise, is a nice gift, a digital just makes it so much easier and fun. No costs for developing film that did not turn out, as they can choose to only print those they want, or to just view them on the computer, and no hassle of dropping off and picking up film, as long as they have a computer and printer at home.

A kid with a digital camera is fun no matter which way you examine it. They are not intimidated by all the buttons; they just seem to be naturals. Surprisingly, most kids I know would be even more prone to reading the instructions than any adult I have ever met. Toss in a case and a cleaning kit, and you will be teaching them pride in ownership too, as once they see the amazing things they can do with their new possession, they will want to be sure to keep it in tiptop shape.

If you happen to have a child that is a bit on the shy, quiet side, a camera is a great way to get them to open up. It gives them a secure feeling to be behind the lens, and then when they share with you what they have taken photographs of; it will give you both stepping-stones to use for conversation building.

If you have a child that is more of an extrovert, a camera can also have a good influence. It will provide them with the opportunity to slow down, and if not, then you can be assured of some of the best action shots you will ever see, by a photographer you can say you know personally.

If the camera comes with the option of short bursts of video, as many of the digital cameras on the market today do, even lesser priced models, this will also provide them with an additional form of enjoyment. Though be warned that a child with the ability to take video will most likely use their closest relatives, including siblings and parents, as studies in the art of movie making.

An advantage of giving a child a digital camera as a gift this holiday season is the built in choices for gifts for upcoming holidays and birthdays. They will be in need of photo albums for many holidays to come, a camera gear bag, extra memory, photo-editing software, maybe a tripod. AS they grow with their camera, and mature, they may even be ready for their own photo printer, and eventually a more sophisticated camera if the hobby turns into a passion, as photography is apt to do when introduced to child young enough to take the time to enjoy it. Make this holiday season special for a child on your list, and surprise them with their very own digital camera, they will never forget it!

Disposable Cameras Can Save the Day

One of the best parts of going on vacation or spending a special day out with family or friends is taking photos that will preserve the great memories of the occasion for years and years to come.  Many years ago, you were basically out of luck if you forgot to bring your camera along for the trip.  These days, however, that's not the case at all.  All you have to do is purchase a disposable camera and you'll be able to snap as many photos as the camera can hold.

Many major camera manufacturers currently have disposable cameras on the market.  That means you can buy one from Kodak, Fujifilm, Konica, and Beverly Clark, just to name a few.  The quality of one disposable camera to the next across these different brands is pretty uniform.  The only noticeable differences show up when it comes time to choose between a few options, such as flash, film speed, and number of exposures.  So instead of just grabbing the first disposable camera that you see on the shelves, you should take a moment to consider the general lighting conditions that you will experience and read the labels so that you can select an appropriate model.

The actual prints from disposable cameras are of reasonable quality.  They are more or less what you would expect from a camera that doesn't have a zoom lens.  For the most parts, the pictures turn out well, but let's face it:  You're not going to get great contrast, vivid colors, or sharp focus from a disposable camera.  The point here is that disposables are a convenient short-term replacement for your regular camera.

Even though the pictures aren't of excellent quality, that doesn't mean you should steer clear of these products altogether.  In fact, because the print quality of disposable cameras is so reasonable, it is now popular to give these products away as party favors at occasions where you would definitely want to take pictures.  For example, if you go to a wedding reception these days, chances are you will find a disposable camera at each place setting, or at the very least, at each table.  This is also a common practice at proms and other formal events.  Disposable cameras make wonderful goody-bag items for more informal parties as well.

Disposable cameras are widely available at convenience stores, gas stations, drug stores, grocery stores, and pretty much anywhere else that you would be able to purchase rolls of film. They are also available at the gift shops of nearly every tourist attraction, theme park, zoo, or museum that you are likely to visit.  If you are planning on having a get-together and would like to include disposable cameras as party favors for your guests, you can also purchase them in multi-packs.  In fact, we offer several different types of multi-packs right here at CamerasAndCameras.com.  You can view them by clicking the "Disposable Cameras" link at the top of the page.

So the next time you forget to bring along your regular camera, there's no need to panic.  A disposable will get the job done for the day!

There are more to your Photos than you see!

By Christina VanGinkel

Photographs are not just for framing, to stick in a scrapbook, or even to tuck into the photo sleeve of your wallet. They can be used for much, much more than that. Be creative and use a favorite photograph to embellish a t-shirt or sweatshirt. With just about any graphics program, you can customize a photo with text, or other embellishments, then print (Use reverse print if you have incorporated text into the project) onto an iron on transfer sheet. Follow the package directions to then apply the transfer to a shirt or sweatshirt of your choice and you will have a great, personalized gift to give, or keep it for yourself and wear with pride, knowing that you not only made it yourself, you took the photograph too! If a sweatshirt or t-shirt are not something you think you or a gift recipient would wear or use, place your photograph on a book bag or apron.

If you need a project to make with the kids for the upcoming holiday season, open up your favorite graphics program on the computer and create a collage of mini prints. Once you have chosen the best photos and printed the collage sheet out, cut it apart with a pair of scissors or for more even cuts, use a paper trimmer. Then cover each mini sized photo with sheets of clear laminate and apply a magnate to the back of each one. The kids can give these to grandparents and aunts and uncles as stocking stuffers.

Another great way to use lamination with photographs is to create a fingerprint-proof photo album for a toddler. Choose pictures of the grandparents, siblings, the family pet, or any photo that you think baby would love. Laminate each photograph with an oversize sheet of laminate, allowing room for a three-hole punch to be used. Stack the pictures together and tie through the punched holes with ribbon. Take a pair of scissors or a scrapbook punch designed for rounding corners, and round off each corner to make sure baby has fun with the book and does not poke him or her self on the corners.

Calendars are always a useful gift, and fun to make when you decorate each month and the cover with a photo you snapped yourself. On the other hand, make a desk calendar showing all twelve months at once, with a single photograph offset from the calendar in full saturation, or turn the saturation way down and use it like a watermark behind the text showing the months of the calendar.

You can print your favorite photographs on shrink plastic, made exclusively to run through your inkjet printer. Then, following the directions on the package, you shrink your favorite photographs down to use in pendants, earrings, necklaces, and more. I have seen the mini pictures applied to picture frames, as embellishments in scrapbooks, and with pin backs tacked onto a purse.

Photographs today should be much more than just one more snapshot landing in the bottom of a shoebox, to be tossed into the back of your closet, in hopes of landing in a photo album someday. Explore all of the fun things you can do with your photographs today!

Last Minute Holiday Photo Cards

By Christina VanGinkel

It is not too late to make and send personalized Christmas or holiday cards this season. Thanks to the wonders of your digital camera, you can make them yourself, with a photo printer, or you can take the really easy way out and have them made by a company, such as Shutterfly.com. Either way you choose, the options for you to personalize your cards is nearly unlimited. When just a few years ago, personalized cards had to be ordered weeks, even months before the holidays, even the biggest procrastinators among us can now send out personalized cards that look as if we spent half the year preparing to make them, and the other half actually creating them.

Joining Shutterfly or one of the other online photo print places is easy, and if you are a new member, many of them, including Shutterfly, will reward you with a complimentary number of prints free of charge to introduce you to their fine quality of printing. This is a good way for you to examine their prints and determine if they meet your expectations.

At Shutterfly, once you are a member, simply sign in and head to their My Projects section where you will find the entry point to their store. Click on Holiday Cards, and then choose Greeting Cards, 4 x 8 Photo Cards, or their Photo Mount Cards. Each choice offers numerous design options, such as selection of the border and text. You upload which picture you want used with your choice of card, and from there, choose if the cards will be mailed to you, or believe it or not, you can send them your list of names and addresses, and they will not only create the cards, they will mail them for you! Now how simple is that. Other online places may offer similar deals, so be sure to check their shopping portals. I like Shutterfly simply because they offer quality work, and have always been pleasant to deal with, they have always offered a fast turn around time for any order I have ever placed with them. Even if you have been past member of Shutterfly, but have not shopped there recently, be sure to check out their new pricing, as they are now offering their 4 x 6 prints for just 19 cents!

If you choose to make your own, at home, choose a program such as Microsoft Picture It! that has a built in selection of cards pre formatted. You then simply add your chosen photograph to the pre made layout, and print on your photo printer however many cards you need. Editing each card to make each one individual is easily accomplished, and going this route is a good idea if you plan to personalize both txt and photos from card to card. For example, if you want to use a picture of the family on the cards being sent to other family members, but would like to use a winter scene on those cards you will be sending to business associates, along with a more generic text, this can be easily accomplished. Whichever way you choose, spread the holiday cheer by sending personalized cards this year!

Small Footprint Photo Printers

By Christina VanGinkel

Sitting in front of our computers, many of us assume that everyone has a computer at their disposal; whether at work or at home. Not everybody does though, and until recently, this played a part in whether or not those people would want or be able to easily use and take advantage of all the features available with a digital camera. Thanks to the innovative printers that allow the user to connect some cameras direct, this has taken the fact into consideration that not everyone owns, or wants to own a computer, but they may still want to be able to take advantage of the ease and simplicity of the digital camera.

Canon, for example, has a line of cameras, such as the Canon PowerShot G6 7.1 MP Digital Camera with 4X optical zoom, that connects directly to their line of Canon photo printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer, completely bypassing the need for a computer. Besides being convenient for those without a computer, this is also an ideal solution for those wanting to print when they are away from their computers, maybe on vacation, or when the computer may be otherwise occupied, (Such as an annoying husband playing solitaire, and he just has to play one more hand, which turns into dozens, to win!).

Consider size of finished print when choosing one of these printers though, as many of them will only print 4" x 6" prints. There is an advantage to this size output though, and that is the small footprint when it comes to the actual size of the printer, which makes for ease of transporting. In addition, some of these small footprint sized printers have additional features, so be sure to read the fine print of any one that you may be considering. Some will print pocket sized photos, or even mini prints, perfect for making crafts and scrapbook pages.

When considering all of this, one mini sized printer that comes to mind is the HP Photosmart 385 GoGo. At less than three pounds, and taking up about 9 inches by five inches of desk space, it is extremely efficient for the space it uses. Accessories available include a rechargeable battery, which is convenient for those on the road crops. It has a 2.5 inch color LCD display and will let you zoom in, crop, even repair red eye problems, all without having to be plugged into a computer. Ease of use is as simple as popping the memory card out of the camera, and directly into the reader on the printer. This printer is just right for anyone wanting the capability of taking his or her printer along with them, without having it take up much space. The battery option also makes it feasible for use when you may be away from a power supply, say camping with the family and you end up stuck inside because it is down pouring out. Let your husband and kids take a nap, while you print some of the photographs you just took of them rolling around in the mud like the kids they are.

A Camera Shopping We Will Go

By Christina VanGinkel

If you have been putting off purchasing a new digital still camera, or one of the newest video cameras on the market, the holidays can be a great time to buy. With many stores offering sales, deep discounts, or packaged deals, you can spread those dollars you have been saving pretty far. Before plunking down a single dime though, take the time to acquaint yourself with all the jargon that goes with the new breed of cameras.

Get online and read reviews available at nearly any site that sells cameras. While maybe not as reliable as hands on experience, it is a close second. Ask friends and family for recommendations too. If they are willing, ask them for a demonstration of what they own and if they have any specifics likes or dislikes about what they own. If you have a knowledgeable friend or family member (often a teenager or even a pre-teen!) ask them for a course on what it all means. Surprisingly, once it is explained in non-technical terms, it is easy to understand. The best part of knowing the lingo is that you be sure your dollars get you the best equipment it can buy.

Go to the different manufacturer's websites. They often have more detailed information on the specifics of each camera than what you will find at retail outlets, both online or at a typical brick and mortar style store. Another feature that many websites have is a comparison graph. This will allow you to choose different cameras and compare, feature for feature, the differences, and similarities from the model you looked at for $200 and the one that was $400.

If you have nobody to explain it all to you, after researching as much as you can on your own, head to your local camera shop and ask for a demonstration. If you have done your research, and understand the terminology pretty well, do not be too upfront with this knowledge. See what they have to say, and gauge their credibility before taking a recommendation from them.

When you feel that you have narrowed your choice down, and know what model you are going to buy, go back to all of your sources and do a complete price comparison. If you are finding deep differences in prices, check why. One may be selling just the bare bones camera, while another one may come with all sorts of bells and whistles. You may want these, or they may be extras that you really have no need for or desire, such as a fancy gear bag. If you were planning to purchase the extras that are being offered, still do a separate price comparison of the items by themselves. A packaged deal can be a good buy, but not always. A recent example was a camera with a bonus memory card for what looked to be a reasonable price of $229. The same camera with the same sized memory card bought separately only came to a total of $199!

Taking Excellent Pictures in Minnesota

Minnesota has two state nicknames and both of them speak of things of beauty. The state is called the North Star State and the Land of 10,000 Lakes. If you plan to take a photography related excursion to this state whose name means "sky tinted water" according to the Dakota Sioux, you will not be disappointed with the number of subjects for your pictures you will be able to find.

Sometime during your visit, if you should happen to pass through the capital city of St. Paul, snap some shots of the splendid Cathedral of Saint Paul. The building in Renaissance style rises more than three hundred feet above the city. If you want to get some pictures from the inside, be sure to check ahead for when the tours will be given. This is still a place of worship in operation, so of course you will not be taking pictures if you attend a Mass. Tours are given at other times for that activity.

If you want to take pictures of mummy of Egyptian origin or a Mississippi River towboat or even a dinosaur, the place to do that would be the Science Museum of Minnesota. This attraction, along with the Como Park Zoo are also found in the capital city.

One of the largest cities in Minnesota is Minneapolis. Stop by the Mercado Central with your camera. It is an outdoor market much like are very popular in Mexico. You will also be able to get some memorable shots at the "Chain of Lakes" paths. This is just one of many photo opportunities around Minnesota that involves the countless beautiful lakes in the state.

If your vacation happens to involve skiing during the cold months, (and make no mistake here, Minnesota gets VERY cold!) you will be able to take some incredible "winter scene" photographs if you visit Spirit Mountain near Duluth. Even if it isn't winter, Spirit Mountain is still worth a visit for some great hiking and non-winter picture shots. Each season on Spirit Mountain offers unique opportunities for the photographer.

If you didn't get as many animal photographs as you wanted to take at the zoo in St. Paul, the Lake Superior Zoo is found in Duluth. It is divided into different sections such as an outback, a savanna, polar regions, and so on. The Great Lakes Aquarium is nearby the zoo location, too.

The Forest History Center offers walking trails to follow and is actually a living history museum at various places on the trail. Costumed guides will most likely be glad to serve as photo subjects as they explain the work they are doing.

It isn't generally thought of as a destination for a photographer, but the gigantic Mall of America found in Bloomington has more than the 500+ stores. There is a theme park there and an aquarium with more than a million gallons of water. If that isn't enough, there is a LEGO center and an indoor stock car race track.

Since photographers also have to eat and unwind, there are numerous restaurants and night clubs found at the mall as well as movie theaters and a bowling alley.

Scrapbook Gifts for the Hard to Buy For

By Christina VanGinkel

A couple that is very good friends recently invited us to their small but elegant wedding. Money in an envelope did not seem like an acceptable way to show how happy we were that they were getting married. At the same time, a gift of a household item was also not appropriate, as they were combining two complete households as it was. Then it hit me...They had sent us a family picture turned Christmas card last year, that had been taken just before the holidays. With a bit of altering, and a few scrapbook materials, we could create the perfect gift that would show just how much we valued our friendship with this couple.

Material Required

- Scrapbook with windowed cover
- Photo of the couple
- Assorted scrapbook embellishments
- Computer with photo software, photo printer and scanner

I took the Christmas card photo and scanned it into the computer. Once scanned, I opened it in the photo software program, where I cropped it down to just the photo of the couple, eliminating the surrounding Christmas theme border, and their respective children of his, hers, and theirs. I then used a built in software effect to turn the photo into a black and white print, and printed the photo on quality photo paper in the size of the album’s cover window. The scrapbook I had purchased had a 4” x 4” window.

Alternately, if I had not had access to a photo of the couple, I could have used the same photo editing software and opened a blank canvas in the needed size. By inserting personalized text into the canvas, (A personal note, poem, or even the Bride and Groom’s names in an elegant font) and printing on photo paper, this would have worked just as well.

Wanting to carry this project one-step further, I then created the opening page for the couple; complete with background paper, photo frames, and sticker words pertaining to a newly wedded couple. By adding a few assorted scrapbook supplies, such as a tube of photo safe adhesive and mounting corners for photographs, I had created a personalized, but inexpensive gift.

I also included a few snapshots of them and their children that I had in my own personal photos, along with the original photo I used on the cover, still minus the Christmas border, but with all of their children. I converted it to black and white and sepia tone, and created a border for another page in the scrapbook.

I later learned that the bride use to scrapbook a long time ago, but had lost touch with it when time was short and life was hectic. She said she loved the gift because it reminded her how much she use to enjoy it, and with the renewed interest, has now been scrapbooking with her oldest daughter. A gift of photos and scrapbook supplies is truly a gift that will keep on giving years to come. Give a similar gift to someone special on your holiday list this year!

More Holiday Shopping Ideas

By Christina VanGinkel

If you have somebody on your holiday shopping list that is extremely hard to buy for, do not despair. I have an excellent gift idea for them if they are the least bit interested in photography in general.

Put them together a scrapbook kit, filled with everything they could possibly need or want to get their photographs from their camera or computer, into beautiful scrapbooks ready to share with family and friends.

Shopping list:

Note: When choosing papers, embellishments, and glue, look for tags that read acid free, or acid and lignin free, as anything that your photographs would be in direct contact with should be free of chemicals that may damage your treasured photos.

One 12" x 12" blank scrapbook (one of the most common sizes and perfectly sized to place out on a coffee table for sharing) with pages that are both removable and can be placed in page protectors.
Page protectors
One smaller format scrapbook, perfect for carrying along places to show off their latest and favorite snapshots
An assortment of paper in both plain and patterned backgrounds in a variety of sizes, such as 12" x 12" for the background of a large layout, down to scrap pack sizes for mounting pictures on without having to cut the paper down to size. Be warned though, that buying scrapbook paper is similar to eating potato chips... It is hard to buy just a sheet or two of paper, the same as it is hard to each just one chip. Paper comes in so many colors and designs that one can literally spend hours just deciding on what sheet or pack to buy next!
An assortment of stickers, die cuts, and other page embellishments
Glue
Tweezers (A pair of reverse tension ones work great for pulling up and applying embellishments right where you want them on your layout.
Scissors with both a plain edge and fancy edges for making decorative cuts
Paper cutter

Additional Ideas

To make the kit even more fun filled, also include Fiskar's ScrapBoss or ShapeBoss Embosser. They both come with stencils and a case/worktop to both store stencils in and a secure area to place the stencils on while working with. Pegs, which are included in the kits, easily push into place to hold the stencil you are working with securely in place. The ScrapBoss also comes with two double-sided styluses for creating the embossed designs, while the ShapeBoss comes with one. Both are a great way to add personalization to your photograph's mats, both in a scrapbook or for traditional framing methods.

Stamp sets with inkpads are always fun to use when embellishing pages. Give a couple in themes that fit the recipient, or a set of alphabet ones so they can easily create their own titles.

There are numerous Scrapbook magazines and books on the market. They are perfect for both inspiration and ideas to get your gift recipient motivated. Choose a few to complete the gift, or give a gift subscription to keep your gift giving and inspiring long after the gift wrap is gone.

First Time Digital Camera Buyer

By Christina VanGinkel

Many of us know what features we want in a digital camera, but that many more people do not. I remember when I purchased my first one, I did not have a clue what any of the technical information that I was reading with each camera I looked at even meant. I remember looking at a camera that had a digital zoom of 200, and I was thinking, wow, could I get some close up shots with a zoom like that. Little did I know that digital zoom was nothing more than a fancy way to refer to the cropping of a picture, and that if I wanted to zoom in on a subject, I needed to look for a camera with a good optical zoom lens.

Storage was another confusing factor. I had heard all this hype about never having to buy film again. This sounded great, and it is, but what I failed to understand to begin with was that I needed to add a memory card to my purchase, otherwise I would be able to snap about a dozen pictures, if I was lucky, before my cameras built in memory was full. No more picture taking for me until I downloaded the camera's pictures to my computer's hard drive and erased the memory. This was easily resolved by adding a large Secure Digital Memory card to my setup. Other cameras routinely use the Secure Digital, CompactFlash, or SmartMedia cards. You will have to read your camera's instructions or technical information sheet to determine which type of memory card is compatible with your particular camera.

If not all of this were enough to figure out when I bought my first digital, I needed to know what resolution I wanted to be able to take my pictures in before I could even determine which brands and models to look at. Resolution refers to how many pixels in a given area are printed on your finished picture, with the larger the number, the higher quality final output. Simple enough, once you understand that a low resolution, say, a 1.3-mega pixel camera is suitable for producing a photograph useful for viewing online, but to print out anything of a useable nature, the average recommendation is to go with a minimum of 3 mega pixels. Currently, with the lower cost of cameras, I would not purchase a camera with less than 3.1, but would aim for one with five mega pixels, allowing me to print an 8 X 10 with ease, even larger.

Batteries were one more issue I had to contend with when I bought my first digital camera and each of my subsequent ones. Some will only use disposable batteries, while others use a variety of rechargeable batteries. Again, read the manufacturers instructions or technical information sheet to determine what each camera is capable of using. Those that take a rechargeable battery are much easier on the pocketbook, especially if yours is a memory hog and eats up batteries. They may cost a bit more in short term, because most will require you to buy the battery and charger separately, but they will save you dollars in the long run when you do not have to constantly be purchasing disposables.

Photographic Gifts

I started and finished the Christmas shopping very early this year. I will not have to worry about crowded stores and malls after Thanksgiving and "black Friday" are past. I did a lot of Christmas shopping online last year and although that was totally wonderful, I waited a bit too long for comfort. Due to that, I was still watching for a UPS delivery the day before Christmas Eve and that was cutting it much too close!

This year I found a fabulous new idea for gifts and it surprised me that I had never thought of it before. There are more than a few places that will personalize gifts with photographs for you. I was very surprised at the number of gift ideas that were available and the creativity of some of them.

The first item I found was a portrait that you can choose to have painted or put into any number of settings. My favorite was to have your loved one's face put into a Mona Lisa setting. You simply send in a photograph and their artists take it from there.

There are many options from which to choose whether you are having the Mona Lisa done or ordering one of their other products. You will be choosing size and art medium as well as the kind of frame you want.

There are places that will use a photograph of your pet and paint the head into a fancy "little girl" or "little boy" set of clothing and it's adorable. You can also have favorite family photographs made into an original oil painting of various sizes. Be mindful of the costs that will be involved for this kind of very unique and lovely gift, of course.

Other places will print your photograph onto the usual things such as coffee cups, calendars, mouse pads, and tee shirts, but there are some unusual items as well. When I was looking around, I saw that you can now have your favorite photograph put onto things like afghans and pillows, tote bags and apparel.

One thing that you will want to check for if you find this type of online business is their policy on getting your photographs to them. I left a website or two because they stated that the photos had to be sent by snail mail and I felt that would just slow things down. I was sitting here with the photo I would have used in the computer and could have uploaded it to them in a matter of seconds. Taking the time to put the photo file onto a CD or floppy or have it printed just to mail to them was not something that I thought I needed to do. Perseverance paid off because I found that other places do indeed allow the photographs to be transferred via the net.

It goes without saying that gifts such as these will not be as fast in arriving as other things that you order online, so be sure to shop early enough and check on delivery times. They will need extra time to put your photograph onto whatever item you decide to give as a gift. In the case of a painting or transferring your husband's face (yes, I saw samples of men, too, it's hilarious and fun!) onto Mona Lisa's body, be aware that artists need a certain length of time to complete such gifts.

Making your Own Photo Calendars for Gifts

By Christina VanGinkel

Holiday gifts that focus on photographs are big hits with family. In part because of the renewed interest in photography with all the advancements made in both taking and printing of photos that are now so easy to do, even kids can do it. One that I enjoy creating each year is a calendar with a different photograph of a family member, group, or event for each of the twelve months, plus one for the cover. I also take the time to update my calendar of events each year, thus making sure that, as many annual events that I can track down the date on, are included. I then give these calendars to those family members that I know will appreciate the ease of tracking down when family birthdays, anniversaries, and annual reunions are.

If you would like to create a calendar for yourself or family members as gifts, be prepared for some hard decisions in picking out the pictures to use, and wonderment in how easy they are to print and assemble once you have all the information gathered and photographs chosen.

Browse the software on your computer for a program that offers an easy to use format for assembling your very own calendars. Many of them will even allow you to save information from year to year, such as birthdays and anniversaries that are always on the same date.

Microsoft Picture It! (I have version 9) has an easy to use format for several different layouts to choose from. You start by choosing a weekly, monthly, yearly, or twelve-month format. For the purpose of this gift, you would choose the twelve-month format. Choices also include creating each page with an individual picture or multiple pictures per month. This is a good choice if you are having trouble choosing only thirteen photos for your calendar. While different programs will offer different features, many will also offer to print each page with options such as places to make notes. This makes the calendar not only an eye-pleasing gift, but also a useful gift.

While I usually make all my calendars identical, keep in mind that they are so easy to create, it would not take little effort to personalize calendars to fit each recipient. These calendars are also a good family project, thus taking some of the pressure off you for making everything, and getting everyone involved in the gift giving. If photos need to be scanned in before using them, appoint the task to a child that is capable of doing this or a spouse. If you just cannot decide on the actual pictures to use for each month, pass out your favorites to other family members and ask them to choose, or to appoint each one to a given month. If you are planning on printing subtitles with pictures, have others to help with coming up with appropriate sayings. Most of all, remember why you chose to give these as gifts in the first place, and have some fun creating them, that way, they will be that much more fun to give.

Holiday Shopping List

By Christina VanGinkel

If you have a budding or seasoned photographer on your holiday shopping list, I have assembled a list of gifts that are sure to be a hit with any of them, whether they are new to the craft or a seasoned professional. From basic cleaning supplies to a backpack for the photographer who already has everything, and they just need a bit more space to store or carry it along. Read along and you are sure to find the perfect gift to give this upcoming holiday season.

1: Buy them a new camera bag, one that is large enough for their favorite camera, along with spare room for an extra battery, cords, and memory cards. Go one-step up for that very special photographer on your list and purchase them a backpack made for carrying all their equipment plus supplies for a day in the field.

2: If they are working with a digital camera, buy them a spare rechargeable battery and charger. You will need to know what type to purchase, as different cameras use different batteries and chargers, but as long as you know what type of camera they have, any good photography store will be able to tell you what type they will need.

3: When picking out a spare battery, add in an extra memory card. While most cameras come with a memory card, most are too small to hold more than a few pictures at a time. An extra card is a great way to encourage them to snap as many pictures as they want.

4: If they are new to photography, get them some of the basics that many beginners go without, such as a tripod and cleaning kit. Relying on a camera's lens cover to keep the lens clean is like relying on your house door to keep the cold out in the winter. A house requires heat and a camera requires cleaning papers.

5: Toss in a pack of LCD screen protectors while you are at it. Similar to what many of us use on our PDA screens to keep them scratch and dust free, camera screen protectors will help prolong the life of their camera's screen and keep it clear to view.

6: Buy them a photo printer. With models available that do not require hook up to a computer, you can find a printer suitable for anyone, whether they have a computer or not.

7: A supply of photo paper and other printable material such as postcards, iron on transfers, etc., will be a welcome gift for any photographer who loves to experiment with their photographic creations.

8: Photo editing software, if they have a computer available to edit their snapshots. If you know they have a hobby such as scrapbooking that they enjoy using their photographs with, there are even software titles specifically for those who want to combine the two loves.

9: If they have a computer but it does not have a writable DVD or CD drive, buy them one along with a supply of writable disks so they can safely store all their precious photos, instead of leaving them on their hard drive where they risk losing them in the event of a computer failure.

Tips for taking great photos with your digital camera

We tend to take digitial pictures the same way we've used our film cameras or disposals, basically, point and shoot. With practice, it's easy to master all of the features your digital camera offers, and the terrific action shots you'll get will make it worth the effort.

From Jeffrey Housenbold and Dave Johnson, co-authors of the book, The Shutterfly Guide to Great Digital Photos (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2005), come these tips for getting your best pictures.

Freeze the moment with the two-step shutter release.

Know how to use your two-step shutter release. By slightly pressing down on the shutter release button, you can lock the focus. Now, continue to hold the button so you can recompose the picture without changing the focus. Once you have the perfect photo, press the button all the way to snap the final shot.

Eliminate the "lag time" by presetting the white balance.

Cameras have an automatic way of adjusting for different lighting situations. It's called white balance. When your white balance is set to the "auto" default, your camera must adjust the colors each time you take a picture, and that creates lag time. Preset your white balance to the lighting you're in -- daylight, night, fluorescent, or incandescent -- and you'll get a faster response from your camera and bright, accurate colors every time.

Highlight the motion by panning the camera.

Panning captures your subject in sharp focus while blurring the background. Position yourself to follow the motion of the moving subject. Press the shutter release and hold it down for a few seconds as you swivel your body to follow the subject.
Catch your kids in the act by getting close to the action.

When photographing your next soccer game, move closer to the action and stay down at kid level by shooting from your knees or on your belly. Also, your picture will have more impact if you frame the action tightly and keep one or only a few players in the shot.

Create unique personalized Photo Gifts

Turn your pictures into one-of-a-kind personalized Photo Gifts from Shutterfly.com. Simply choose your favorite picture(s), add a border or caption, and you've got personalized Mugs, Mouse pads, T-shirts, Aprons, Tote Bags, Magnets, Coasters, and more.

Magnets. Here's a fun way to make sure your favorite picture will be sticking around! These flexible magnets come in two sizes; personalize them with a border or caption.

Coasters. A clever addition to any party. Available in sets of 4, each coaster in the set can display a different photo. Coasters are perfect for either hot or cold drinks, and the no-slip cork backing provides an extra measure of safety.

Tote bags. Our roomy tote bags can hold everything you need for a day at the beach or town. Put your favorite picture on the front pocket.

Aprons. Now, your next barbecue can be a feast for the eyes, too. Our new Aprons are roomy enough to hold just about any image; highlight yours with an optional border or caption (such as "Well Done!"). Made of durable, easy-clean white polyester, Aprons are a full 29" wide with a neck strap and long side ties, ensuring that one size fits both men and women.

Mugs. Drink in the scenery of your favorite vacation spot every day of the year! Our high-quality Mugs hold your best picture along with your beverage. Made of microwave- and dishwasher-safe ceramic, our Mugs provide easy cleanup after use.

Tip: Create a set of Mugs and give them as gifts to commemorate events such as graduation, anniversaries, retirement parties, or engagements. Make your Mugs even more special by adding borders or captions.

Mouse pads. Now you can brighten up your workday with a Mouse pad decorated with a favorite picture. Mouse pads have a stain-resistant cover so they'll stand up to wear and tear and clean easily.

Tip: Add some excitement to the kids'computer time by creating an "action series" of Mouse pads with pictures of the soccer game, sports stars, and more! And check out our fun collection of sports borders!

T-shirts. What will you wear to your family reunion? How about a picture of the family? Take a treasured picture and create a unique T-shirt to get into the spirit of the event. Our T-shirts fit any occasion Ñ and literally any attendee, from child to adult - the 50/50 cotton/polyester blend offers the best image quality.

Sharing your picture-perfect home.

Home at last! Now sit back and enjoy the remodel, the new landscaping, or whatever home project has occupied your time for the last several months. A picture can be a great way to capture it all (and serve as a reminder that, yes, it was worth all the time and expense!).

At Shutterfly, you'll find lots of ways to preserve the progress of your home project - and share them with friends and family. Start with our colorful prints; they're available in a variety of sizes, from wallet prints to poster-size 20x30s. Each bursts with vivid, long-lasting colors so a picture of your new landscaping, for instance, will look sharp for years.

Want to send pictures of the new project without fussing with stamps or mailers or a trip to the post office? Share online at Shutterfly and you can send pictures in the blink of an eye to friends and family in an email; they can view your photos online quickly and easily - even order sets for themselves.

Our Photo Gifts give you several fun options for commemorating your home project.

Select a funny or "all-finished" picture and put it on a Mug, T-shirt, Apron, or Mouse pad. For a more formal record of your home project, create a hardcover Photo Book with a suede-finish cover; it holds up to 100 pages. Our Snapbook(TM) mini-album and 12- or 18-month Calendars let viewers track your progress through the months; use borders or captions to highlight your pictures. Both Snapbooks and Calendars make great gifts to send to friends.

Try Shutterfly today. Plus, get your first 15 prints FREE.

Preserve your vacation memories with Photo Gifts.

If you're looking for easy creative ways to remember your vacation, how about drinking it in, wearing it out, or working around it?

Shutterfly Photo Gifts offer unique ways to keep the vacation memories alive.

Simply choose a favorite digital photo from your vacation shots, select a border or write a caption, and put it on any of the items in our collection of Mugs, T-shirts, Aprons, Mouse pads, Tote bags, Coasters, and Magnets. Give them to friends, family, even new friends you made during your travels.

Children and adults alike will love these thoughtful keepsakes, and you'll love having your vacation memories hanging around.

Shutterfly makes every party a success!

Planning a party? Plan on inviting Shutterfly.com! Our Cards and gifts make great announcements, favors, and thank you gifts.

Greeting Cards and 4x8 Photo Cards will let you announce your party to one and all; use a favorite picture to make your invitation all the more personal. Photo Gifts such as Mugs, Coasters and Aprons will help you entertain in style and Magnets, T-shirts, and Mouse pads will make great party favors.

Have lots of pictures? Create a party-themed Snapbook(TM) mini-album or Softcover Photo Book, complete with captions, and send it to the hosts as a unique thank you gift, along with a personalized Note Card.

Say "I do" to Shutterfly wedding gifts and Cards.

There's one wedding guest everyone will love to see: Shutterfly! Brides, relatives, party planners, and attendees can use our Cards and Photo Gifts in fun ways to remember the big day for years to come.

Start with personalized 4x8 Photo Cards and Greeting Cards to use as save-the-date notes, Rehearsal Dinner announcements, and Wedding Shower invites - and Note Cards to say "thank you"! Need gift ideas? Use a great shot of the happy couple and create Photo Gifts such as Mugs, Coasters, and Tote bags for the wedding party, Photo Books for the in-laws, plus Calendars and Snapbook(TM) mini-albums for the guests.

Looking for the perfect present for the newlyweds? Make a Canvas print out of a favorite picture -- they'll treasure it for years!

Have baby say hello with great Cards and gifts from Shutterfly.

A little baby is big news - and Shutterfly.com can help you announce the event. Proud parents, friends and neighbors, and of course the grandparents, will love our customized Cards and fun Photo Gifts.

Take baby's picture (or footprint), select one of our special baby borders, and create Greeting Cards and Note Cards, or choose boxed sets of 4x8 Photo Cards to spread the news to large groups. Canvas prints and Photo Books will help you commemorate baby's days, from the first day home to the first step.

Canvas prints feature gallery wrapping around the edges so you don't need a frame; Hardcover and Softcover Photo Books will grace any coffee table. Put pictures of baby on every month of our Calendars, create a Snapbook(TM) mini-album, or make Photo Gifts such as Mugs, Magnets, T-shirts, and Mouse pads and give them to friends and relatives.

Stuff your stocking with Shutterfly

Fun Photo Gifts for everyone in the family.

Magnets. Turn your refrigerator into a work of art! Flexible style comes in two sizes; personalize them with a border or caption to remember fun days, vacations, and more.

Coasters. Just in time for New Years! Available in sets of 4, each Coaster in the set can display a different photo. Coasters are perfect for either hot or cold drinks, and the no-slip cork backing provides an extra measure of safety.

Tote bags. Our roomy white tote bags can hold everything you need for hops around town. Put your favorite picture on the front pocket.

Aprons. Here's a tasty gift idea: Our Aprons are roomy enough to hold just about any image; highlight it with an optional border or caption (like "Well Done!"). Made of durable, easy-clean white polyester, Aprons are a full 29" wide with a neck strap and long side ties, ensuring that one size fits both men and women.

Mugs. Drink in the scenery of your favorite vacation spot every day of the year! Our high-quality Mugs hold your best picture along with your beverage. Made of microwave- and dishwasher-safe white or black ceramic, our Mugs provide easy cleanup after use.

Children's Picture Books. Now you give the most precious gift of all this holiday season -- photos of baby, in wonderful, customized books that will delight family, friends, and especially grandma. Colorful designs and sturdy construction highlight editions of Picture Me One, Two, and Three, My Grandma & Me, and My Family Photo Memory Book.

It's easy to give unique Photo Gifts.

Make the holiday special with a Shutterfly Card

Greeting Cards are printed on 5x7 card stock with a matte or glossy finish and are the same quality you'd find in a card store. Put your picture on front, choose one of our holiday borders to highlight it and we'll pre-print your message inside.

Pressed for time? We'll address, stamp and mail your Greeting Cards for you if you like.

4x8 Photo Cards are the perfect way to send a season's greetings. They're available in boxed sets of 12, 25, or more. Your picture and message goes on front, emphasized with special holiday borders.

Note Cards let you stay in touch with your loved ones in a unique and personal way. Your picture and choice of holiday border or caption goes on front; inside, add a personal message. Made of high-quality card stock with your choice of matte or glossy finish, Note Cards come in gift-boxed sets of twelve with envelopes. They make great gifts, too!

New! Photo Mount Cards display your favorite picture in a unique way: you mount the print on the front of the card and send it off! Choose from classic styles by Crane & Co., warm, fun, designs by Boatman Geller, and festive looks from Sweet Pea. Each is perfect for any type of photo: family, children, even pets!

Make your holiday Photo Cards special.

Great gifts for him and her.

This holiday season, there's one place that has great gifts for both him and her. Shutterfly offers a selection of unique Photo Gifts that can be customized to create beautiful keepsakes for mom and handy items for dad.

Gifts for her:

Tote bags. Our roomy tote bags can hold everything mom or grandma needs for shopping, a day at the beach, or around town. Put her favorite picture on the front pocket, along with a border or caption.

Aprons. Now her next meal can be a feast for the eyes, too. Aprons are roomy enough to hold just about any image; optional border or caption. Made of durable, easy-clean white polyester, Aprons measure a full 29" wide with a neck strap and long side ties.

Canvas prints allow you to turn photos into wonderful wall art. Special artist canvas and archival inks bring out the beauty of the shot and the gallery wrapping around the edges let's you hang the print with or without a frame.

Kolo photo albums offer a colorful way to display her photos with bright colors, ribbon decor, and a signature front picture window. Any style can be used for weddings, baby, vacations, and more.

Molly West hand-bound books feature fine materials such as silk and suede that are crafted by expert book binders into heirloom-quality pieces. Exquisite detailing, such as ribbons and buttons, will set off her photos.

Softcover Photo Books will let her display everyday photos in style. The flexible covers allow for easy storage and portability, and the unique "center cut" shows the first picture even when closed; the books hold from 20 pages up to 100 pages.

Gifts for him:

Mouse pads. Now you can brighten up his workday with a Mouse pad decorated with a favorite picture. Mouse pads have a stain-resistant cover so they'll stand up to wear and tear and clean easily.

Mugs. Dad, uncle, and best friend can drink in the beauty of a favorite vacation spot every day! High-quality Mugs hold his best picture along with border and caption. Made of microwave- and dishwasher-safe ceramic, Mugs provide easy cleanup.
Burnes of Boston has been in business for over 200 years and has set the standard for classic picture frames. Choose from a range of designs, from large wall frames to smaller, more novel styles, perfect for desks and bookcases.

Calendars will showcase his favorite pictures such as sports or family, in 12- and 18-month wall styles. They are roomy enough for notes and appointments and durable enough to resist a year of wear and tear.

Hardcover Photo Books are an elegant addition to any coffee table. A variety of page styles let you create Photo Books for special occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, and vacations. Choose from leather, suede finish, and satin finish covers in solid blue, black, maroon, and tan.

PhotoShow DVD turns his pictures into a complete multimedia slideshow, complete with pictures, music and special effects. Make a DVD celebrating a Wedding, Baby, Travel, everyday Simple, and more.

Give unique Photo Gifts.

Shutterfly helps keep your memories close.

These days, everyone is flocking to the convenience of digital cameras, making picture-taking more popular than ever. And people not only want to take pictures, they want to share them, preserve them, and turn them into something special -- all from the convenience of their computer.

Shutterfly, the online photo service, makes it easy to keep your memories fresh and to stay connected with your pictures. At Shutterfly, colorful prints, custom-made gifts, and wonderful cards are just a click away.

Turn your photos into so much more

Shutterfly prints and gifts offer you more options to capture moments that are special to you. There's a complete range of print sizes, from shots that will fit your wallet to large formats that will look great on your wall. You can share your pictures online in seconds, too. Want to express your creativity? Turn that favorite picture into wonderful Photo Gifts such as Mugs, T-shirts, Tote bags, and Photo Books that will make great keepsakes for you and presents for friends. Our custom-made Cards help you stay in touch -- just add your photo, choose one of our borders, and add your message.

The end result

What does all this mean for you? More quality, more creativity, and more flexibility. You'll have more ways to customize your prints and share great times with friends and family. Whatever you order, we'll deliver right to your door or wherever you want.

Enjoy Shutterfly today

The moment you try Shutterfly, you'll experience the superior service and quality that has made us a leader in online photo services. It's easy to join -- and you'll get 15 free prints just for trying us out -- along with free unlimited storage for your photos. Try us today!

See all that Shutterfly can do for you.

Shutterfly is a leading online photo service that makes it simple to share moments and stay connected with friends and family.

Shutterfly customers can turn favorite memories into long-lasting, film-quality prints in a wide range of sizes, use our online picture sharing services to stay connected, and create unique personalized Photo Books, Photo Gifts, Greeting Cards, and more, that will delight friends and family for years. All it takes is a few moments online - with convenient home delivery available 24/7.

Plus, all Shutterfly members enjoy:

Free unlimited photo storage
Free software
Free membership with 15 FREE prints to start

Shutterfly clicks with customers.

Shutterfly has made it simple and fun for people to stay connected with those who matter most.

Using film or digital cameras, Shutterfly customers can turn favorite memories into long-lasting, film-quality prints in a wide range of sizes. They can share those moments with others using our online picture sharing services, too. We also make it easy for customers to take their favorite pictures and create unique photo items such as Photo Cards, Photo Books, Calendars, Mugs, Tote bags and more.

How do our customers do all this? Just by turning on a computer! They can order, create, and send pictures and Photo Gifts to virtually any location with just a few clicks of a mouse. And customers enjoy the ease and convenience of home delivery of all their orders.

How do you enjoy all this? Try Shutterfly today and find out! You'll get 15 free prints, free online photo sharing, free software, and free unlimited photo storage.

Common Sense Tips and Ideas for Christmas Photographs

By Christina VanGinkel

Taking photographs during the busy Christmas holidays can often result in heads missing, group shots minus complete bodies, blurry action shots, and then some that you wonder just what in the world you were thinking when you snapped the shutter. Take heart, and know that the best of photographers often claim that some of their hardest 'jobs' have involved taking classic family photos of their very own families!

Try to remember all you have learned when it comes to the basics, such as lighting and composition, and then remember that what you are trying to capture are photographs that will let you look back at your family enjoying and experiencing this very special of holidays. Think as simple as you can, and start from there. Try not to pose family members; unless that is the type of shot, you are after. Otherwise, try to capture them in the simplicity of the spirit, kids opening presents, the family dog staring thoughtfully at the tree, mom pulling the turkey out of the oven, or dad placing a steaming pie on the counter. You may drive them all a bit crazy with all of the shutter snapping, so be sure to pass them the camera now and then so you can be on the receiving end, and they can find out why you enjoy being behind the lens. If you find this hard to do, remember that you are taking family photos, and as a part of the family, you need to be in some of the shots, not just snapping the shutter on all of them.

Head outdoors if the weather permits and be sure to capture your home in all of its Christmas finery, or the clan building a snowman or making snow angles. Catch your family decorating the outside, stringing lights on the trees, or hanging suet and seed balls they made for the birds. If sledding is part of your holiday, definitely bring along the camera for some of the best action shots ever.

If you have young children, be sure to snap a few in their favorite holiday jammas, fast asleep on their pillows, or sitting wistfully in front of the tree before Santa arrives, and after! Capture Grandma or Grandpa telling a story to the little ones, or sitting in their favorite chair having their quintessential cup of cider.

If going to cut down a tree is still in your regimen for the holidays, be sure to snap an array both picking it out and cutting it down. Where we cut our annual tree down, not only do we use an old-fashioned hacksaw, we also have to pull it back down to the barn, on the premises to pay. The snow covered trails make for opportune pictures of grandpa and his little helper tugging the tree along.

Lastly, do not forget to capture the clan late on Christmas morning, after the presents are all opened, and all are enjoying their favorite gift, or catching up on some sleep that they missed out on the night before waiting for the big day to arrive. Then head for the darkroom or the computer, and reminisce away!

Photography and Beyond

By Christina VanGinkel

I was with a group of people the other day who were discussing the subject of taking a class to learn the basics of photography. It evolved into a discussion of what to do after you know the basics, but still need help with the concept of taking photographs that equal art in the truest sense. The group as a whole had no clear meeting of the minds when it came to this. Several people said that taking many photos was the only way to learn. A few others thought that unless you could garner the interest of a professional to take you under their wing, your chances of ever taking photographs beyond those suitable for a scrapbook or at the most, as a photographer who makes a living at a photo studio such as those found in discount chain stores nationwide, was nil to none. In addition, a few others thought that immersing yourself in all forms of art was the best way to bring their photographs up to a level of professional artist. There was also one person who stated that to become an artist was impossible, that you were either born with the artistic talent steeped into the depths of one's soul, or you would never further yourself beyond just someone who snapped photographs, period.

I somewhat agreed with all of them, except for the one who thought you had to be born an artist, or else. I am a firm believer in the art of learning, as long as the desire is there, and I also felt that the part of garnering the interest of a professional was more likely to come by taking a class by one who was willing to teach a workshop, then to gain the sole interest of a professional photographer. As to taking many photographs, that would be essential, but only during the immersion in all things art. By visiting museums, studying lighting, looking at endless landscapes and self-portraits, going to shows put on by artists you both admire and even those you may not, will you begin to find your own artist within. Some would disagree with me, I know, saying that by doing this you risk the chance of becoming a copycat of another artist, but I would disagree. By studying other artwork, photographic, painted, sculptural, and others, can one learn what to them art is.

Once you have an idea of what in the world, (be it people, animals, plants, or objects, or where, from city to rural, from mountains to a crowded shopping center, or from the plains of Africa, to a small town Minnesota,) it is that piques your interest and calls to your eye behind the shutter, will all those snapshots you are taking begin to meld from 'just another photograph' to something that some will label 'art'. In addition, in the end, only then will you know that unless you, the photographer, connects with the photograph, it will not matter to you what others call it.

Photographing "Everyday" Special Occasions

The title seems to be a contradiction of terms, doesn't it? It truly isn't that, however, and its purpose is to remind us of something very important. If you are like I was for too many years, you bring out the camera for special occasions only. That is when you remember to take your photographs . . . when a holiday, birthday, or a few other festive times come along.

Try to get into the habit of snapping photographs of the "everyday" and even mundane things that go on in your household each day. What may seem too ordinary to snap a photo of now may be exactly the perfect event to spark some wonderful memories in the future.

Keep your camera stored in a place where you will have easy access to it. Think of the future and things that will make you and your children smile ten or twenty years from now. If Johnny insists on eating cold cereal every single morning in his fuzzy turtle slippers, snap a picture of him with the bowl and fuzzy feet. If little Kate falls asleep every night using the German Shepherd as a pillow on the sofa, capture it on film or digital camera.

There are so many things to make memories with! Does your family spend time playing board games or doing jigsaw puzzles? Take photographs of children playing with their favorite toys and by all means, don't wait for Christmas to do that. Capture guests who come to visit in a photograph and take pictures of any dinner parties or other parties you host either for adults or for children.

These photos may end up being stored on the computer, on disk, in photo albums, or in scrapbooks, but no matter what becomes of them, you will be glad that you have them sometime in the future. It is a good idea to print duplicates or order duplicates if someone else is developing traditional film for you. Store the second set of prints in a place other than the same home for safe keeping. You may also consider opening an account with an online email service that offers large storage space (i.e. Google's email option called gmail) and store some of your best and favorite photos there.

Other things to snap photographs of (although there are countless possibilities and you will come up with many of your own!) include:

-- Any household chores the children perform
-- Children with their favorite books
-- Your spouse or partner cooking a special dinner (make note of what he or she was cooking!)
-- Some of your family's favorite activities
-- Any firsts that occur from first steps to first solid food to first Halloween, etc. (everything that is new for a child in the family)
-- Visitors and neighbors who stop by
-- The family eating a favorite meal or snack
-- Washing the dog, or dressing him up!
-- Watching a sunset from outside or from the window
-- Playing in the rain, snow, or pile of leaves

Don't forget to make notes on the backs of printed or developed pictures about what it is that was going on if that is not obvious from seeing the picture. Write down names of people who aren't in the immediate family and jot down the date on the photo. This becomes easier on computer-stored pictures, of course, because they are already dated.

You will be glad that special "everyday" photos were added to the usual snaps of holidays, birthdays, sports participation, vacations, school plays, and family reunions.

The National Christmas Tree and Model Train

For many people of any age, a Christmas tree just doesn't seem complete without a model train display running around its base. America's National Christmas Tree in Washington DC is no exception and for more than a decade now has had a train chugging along tracks at the base of the tree.

This year, 2005, will be the 82nd year that a tree has been lit and designated as the "National Tree." Lighting will occur at 5 p.m. on December 1st. The tree is found near the White House on the Ellipse. This year will offer entertainment of Ricky Skaggs, Maya Angelou, the United States Navy Band, CeCe Winans, VOENA Children's A Capella Choir, Dale Kristien, Merlin Olsen, and Brad Oscar.

If you plan to attend the opening ceremony for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, be advised that security will be as tight as with any other gathering in the city. You will need a ticket (given out at the visitor pavilion at the Ellipse. The tickets are free and are being handed out on November 5th starting at 8 a.m.) Keep in mind that the tickets are only for the opening ceremony with the dignitaries present and you will not need a ticket to simply go by to see the display at some other time.

Some other things to remember about security: Do not carry a backpack or duffle bag and do not carry any large container such as a cooler. Do not carry or allow children to carry real or replica ammunition or knives, etc. of any kind. Laser lights are not allowed. If you need to carry something like a diaper bag or use a stroller, it is permitted, but be prepared for a search of things like this. Oh, and one other thing is that you will need to use public transportation such as the metro because there is simply very little parking available this close to the White House.

So back to the model train display! Aristo Craft Trains from New Jersey came up with the idea eleven years ago (actually one of their managers, Mr. Frank) and they decided that if other trees looked unfinished without the model train, so did the National Christmas Tree. The National Park Service allowed it to happen and with the help of a model train club in the area, Mr. Frank built and operated that first display.

The train display will run in 2005 from the opening night ceremony right through to December 30. The display will run in all kinds of weather and it can be seen from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Volunteers help to clean the tracks and prepare the trains each year so that the train display can continue to make visitors young and old alike smile when visiting the National Christmas Tree.

One other thing to look for when visiting the model train display is the "Pathway of Peace" which is another Washington tradition for more than 50 years now. Around the large National tree, you will find 56 smaller trees that are also decorated. They represent the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and America's five territories.

Save Time Sharing your Digital Prints

By Christina VanGinkel

It seems like the more things that are created to make our lives easier, to provide us with more free time, the more complicated the management of that time becomes. Look at all of the wonderful things we can do with photographs thanks to all the new advancements on the digital front. With cameras and accessories that allow us to take, review, choose, and print all in a matter of minutes, we should be sharing our snapshots with family and friends every time we fill the memory card. The only problem is that for most of us, once we take all those wonderful shots and upload them to our computer, that is about as far as we go with them. They sit there, languishing away, waiting for us to find the time to select the best, to print a few, let alone even use them in a few projects such as scrapbooks, or to adorn a favorite t-shirt.

Someone did think of this, and created a solution that actually will save us time! Several online companies, such as Shutterfly, allow you to simply upload all your latest photographs to their server, and from there family and friends can browse at their own leisure, download favorites, even have them professionally printed or turned into a number of different products such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, puzzles, even business cards!

All you have to do to begin the whole process is to send out, via email, invitations to those people you wish to have access to your online folders. Shutterfly has made the whole process simple enough for even a novice to do, and other online sites I previewed seemed to have just as simple a sign up process. After that, simply upload your pictures, and each time you do an announcement is sent to everyone on your list. They can then visit at their leisure. The best part of Shutterfly is that those people you invite to view do not have to be members of Shutterfly to access the folders, so it is just as easy and quick for them. Just think, never again will you have to listen to your in-laws ask you when is the next time you are going to send pictures of the kids. They can print all the photographs their heart's desire! Moreover, Shutterfly has even added a very unique feature that makes it fun for everyone viewing. They have added a cool tool that allows family and friend, or yourself, to add comments to each picture individually. No more worrying that someone will not 'get' a picture. Just add a note to it so everyone knows just what is so special about the picture. This feature also works great for those you think you might come back to yourself later and use in a scrapbook. Take a moment to jot down your thoughts or impressions so when you finally find the time to work on your scrapbook, you will have a few gentle reminders of why that photo was so special in the first place!