Precision Camera and Video Blog

Why You Should Choose Austin First

2009-06-29T10:23:00.001-05:00

Choosing to spend your money with a local Austin business rather than with a big box store can have a substantial impact on our local economy. For example, if you spent $100 with a big box store, about $17 of that money would go into our local economy. However, if you spend that same $100 with a local Austin business, that number would increase to $40-$60! Your buying decisions have a great deal of impact and power, and more than ever, Austinites are finding that they need to stick together to strengthen our economy.

While Precision Camera has long been an advocate of Choose Austin First, the company has decided to increase its involvement. Our manager, Gregg Burger, has been elected President of the organization this year and is committed to helping Choose Austin First grow to the benefit of the community and local businesses.

Burger says, “The people of Austin are very dedicated to the city and the community. Our goal is to make sure they know which businesses are local and how they can use their buying power for the betterment of the city and everyone who lives here. Where you shop matters more than you might think.”

Learn more about Choose Austin First: http://www.chooseaustinfirst.org/

Tips for Photographing Fireworks

2009-06-29T10:19:00.002-05:00

It’s time to get ready for Fourth of July celebrations and the amazing fireworks show that accompany the barbeques and other events. Want to get some amazing images? You can capture some spectacular scenes if you take a few tips with you before you begin shooting.

Scout Your Spot: If at all possible, get the event early and take a look around. See if you can get an unobstructed view or if you can position yourself where other onlookers’ heads won’t be in the way.

Try a Tripod: With the combination of low light and fast action (the fireworks), a steady surface can greatly aid in helping you record that perfect image. We offer a number of high quality styles including compact, professional and monopod styles:http://www.precision-camera.com/search.php?terms=tripod

Add a Remote Release: A remote release can free you up to focus on your images and keep your eye on the sky. They are inexpensive and many photographers find them to be an invaluable accessory: http://www.precision-camera.com/search.php?terms=remote+trigger

Slow Your Shutter Speed: A long exposure often works best with fireworks since they are moving events and contain bright light. Experiment with keeping the shutter open long but don’t overdo it because you can overexpose the image. Alternate between using a burst mode to capture the action as well as holding the shutter open (by pressing the button half-way at the beginning of the action and continue holding it down until the fireworks burst is complete) in a single shot. Each location and event has unique circumstances so keep experimenting as you go along until you find the effect that works for you.

Forget the Flash: Your flash can be more of a hindrance in this case because it may signal to your camera that you need a shorter exposure time. The flash only helps when your object is a few feet away, so in this case, even though it’s dark, keep the flash turned off.

Happy Fourth of July!

Free Admission & Classes at Austin Photo Expo This Weekend!

2009-06-05T08:28:00.003-05:00

Precision Camera & Video is Offering Great Specials at the Expo!

The Austin Photo Expo is Austin's largest gathering of photographic manufacturers in one place for two days only.

Check out the expo demo floor for all the new cameras, lenses, and accessories. Representatives will be on hand to explain how their products work best for you.

Precision Camera & Video is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Austin Photo Expo. We'll have our very own booth at the show and will be offering all kinds of specials on products and accessories during the event.

Our team is excited about being a part of this event, and we look forward to seeing you at the Expo. This jam-packed event has numerous events designed for all skill levels--from the beginning shutterbug to the full-time professional photographer.

To learn more, visit http://www.austinphotoexpo.com/.

We'll see you this weekend!

Make Mom's Day!

2009-05-04T10:28:00.002-05:00

There are few things more challenging and rewarding than being a mother. She juggles countless demands and roles and always manages to keep things together. This month, skip the usual Mother’s Day gifts and consider giving her something that shows you really put some thought into finding the perfect gift.

Digital Photo Frame: How often do our favorite photos get downloaded to our computers only to languish for months on end without being seen again? Consider organizing some of Mom’s favorite photos and putting them together on a digital photo frame. A digital photo frame is a unique way to share and enjoy digital pictures and to help her relive some of her favorite memories. And it’s much more fun than looking at pictures on a computer screen! Learn more here: http://www.precision-camera.com/product/4014469

Color Her World: Some of today’s compact point-and-shoot camera models come in a variety of sleek and stylish colors. These cameras are packed with the latest features and are sure to delight her on her special day without breaking your budget. http://www.precision-camera.com/product/3451B001

Go Big! How many times have you heard her talk about getting a few favorite photos enlarged and framed but she just can’t seem to find the time to get the job done? Mother’s Day is the perfect time to enlarge and frame her favorite pictures. You can also take an even more artistic route by having an image printed on canvas. Ask us how we can turn a favorite photo into a work of art. http://www.precision-camera.com/services/photolab/

We can create a number of fantastic and personalized gifts, and our options are time and budget-friendly. Give us a call or stop by; we’d love to help you make Mom’s day the best ever.

May is National Photo Month!

2009-05-04T10:19:00.002-05:00

National Photo Month began as a week-long event back in 1984 and was recognized by Congress as a celebratory month in 1987. If you love photography, this is the month to indulge in your hobby and learn a new technique or two. It’s also the perfect time to help foster a love of photography with your children or other loved ones.

A Photo a Day…Try taking a photo each day of a (wonderfully) ordinary moment throughout the month of May. It could be as simple as your morning breakfast gathering (as chaotic and busy as it is) or a photo of Dad and the kids playing a pick-up basketball game after school. Just keep your point-and-shoot in your pocket or use your camera phone if your camera’s out of reach. At the end of the month, print all the pictures on a poster board and number the days. It’s quite fascinating to see your daily life depicted this way, and kids of all ages get a kick out of seeing themselves in print.

Encourage Your Youth: Many children discover a love of photography through a parent, relative or mentor. Consider taking your child or a child in your life on a photo safari. It can be in your own backyard or at a local park. The purpose is to let the child experience seeing the world through the camera lens and foster creativity. What sparks his interest? Watching a child compose images and then explain why he made those choices is an activity that inspires all involved.

Enter a Photo Contest: Yes, you! You’ll find lots of photo contests being held during National Photo Month, so consider entering one (or several!). Don’t sell yourself short, either. Go through your photo library and find your favorites or shoot some new pictures for the contest of your choice. You may surprise yourself with the results, so send in a picture and see what happens.

Grand Vision and Strong Community Ties Part of the Austin Center for Photography Plan

2009-03-30T10:08:00.004-05:00

David Keenan, Founder and President of the Austin Center for Photography, has always had a knack for bringing talented groups of people together. Growing up, his networking skills and strategic thinking flourished on the basketball court. “I always loved to get teams together, and they could be three-on-three teams or city league teams-- it didn’t matter. Our win/loss record was pretty good because it was all about finding the right group of talent and bringing them together.”

Keenan, who has built a successful career in the software industry, is now turning his attention to his passion for photography. Keenan has long carried a vision for creating a grand, top-tier photographic center in Austin that features national as well as local talent—one that provides a welcoming community for those with a love of photography. Keenan turned to the Houston Center for Photography to expand his knowledge into how successful photography-centered non-profit entities operate. “Madeline Yale (Executive Director and Curator of HCP) and many other members were extremely helpful in sharing information about how they’d made HCP successful.”

The Board members of ACP envision a uniquely-Austin center designed to celebrate the breadth of talent across the country as well as in our own backyard. Keenan states that the ACP board is filled with “a great group of people, each with unique talents, and each is committed to the success of this vision. Jerry Sullivan, for example, is a member of the board. There are no egos involved. They just want to see ACP grow and connect with the community.”

Keenan also states that Austin is home to many highly-regarded and talented photographers and bringing them together as a resource to celebrate the craft and connect with the community is a driving force in expanding ACP. “There are so many celebrated photographers in Austin and most people don’t even realize they live here. For example, Marianne Fulton, an ex-curator of the George Eastman house and the author of Mary Ellen Mark: 25 Years, calls Austin home. She is just one example of the rich resources we have here in our city.”

The ACP’s first Icons in Photography event, An Evening with Mary Ellen Mark, was a huge sold-out success. Ms. Mark was then interviewed by Texas Monthly Talks’ Evan Smith (this interview will air in early May). There are three more events planned this year, the next one being An Evening with Alec Soth on June 4, 2009. Future plans for ACP within the next three years include expansion into offering a national competition with possible grants and awards, two galleries that feature national and local artists, a variety of workshops and an integrated coffee shop with walls to be graced with quality photographic art. There is also some discussion about a possible youth outreach initiative to encourage young photographers to pursue their passion for the craft.

The Austin Center for Photography is still in its infancy but many see its potential as nothing less than stunning. The ACP welcomes volunteers to assist with its Icons in Photography Events and also offers memberships that start at as little as just $30 per year. For more information, visit http://www.visitacp.org/

On the Hunt for Eggs-ellent Easter Photos

2009-03-30T10:01:00.005-05:00

Easter Sunday comes early this year, so now’s the time to get ready to record exuberant little egg-hunters as they search nearby land for treasures nestled in the grass and hidden from view. Here are a few ideas to help ensure you’re ready to hop on that perfect shot:

·Visualize in Advance: Are there certain traditions held each year that you’d like to capture? Plan a few shots and consider which locations would give you the best results. For example, before the kids run in an Easter egg hunt, where should you stand to make sure you capture their faces in the photographs?

· Check Your Gear: Is your digital camera’s battery fully charged? Have you downloaded pictures from previous events onto your computer and re-formatted your camera card so it’s ready to go? Do you remember how to use the timer function? It only takes a few minutes to make sure your camera gear is ready, and it’s worth the time if it saves you from having your camera battery shut down in the middle of all the fun.

· Prepare Your Props and Place: If you want to shoot posed images, consider setting up one mini shooting area and include props such as an Easter basket, stuffed animal rabbits or other items you feel would properly adorn your photos in a kid-friendly way. Check how the image is framed in advance to determine if your props are properly spaced and leave enough room for your subjects.

· Capture Color: Easter is filled with colorful eggs, dresses and decorations. Consider taking a few close-up shots that center on a single colorful object or arrangement. Try to keep the image composition simple so the color is stunning.

· Get Low: Crouch down low during the egg hunt to give your photos a unique and personal perspective. Let the child’s reach be at the forefront of the image and shoot upward; the result is candid and yet very personal.

Get Ready for Canon Discovery Days on April 3 and 4!

2009-03-30T09:58:00.002-05:00

If you own a Canon camera or are interested in learning more about them, stop by Precision Camera & Video on April 3 and 4 for our special Canon Discovery Days! We’ll have expert Canon representatives on hand to demonstrate new models, answer questions about existing ones and discuss all the latest tips and tricks. We’re even offering special classes designed to give you some easy methods to take your camera out of auto mode. The class format is simple and straight-forward. You can learn more here: http://www.precision-camera.com/product/CLASS14

Grab your camera and hang out with us for a bit. You’ll be glad you did!

Come By For 9 Cent 4x6 Prints on March 9th!

2009-03-08T21:27:00.003-05:00

Get all your 4x6 photos printed for just 9 cents each on Monday, March 9th!*

If you've got a computer filled with photos that need to be printed, now's the time to bring them in! Come by Precision Camera and get high-quality 4x6 prints for only nine cents each on March 9th! If you can't make it to the store, just log on to the Precision Camera & Video Website to take advantage of our special one day offer online.

Hey, we love our computers, too, but let's face it...there's no better way to showcase and relive your favorite memories than by printing them for all to see. So, rescue those pictures from your computer or digital media card and get them printed for a steal-of-a-deal price at Precision Camera.

*4x6 size from digital media only, no color correction included.

Supporting Your Kids' School Through Photography

2009-02-26T11:26:00.007-06:00

Like many parents, you invest time supporting your children’s school through volunteer work, fundraising, chaperoning field trips and other labors of love. Parental volunteers are a powerful and important part of helping educators give our kids the best possible experience in and out of the classroom. If you love taking pictures, you might consider using your hobby to contribute to your school’s efforts.

As the unofficial photographer for my kids’ classes, I enjoy the opportunity of shooting these events and sharing them with parents who were unable to attend due to work or schedule conflicts. Let’s face it—as involved as we are, we have many other work and personal roles and simply can’t be at every single event for every single child. Having someone take photographs of the class during a field trip can be a wonderful gift for those parents who were unable to attend. The images can also be used to help the school promote itself, its fundraising efforts or for other related purposes. In addition, the images can be used to create personalized teacher gifts at the end of the year.

Here are a few tips to turn your photography into both a gift for parents and a marketing tool for your school:

Personalize the Shot: Group shots are wonderful and necessary but make sure to take individual shots of each child if at all possible. Zoom in close to fill the frame with the child’s face and wait for that candid smile or impromptu interaction. These magical moments just require a bit of planning and patience. Ignore the bustle around you for a few seconds to see if you can portray the essence of what that child is experiencing.

Capture Interaction: Some of the best photos are those of children engaged in particular projects or working together. Even something as seemingly simple as sharing a lunch outdoors on a picnic table can translate into an extraordinary photograph. Look for kids who are enjoying a moment together and start snapping away. Just don't get too close--you want to capture the moment, not interrupt it.

Share & Upload: Once your event is over, make sure to upload your photos to your local photo store’s online website. It’s one of the easiest ways to share images and you can simply email a link to the album to all the parents and teachers involved. They can then order prints and other items from the photo store directly.

Get Permission: It is very important to get permission and to have a parent sign a standard model release anytime the child’s picture might be used for posters, flyers or other promotional item. There are standard model release forms that can be found online for your school to use. Some parents may prefer not to have their child included, and that’s okay. Your school’s office should already have these provisions in place, but if not, find the form and have copies made for each child in the class.

The next time you gear up for a field trip, make sure to take your camera (and accessories) and assign yourself the role of event photographer. It’s a chance to practice your hobby and an opportunity to give a gift to the kids and families all while supporting the school.

Precision Camera & Video Wins Prestigious Magazine Award

2009-02-05T21:56:00.002-06:00

We were thrilled to learn that Photo Trade News magazine awarded their highly-coveted ‘Photo Dealer of the Year’ award to Precision Camera and Video for 2008. The honor is bestowed annually to one retailer that stands out among his or her peers and offers an innovative approach to doing business.

"Jerry has built Precision Camera & Video on the premise of serving the photographic community by providing not only equipment, but expertise that is rooted in the promise of providing the best in customer service and quality workmanship," says editor Diane Berkenfeld. "He is a stand out as PTN's Dealer of the Year for 2008."

Jerry Sullivan’s journey building Precision Camera & Video has been classified as a “Great American Success Story” and the Sullivan team continues to thrive and grow by standing true to its principles and its desire to serve its community. Jerry will be presented with his award on March 4, 2009 at the PMA Trade Show and Convention during PTN's Dealer of the Year reception to be held in his honor.

Read how Jerry turned a childhood love of photography into a business that is recognized as an icon of Austin Business.

http://www.imaginginfo.com/print/PTN/PTN-2008-Dealer-of-the-Year/2$4563

Painting with Light

2009-02-05T21:54:00.002-06:00

The term ‘photography’ comes from the Greek φώς (phos) "light" + γραφίς (graphis) "stylus", "paintbrush" or γραφή (graphê), which translates into ‘painting with light.’ Having the right light is critical to the composition and quality of your photographs

Shooting eBay Photos that Sell

2009-02-05T21:51:00.001-06:00

Did you know that the quality of your pictures can influence whether or not an eBay auction receives any bids?

It can also affect the final selling price. The pictures you use for your auction are the only real representation of your product, and if there are others selling the same item, your photos can determine which auction receives the bid and which item remains unsold.

According to eBay, in 2008, 1.3 million people made their living selling goods on eBay. Even if this isn’t your full-time job, you may want to turn some unused items into cash. It’s a great way to clear out the clutter and reap returns from items that you no longer find useful.

Here are a few tips to make your eBay photography stand out from the competition:

Use Available Light: Take your pictures during daytime hours and position them close to a window to utilize available light. Avoid using a flash whenever possible as you may create ‘hot spots’ if the flash is too close to the subject. A search of any eBay category will bring a plethora of pictures that are too dark and even blurry. How can a prospective customer make a decision to spend his money based upon those photographs? A well-lit photograph can go a long way in closing a sale.

Cut the Clutter: Position your item in an area that is clutter free, such as on a table or flat surface. Look through the viewfinder of your camera and note all the distracting items such as the corner of a chair, stray papers on a table or random toys nearby.

Fill the Frame: Zoom in close to your subject and fill almost the entire frame with your item. Prospective bidders will thank you for giving them clear images, and close up shots also allow you to note any unique attributes or minor wear that should be noted in the listing.

Provide Multiple Views: Take photos of your item from several angles in order to give bidders more reasons to purchase your item; multiple views give the buyer comfort in that she has more information with which to make a decision.

It doesn’t take much time to shoot photos that sell, and with these tips, you’ll find more space in your closet and more money in your pocket.

Precision Camera & Video Named PTN's Dealer of the Year 2008

2009-01-28T10:56:00.000-06:00

Precision Camera & Video Named PTN's Dealer of the Year 2008

A Fresh Start for Shutterbugs

2009-01-13T09:16:00.002-06:00

With the holidays and festivities now behind us, our thoughts turn to the New Year and the idea of a fresh start. Maybe you’ve made your New Year’s Resolutions or maybe you’ve resolved not to commit to a list this year. Whatever the case may be, the year 2009 can become the year that you take your photography to a new artistic and engaging level. Here are a few ways to get the New Year off to a stellar start:

Tackle a new Technique: It can be as simple as taking photographs vertically or something more substantial such as learning how to use Photoshop®. Take that first step and write down the technique you’d like to learn. Maybe you’d like to learn portraiture lighting or how to properly use a filter; just choose one item and think of how much satisfaction you’ll feel mastering the new technique.

Sign up for a class or workshop: This is one of the most fun and practical ways to get more comfortable with your digital camera. We offer courses covering a variety of topics, and there is simply no substitute for hands-on instruction. Many new friendships have developed (no pun intended) during a photo workshop, so consider making new friends an added bonus. Let us help you find the right course for your needs and interest. We have courses for every schedule and skill level.

Gather With Like Minds: If you want to spend more time taking pictures, find a local group or organization with a photo focus. Almost every community has a photo club or some other association dedicated to fostering the love of photography. Check online and see what groups are available in your neighborhood; it’s a wonderful way to keep your passion for photography alive.

Share the Love: Is there a child in your life that might love photography? If so, consider inviting her on a photo safari or some other adventure for the purpose of taking pictures. It can be in your back yard or at a local park; the important thing is to help your three-foot friend discover the joy of photography. This exercise also benefits you as it is refreshing and interesting to note how differently children see things and how they view the world. This view is reflected in their photographs, even the blurry ones, and can greatly benefit your own photography.

Fantastic Family Holiday Photos

2008-12-17T13:45:00.001-06:00

When it comes to family photo opportunities, few events can top the holiday season. These special moments were meant to be cherished and to grace fireplace mantels and scrapbook pages for years to come.

Here are a few tips to help you capture the essence of your subjects and the authenticity of the moment.

Stake Your Claim: If you’ve ever watched a wedding photographer at work, you’ll realize there is often a very specific plan in place, and this includes knowing which photos will happen in which locations. Even if your entire family will remain in one place for the day, decide which setting(s) will be most appropriate for photography.

For example, you may decide to take photos in front of the family fireplace or near the Christmas tree. Are there items that need to be removed that would prove distracting in the background? Will you need to set up chairs, and if so, who will sit where? Feel free to grab a pen and jot down a few ideas. This forethought will greatly assist you in getting those fantastic photos because your subjects realize that you have a plan and will get the job done efficiently. Little ones will more likely cooperate as well because the process will flow quickly. You don’t need to be a drill sergeant, but being deliberate and having a vision will help tremendously.

Elevate Your Status: When it comes to shooting large groups, it helps to be creative. One inside trick used by professional photographers involves a chair. Grab one and stand on it! You’ll be able to accommodate larger groups and create a portrait that’s more visually interesting using this technique. The novelty of this approach may also keep your subjects captivated long enough to ensure everyone is smiling when the shutter snaps!

Take a Tripod… Here’s a chance to pick up a present for yourself! A tripod is one of the most valuable and affordable accessories you can have in your photo toolkit. A tripod will instantly improve your photographs by stabilizing your camera and eliminating ‘camera shake.’ In addition, having your camera attached to a tripod allows you to better focus on getting smiles from your subjects as your attentions won’t be so divided between balancing the camera and posing your subjects.

…And a Remote Trigger: Make the most of your tripod by adding a remote trigger, which will free your hands and allow you to interact with your subjects while shooting. Imagine how much easier it will be to recognize those perfect moments with a remote trigger in hand; your focus can remain on your subjects, and you’ll be in perfect position to record that one image when all eyes are open and on you!

Perfect Timing: Make sure you understand how to use the timer on your digital camera. Toss your camera’s manual in your bag and review it before setting up your photo shoot. If you can’t find your manual, don’t worry. Just do an online search for your camera model and add the words ‘delay timer’ to the search. You should be able to retrieve instructions to use immediately.

Take a couple of test shots to make sure you’re comfortable with the process. Delayed timers are actually quite simple to use in most cameras.

So much effort and love have gone into getting your family together during this very special holiday. By taking a few minutes to prepare, you’ll ensure that your photographs reflect that very sentiment and serve as a continued reminder long after you ring in the New Year.

Technique Tip: Bounce Your Flash to Soften Shadows

2008-11-12T10:35:00.001-06:00

When it comes to taking pictures of people indoors, bouncing your flash can help eliminate red-eye as well as soften shadows on your subject’s faces. All you need is an external flash for your DSLR to try this technique. Simply rotate the flash to point toward a nearby wall or ceiling—thereby ‘bouncing’ the flash off the surface—and then shoot the image. You’ll replace that harsh overexposed image with a warm effect and more natural-looking skin tones.

Taking Your Show on the Road this Thanksgiving

2008-11-12T10:29:00.002-06:00

November is considered the month of gratitude with the Thanksgiving holiday providing an opportunity for us all to pause and express thanks for the many joys in our lives. The Thanksgiving week is also considered one of the busiest travel times of the year, requiring many to venture across state lines or even cross country to celebrate with loved ones.

We’ve got a few tips so you won’t have to spend a moment worrying about whether your camera is ready when you are to capture those smiles.

Preparation Pays: Those Scouts know what they’re talking about when they advise us to ‘be prepared.’ This is certainly true when it comes to digital camera batteries. Make sure to pack an extra set of AA batteries or an extra rechargeable battery. It is a very small investment and can mean the difference between getting the shots you want and hoping a relative will send copies of her pictures to you after the event is over. Stop by our store or give us a call, and we’ll make sure you have the right battery for your needs.

Lens Cloths Save Time Later: Keep a lens cloth in your camera bag and spend a few seconds cleaning your camera lens before you start shooting. Finding a recurrent smudge on your favorite Thanksgiving photos can make you feel a little less joyous, and cleaning your lens before the picture event is far less time consuming than trying to correct the images later using a photo editing program later.

Bring the Right Bag: Not all camera bags are created equal, and cramming your camera and accessories into a backpack or briefcase isn’t always the best idea. For special family visits and vacations, it pays to pack your camera and accessories in a properly-padded camera bag. There are designs for every budget and style preference, and when it comes to getting ready for a trip, a camera bag is the one accessory that can keep all your gear properly organized and protected.

Getting Great Halloween Shots

2008-10-07T10:56:00.001-05:00

Photographing excited (and constantly moving) costume-clad children at night can pose a few challenges, but taking great Halloween pictures can be a snap if you use a few simple techniques.

Use that Jack-o’-lantern! Jack-o’-lanterns can serve as great props as well as a creative light source for super-spooky shots. You can pose your children close to the jack-o’-lantern—either with the pumpkin below their faces or in a silhouette pose, and the light coming from inside will cast a soft and scary light on their faces.

Go for the Action: Go beyond the traditional ‘say cheese’ shot and snap pictures of your trick-or-treaters on the go! Consider photographing them from behind as the run down the sidewalk, fully costumed with treat bags in tow, or walking up the steps to a neighbor’s house. Have them act the part of their costumes and keep snapping!

At Dusk-- To Flash or Not to Flash: Most trick-or-treaters try to hit the trail before dark, and using natural light as the sun goes down can yield some wonderfully warm Halloween images. Turn off your flash and use natural light to capture the rich colors of the costumes and painted faces. If possible, snap some of your shots before dark ; your Halloween photos will contain a nice range of moods between the dusk and nighttime hours.

Nighttime Shots: The right flash can make all the difference when it comes to creating that perfect image. Most cameras have a flash that is effective somewhere between five and ten feet from the subject; just don’t stand too close or else you may find your picture looks too bright or overexposed.

If you shoot using a DSLR, a high-quality add-on flash unit can greatly improve your images and allow you to capture fantastic nighttime pictures. PROMASTER has the most complete flash line in the industry with a product to suit everyone's needs and budget. http://tinyurl.com/55sewt

Come to our Photo Kiosk Café!

2008-10-07T10:53:00.001-05:00

We’ve got everything you need (including free coffee!) to create fun and fantastic holiday photo gifts. Whether you’re looking to pick up a quick set of prints or want to create a personalized scrapbook, our Photo Kiosk Café is the perfect place to relax and let your creativity run wild. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create an order a variety of products ranging from personalized journals to calendars certain to bring a smile to your face each and every month! And, of course, our experts are at the ready and available to help you at any moment.

Bring a friend or two and spend a little time hanging out in our café. Catch up on your conversations and complete some holiday gifts at the same time!

The Amazing New Nikon D90: The First DSLR for Still and Moving Pictures

2008-09-03T09:31:00.002-05:00

It’s the first DSLR to allow you to capture both still and moving images, and its new GP-1 GPS unit geotags pictures with longitude and latitude information in real time! This camera is the perfect choice for passionate photographers dedicated to learning and leveraging the latest in Nikon technology. The Nikon D90 may very well exceed your grandest expectations.

Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90’s breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly. Accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90’s cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode are delivered on a crisp 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor.

You can pre-order the Nikon D90 from Precision Camera and Video, and it will ship in early September! Thank goodness for the quick ship time because we think the wait would be torturous!

We’ve got all the stats, features and other technical descriptions listed here: http://www.precision-camera.com/product/25448

Precision Camera Supports Dell Children’s Hospital

2008-09-03T09:25:00.002-05:00

Precision Camera & Video, along with its valued vendor, Photoflex, is proud to announce its support of Dell Children’s Hospital’s compassionate program “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” We were grateful for the opportunity to donate high quality studio lighting equipment to such an important cause. Precision manager Gregg Burger and Photoflex representative Norman Haughey delivered the equipment and are pictured here with Julie Grassfield and Gwenn Gallagher from Dell Children's Hospital.

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) administers a network of more than 5,000 volunteer photographers in the United States and nineteen International countries. At a family's request, a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer will come to your hospital or hospice location and conduct a sensitive and private portrait session. The portraits are then professionally retouched and presented to the families on an archival DVD or CD that can be used to print portraits of their cherished baby.

For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.To learn more about how you can support NILMDTS, please visit http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

White Balance Basics

2008-09-03T09:18:00.002-05:00

In an age where "everything can be fixed in post-production," it’s nice to re-visit a few techniques that save you time and energy by creating the best possible image at the moment the image was taken. Understanding how to use your white balance settings can dramatically improve the quality of your images, particularly when it comes to capturing authentic color.

Frustrated when your waterfall images have a dull, blue tint? Learning to use your white balance settings can change all of that and save you a great deal of time in post-production.

Your white balance setting helps white objects remain a "true white" in the photograph, but this can be a challenge because different light sources cast different hues. Sunlight is often cast in a cooler tone—a blue tint—whereas light from halogen bulbs is often a warmer orange hue. Using your white balance settings properly can ensure that the white objects in your picture remain true when the lighting source is casting a different hue.

Come by Precision Camera & Video and bring your camera with you. We’d be happy to show you how to use your white balance settings as well as show you some of the best accessories designed to capture the image you intended. For example, check out our Expodisc line of white balance filters: http://www.precision-camera.com/search.php?terms=expodisc

Changing your Perspective

2008-08-06T08:32:00.004-05:00

Do you ever feel like you’re in a photo rut? Having trouble breaking away from the standard horizontal, centered family photograph? If you’re photo catalog is starting to feel too familiar, you can liven things up simply by changing your perspective.

Up Close and Personal: Don’t be afraid to zoom in close on your subject; this technique can help create a more intimate feel in the photograph. If you’re worried about personal space becoming an issue and making your subject feel a bit nervous, use your zoom lens to keep your distance and get closer all at the same time. For suggestions on some great zoom lenses, see a selection of zoom lenses on our website.

Get Down Low: If you want to communicate the grandness of an oak tree or the spectacular sight of a historic building, consider getting low to the ground and shooting upward. Your knees might hurt for a few minutes but the result could take your breath away.

Or Stand Tall: Take a tip from real estate agents and grab a chair. Standing on a chair allows you to photograph from a broader viewpoint and capture images that would escape you if you shot at eye level. It’s also a great way to get those ‘children lying in the grass’ shots. Ever wondered how they did that? Now you know!

Summer is still in full swing, so have some fun with your photography and don’t forget to come by and show us your favorite pictures. We’d love to hear how you used our photo tips!

Lighting Tips for Super Summer Shots

2008-07-02T10:49:00.008-05:00

You may think the hot summer sun is all you need to create perfectly-lit shots, and in many cases you’d be right. However, sometimes that noontime blaze can work against you, creating over-exposed images or ‘blown out’ pictures that lack rich color and detail. Here are a few tips to make sure that the sun remains your friend:

· Backlighting: If the sun is behind your subject (and is facing you, the photographer), your subject is backlit. When shooting outdoors in harsh sunlight, backlighting can be advantageous in that your subject won’t be squinting due to the sun being in her eyes. Just make sure that the sun’s rays don’t shine directly into your lens as you may end up with flare; consider bringing a lens hood or some other shading device for those daytime photo shoots.

· Wait for the Clouds: If you’re shooting on a cloudy day, consider taking some pictures in overcast light. Skin tones look very natural in this lighting scenario and the overall image may have a softer look than one shot in bright sunlight.

· Fill Flash is Your Friend: Ever see photos of your family with dark shadows on their faces or underneath their eyes? Shooting in bright sunlight can sometimes result in the ‘raccoon eye’ effect. Use your existing camera flash as ‘fill flash,’ and this will light those areas and eliminate those unsightly shadows.

· Sunset Shots: The color of sunlight changes dramatically during those sunrise and sunset times of day, giving you an opportunity to quickly capture your subjects in a variety of lighting situations. As the sun sets and the clouds move, light direction is affected and color changes result. Using the setting sun as your primary light source can give you a plethora of results, each one unique from another. Try sunset shots for images that display a richness of color or warmth not easily attained during the daylight hours.