Getting started - What kind of camera? 

Digital or Film - the times, they are a changing...

• Whether you use a digital or a "traditional" film camera depends primarily on personal preference - and whether or not you want to sell your photos. If your interest in photography is simply for your own enjoyment, you can get fine results with either type.
  
  If you're considering selling your images, it's important to check on the policy for your potential markets. An increasing number of publications are open to buying digital images, but some still require an original transparency or negative. The latest edition of Photographer's Market is included in the list of books a little further down this page, and it's a good source of that information. Use the listing in that book to find the website for markets you want to approach, and then check on-line for the publisher's latest submission guidelines.
  
  I'll suggest some pros and cons of film vs. digital below.

Digital cameras - the current trend in cameras 

Here are a few personal thoughts about pros and cons

• Digital "film" is cheap! Since there is no film for a digital model, once you've amortized the cost of extra memory, your digital photos are basically free until you decide you want to print them.

• Never run out of "film." If you buy enough extra memory for your digital camera, you can take hundreds of photos without having to "reload" (which simply means transferring your images to a computer, CD or other storage medium.)

• Get instant feedback. You'll probably never have another chance for a particular photo, so the ability to instantly preview your photos on a digital model can give you a lot of peace of mind.

• Don't pay for film and developing for photos that just didn't turn out. Preview your digital cameras on the camera itself or on your computer and just delete the ones that aren't "keepers."

• Editing software on your computer allows you to crop out that telephone pole, eliminate the infamous "redeye," and enhance your photos in many ways that aren't possible for photos taken on film. (You can always scan a film image, convert it to digital format, and then manipulate it like any other digital photo.)

• CON - Digital isn't universally accepted if you ever plan to sell any of your photos, especially to some of the higher paying markets.

• CON - The options and controls on digital cameras, other than the most basic "point and shoot" models, can be a little intimidating, and the better ones can have a pretty steep learning curve if you want to use all of their features. If you're buying a new digital camera for an upcoming trip or special event, get it in time to become comfortable with the various "menu" options and controls. Guys, this is a case where it really does pay to read the directions :-)

Film cameras - a favorite for decades 

• There are some great bargains to be had in quality SLR cameras and lenses, as digital models become more popular. If you're a garage sale or E-bay fan, you may find some incredible buys on a top of the line film camera.
• Negatives and prints from standard film, if properly stored, have a long shelf life.
• If you want to sell your photos to some markets, transparencies ("slides") are your only option.
• Major drawbacks? The cost of film and developing, even for those shots that proved to be dreadful - and the problem of where to store all of those photos, slides or negatives that accumulate over the years.

Tip #1 - Buy extra memory for a digital camera - or take plenty of film. 

Most digital cameras come with a limited amount of "memory," or storage capacity. Buy extra memory cards, but do your homework first. There is a rather confusing variety of memory cards, sticks, and other devices, so be sure you get the type that fits your camera.

Don't forget to transfer your images from the camera to your computer, a CD or other storage device at regular intervals. Not only does this provide a backup for your photos, but sooner or later, you'll fill up even the largest memory card - which is the same as running out of film.

For those photos which are keepsake quality, I'd suggest you back them up on a separate CD, DVD or similar media and store that copy in a safe and separate location.

I know it should go without saying, but if you're shooting film, always have an extra roll - or 3 or 10 if you're on a special trip. I captured the scene in the above photo at the Grand Canyon years ago, early in my photo career. This remarkable light lasted for only about 2 minutes - and I had only 3 shots left on my last roll of film. There was no time to drive to the nearest spot for buy more film. I've tried to always have a spare roll after than trip!

Tip #2 - Get a zoom lens. 

The right lens lets you a closeup photo without getting up close and personal.

When you're shooting outdoors, the opportunity for a sweeping scenic, a great wildlife shot, or a nice close-up of a flower can present itself on short notice. You can save some frustration if you have the opportunity to zoom from a wider angle to a telephoto without having to change lenses.

If you want to take wildlife shots, a good zoom or telephoto lens is essential. Both for your safety, and to avoid scaring off your subject, you need the ability to get that wildlife shot from a safe distance.

Don't have a zoom or telephoto? Just buy a postcard at the park visitor center. This woman in this photo is way too close for comfort! Large animals such as this elk, along with bison, moose and bears, are dangerous and can move surprisingly quickly. (Photo courtesy of National Park Service.)

When you're shopping for a digital camera, look at the numbers for optical rather than digital zoom. "Digital" zoom is basically hype and won't give you a quality shot. One expert source says a basic rule of thumb is that a 3x optical zoom is roughly equivalent to a film camera's 35-mm to 105-mm zoom.

Tip #3 - Lighting can make all the difference 

High noon was a great title for a famous western movie, but it's usually not a great time for outdoor photos.

The photos below from the Grand Canyon were taken with the same camera and type of film, but for different purposes. The one in the center was taken near mid-day to show just how many switchbacks exist on a trail out of the canyon, while the other two were scenic sunset shots.

Note how the colors in the canyon tend to be rather "flat" during the mid-day photo. In many cases, shots taken earlier or later in the day, when the sun is lower in the sky, allow you to take advantage of shadows and other effects to create a much more dramatic image.

Click on the thumbnails below if you want to see a larger version.

S 1109 Gr Can sunset...

switchbacks on trail

Grand Canyon sunset

Lighting makes a difference on closeups, too. 

Here's an example of how backlighting can provide a very different result for the same subject. I used the zoom feature on a Canon PowerShot A560, which costs under $200, to get these closeups. Click on the thumbnail views below for a better look.

Cardinal flower and...

Cardinal flower and...

Tip #4 - The early bird often gets the prime photos. 

Whether you're after bird or wildlife photos, or you want one of those classic shots of the mountains reflected in the mirror-like surface of a lake, your odds of the best shot are early in the morning. Wildlife is often more active early in the day (or in the evening).

In many locations, those calm waters for great reflections are most often to occur in early morning, before the breeze begins to blow. This photo at Glacier National Park is a good example.

Tip #5 - If you want to get up close and personal, have the right lens. 

If you want to take close-ups of flowers, butterflies, bugs or anything else where the details really matter, you'll probably want a "macro" or similar lens that allows you to focus on objects at very close range.

An increasing number of digital cameras, even moderately priced ones, have a zoom lens with macro capabilities. You will often sacrifice some image sharpness with a zoom lens, although this may not be noticeable unless you print an enlargement.

This photo of a wild azalea was taken in the Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas with my old 35 mm SLR (single lens reflex.)

If you're using a SLR, an option to a macro lens is to look for a set of close-up adapters. These thin and inexpensive lenses usually come in a set of three and screw onto the front of a regular lens, just like a UV filter or lens cover. You add either 1, 2 or 3 in various combinations to allow you to get much the same effect as a macro lens. This photo of the wild azalea was taken using that method.

Tip # 6 - no close-up lens? Try the zoom mode on your camera. 

This photo of a lupine in Alaska was taken using the zoom lens on a Panasonic PV GS320 video camera. The camera only takes still images at a 3 MP resolution, but I felt the result was certainly worth keeping.

Tip #7 Don't put your camera away when winter arrives! 

Here are a few photos I took last December in Alaska. Click on any of the "thumbnail" images for a larger view.

Winter can offer some great opportunities for interesting shots. It was about -21 F when I took these in Nome, Alaska, and under those conditions shooting on "automatic" mode on my digital camera was a plus. Just keep in mind that battery life on a camera will be a lot shorter when the weather is unusually cold - or hot.

seting sun over ice...

historic wagon and i...

late afternoon over...

ice floes off beach...

ice and mist Norton...

Tip #8 - Rainy or cloudy day? Don't despair. 

Some of the best opportunities for unusual lighting can come when there's a little break in the clouds or rain. This photo was taken during one of those moments from the train between Seward and Anchorage, Alaska.

Tip #9 - Batteries - the other essential. 

Unless you're using a "disposable" camera or another very basic model, your camera requires batteries. That famous bunny from the TV commercials notwithstanding, even the best batteries don't keep on going forever.

Many (but not all) digital cameras use either standard AA or AAA batteries. Be sure you know what type and size - and how many are needed for your model - and carry at least enough for one "reload" in your camera case. This is one of those small details that's easy to overlook - until your camera is out of juice on that overlook at the Grand Canyon.

Digital cameras can use considerable battery power, especially in cold weather or if you're taking a lot of flash photos. Most cameras let you turn off the flash when it's not needed, and this can greatly extend the battery life. If your camera has a viewfinder as well as the LCD screen, gain even more battery life by using the viewfinder to frame shots instead of the LCD.

If you take a lot of digital photos, you can cut battery costs by buying rechargeable batteries. One of my cameras takes two AA batteries; I have two sets and swap and recharge at regular intervals.

A recent Consumer Reports article rated the Energizer e2 Lithium as the best overall value for non-rechargeable AA batteries. See their November 2007 issue for more details and ratings of other batteries.

Some digital models and many film cameras require special size batteries that aren't always readily available except at electronics or photo stores. Others use a proprietary, rechargeable battery. If that's your situation, it's especially important to carry a spare- and keep it charged. Don't press your luck on a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Some cameras even require two different types of batteries - one for the light meter and another for the built-in flash. Here's another time when it really does pay to read the instructions!

Here are a few of my photos from national parks. 

For a larger view of any of these images, just click on the thumbnail view.

If you'd like to see a few more samples, or if you're interested in purchasing a copy of any of Jim's photos, click here to see some of his work on the Outdoor Eyes gallery.

S 1503 Bear grass fl...

Grand Canyon sunset

Two medicine lake Gl...

Grand Canyon winter

N 1500c Glacier Lil...

Willow Beach sunset,...

Canyon de Chelly

View between Palmer...

griz and cub Denali...

Mountain goat Glacie...

Alaska has some great photo opportunities! 

In May and June, 2007 I had the chance to travel to Alaska. Here are a few samples of photo opportunities in that area. Click on each thumbnail below for a larger view.

Misty Fiords Nationa...

Mountain sunset west...

Misty Fjords Nationa...

Misty Fjords Nationa...

Mendenhall Glacier n...

Denali

griz and cub Denali...

Sea otter near Sewar...

Lupine in Alaska

King Eider at Alaska...

Here are some useful books on photography from Amazon.com 

How to Do Everything: Digital Camera (How to Do Everything)

by Dave Johnson

Amazon Price: $18.24 (as of 10/13/2008)

Digital Photography All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

by David D. Busch

Amazon Price: $26.39 (as of 10/13/2008)

2008 Photographer's Market

by Donna Poehner

Amazon Price: $17.81 (as of 10/13/2008)

John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide

by John Shaw

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/13/2008)

National Geographic Photography Field Guide: Secrets to Making Great Pictures, Second Edition

by Peter Burian, Bob Caputo

Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)

Plan to buy a camera? 

Here are a few digital models in a variety of features and price ranges.

Canon PowerShot SD1000 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver)

A affordable, very compact and popular digital camera.

Amazon Price: $349.99 (as of 10/13/2008)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

An affordable and compact camera with 12x optical zoom.

Amazon Price: $603.77 (as of 10/13/2008)

Sony Cybershot DSC-N2 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Top rated model in the compact camera in the July 2007 Consumer Reports magazine.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)

Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens

One of Canon's top of line "prosumer" cameras for a serious photographer.

Amazon Price: $1,139.00 (as of 10/13/2008)

Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon's flagship prosumer digital camera for the serious photographer.

Amazon Price: $2,209.93 (as of 10/13/2008)

Need some impartial advice about digital cameras? 

Some sources of expert advice, on-line. 

Subscribe to the Outdoor Adventure & Photography Newsletter

Here's a great (and free!) monthly on-line newsletter from a quality outdoor photography site. It includes not only photography articles, but also good information about outdoor activities. Join Outdoor Eyes at no cost, and you'll also find a wealth of free expert advice on their on-line forums.

Looking for a great place to market your photos on-line? 

Outdoor Eyes.com

This link will give you details about how to display your best photos on line and sell them.

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Let's hear from you. Do you prefer digital or film - or both? 

Cast your vote below for your favorite photo medium.

Thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment so I'll know you were here. 

ElizabethJeanAllen I've been trying to take pictures of the birds. So far the results have been mixed, but some of the pictures have turned out really good. Great lens Lizzy Posted August 09, 2008

bbug Great lens, I take lots of outdoor photos. Posted April 04, 2008

capirani Very nice pictures. Posted March 21, 2008

UMT For one to enjoy the photo taking experience, a good camera would be required. From experience, most of these high quality cameras cost a little bit much. Great lens on your part. Posted March 19, 2008

catchquests great lens! hope you one day travel to the philippines and we can feature your pics in our site.. i just started squidoo yesterday and im here to get word out for the up and coming site, catchquest.com - u can check out mu lens for more info ;) thanks in advance and hope to see you there. ;) Posted February 09, 2008

 

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