So, you have taken lots of pictures with your new digital camera, the memory card is full, and you are wondering how to store and archive your images.

1 Buy another memory card

The method of storing your images with least effort is to buy a new memory card and keep your images on the first card.
Taking into account that memory cards are currently expensive, this seems a costly way of archiving the images. In the longer
term, however, there may be some argument for this method as memory card prices fall, which they progressively have. However
as time goes by the digital size of images (measured in megapixels) will increases partly offsetting this factor.

2 Transfer your images on to your computer

Most if not all digital cameras come with a cable for connecting the camera to a personal computer. The manufacturer has
probably provided software with that cable so that you can install the software on to your computer, connect the cable and
transfer images from your camera onto your PC. Don’t forget, if all else fails - read the instruction booklet! Once safely on
your computer hard drive, you can erase the memory of the camera and start taking new photos all over again. However do check
that the images have been successfully downloaded to your computer before you erase them!

3 Burn your images onto a CDRom

Many home computers are now equipped with a CDRom writer. This is probably the preferred way of archiving your images for
years to come. One word of warning though. Do not buy cheap recordable CDs - CDRs. Cheap discs are less reliable and we have
found some to be problematic. We have also found that rewritable disks - those that can be written once and then overwritten - do not work well in certain CD Drives. Best to use good quality write once CDRs and carefully label them, storing them in cases for protection. In due course CDs will be replaced by DVDs providing greater memory capacity as image files increase in size.

4 Store your images on a public web site

If you are connected to the internet you will be able to find sites on the world wide web which will store your images for
posterity. Furthermore, they may let others view your images, or restrict access to them by a password. Some sites charge for
this service. What the long term prognosis is for any of these sites is - well - who knows. But they might be useful in the
short term.

5 Print your images at home for viewing

You might want to put your images in an album to keep for yourself and to show family and friends. Photo printers are
available for home use - either from the manufacturer of your camera or from another. The convenience of being able to print
your own images at home immediately will be offset by the cost of consumables, which can be high, and the slow print speed of
many home printers. Further there has been discussion regarding the longevity of the prints made at home compared with
conventional prints made on photographic paper.

6 Use a professional laboratory to make photographic prints

A more practical way of printing your images is to take your camera memory card or a CDRom to you local film processor for
prints. You will be able to collect your printed images either the same or the next day and they will be photographic prints
with a very long life expectancy. The laboratory will be able to crop your images or enlarge the full image or a section of
it to further enhance your photo.

7 Put your pictures on to a photo gift

For a lasting memento, why not put your pictures into a frame or even get your laboratory to put them on a gist such as a mug
or mouse mat. Such object will have a long life and attract interest and attention. To see some of the possibilities when it
comes to photo gifts feel free to visit http://www.view-link.com/photogifts.html

Christopher Thomas is both keen photographer and company director of Viewlink Ltd based in Amersham, Uk. The company focusses on digital photo developing for both amateur and commercial photographers. For more articles by Christopher Thomas please visit the company website at http://www.view-link.com

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Have you ever gotten back developed photos from the drugstore or film company only to discover that several shots turned out poorlyor not at all? Most camera buffs have experienced this type of disappointment frequently. Over time, though, picture takers become familiar with helpful techniques that can make photos come out much better than the earlier snapshots. Here are a few helpful hints you may want to try:

1. Get to know your camera. Read the instruction guide carefully, and contact the manufacturer with any questions you might have. Practice taking shots at varying angles and distances until you figure out how to get the best results. Work with the lighting options, including flash, for balance of perspective and shading. Keep fresh batteries and check them often to make sure they don’t give up just when you’re ready for that all-time spectacular, spontaneous shot of a twelve-point buck jumping over your parked truck.

2. Size up your subjects. Learn how to place people and objects in your viewfinder, as well as how to center landscapes. A basic book on photography or even a few suggestions in your camera kit can teach you how to juxtapose people within a pose to get the best results.

3. Practice until you get good at it. Keep a spare roll of film on hand and take pictures of anything cute or challenging. That will help you get used to the camera, and equipment if applicable, so that you will be ready for the big picture when the opportunity comes along. You may want to get a tripod or another piece of stabilizing equipment to hold the camera steady for photographs of yourself or group shots.

4. Ask a pro. It wouldn’t hurt to ask a professional photographer for a few hints in exchange for lunch. You may want to keep this in mind for upcoming special events, like weddings, birthdays, or holiday celebrations. You also can call a camera shop or pick up a book at the library if you want to learn more than the basics.

5. Protect your camera. Don’t let it get wet, of course. Also avoid leaving it in the car where it can get damaged by heat or cold, as well as get jostled by frisky kids or pets. Keep your camera in a carrying case, and store it safely in a closet or cupboard where it cannot get hurt at home. Don’t let anyone else use your camera unless you’re willing to take the chance of getting it back damaged, broken, or not at all.

Remember to take care of your photos after they have been developed. Store them in photo albums with acid-free paper backing, and arrange them in an order that will help you locate specific prints when desired. Keep the negatives on hand for a year or two in case someone wants a duplicate picture.

For more information on photography equipment and supplies and making the most of your photo shots, visit The Camera Cart at
http://www.cameracart.com

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As a photographer there is no greater joy than being recognized for what you love doing. A large part of that recognition will come through the self promotional tactics you employ. One way to ensure you get recognition for what you do is to create a photography portfolio which is second to none.

Step 1) Choosing your theme
You may already have the pictures to create a themed portfolio or you may be planning on capturing them over the next little while. Either way, your portfolio, like a well written book, should have some unifying theme. This theme can be conceptual or it can be technical. For example, your theme could be about courage, love, urban life, rural life, garbage. Alternatively you can create a theme based on photographic technicalities. For example you could create a portfolio showcasing all of your best wide angle work, or one which displays your best black and white work. The themes for creating a portfolio are only limited by your own imagination. So take your time and create a themed portfolio which means something to you.

Step 2) Choosing the photos
Choosing the right photographs to put in your portfolio will be a time consuming process. By the nature of the portfolio itself, only your best pieces should be placed within the portfolio. If you don’t’ have too many top picks spend some more time photographing until you get the desired results. Your portfolio is something you should be proud of, not something thrown together out of impatience and haste.

Your portfolio should be manageable for the viewer to get through. Too often photographers fill pages and pages with photographs that the viewer will skim through to get to the end. Most audiences have short attention spans. Don’t take it personally, it’s simply how we’ve been conditioned to see the world. If you’re photography portfolio is shorter, your audience will be more likely to slow down and spend more time looking at each photograph.

For those of you who have been to art galleries showcasing a particular artist work, you’ll remember, that their showcase was relatively easy to get through. This is because they don’t’ want to clutter the walls and they want to keep your attention the whole time. You must do the same as a photographer. Just because they make photo albums that can hold 500 pictures doesn’t mean you should try to fill it up. Narrow your portfolio down to 20-50 photographs. There is no hard set number you need to follow but this seems to be the range that most audiences would prefer.

Step 3) Showing your work
Now that you’ve put together your portfolio, it’s time to show it off. Keep it in a public space in your house, show your friends and family, but a digital copy online and show it around to galleries and exhibits if you’re looking to sell some of the photographs in your set.

Completing your portfolio is a great feeling. It’s a great internal battle choosing the perfect pictures for your portfolio because it represents you and what you stand for as a photographer. Take your time putting it together, but make sure your complete your project. Too many photographers shoot all day long and fail to present their work properly. Don’t let your photographs sit around in boxes in the closest. Take the best ones out and show them off!

John S
Stare Online Photography School
http://www.starephotography.com

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