Quick Tip #1:
Choose the right camera,
computer and software
CAMERA SELECTION 101
You probably already have a digital camera — but maybe you're thinking
of upgrading or getting a second one. I recommend cnet.com for reliable
reviews for specific cameras. But it's great to have some basic
knowledge as you begin your search ... so here's a beginner's course.
It's good to understand ...
MEGAPIXELS. A camera with a 7- to 12-megapixel capacity should be
plenty, even if you want to print up to 8 X 10. And that's way more than
enough resolution for online sharing.
FEATURES. To take photos in many different settings, you'll want to
select a camera that has an automatic mode. As you sharpen your skills,
you'll probably want optical zoom and manual exposure modes you can
change for different types of events (such as night or sports).
MEMORY. Every camera has a device that stores images inside the camera. A typical photo in my "Scrapbook" file is
about 2 megabytes (2 MB), so a small memory card like a 64 MB card would store 32 images. A 1 gigabyte card (1
GB) will store 500 images. But don't take the big capacity as license to never download.
POWER SOURCE. Cameras will need either their own model-specific battery (which must be recharged), rechargeable
alkaline batteries, or non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. No matter which type, it is good to get an extra set of
batteries and carry them with you.
Camera Types
POCKET CAMERAS. These tiny powerhouses can be slipped into a purse or pocket for photography anytime. Most
have the same features as the point-and-shoot cameras, but their size is a selling point.
POINT AND SHOOT. These moderately-sized, moderately-priced cameras are not too complex for the casual
photographer, yet offer some advanced features if you feel experimental.
ADVANCED AND EXTENDED ZOOM. These fall somewhere between the ease of the point-and-shoot and the near-infinite
possibilities of the Single Lens Reflex. As well as automatic settings, they offer many features. Competetive
pricing has made this category increasingly popular.
DIGITAL SINGLE-LENS REFLEX. These cameras are comprised of a body and a lens, and have multiple features to
satisfy growing expertise. Affordable SLRs and the ease of digital post-processing has made SLR photography a fast-growing hobby.
COMPUTER HARDWARE
Wondering whether your computer has the guts to go into the world of modern digital scrapbooking? It won't be fun if
you have to wait while your screen redraws every time you place a photo! If you don't know whether your machine can
handle it, here are the system requirements to run the current versions of Photoshop Elements:
PCs http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/systemreqs/
MACs http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelmac/systemreqs/
SOFTWARE: WHY PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS?
After carefully researching several types of digital scrapbooking software in the marketplace today, I came back to
recommending Adobe Photoshop Elements for a number of reasons. Here are just a few of them:
ADOBE IS HERE TO STAY. This program isn't going anywhere; you won't have to choose a new program or worry
about outdated file formats because a smaller company goes out of business in five years. Our kids are growing up
learning graphics on Adobe products; it's an investment in the future.
MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY AND CAPABILITY for all levels of user. Modern digital scrapbooking uses only a few basic
actions, but many of you will end up learning more skills than we explore here. Notably, Elements offers you the ability
to correct and improve the quality of your photos in ways most scrapbooking programs can't. And if you have kids in
the house, they'll love exploring dozens of creative features like Chrome (photos will look like liquid metal) and Neon
Glow, as well as changing colors in a split-second. Could be a "new box of crayons" in your house!
TUTORIALS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT. The Help menu within the program is extremely useful. Everything you
need to know about creating a modern digital scrapbook page is explained in Quick Tip #2, but naturally, it's best to
understand the workspace of any program you learn. Purchase includes both online and telephone tech suport. And
because it's so widely used, you can find innumerable message boards and websites where you can interface with
other users. A Google search for any topic renders dozens of solutions.
VALUE. Yes, you will find free and/or cheaper photo programs, but Elements is a great long-term investment. I will
always keep a list of lowest pricing in my blog — I sometimes find deep discounts. And both PC and Mac users can
take advantage of a free 30-day trial:
Download free trial or purchase from Adobe/PC users (newest version)
Download free trial or purchase from Adobe/Mac users (newest version)
Purchase Photoshop Elements from Amazon.com/PC users (newest and previous versions)
Purchase Photoshop Elements from Amazon.com/Mac users (newest and previous versions)
CHECK MY BLOG FOR TODAY'S BEST PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS PRICING
