So, you got a digital camera for the holidays? Now what?
On today's show Michael and I tell you everything you need to know about your new digital camera. Is it the right camera for you? If not, what should you do? How do you to learn to use it? What accessories do you need right now, and what can you hold off on? What are the least expensive software options to get you started and where should you go from there?
Michael and I answer these questions - and more! - in this Very Special Episode of Digital Photography Life.
Here are links to some of the products we discussed in the show:
Free or Inexpensive Software
Great Books with which to Get Started
Camera Bags
I thought ThinkTank Photo Would have a bag in the $30 range, but they start at $50
The closest I could come to a reputable-looking $30 bag is this $39 one from Lowepro, a well-known and respected brand.
Memory Cards
Memory Card Reader
Remember - you want one that can read multiple formats. I have this one from Sandisc, works great and reads just about everything but the phone book
Now, onto a personal note. At the end of the show, I spoke about Springs of Hope, the charity championed by Scott Kelby. I wrote about my feelings on Scott's site - here's the comment I left there:
I’m so glad you posted about this again! I meant to contribute earlier, but forgot. Forgetting children in need! Such is the sometimes appalling busyness of our lives.
As an adoptive parent of two children from distressed backgrounds, I know what a difference you can make in the life of a disadvantaged child. I’ve seen first hand the plight of children in overseas orphanages as well as that of children in foster care right here in the richest country in the world.
My oldest son, Sasha, was born with a disability and languished in a third-world orphanage. When I adopted him at 16 months, he was the size of an American 9 month old, unable to walk or even stand. He didn’t babble, or smile, and he was so depressed that, when I brought him home, an American pediatrician diagnosed him as autistic.
Well, today he is a healthy and loving 8 year old, on grade level in all his academics. While he is still physically challenged, he is a happy and optimistic boy who brings joy to everyone he meets. When I tell people he was once labeled “autistic,” they suggest I sue the doctor.
My four-year old was the victim of neglect of abuse right here in the good old USA. He was such a terror that his first foster family turned him out. I have to admit, for the first month, I too was writing his social worker to say that I wasn’t sure it was going to work out - he was that troubled. It was like living with a hurricane in the house, only more destructive and not covered by my homeowner’s insurance.
But if you met him today you’d never imagine he was ever anything other than sweet, bright and loving. He’s the light of my life, and he shines on everyone he comes across.
If I had the money, I swear, I’d be like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, adopting every kid I could and healing the world one child at a time. Lacking those resources, I just wrote out a check to Springs of Hope, in the hope of helping those I could.
I know these are hard times economically, but in the words of Anne Frank, no one ever became poor by giving. I applaud all your readers who have given so much to Springs of Hope so far, and I encourage those who haven’t gotten around to it yet- like me! - to take a moment to write a check now while these children are on their minds and in their hearts.
I’m going to talk about this on the next Digital Photography Life; let’s hope everyone helps spread the word.
Bless you this holiday season for reminding us that the greatest joy comes in giving, not getting. And the most profound satisfaction can be found in giving to those who may never know your name or see your face, but whose bellies are full and whose homes are protected because of your loving kindness.
Sasha in the orphanage Sasha today
If you listened to the show, you know I kept my promise and mentioned Springs of Hope on Digital Photography Life. And, looking at the pictures above, you can see how I know just how far a child can come when he or she is given the chance to thrive.
Now, the ball is in your court. If you want to share some love this post-Holiday Season, please check out Scott K's information about Springs of Hope, and click here to contribute (you can do it RIGHT NOW through Paypal.
If you want to enter our photo contest, the information is in the previous show's notes. You can see the entries here.
Thanks to everyone for listening!
Scott
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