Don't Let Common Problems Ruin Your Digital Photogaphy

If you run into a problem while out taking pictures, sometimes it's not so easy to find a solution.However, there's a better way!Keep in mind, "The best defense is a good offense.” And the best offense here is to avoid problems with your digital camera in the first place.

That’s not to say things aren’t going to happen that are unexpected and unavoidable.Thinking ahead,however, would prevent many of the common problems photographers run into when out taking pictures.

Dead Batteries

There’s nothing worse than missing that great picture because the camera battery died.Don't let dead batteries be a problem. The solution is to always keep spare batteries in your camera case. It doesn’t matter if you use rechargeable or regular batteries, you need at least one spare..

Also, bear in mind that if you’re outside shooting in cold weather, your batteries will die a lot quicker.Low temperatures kill digital camera batteries quickly, so if you want to keep your camera going, more than one spare battery might be a good idea.

Yes, batteries are expensive, but it’s worth the spending a little extra money to keep from beating your head against the wall because a dead battery made you miss that once in a lifetime shot.

When Cards Go Bad

A while back I went on vacation and took all my pictures on one card.I thought I'd have some great pictures.I was sure the card had been filled with loads of great pictures.

The scenery was indeed breathtaking, but what really took my breath away was when I tried to load the pictures onto my computer and got one of those dreaded “ERROR” messages.The card was bad. All the files were corrupted and useless.If the memory card is bad, there's no pictures to retrieve.

While it doesn’t happen often, cards can and do go bad.That's the reason it's better to buy a couple of smaller cards for your digital camera than just one great big card.Don't buy a 2-GB card, for example, get a couple of 1-GB cards instead.

Yes, it’s cheaper to buy a huge bunch of gigabytes on one card.But losing that one card would mean losing every one of your pictures.Don't goof up and rely on one card.It's better to have some of your pictures than not a one of your pictures.

Remember, two cards are better than one.

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

The weather isn’t cooperating, or maybe you just like pictures of rain.If you're riding in a boat or dallying at the seashore, there's a lot of moisture around there too.Getting some great pictures is on your mind, but you don't want to mess up your camera.Is there any way to keep your camera dry?

Well, you can buy protective gear to keep in your camera case for such times. Places like B & H Photo or Calumet Photographic stores carry waterproof cases.You might not want to spend that much money if you only need to keep your camera dry occasionally.

For a make-do solution, carry a clear plastic bag in your camera case to keep water off your camera.You're traveling and forgot the plastic bag? Look in your motel room for one of those clear disposable plastic shower caps.

Planning Ahead Saves Your Sanity

If planning ahead doesn’t save your sanity, it will at least improve your chances for good pictures with your digital camera.You at least have a shot for some great pictures if you keep the camera batteries change, extra memory cards on hand, and your camera nice and dry.

And that’s why you bought a digital camera in the first place, right?