snapshots

Article: FAQ: What kind of memory card do I need for my point-and-shoot camera?.Money-saving advice for snapshooters and family memory keepers

The number and variety of memory cards available today can be bewildering, especially to someone who just wants to take family snapshots with a point-and-shoot camera. Here's some buying advice.

Article: Don’t overuse your zoom lens: Fix The Pix, Episode 13.Superzooms are very tempting, but there's a downside

At the longest focal length, zoom lenses on compact cameras produce darker images, especially when shooting with your flash.

Article: Don't let far flash foible leave your subject in the dark: Fix the Pix, Episode 12.Your flash has limits. Here's one of them, and how to work around it.

Have you ever shot pictures of a ballgame or a concert at a stadium or arena—or just across a room—and were disappointed to see...not much of anything?

Article: Undo unflattering flash with a simple setting: Fix the Pix, Episode 10.No more deer in the headlights

Avoid on-camera flash as much as possible. But when there's insufficient light to get a decent shot without it, here's a simple way to get more flattering people pictures with it.

Article: Avoid uneven portrait lighting under trees: Fix the Pix, Episode 9.Why great portraits aren’t made in the uneven shade

While taking pictures in open shade is generally a good thing, there’s an exception to this rule when you’re under the shade of a big, leafy tree and the sun light peaks through here and there.

Article: "Why is my nose so big?" Fix the Pix, Episode 8.Avoid the fun-house mirror look

You've followed my advice and are shooting frame-filling portraits with your compact digital camera. But did you remember to zoom, or did you leave your lens at its widest setting? Here's the one time you shouldn't zoom with your feet!

Article: Fill the frame when shooting a portrait: Fix the Pix, Episode 7.Are you ready for your close-up?

The trouble with people pictures is most photographers don't get close enough. Look at the difference a more intimate approach can make!

Article: Beware distracting backgrounds: Fix the Pix, Episode 6."Hey, what's with that tree growing out of my head?"

When taking photos of your friends and loved ones with your digital camera, pay attention to what’s going on behind them. Otherwise, unintentional hilarity might ensue.

Article: Do your photos have too much space overhead? Fix the Pix! Episode 5.An easy fix for a common compositional boo-boo

When photographing people, don't waste half the frame with stuff that isn't important. If you can fold the picture in half and not lose anything you won't miss, it's time to change your shooting habits.

Article: Troubleshooting your digital point-and-shoot camera.What to do when your camera craps out

There you are, on the vacation of a lifetime with an incredible view before you and BOOM, your camera decides to have an attitude problem. Here are ten common digital camera breakdowns and how you should handle them.