5 Extras
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5 Extras You’ll Want to Buy to Make Life Easier
You’ve got the camera, now what? Family photography requires keeping your eyes open because you never know when your little ones will do something you just have to capture – or what it will be. Here are some extra buys that will help prepare you for any occasion.
- Extra memory cards
Chances are you’re going to be shooting a lot of pictures, and choosing which ones to trash is hard when they’re all so cute. Memory cards are small, cheap and worth it; having an extra one handy can allow you to keep you shooting until you have time to download your photos onto your computer.
- Off-camera lighting
The direct light of your camera’s built-in flash is harsh and can leave your kids looking like ghosts, regardless of their complexions. Shooting without the flash is one way to avoid this (though you’ll need a tripod, see below), but there are other options. An off-camera flash works well, but they’re expensive. For a cheaper alternative, try a Lightscoop for your digital SLR.
- Tripod
Opting not to use the flash or shooting after dark? Then a tripod is a must for eliminating camera shake and helping you get your shot in low light. It’s also great when you set your camera on a timer to take a family portrait – and you’re running back to join the group.
- Back-up computer drive
Digital photos take up a lot of space on a hard drive, and a crash could mean the loss of your favorite memories. Pick up an easy-to-use back-up drive like the Click Free, store them there instead of on your computer’s hard drive, and your pictures are safe. You can also upload them to a photo sharing site like Picasa for added security (see the Sharing section below).
- A camera bag
If you’re going to make an investment in a camera, the last thing you need is to have to invest in another one when Sweetie spills her juice all over it. A padded bag made specifically for cameras is best; it provides the appropriate amount of cushion, and many are waterproof.
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