Sometimes photography seems at odds with a busy lifestyle. Much of photography is slow and deliberate: setting up shots, testing light, waiting for the perfect moment.
For active people involved in sports and outdoor pursuits, photography is a different art altogether. Instead of planning and deliberation, the active photographer relies on convenience and opportunity. With the right tools and a little preparation, you can transform your active photos.
- Think compact: Cameras are smaller and more powerful than ever before, packing functionality into convenient, lightweight bodies.
- Point-and-shoot— small and convenient, point-and-shoots have come a long way. Small enough to fit in a pocket, many point-and-shoots have shooting modes to give the photographer creative options that were previously available only on digital SLR cameras.
- DSLR—Digital SLRs are renowned for their superb photo quality. In the past, photographers have sacrificed portability for the versatility of interchangeable lenses. A new generation of dSLR changes this: camera bodies are lighter and more compact than ever.
- Compact System Cameras—New to the photographic world, Compact System Cameras pair the convenience of compact with the versatility of interchangeable lenses. Compact System Cameras are well-suited for active photographers who prefer the creative freedom of a DSLR.
- Know your camera: Most casual photographers leave their mode dials permanently on ‘Auto’, but learning about the different features can transform your photos.
- Action Mode—Use this mode when photographing a moving object. The camera will choose a fast shutter speed that can freeze motion.
- Burst mode—Many compact cameras have the capability of taking frame after frame in rapid succession, giving you many action shots to choose from.
- Autofocus—Take a few moments to read about your camera’s autofocus. Some cameras can automatically focus on the moving object; some can be disabled so you can play with the focus manually.
- Waterproof, shockproof—Is your camera waterproof? Water resistant? Shockproof? Many compacts are designed for durability, making them the perfect equipment for camping, boating, and other active pursuits.
- Remote control/Self timer—The family photographer never seems to get in the shot! Setting your timer or using a remote control shutter release will give you the flexibility to have everyone in the picture.
- Consider a telephoto lens: Filming a big game? Professional sports photographers use telephoto lenses to get close to the action. When using a telephoto lens, remember while the lens magnifies the subject, it likewise magnifies hand shake. It’s a good idea to use a tripod.
- Take a tripod: Tripods are not just for telephoto lens shots! Compact tripods are lightweight and easy to pack, and stabilizing your camera can open up your photographic possibilities.
- Take your camera everywhere: Sometimes the best shots just present themselves to you—a dog catching a Frisbee, a kid on a swing, a ray of light through a tree. Get in the habit of taking your camera whenever you leave the house. Shoot lots and don’t be afraid of taking a bad picture—you can delete the bad and print the good when you get home.
Sidebar: Order your prints, your way
- Deliver images the way you want: Drop by London Drugs with your flash drive, SD card, disc, or film; alternatively, you can upload your photos at London Drugs Photolab. We print fast, usually within an hour or two.
- Get the prints you want: We print standard 4×6 and 5×7, as well as 6×8 for those who shoot with compact digital cameras. We can enlarge your prints too, from 8×10 to 44×66.
- Get the quality you want: Our experienced lab technicians inspect and correct every image. We use cutting-edge Dry Photographic Technology for richer colour with superior definition. The result is exceptional quality prints, guaranteed to last.
