Technology Archives - Page 9 of 41

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Take Dad Down Memory Lane

Dads are notoriously tough to buy gifts for. Something about them having everything they need already? So this Father’s Day, why not surprise dad with the gift of memories – something we’re sure he’ll be happy to receive. Give him the gift of memories of his childhood, memories of his first years as a father, memories of his worldly travels…whatever you think will resonate best with your dad! Here, our Photolab Experts will show you how to compile your own Father’s Day gift using throwback photos of dad.

Dust Off the Shoeboxes & Photo Albums

First, you’ll need to find some old photos of dad to work with. That means digging through old photo albums and dusty shoeboxes full of old photos to find some treasures. If they’re not in plain sight, you may need to check the basement, attic or storage unit. Be very careful when handling the old photographs you find. After being exposed to light, dust, heat and other elements over the decades, they are likely to be quite fragile.

Dad thought all evidence of that bowl cut was gone…little does he know it was just buried in a shoebox, waiting to be uncovered! You know it’ll give him (and everyone else) a good laugh.

Give Damaged Photos some TLC

If you come across some great oldies while sorting through the shoeboxes of photographs, but they’re a bit worse for wear, we may be able to help. Our Photolab offers digital restoration services to help restore your photos to their former glory. Simply bring the photos into the Photolab and our LDExperts can digitally edit each individual image to bring back a little colour worn by dust and heat, fill in scratches, or restore parts of an image that was destroyed by water damage. You’d be amazed at what we’re able to restore!

Digitize Dad’s Old Photographs

Once you’ve picked some real gems of dad ‘back in the day’, you’ll want to digitize those original photographs so that you can turn them into a unique Father’s Day gift. You can do this yourself with an at-home scanner, but if you’re looking to digitize a large selection of photos (it’s hard to choose, we know!), we recommend using our Photo Scanning Box service.

Just pick up a free box in-store and fill it with up to 800 photos (and other precious documents). Then return the box to your local London Drugs Photolab and we’ll digitize your photos for only $179.99. Once finished, your photos will be returned to you, along with all the digital files on a USB drive.

We also offer a Slide Scanning Box service, if you dug up some great slides of dad and want to get those digitized too.

You might even consider digitizing all of dad’s old photos and slides a Father’s Day gift, while you’re at it! After all, those are precious memories worth protecting in the form of digital files. He’ll thank you later, if anything ever happens to the originals!

Create Your Father’s Day Throwback Gift

Now that you have all the digital files of dad’s photos at your fingertips, you can get creative with how you want to gift them! One of our favourite ways to showcase photos as a gift, especially if you have quite a few, is with a photo book. Our high quality photo paper and exceptional inks will give the images new life – and you know dad will love flipping through them all and reminiscing. Our photo collages are another great way to showcase a whole selection of your dad’s best snapshots from over the years. Both our photo books and collages also have themed Father’s Day templates!

We also have lots of unique keepsakes that we can customize with your chosen throwback photo of dad. Add his ‘mug’ to a Father’s Day themed mug, or put an image of him on a photo box.

Then, finish off your gift with a thoughtful, personalized card which you can also add your own photo to and customize with text. We have Father’s Day templates for those too.

Happy Father’s Day!

6 Summer Photography Tips for Better Photos at the Lake

We might be slightly biased, but Canada really does have the best summers. The beaches are basking in sun, patios are buzzing, campsites are aplenty, and lakes are prime for a dip. In Part 1 of our Summer Photography Tips series, our LDExperts in the Photolab are sharing their expertise for capturing the perfect photos lakeside. If you’re planning to visit Canada’s lake country this summer, make sure to check out these tips before you go, so you can capture even better summer photos!

Adjust Your Exposure

The number one issue when shooting in the middle of a sunny summer day is managing the brightness in your photos. Rather than shooting in Auto mode, our LDExperts recommend switching to Manual mode if you have it, and trying out some of the different exposure levels. If your camera has spot metering, even better. Using spot metering, you can essentially let your camera know which part of the image you want to be well exposed. If you notice your subjects are squinting due to the bright sunlight, face them away from the direct sun and simply meter on their face to ensure it’s well exposed. Of course, having your subject throw on a pair of sunglasses helps avoid the squinting issue entirely.

Be the Early Bird

If you’re taking your camera along to shoot iconic lakes like Moraine Lake or Lake Louise in Banff, being the early bird certainly means you’ll get the worm. The early start will ensure you capture the most pristine lake photos, unencumbered by tourists walking in and around your shot. Photographer Garrett Parker snapped this one of Moraine Lake at sunrise; look at how still that lake water is!

Use a Polarizing Filter

When shooting at the lake, where there is likely an ample amount of blue sky and blue water present in your photos, a polarizing filter will be extra handy. Essentially a polarizing filter filters out some of the light that is polarized, reducing reflections while also boosting contrasts. It will make those skies and lakes a deeper, richer hue. In a pinch and don’t have a polarizing filter? Try shooting through your polarized sunglasses!

Experiment with Reflections

Trees, mountains and structures can add a unique look to your photos in the form of reflections on the lake’s surface. James Wheeler snapped this shot in Field, BC with the canoe platform perfectly reflecting on the untouched lake.

Boats Make for Great Subjects

On a lake, boats make the best subjects. Whether they’re bobbing gently on the water, or racing across creating energetic waves, there’s lots of opportunities for unique boat shots. Depending on the lighting, you can experiment with reflections of the boat on the water, or even silhouettes like in the shot above.

Use Leading Lines

The viewer’s eye will be drawn to strong lines like a lake’s wharf, so try composing your shot around similar structures. Add a subject at the end of the wharf for added effect. A path leading to the lake or stepping stones would also make for compelling shots.

Shoot from Above

Have a drone in your photography arsenal? The lake is a perfect place to experiment with some unique aerial photos (within Transport Canada’s regulations, of course)! Just make sure you have enough battery power to get your drone out over the water and then back to shore before it runs out of juice.

Of course, great photos don’t deserve to just sit on your camera or phone – they deserve to be shared and displayed! Compile your favourite lakeside snapshots into a photo book, or take the best of the best and have them printed as a fine art prints, like an aluminum metal panel or enlargement. We also have all kinds of customizable novelties we can print your summer photos on – like a water bottle or even a beach blanket!

To get started, either download our London Drugs Photolab App for iOS and Android, or upload your photos to our Photolab website. If you’d like a little extra guidance from our LDExperts, come visit us in-store in the Photolab!

Best Places to Take Graduation Photos

Graduation is a major milestone – the end of one massive chapter of life, and the start of another. It’s an exciting time, and an important one to commemorate with some great photos. To help you capture this milestone event, whether it’s your own graduation, a friend or family member’s or a client’s, our Photolab LDExperts have compiled a list of the best places across Canada to take graduation photos. Keep reading all the way to the end for tips on how to best showcase your favourite grad photos, too!

Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver

Photo by @green.studio

Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver is a favourite spot amongst photographers for everything from wedding and engagement to grad photos. The main reason for that is that there are so many photo ops in one location! Energetic water fountains make for a fun place to snap some group grad photos. Wander into the park and find lots of spots filled with beautiful greenery and flowers, which are an excellent place for individual or couples photos.

UBC Rose Garden, Vancouver

Photo by @beautybyarlene

Whether you graduated from UBC or not, the university’s Rose Garden is a stunning spot to take your grad photos. The garden is manicured with fragrant multi-coloured roses, and the panoramic views of mountains and ocean make for a beautiful backdrop. Flowers there are in bloom starting in June – perfect timing for your grad celebrations!

Polson Park, Vernon

Photo by @c.daisyphotography

Located near the heart of Vernon, Polson Park is a popular spot for weddings, engagement and grad photos alike. The park is well known for its Floral Clock, Japanese Garden, Chinese Pagoda and Rose Garden, all of which make for great photo ops. Photographer C. Daisy captured the shot you see above at one of the two ponds located the in park.

Downtown Calgary

Photo by @jgray.photography

Not interested in grad photos full of florals and greenery? Photographer Jessica Gray found this unique spot for her clients on a parkade rooftop at 3^rd street and 6^th avenue in downtown Calgary. It’s definitely one of the most unique group grad photos we’ve seen, and it looks like they had a blast too!

McHugh Bluff, Calgary

Photo by @everylittlethingphotographer

Calgary’s downtown skyline always makes for a great backdrop. Grab your grad crew and snap some photos at McHugh Bluff, which offers a beautiful view of the city in the distance.

Alberta Legislature Building, Edmonton

Photo by @pickledbeetsphotography

If you’re in the area, Edmonton’s Alberta Legislature Building is worth a stop to take some group graduation shots. The neutral tones of the building really make the colourful prom dresses pop! We also love how photographer Erin of @pickledbeetsphotography captured this shot from a low angle, making the Legislature Building in the background look even taller.

Former Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton

Photo by @imagesbymishelle

If you’re looking for a truly unique spot to snap some graduation photos in Edmonton, the former Royal Alberta Museum (now called the Glenora Building) is a must-visit! The columns shown in the photo above make for a perfect group photo op.

Kiwanis Waterfall Garden, Regina

Photo by @wae_photography

The Kiwanis Waterfall Garden is such a beautiful spot in Regina for graduation photos. This creekside park has a stunning waterfall feature and nature-filled walking trails that would be perfect for capturing group or portrait shots.

Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg

Photo by @rebeccasphotography

Considered one of Winnipeg’s finest attractions, Assiniboine Park is a go-to for lots of grads looking for beautiful photos in their suits and gowns. The English Garden within the park is full of winding paths, free-form flower beds, and tranquil ponds: a perfect spot to take out the camera for some couples or portrait shots.

Photo by @laurencoxphoto

Photographer Lauren Cox, who shoots grad sessions for her clients, knows that the greenery in Assiniboine Park makes the perfect backdrop for colourful prom dresses!

Centre de la Nature, Laval

Photo by @rs_lens

For a tranquil nature-filled spot for grad photos in the Greater Montreal area, the Centre de la Nature should be your first stop. This large urban park sprawls 50 hectares, with shaded pathways, flowers in bloom, tall trees and shrubbery, and even a lake. If you don’t mind risking getting the dress wet for a great shot, the lake even has canoe rentals!

After you’ve captured some great graduation photos, you know everyone from your mom to your great aunt will want copies to celebrate this big milestone. Send them prints and enlargements in the size of their choice, so they can proudly display your photos in their home! If there are just too many photos to choose just one, why not create a graduation photo book? Or a sleek collage poster that you can share with your friends? We even have graduation themed templates!

While you’re at it…don’t forget to order something special for the teachers you’ll be leaving behind after graduation. A photo mug, personalized notepad, or personalized photo card would be a thoughtful way to say thank you for all their hard work over the school year.

To order your graduation prints and gifts, just download our London Drugs Photolab App, available for iOS and Android, or simply visit our Photolab site or use our in-store kiosks.

Congrats, grads of 2019!

Transform Your Pics: 5 Apps That Make Photos Fantastical

Photoshop has long been the traditional choice for pro photo editors when it comes to making touch ups and subtle, realistic enhancements. But if you want your photos to look unique and fantastical, there are many other apps for that. Here are some of our favourites.

Photo Lab

Nothing’s more fun than making facial mashups on a rainy weekend when you’re stuck inside without much to do. Photo Lab lets you make the most beautiful — and silly — facial enhancements. Ever wonder what you’d look like with half a cat face? Now you can find out.

1967

If you’re of a certain age, and even if you’re not, you might appreciate that retro photo look. And it’s easy to get, without having to force the aging process on your prints. 1967 app offers an abundance of retro filters that add dust, grain, sun flares and fading to any photo, instantly aging it by 50 years.

PicsArt Photo Editor and Collage

Oh the fun you can have with PicsArt, with its huge library of tools, filters, frames, backgrounds and borders. You can spend hours adding filters and stickers to your favourite photos, or cutting them up and making collages. PicsArt also offers brush mode to limit your edits to specific parts of the photo.

PIP Camera

This freemium app lets you create magic effects, like duplicate images within a raindrop or a glass of water (though you have to upgrade to the paid version for $3.99 for those frames). It’s a fun way to up your photo game and create unusual and unexpected images.

Storyluxe

This one’s a necessity if you’re posting to Instagram Stories. Storyluxe offers templates and filters that can help you build a unique visual story. Free templates include “film”, “love”, “neon”, and “edge” with funky embellishments. Advanced options are available for $3.99/month.

Want to print your fantastical photos? Visit your local LD Photolab.

How to Build and Enjoy a Vinyl Record Collection

People have fallen (back) in love with vinyl records. According to Nielsen, Canadian vinyl revenues grew once again in 2018 by an astounding 27% over the year prior. It’s not too late to join the record resurgence, either. In fact, with so many new albums being released on vinyl these days, now might be the best time yet to start or revive your collection.

If you’ve considered getting into vinyl, this primer will help.

Benefits of Vinyl

Sound

Some say vinyl captures more depth and detail than other formats. Maybe so. But only audiophiles with the best setups are likely to notice. What records definitely have is a uniquely organic sound — the occasional crackle, pop, or hiss that gives us chills and transports us back to simpler times.

Experience

“Tactile” and “mindful” are words often used to describe the vinyl experience. Unlike digital music that can play endlessly and go anywhere, vinyl is much more contained. You usually play it in just one place, probably a living room, and records must be flipped or changed regularly. And, as the record is playing, there’s still the opportunity to examine the cover, and read the liner notes and/or lyrics. Mindfulness results, especially when compared to today’s on-demand, virtual listening experience.

Getting Hands-On

These days, it seems there are fewer opportunities to get hands-on. From cars to computers, everything we use is now harder to tinker with. Not so with records. Setting up the player, placing the needle down, even feeling the heft of a physical record all make vinyl a more grounded experience.

All About Records

LPs vs. 45s

LPs are larger and more common. Lasting about 45 minutes between both sides, they are often called ‘full albums.’ 45s are smaller and play only one song per side, except extended play or EP 45s, which hold about six tracks. Most record players have settings for both record formats, but finding 45s to buy is a lot harder. If you’re lucky, someone you know (or you?) has a box of them somewhere!

Vintage vs. Modern

Nothing immerses you in music history quite like picking through vintage vinyl. At times, it can be cheaper, but not always, depending on collectibility or rareness. Especially at thrift stores and garage sales, be sure to check for visible scratches on vintage vinyl, and that the right record is actually in the box. New vinyl records, on the other hand, are guaranteed not to be scratched, available by new and older artists, and directly benefit the artists themselves. They also won’t be dusty, crusty or dirty, which is a major bonus.

Getting Out There

No matter where you buy your records, shopping for vinyl is one of the greatest pleasures of vinyl culture. Be sure to talk to the staff to see if they have recommendations and don’t forget that browsing is part of the fun! You might even meet some fellow vinyl collectors with similar tastes. Regardless, the very act of going out to buy a record — and the anticipation as you get it home — makes the joy of listening to it that much better.

Choosing a Record Player

Old vs. New

Similar to the vintage vs. modern records debate, there are merits on both sides. An older machine might be cheaper and its classic appeal could be satisfying if you like that sort of thing. Trouble is, it can be difficult to know how well an older turntable works until you get it home. Even then, it could break down pretty easily. New players, meanwhile, come in a range of styles and price points and typically offer a manufacturer’s warranty.

Preamps

A preamp is a small device connected between your record player and speakers. It amplifies the signal that the vinyl transfers to the record player’s needle so that your speakers can pick it up. Some record players, especially newer models, have built-in preamps. This decreases some of the challenges of setting up your system. Still, most audiophiles prefer an external preamp that can be swapped out or upgraded as needed.

Other Tips

Storage

Records should be stored on one edge, inside their dust sleeves and boxes. They should never be stacked or left on the floor where their own weight or a passerby can damage them. The thing is, LPs are really heavy when enough of them are collected in one place. So it’s best to place them on a very sturdy shelf, or in a record crate. Another known vinyl killer is humidity, so try to keep your records as dry as possible.

Cleaning

No matter how careful you are, you’ll need to clean fingerprints and smudges off your vinyl at some point. This is important to do right since any substance between your needle and the vinyl will negatively affect the sound and because scratches can cause permanent damage. For these reasons, it’s best to use products designed especially for cleaning records.

Check out our full line of vinyl restoration products. London Drugs also offers vinyl cleaning services at 68 stores. Ask about it at your local London Drugs.

Print Your Photos Like a Pro with the Photolab App

Ever taken a great photo with your phone or tablet and wished it was easy to have it professionally printed?

It is easy with the London Drugs Photolab app for iOS .

With the free Photolab app you can easily upload photos and order prints, create photo books, calendars, gifts and more from your local London Drugs. Pick up your prints and photo creations at your convenience from one of our 100+ locations across Canada in as little as one hour! Not local? No problem – we ship anywhere in Canada.

With the app you can:

Upload quality images from your device and get them printed with the touch of a finger.
Store your favourite photos and re-order prints anytime.
Create beautiful photo books, canvas gallery wraps, calendars, greeting cards, and hundreds of other personalized photo gifts.

Tell your friends and family they’re about to get a lot more of your gorgeous photos in their lives. Lucky them!

Get the app now:

10 Photography Essentials: What You Need in Your Camera Bag

‘Tis the season to get outside and start taking fantastic photographs!

Whether you’re shooting landscapes, weddings, portraits, or just exploring the city through your lens, making sure your camera bag is “camera ready” is vital to snapping the shots you want. Nothing is worse than missing that perfect picture because you were under-prepared.

Curious what you need in your camera bag? Here are 10 photography essentials to guarantee a successful shoot.

1. Camera

This seems like a no-brainer, but ensuring your camera is photo-ready is one of the most easily overlooked tasks when prepping your camera bag. Before you launch into photography season it’s a good idea to give this core tool the once-over.

You can do this by checking the sensor for dust (many cameras have an auto-clean mode), charging the batteries to full, wiping down lenses with lens-safe wipes, and clearing any old images you no longer need from the memory.

Of course, if you’re new to photography and don’t have a camera yet, a basic digital camera will get you started.

While you’re at it, why not keep a backup camera handy? Grab your GoPro or even your smartphone and make sure the battery is charged. That way you’ll have a backup should anything go wrong with your primary device.

Pro-tip: If you’re taking pictures with your smartphone, easily send them for print directly from your phone using the Photolab app!

2. Lenses

Standard lens – 50mm / f1.8: This is basically the workhorse lens of many a photographer, and will have you shooting stunning images in no time. It creates clear, crisp images and is fantastic for indoor or lower-light photography. Ultimately it produces great images that appear more natural.
Telephoto lens: Think of this lens as a portrait lens. This will give you a lot of distance and a very shallow depth of field, bringing incredible focus to your subject. It’s great for weddings, wildlife, or sporting events.
Macro lens: Want massive up-close-and-personal detail on flowers, insects, plants, or other subjects? This is the lens for you.

3. Extra Battery

Aside from the necessary task of taking photos, a lot of things can drain your camera battery.

For example, if you use the LCD screen a lot to preview your shots, press the shutter button incessantly, turn the camera on and off quite often, or use functions like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS, your camera battery may fall dead more quickly. Shooting video can also drain your battery. It’s not that you shouldn’t use these functions — they’re great tools within your photography arsenal! Unfortunately, they are also a drain on your power source.

Keep an extra charged battery on hand and ensure you don’t end up powerless when the right shot presents itself.

4. Polarizing Filters

If you find some of your photos look bland in post, polarizing filters are fantastic, especially for landscape and portrait photographers. When shooting outside, sunlight can be scattered, causing your final images to not look as vibrant as they did when you took them. These special filters help amplify colours and saturate light, while cutting glare and reflections in water and glass, even in hazy conditions.

They take up almost no room at all and easily attach to the lens of your camera. Investing in a couple can really take your photography to the next level!

5. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth and Digi Blower

A microfiber cloth and digi blower are two of the most understated — and useful — items in your camera bag!

Breathing on lenses can damage them with bacteria and moisture, while wiping them with any old towel can cause scratches that ruin photos. Using the proper camera cleaning supplies will ensure your camera works at optimal levels for as long as possible.

A microfiber cloth keeps on-the-go maintenance scratch-free and easy-breezy, while a digi blower is specifically designed to safely and effectively remove dust and dirt from sensitive digital cameras for safe cleaning of CCD sensors, memory card slots, and lenses.

Plus, if it’s large enough, you can use a microfiber cloth as padding to wrap around other accessories to keep them safe and undamaged during transport.

6. Spare SD memory cards

There’s nothing worse than catching the perfect shot and your camera tells you your memory card is full. Especially if the moment is fleeting.

Sure, you can go into Preview mode and scroll through the blurry or bad images to delete them, but that’s time consuming and draining on your battery. Instead, keep a spare SD memory card or two in your bag. They weigh nothing and take up practically no space at all.

7. Shot List

If you aspire to be a professional photographer, getting into good habits from the onset is a must. One of these good habits is developing a shot list.

Have you ever gone to the grocery store with a list of 10 items in your head, only to walk out with seven because you couldn’t remember the other three? The same thing happens in photography, only it’s worse because you can always go back to the store for the other things when you get home and realize what you missed. You may not be able to catch that same sunrise, gather the wedding party, or remake that perfect soufflé… and the opportunity to snap it will be gone.

Make a list of your must-have shots, and keep it close by. Use it like a checklist. This will help you tell the story you want to tell. Sure it takes a bit of planning, but future you will thank you for it.

8. A Way to Take Notes

Simply put: keeping field notes helps you take better shots.

Having your smartphone handy with your favourite note taking app or a classic notebook and a few pens in your camera bag allows you to quickly jot down something that worked well, as well as things that didn’t. Perhaps you want to remember a particular camera setting or a specific time the light was just right. Don’t just trust your memory — a lot can happen during a shoot, causing you to forget by the time you get around to uploading and editing your images.

Even the best photographers have a chance to learn from their mistakes and keeping detailed notes about how a shoot went — whether you’re a professional or hobbyist — can help make your photography better.

9. Sense of Adventure

Photography gives us the chance to see the world through a different lens — a different perspective. It gives us the chance to explore our cities, share our travels, and indulge our senses. It also allows us to connect with other humans — whether we’re taking pictures of them, or enjoying the shots of others. And that’s exciting!

So get out there and take some pictures. It’s a big wide world… so don’t forget your sense of adventure!

10. BONUS Essential: A Tripod!

While a tripod won’t typically fit in your camera bag, it is something that can be useful during certain shoots. It’s true most new cameras come with built-in stabilizers, but for added value, here are our favourite two reasons to carry a tripod for those special occasions.

1. Stabilizing the shot. This is particularly important in low-light settings or when shooting subjects with loads of detail. When you’re shooting in low light, any vibration or movement from the camera can disrupt the light coming into the lens, causing your image to become blurry. A tripod stabilizes the camera and allows the light to enter the lens from the same angle and rate, enhancing your shot quality.

2. Consistency in shot. If you’re shooting a series of images that require the same frame (i.e. portrait photography for multiple subjects, food photography for a restaurant, the evolution of a flight of birds, etc…), a tripod ensures the angle never changes; it’s fixed, whereas if you’re holding the camera, slight variations in height can be magnified in the final product.

If you need help or gear for your camera bag this season, we can help! Whether it’s a shiny new lens, advice about the best way to light your shoot, or a few a whole new camera kit, we got you. Stop by your local London Drugs and talk to our LDPhoto experts — we’d love to see you!