Article Surfing Archive

Summer offers a lot of opportunity for fun and frolic in the sun, and you'll want to capture as many memories as possible.

The best way is with a digital camera. While digital video has its place in preserving family memories, there's nothing like having an album full of photos to look at while you talk and share with the people you love.

It's easy getting great photos this summer ' photos that you'll cherish forever and true family heirlooms. Now, you might say ' 'they're just photos of lunch by the pool,' but these are the moments that create your best memories.

With just a little attention to detail, you can improve the quality of your photos. When you share them, whether it's online via email or in a professionally printed and bound photo album, you'll be prouder than ever. You'll turn a snapshot into a wonderful keepsake.

Tip #1. Take a lot of photos. You'll be shooting outdoors which means changing light and weather conditions, sometimes within a matter of moments. Even water clarity can change, depending where you're swimming. So if you see a great scene of people playing in the water, snap away. Some of those pictures may turn out, some may not, but you all but guarantee getting a great shot if you take a lot of pictures.

Tip #2. Look for photos in shallow water or on the edge of the beach. This is where some of the fun occurs. People tossing a water toy back and forth, sandcastle building, body surfing and general playing the water. If small children are present, this is where you're like to get your best shots.

Make sure you have stable footing as there can be holes, slipper rocks or shifting sands. Also, if you have an underwater camera, an interesting shot might be if your camera lens is halfway in the water and halfway out. Or, if you are taking a group picture, have the group stand in ankle or knee deep water.

Tip #3. Take time with the exposure. Outdoor light can cause a lot of problems ' the brights can be very bright and the darks very dark. This can make it tough for your camera's light meter to get a proper reading. If you can, bracket the exposure one or two f-stops on either side of what your light meter recommends. Also, if your camera has spot metering, you can use this to your advantage when trying to photograph a shady area. (The other areas will be overexposed, however).

Of course, you should try to put your subject in the best light possible. If it's a candid shot, try to position yourself in the best light relative to your subject. This will greatly depend on the position of the sun.

Taking photos at the beach or pool can be filled with challenges, but the rewards will last a lifetime. With a little attention to detail, you can get pictures you'll be proud to share!