Using mobile technology to create digital memories is relatively easy, but a little prep work ahead of time will make it even simpler. Here are a few suggestions:
Digital Cameras
These include traditional digital cameras, smartphone cameras, and tablet cameras. If you will be using these often, make sure you bring extra batteries and/or a charger to your events just in case you run out of power. A tripod or stand is a nice accessory to have (and a great gift idea for someone else).
Take the time to learn how to take a photo in low light indoors, outside in the sun, or in bright snow. Also learn how to get your photos off your device. With a digital camera you can usually connect with a cable or remove the SD card. For a smartphone or tablet you can use a cable, remove the SD card, or transfer via Wi-Fi or data service.
Digital Video Cameras
Just as with cameras, this can include a stand-alone digital video camera (like a Flip camcorder), or the digital video camera on your smartphone or tablet. Along with the tips for cameras, you might want to spend a little more time learning the controls. How do you zoom in and out? What are the lighting settings? And what kind of sound capabilities do you have? Small cameras have limited recording time, so check to make sure how much video it will hold before you need to transfer to a PC.
One of the great things about working in a digital format is that if something looks bad you can just delete it and start over. Just make sure you are not annoying your friends and family with constant reshoots. Life is rarely perfect.
Once your event is over, be sure to label, tag, and organize your digital memories as soon as you can. They pile up and can quickly become overwhelming. Rename your files so that they make sense and don’t just leave them as IMAGE_37289 or the like. Include comments, names, and events in the tags and descriptions as well.
Finally, make a backup copy of all of your digital memories. You can store them in the cloud, on an external hard drive, DVDs, or whatever you prefer. The important part is to make that backup.
What devices will you be using to make digital memories this season?
I have been compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.