Coming up with solutions for problems while out taking pictures isn’t always possible.Use a different plan!Think about this, “The best defense is a good offense.”  And the best offense here is to avoid problems with your digital camera in the first place.

 

That’s not to say things aren’t going to happen that are unexpected and unavoidable.Many of the common problems photographers have when out shooting pictures, however, could easily be remedied with just a little prior planning.

 

Dead Batteries

 

There’s nothing worse than missing that great picture because the camera battery died.keep extra batteries in your camera case to avoid this problem.You need at least one spare whether you’re using rechargeable or regular batteries.. 

 

Also, bear in mind that if you’re outside shooting in cold weather, your batteries will die a lot quicker.To keep your camera going, it might be wise to have more than one spare digital camera battery. They just don’t last as long when the weather is really cold.

 

Yes, batteries are expensive, but it’s worth the spending a little extra money to keep from beating your head against the wall because a dead battery made you miss that once in a lifetime shot. 

 

 

When Cards Go Bad

 

A while back I went on vacation and took all my pictures on one card.I just knew I had lots of great photos.I was certain that card was full of fantastic pictures. 

 

The scenery was indeed breathtaking, but what really took my breath away was when I tried to load the pictures onto my computer and got one of those dreaded “ERROR” messages.The files were corrupted and useless. The card was bad.If the computer can’t read the files, you don’t have any pictures.

 

While it doesn’t happen often, cards can and do go bad.Easing this disaster is why it’s smarter to have two or more smaller cards instead of one great big memory card.  For instance, if you’re looking at buying a 2-GB card, get a couple of 1-GB cards instead. 

 

Yes, it’s cheaper to buy a huge bunch of gigabytes on one card.That’s putting all your eggs in one basket however. If that card goes bad, ALL your pictures are gone.Avoid the temptation.  It’s better to have part of your pictures than none of your pictures. 

 

Remember, two cards are better than one.

 

 

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

 

The weather isn’t cooperating, or maybe you just like pictures of rain.Maybe you’re on a boat. Maybe you’re walking on the seashore. But you’re somewhere with a lot of moisture in the air.Messing up your camera is to be avoided, but you want to get some pictures.How can you keep your camera dry?

 

Well, you can buy protective gear to keep in your camera case for such times.  Places like B & H Photo or Calumet Photographic stores carry waterproof cases.You want not want to spend that much money for only an occasional run in with wet environments however.

 

For a make-do solution, carry a clear plastic bag in your camera case to keep water off your camera.When traveling, if you forgot to put a plastic bag in your camera case, try using one of those clear disposable shower caps from a motel room.

 

Planning Ahead Saves Your Sanity

 

If planning ahead doesn’t save your sanity, it will at least improve your chances for good pictures with your digital camera.A dry camera, good cards and batteries, will provide you with the best opportunity to get good pictures.

 

And that’s why you bought a digital camera in the first place, right?