photography

digital life

Sweet Memory: USB Drives as Wedding Favors

Flash drives don't have the flyest reputation around (although some really cute ones do exist).

Flash drives don't have the flyest reputation around (although some really cute ones do exist). But that's probably because you aren't used to seeing ones as unique as this set. When it comes to weddings, we like to think of these as a way to say "thanks" to your guests or wedding party members because you can preupload them with photos of the big day and send them out as a sentimental gift. They're fun, they're functional — what else could you ask for? Go ahead, take a look.

photography

8 Great Grad Gifts For Budding Photographers

If there's one thing photographers can't get enough of, it's photo accessories to make them better shooters.

If there's one thing photographers can't get enough of, it's photo accessories to make them better shooters. Whether it's a new set of lenses or a camera bag that will get them excited about taking pictures, no small gift will go unused. For the photographer in your life who is fresh off the school boat, gift her with one of these photog essentials and consider your "thank you" all the awesome shots she'll soon be posting.

photography

12 Chic Camera Bags For Spring Snapping

Walk into any run-of-the-mill electronics store to outfit your DSLR or mirrorless camera with a bag, and you'll be met with a whole lot of drab nylon options.

Walk into any run-of-the-mill electronics store to outfit your DSLR or mirrorless camera with a bag, and you'll be met with a whole lot of drab nylon options. Put down the bulky cases covered with inexplicable plastic clips and opt for one of these chic finds that can easily double as your everyday bag. From perfect-for-Spring leather crossovers to timeless quilted purses, these camera bags will keep equipment safe and require no sartorial excuses.

— Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia

photography

7 Tips For Taking Beautiful Wedding Photos on Your Phone

There's no denying that DSLRs are great at taking quality photos.

There's no denying that DSLRs are great at taking quality photos. But you can take pictures that are just as great — truly! — straight from your phone with just a few pointers. If you're headed to a wedding soon, these tips will help you realize you don't have to be a professional to produce wonderful images that everyone will be sharing. Here, we break down how you can go from guest to wedding photographer in a, er, flash.

  • Look for the light: Great lighting will be your best friend when it comes to taking awesome photos. Pay attention to where natural light falls. For instance, if someone's back is to the bright sun shining overhead, she will come out looking dark. And steer clear of using flash: it only makes your photos look less authentic.
  • Set your focus and exposure: Once you know the shot you want to take, tap the screen on your phone's camera to set your focus and exposure where you want it. For instance, the thing you tap on will look sharp as opposed to blurry. And if you tap on the brightest object in the shot (a window, for instance), the rest of your photo will look especially dark. You'll have to practice based on your phone's settings, but giving thought to these two details will make all the difference between a mediocre and great photo.

There are even more pro tips for wedding day photos after the break.

photography

Shutterbug: 10 Pictures to Take on Baby's First Day

That baby ought to be in pictures — lots of pictures!
Baby's ID Tag

That baby ought to be in pictures — lots of pictures! Baby's first day will seem like a blur to everyone involved in the lil one's birth. For some moms, it takes looking back at photos of the day to actually recall some of the events. Before handing your camera over to a friend or relative who's promised to capture it all, make a list of the pictures you want to ensure they are recorded before everyone falls off to sleep. Here are our top 10 must-take photos on baby's first day.

photography

33 Must-Dos! The Ultimate Wedding Day Photo Checklist

You spend months planning your wedding, and then just like that, it's passed you by in a flash.

You spend months planning your wedding, and then just like that, it's passed you by in a flash. Thankfully, great photos can capture every aspect of the big day — even the tiny details you may have forgotten to notice. Without a doubt, there are certain shots no wedding should go without (like a bridesmaid powwow before sending the bride off). Here, we've broken down those must-snap moments so that even years from now, you can take a look at the pictures and feel like it happened just yesterday.

Food and Fun

8 Apps That Do More With Mom's Mobile Photos Than You Thought Possible

If you're anything like me, the Photo Library on your iPhone is overflowing with images of your kids.

If you're anything like me, the Photo Library on your iPhone is overflowing with images of your kids. Sure, you send a few of them to grandma and you vow to sync them with your computer so you can "do something with them," but chances are they pretty much just sit there.

In a matter of just a few minutes, your mobile images can do more than just sit as photos on your phone. They can create a storybook, fill a scrapbook, or become a journal that your tot will look back on for years to come. All it takes is a quick download of one of our favorite apps, and you're ready to go. Here, eight apps that help you do more with your photos than ever before!

photography

Cool Idea: Vintage Photographs Become Art Prints

I am always drawn to the boxes of old photos at my local flea market, but after stockpiling them over the years, I have to admit that I have no idea of what to do with them.

I am always drawn to the boxes of old photos at my local flea market, but after stockpiling them over the years, I have to admit that I have no idea of what to do with them. Luckily, a company called Project B does, and the results are fantastic.

The team behind Project B seeks out anonymous vintage photos and makes them available in museum-quality, limited-edition prints — essentially rescuing bits of history and bringing them back to life.

The photos are strong on their own, but since they are already curated in albums such as Inside Hollywood and Americana, it's easy to buy prints that work well together. With prices starting at $95, you are going to be tempted to stock up on a little bit of history.

photography

10 Cute and Colorful Camera Straps For Spring

Who says cameras have to be all black and boring?

Who says cameras have to be all black and boring? Ditch the everyone-has-the-same-camera-as-me feeling, and upgrade yours with a cheery strap that will definitely stand out. Here, we bring you springtime straps with a little something special that'll showcase some personality and style while you snap those amazing pics on your trusty DSLR.

Mother's Day

6 Must-Take Photos to Perfectly Capture Mother's Day

Charge up the battery, because there are few better occasions to dust off your good camera than Mother's Day.

Charge up the battery, because there are few better occasions to dust off your good camera than Mother's Day. Whether it's Mama's first time or she's a veteran, there are plenty of photos to be taken on Sunday. From classic pictures like Mom and kids to more modern ideas like Mom engaging in her favorite hobby, we've rounded up our must-take moments to capture! Click through, and get ready to play photographer for the day!