Pixiq

With the advent of the digital camera came a new breed of photographers, the ones who discovered that photography was not such a complicated task and that you could take pretty decent pictures with an ordinary camera that didn’t have any bells and whistles and which was affordable. This combined with the fact that you didn’t have to shell out a bomb for film and developing costs served to boost the popularity of these cameras; they became cheaper and tinier as the months went by, and today, it’s hard to find anyone without one of these gadgets that they pull out, point and shoot whatever catches their fancy.

But if there’s one aspect that differentiates a true photographer from the amateur, it’s in how they care for their equipment. The true photographer knows that they are nothing without their camera and all the accessories that help them shoot great pictures and allow them to display their skills; the amateur thinks of the camera as just another gadget they own, one of many that they pick up when going on vacation or when their children do something cute. However, amateur or professional, it pays to look after your camera because not only does it save you money, it also keeps your equipment in pristine and great working condition.

It’s easy to care for your camera, and you can start off by following these simple tips and tricks:

1. Always use the right case when carrying it around or storing it in your cupboard at home. This prevents scratches and damage to the lens and other delicate parts.

2. If your camera comes with a lens cover, keep the lens closed whenever you’re not using the camera to shoot pictures.

3. Do not expose your camera to very hot or very cold conditions for prolonged periods.

4. Avoid getting water on your camera, and if it does get wet, use a soft cloth to dry it down immediately.

5. Keep a soft cleaning cloth with you at all times and wipe down your camera every day to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime.

6. If you’re not going to be using the camera for a while, remove the battery before you put it away.

7. Use silica gel pouches in your carry case to prevent moisture from ruining your camera.

8. Use a strap to prevent dropping your camera accidentally while shooting pictures.

9. Be careful when opening the compartments that house the battery and memory card – some cameras are built flimsily and if you handle them roughly, the spring mechanism is bound to break.

10. And finally, if your camera is not working as it should, take it to a professional repair-person instead of taking it apart yourself, unless you’re exceptionally good at putting together all the parts just as they were.

Photograph My Camera Bag by ruei_ke