Don’t Leave Home Without It

You might be familiar with American Express’ classic phrase for their credit card “Don’t leave home without it.”  I think it’s important to apply that philosophy to our camera gear as well. Most of the time, the best moments happen when we’re just living our lives, going about our daily routine.  Are you prepared in those moments to capture a memorable image?  Are you prepared to capture any image at all?  If you shoot with big and expensive equipment, it can get tedious and just plain inconvenient to carry all that gear around with you, not to mention the liability of everyday wear or theft.

"Columns & Curves" by Jesse Conklin

There are many options available to you if you want to always be prepared for the unexpected photo op.  There are several compact point and shoot cameras that make exceptional images.  At present, I shoot mostly with a Nikon Coolpix S560.  I’ve been amazed at the quality of images it captures time and again.  The best part is that its compact size fits in my shirt pocket, and I’ve captured many shots I would have otherwise missed.  I’m happy with my Nikon, but do your homework and find a compact camera that features the right blend of size and output for you.

"Harvester Fence" by Jesse Conklin

Not only is it important to have some sort of camera with you, you should also keep your eyes open for shots at all times.  Don’t get so focused on everyday stuff that you miss the opportunities that surround you.  I was running late for work one morning, and when I stepped out of the car, I noticed the morning sun bathing this fence in golden beauty.  My first thought was, “I don’t have time to take that picture.”  Thankfully I thought better of it, grabbed my trusty little Nikon, and snapped several shots before punching in.  Whenever you’re presented with a great photo opportunity, take it!  You’ll never be sorry later if you do.

Last but certainly not least is the camera that you have right in your phone.  Cameras and phones have come a long way in recent years.  Even the worst camera on a cell phone is better than no camera when you need one.

"Creepy Manni" by Jesse Conklin

Though this isn’t an outdoor pic, this is a shot I would have missed had I overlooked my extremely low res, nearly obsolete cell phone.  I was in a meeting with some theater people in the costume/prop room,  and this photograph kept distracting me through the entire meeting.  When the session was finally over, I grabbed my cell phone and snagged the shot.  Definitely better than nothing.

Some of the most recent phone cameras are downright amazing.  I’ve seen wonderful results of nature photography taken and edited on the iPhone before sending out for the world to see.  Check out a professional iPhone photo shoot here.

"Welcome Shower" by Cary Branscum

Cary shot this beautiful image in a botanical garden he enjoys visiting (there’s a tip for great photography right there.)  The day was alternating between sunny and rainy, and suddenly a giant sprinkler started, and mixed with the natural rain.  He snapped several frames with his iPhone, and triumphed with this gem.  It is an excellent example of the kind of breathtaking results you can achieve with your mobile device.  Check out more of Cary’s mobile creations here.

"Comet Hollow" by David Pringle

David shot this HDR image at Hershey Park with his iPhone 4 using the Pro HDR app.  He has written a great article about how the iPhone camera and apps have influenced his professional photography.  Check out more of David’s iPhoneography here.

We live in an era when the camera is nearly ubiquitous.  Don’t leave home without yours.  Or probably more accurately, don’t overlook the camera in your hand for the one that you left behind.