Well, we’re almost finished for this time. Before we leave you though, we need to cover a few miscellaneous points that can make a big difference in your overall experience with cameras as the years go by.

Nothing can put an end to a favorite activity quicker than a catastrophic event. Losing your entire photograph collection because of a crashed computer, theft, fire or flood is NOT impossible! If you haven’t got a good backup plan now, you need to put one in effect right away. And don’t forget that if your plan includes storing your backup in the same building as your computer, you’re not really backed up. My system uses an automatic backup function on my computer and TWO external backup hard drives: One connected to the computer, and the other stored in another building somewhere away from my computer altogether. I swap the two drives every couple of weeks or so.

Another thing that can become a traumatic experience for new photographers is contracting to shoot EVENTS – especially WEDDINGS – before you know what you’re doing. There’s a lot that can go wrong on a wedding shoot, and they won’t reschedule because your only camera broke, or because you didn’t bring enough batteries or memory cards. Wedding photography is a specialized field, and the stakes can be very high. Stay away from them unless and until you’ve done your homework, and ideally worked with an experienced wedding photographer long enough to learn that particular trade!

Damaged equipment can also ruin an otherwise good day. Keep your cameras and lenses away from beach sand, smoke, dust and water. Never let a camera strap dangle off the edge of a table. If you MUST put your camera bag ON a car, put it ONLY on the driver’s windshield wiper. Inside the car, anticipate quick stops by placing the bag on the floor AND as far forward as possible. All of my cameras are permanently equipped with wrist straps, and I slip my hand through the strap each time BEFORE picking up the camera. It’s important to develop good camera handling HABITS as soon as possible, because often your mind will be busy with other things – framing, composition, watching for the right moment to squeeze off the shot. Good driving habits help us to be safe on the highways, and good camera handling habits can make the difference between a successful shoot and painful disaster.

And speaking of habits, don’t forget that reading instructional material like this, and listening to our audio version of the same information is a great way to build head-knowledge, but that only PRACTICE can turn that knowledge into skill. You can practice camera skills almost anywhere – even in your own living room while watching television if necessary – but without practice it’s all nothing but head knowledge. Also, expect to ruin a lot of pictures when you first leave the automatic settings! Don’t be discouraged though: Each failed attempt is an opportunity to grow, and don’t forget that with digital, every deleted picture is FREE!

That’ll have to be it for this time. Thanks for using our program, and be sure to drop by our website at MyCameraTutor.com, where you’ll be able to purchase a downloadable MP3 version of the material you’ve just read. Repetition can be the key to learning photography’s difficult concepts, and for some, playing an audio program over and over might be the easiest way to experience that kind of repetition.

We’ll end with one last thought that can have a profound effect on how much enjoyment you’ll get out of your photography: Try to find a PURPOSE for your pictures. Creating pictures skillfully for the sake of having quality images is fine, but how much better when they’re being taken for the benefit of a worthy group, church, or for a book project or website that’s important to you? Does your family have a family history in pictures that your grandchildren will appreciate some day? How about a photo-story of some senior whose life stands out somehow? Consider participating in photo contests. Look into joining or even starting an active camera club in your community! There are several to choose from in most large cities today that are part of the “Meetup” system. Where I live, RPEG is my favorite. It’s strictly a local group, and the friends I’ve met there have become important to my life with cameras in ways that I’m still discovering!

Thanks again for buying our eBook! Participate with your reviews and comments if you can, and good shooting!