Yesterday I was talking to the printer at Staples who doubles for the UPS sales person. I was shipping a camera to Canon.
We started talking about digital cameras. He was telling me about people coming in with images from their cell phones wanting to make photographs. They want the impossible he said. I thought about it. Not many people probably want to make prints from images taken on their cell phone. They most likely want to share via the internet.
Here is a little basic information.
Megapixals is only one part of the story. I don't even know how many megapixals my cameras have. I do know I can make beautiful 30x40 prints. I also know I have great lenses and beautiful Canon chips in my cameras.
For the megapixal part: 1mp=4x6 2mp=5x7 4mp=8x10 However, if you need to crop, you might want more.
That is a small part of the story. Chip size is as important. Most cell phones have very small chips.
The lens is what gathers your image. Optical zoom means the lens is adjusting the zoom. Digital zoom just means the image you see is being cropped into hence less quality. Better quality zoom means larger lens which doesn't work for cell phones.
How many of you realize that your digital camera or cell phone has a program that determines much of what you get?
Also remember pixels relate to images and dpi only relates to a printer and printing.
Camera phones are fun. Remember you will never be an Ancel Adams with one, but do you really care anyway?

Today was a busy day.
First it was Saturday and second Paula was off taking scuba diving class.
In the morning I photographed a beautiful pregnant woman with her three excellent children and her helpful husband.
Pregnant women near term can be very specific so I was kept very busy
and I also had the feeling of being an 18 year old photographer taking direction.
She seemed happy with the choice she and her mother made.
All is well.
My next client was an old favorite.
I have know him since he was a new baby.
We had a very good time in the studio playing and taking photographs.
His mom is an artist so we work together as she decides what she is doing with each image she likes.
His dad is always wonderful and includes his favorites.
We frame three images, we have an image for his book, and images for family.
Satisfying artistic experience.
His treat was to go to Chick Fil Le, his favorite.
Next
A charming couple arrives to buy a gift certificate for a dear friend who has a new baby.
This baby decided to come early so he has spent time getting to know the NIC unit nurses.
He is robust and will be home soon. I am looking forward to meeting him and his parents.
Next
A handsome couple arrives. They look perfect in black shirts and very nice jeans.
We talk about scuba diving. She had had a long chat with Paula about the shoot peppered with discussion on scuba.
We have a good time in the studio.
They enjoy their images. They make sure they have enough for family.
She asked about collages, which we can do.
I suggested a set of four 8x12 boxes. She really liked the idea and has the perfect place for them.
They will have years of enjoyment from them.
Next Jimmy, my trusty pal, and I go for our walk. He always finds new smells.
Although we've walked the same walk a thousand times, he still finds it new and refreshing.
I love my dog.
I love Paula too and will be happy to see her smiling face on Tuesday with talk of her new experience.

This is a 7x10 composite, dry mounted and ready for an easel or to be framed.

This is a precocious one year old twin!
Look at her walk!
Many one year olds are standers, on the verge of walking. Not her.
Body language in babies is as expressive about them as is their facial expressions.
Isn't she wonderful!
The first and second groups of Friends Photographs are on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-J-Mann-Photography/80480423094
Carla, our friend Ronald, Paula and Katie

The henna art was amazing!

Friends

Mother and daughter, a winning combination
I went to the Maine Photographic Workshop years ago.
Now it has become much larger but the flavor looks the same.
Anyone interested in a career in photography or who is a strong amateur and would like a learning while you shoot vacation, go visit
Http://www.mainemedia.edu
It was started by a New York photographer for summer one week classes.
My class was a studio photography class. We had lectures, lots of camera time.
Every morning there was a critique of our work.
We took meals at the Homestead where we had lots of opportunity to talk with those in other classes.
I actually stayed in a house with other students.
I have endless memories of a great time in Rockport.