by Michael Spikes, Operations Manager

Summer is here and maybe you're thinking of vacationing in far away lands or perhaps relaxing in the comfort of your own home. During this time, you may wish to take photos of your trip. A little planning and consideration of the details will keep you from sweating over summer vacation photos.

For great summer photos I would suggest these three things:

1. 1. Prepare - Before you travel, there are many factors to consider. Where are you going, how will you get there, what kind of weather will there be, will you be around sand or soil? All these things need consideration before you go. The answers to these questions can help you determine what kind of case your gear may need and how much gear you wish to travel with. If you are hiking you may want to use a backpack case and carry a light weight camera. If you are going to a foreign country (or most places in the U.S.) and are concerned about theft, avoid camera bags that advertise that you have a camera. You have so many options when choosing a case that it can be a little overwhelming. There are cases that are water tight, cases that float if thrown overboard, cases that can stop a bullet, etc. You want to make sure you choose one that protects your investment from the elements and would be thieves. Additionally, consider how long you will be there and what you will do with the images you have shot. If you are shooting film, watch out for airport x-rays, extreme heat, and take plenty of film. I would say that if you think you have enough film pack 10% more. It is better to have some left over than having to buy it at a premium at your destination. If you shoot digital, take plenty of memory cards for your images or you may choose to take a laptop to download your images from your card each day.
2. 2. Composition - Whether you are hiking in the Amazon jungle or roaming around the urban jungle, feel free to experiment with different shots. Do your share of "Me in front of The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices" (it's in St. Paul, Minnesota), but also get shots of different perspectives, close ups, and any thing else that looks interesting. Sometimes the most interesting photos from vacation are not the ones of national landmarks.
3. 3. Execution - This is the final phase. Having prepared yourself with forethought and careful consideration, you can begin to take those vacation photos. Of course, sometimes the best photos can occur by accident. However, I don't think of it as accidental but as opportunity and opportunity favors the prepared.

So while the unmerciful Sun charbroils you, these tips should help you be cool in the face of summer photo fever.

by Anna Asbury, Account Manager

Now that the Memphis heat has so uncomfortably settled in, kids are out of school, and we at Mangiante Photography are allowed some time to breathe! It seems that we are so busy throughout the school year, so we really do relish in the opportunity to sit back and take stock of where we are!

Our company has done a great deal of growing over the last year, and we don't intend on stopping anytime soon. One market that is rapidly expanding for us is the school market. It seems there are more and more organizations that need an updated system for photography.

Many schools are adding special events to their schedules, and need a way to document this important time in their growth. Dances, fundraisers, award assemblies, and sports teams are just a few of the events we have undertaken. Also, many yearbook and club advisors are stretched too thin! They have little time to spend taking pictures for the yearbook that their current photography provider doesn't cover. This is a great example of how we can help. How easy would it be to have one company to call for any photography needed for the entire school year? Better yet, spend the summer putting those events on our calendar as well as yours; that way, when the kids come back to school, photos are one less thing to worry about. What about having the ease of a full-time customer service staff and the ability to view and order photos online? These features have made our customers happier, and made the photography process much easier for everyone involved.

Do you know a school experiencing these difficulties? Maybe church or league sports that want to improve this aspect of their program? Summer is a great time for everyone to review their current practices. Streamlining and simplifying now can make for a much easier fall!

• Gene Mangiante, President
• Michael Spikes, Operations Manager
• Anne Mangiante, Office Manager
• Anna Asbury, Account Manager