Somers Gardner, Staff Photographer

Winter photographs make great memories, especially when there is snow on the ground. However, special attention should be taken to protect your investment when you are out in the winter weather. There are a couple easy ways to help care for your equipment during the winter season.

Give your camera time to adjust to the change in temperature. When you first go outside in the cold winter air, leave your camera in its case for a little while. If you do not have a case for it, then put it under your overcoat while giving it time to adjust. Do not put it directly against your skin under your shirt because the moisture from your body will cause it to fog up and cause condensation within the body of the camera. Remember to do the same when returning to the warm indoors. You might want to leave it in a garage or cooler room for a bit to get it used to the warmer temperature before taking it inside.

Winter snow and sleet may be fun to play in, but it can cause quite a bit of damage to your camera if it is not protected. Try to avoid any precipitation from getting on your camera at all. This can be done simply by covering it with a piece of plastic, a towel, or umbrella. If you are looking to purchase a new camera there are a couple of cameras that are specifically made for the water. Olympus and Pentax both make weather proof and weather resistant cameras as well as waterproof cameras. Be sure you know the difference. Weather proof or resistant cameras can withstand a minimal amount of precipitation. Water proof cameras can actually be submerged. Just because your camera is weather proof, does not mean that it will be ok if you drop it in a small puddle of water. Should you want to take your camera skiing or snowboarding, look into buying a weatherproof camera that also is shockproof. If your camera is neither, use common sense while on the slopes.

If you are only using your camera for the occasional outside winter shots, weatherproof is not necessarily needed. As far as settings go, you do not have to be completely camera literate. Most compact cameras have a setting for winter and beach shots. This will help your exposures against the sun reflecting off snow or water. You can also change the white balance for cloudy/ bright sunny days. Winter shots are fun to take, but be aware of what your camera is able to handle. Watch the weather and just be prepared. Keep these things in mind and your camera will take those beautiful winter scenic shots you've been waiting all year to get.

Michael Spikes, Operations Manager

Last weekend I went on a trip to Florida for a shoot. While going through security, I think at least 5 people look at my photo ID. This is so the Transportation Safety Administration can make sure I am who I say I am. Of course, I haven't had a recent license photo in at least 10 or 15 years, so I can't say that I feel safer since my photo makes me look as though I didn't care about shaving, bathing, or doing anything that "The Man" says. Back then that might have been true, but not now.

To the right you will see a more recent picture of me and for better or worse you know what I look like. However, I only know what a handful our faithful readers look like. Everyone likes being able to put a face to a name. This goes for your clients, customers, and associates. If a person can picture the person they are talking to, then that can go along way with creating familiarity with you and your company.

When people meet you or see a photo of you they begin to build an impression. This is important because they will subconsciously decide whether they like you and if they want to do business with you. Also, many job seekers are sending photos along with their resumes to potential employers. This can help you stand out from other applicants. I caution that you should do this if it is appropriate and professional.

So if you have been putting off updating your portrait, wait no longer! Your future job or best client may be looking for you.

Amy Price, Sales Representative

At Mangiante Photography we are always looking for new products that are just a step above the rest. We now have several ways you can enhance your photo experience. These new innovations will dazzle your children, family, and friends leaving them with the question, "Just what will they think of next!"

First, we have the Deluxe Finish option available. This is a way to upgrade your photos to Kodak's new "Metallic Paper". This finish creates a glowing effect on your photos, with greater depth and vibrancy than standard photo paper. It has a glossy finish and a metallic appearance which delivers rich, vibrant colors and flattering flesh tones. These pictures have a very striking appearance and an almost three- dimensional effect. They look fabulous in both color and black and white. As an added bonus, the Deluxe Finish option also includes basic retouching. This finish has been extremely popular for dance/prom photos as well as senior pictures!

We have also recently introduced the "All Access Pass" to our sports photography line. Your child will love the realistic appearance of this product as it portrays them as a professional athlete in the sport of their choice. It consists of four "tickets" to their game, the "All Access" locker room pass, a luggage tag for their "away" games, and a ruler. All items include a photo of your star athlete.

Does your child want to be the next Shaquille O'Neal, Mia Hamm, or maybe Tiger Woods? Well now they can instantly achieve celebrity status by having their picture displayed on the front of the ever popular "Wheaties" cereal box. It displays a 5x7 vertical image and includes all of the "Wheaties" cereal box graphics on the front and sides as well as a place to list their team information on the back of the box. The box is shipped flat with your order and sorry, but the cereal is not included!

We are always working to bring you the latest and greatest when it comes to your photography needs. Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to see samples of any of these products. We would love to help you create unique, lasting photo memories!

• Gene Mangiante, President
• Michael Spikes, Operations Manager
• Anne Mangiante, Office Manager
• Amy Price, Sales Representative
• Philip Powis, Account Manager
• Somers Gardner, Staff Photographer
• Jana Pate, Greek Coordinator
• Elise Mann, Production Coordinator
• Anna Beth Drinkard, Office Assistant