Somers' Gardner, staff photographer

Yahoo! Summer is almost here and not a moment too soon. It's about time for school to let out, so get ready for some good times and great shots. Most people can't wait to get away on their vacation, so here are a few delightful tips on how to capture those treasured moments. Get your cameras ready, charge up those batteries and don't forget sunscreen!

Air Travel: Whether you are planning on flying to some exotic island or just to grandma's house across the state line, you should always check for airline restrictions before you go. As of Jan. 1 2008, the FAA has banned loose (or spare) lithium batteries in all checked luggage. That means if you pack a camera that takes these batteries in your checked luggage they must be in the camera and any spare batteries need to be in your carry on. Nickel-based rechargeable (Ni-Mh or Ni- Cd) or alkaline batteries are still OK. There is no limit to the amount of spare lithium batteries you can put in your carry on. However, there is a limit on the amount of lithium contained in each battery (8 grams). The lithium content of most batteries falls well below the limit. If you want to get technical though, this link will help you calculate how much lithium is in your battery. To see more rules and tips, check out this article: FAA Battery Rule. If you have a 35mm camera, take caution when putting your film through the security check point, as it could cause damage. Certain ISO films should be hand inspected. Putting film in your checked baggage can also be potentially hazardous, as they often pass through a scanner, as well.

Beach Care Tips: If you are headed to the beach, please do not get your camera anywhere near the sand! If you lay your camera on a towel, keep it in its case. Only take it out for the shot and then quickly put it away. If sand gets into the small parts of your camera, it will ruin it more quickly than you can slap on sun block. In the event that you don't have a case for your camera, something as simple as a zip lock bag can be utilized. Sand is not the only camera hazard on the beach. Water and heat can also pose a threat. If you want to take pictures close to the water, go ahead and splurge on an underwater camera that you can take swimming with you!

General Summer Tips: Have some spare batteries, as well as extra memory cards ready to go. If you are thinking about buying a new memory card for vacation, keep a few things in mind. Depending on how old your camera is, the largest card may not be the best option. Some cameras even have compatibility issues. Always check with your salesperson before you purchase anything. Also, I would suggest getting multiple cards, so that if you happen to lose one, you don't lose all your pictures. 512 MB is a good size and these can be picked up for a very reasonable price. Having multiple cards also forces you to backup your pictures on to your computer. Once you have done that, make sure that you format your card in the camera to delete the images you just backed up. This will help prevent your memory card from corruption.

Good luck in your travels! Keep your camera with you and be ready for plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. If traveling, pack extra equipment and don't forget your charger.

Philip Powis, account manager

Graduation is a special time for families whether it is your own, or a friend or relative. It is a huge milestone you will remember for years to come. Leave it to us to capture the big moment so you can relax and take in the whole experience without worrying about "getting the shot." Mangiante Photography can capture the handshake as the student receives his or her, diploma, as well as a posed photograph immediately after leaving the stage. An overview shot of the whole class can also be provided, usually sitting during the ceremony. If you have a master's program, we can photograph students receiving their hoods as they are placed on their shoulders. You can trust us to deliver high quality photos that will last a lifetime!

For those of you wanting to take your own pictures, think about what you can do to capture the heartfelt moments leading up to graduation day. These memories will be equally important to preserve in your photo album! Here are a few things to think about when taking snapshots:

• Capture the mood and personality by taking pictures of activities leading up to graduation day.
• Photograph personal belongings of the graduate that have to do with his or her time spent in school.
• Photograph locations and symbols that relate to the school itself, such as the building, the sign in front of the school, the parking lot, etc.
• Take pictures of the graduate as he or she gets dressed and prepares to head to graduation.
• Make sure to take pictures of who attend the graduation.

The most important thing to remember is to take a ton of pictures! Worry about selecting the best ones later as you can't get the moment back!

Mangiante Photography LLC would like to congratulate all 2008 graduates and parents for all their hard work and dedication. This is a significant accomplishment to be proud of and we wish everyone the best as they move forward with their future!

Michael Spikes, operations manager

When people find out I am in photography, the one that probably comes up most is "What kind of camera do you use?" or sometimes it is "What kind of camera do you recommend?" I don't mind answering these questions, as I like to help people make informed decisions about how they are going to spend their hard-earned money. However, sometimes I feel as though I am being "sized up" as though the camera I use indicates how "professional" I am. While it is generally true that the more expensive the equipment, the more you can do with it, It will not turn you into a professional photographer anymore than owning expensive golf clubs makes you Tiger Woods. The training, experience, knowledge and talent make you the professional.

With that said, I think that making the right choice for your budget, skill level and purpose is important. I highly recommend checking out the Internet for impartial reviews on camera models. There are so many to choose from that you can go blind from trying to sort them out. I like: Digital Photography Review. I find they have a lot of technical data combined with an overall view of the quality of most digital cameras. If you are looking for used cameras most of them have reviews there, as well.

Lastly, if you ever really need advice on what model, I am always willing to put in my two cents!