Why You Should Choose Austin First

Choosing to spend your money with a local Austin business rather than with a big box store can have a substantial impact on our local economy. For example, if you spent $100 with a big box store, about $17 of that money would go into our local economy. However, if you spend that same $100 with a local Austin business, that number would increase to $40-$60! Your buying decisions have a great deal of impact and power, and more than ever, Austinites are finding that they need to stick together to strengthen our economy.

While Precision Camera has long been an advocate of Choose Austin First, the company has decided to increase its involvement. Our manager, Gregg Burger, has been elected President of the organization this year and is committed to helping Choose Austin First grow to the benefit of the community and local businesses.

Burger says, “The people of Austin are very dedicated to the city and the community. Our goal is to make sure they know which businesses are local and how they can use their buying power for the betterment of the city and everyone who lives here. Where you shop matters more than you might think.”

Learn more about Choose Austin First: http://www.chooseaustinfirst.org/

Tips for Photographing Fireworks

It’s time to get ready for Fourth of July celebrations and the amazing fireworks show that accompany the barbeques and other events. Want to get some amazing images? You can capture some spectacular scenes if you take a few tips with you before you begin shooting.

Scout Your Spot: If at all possible, get the event early and take a look around. See if you can get an unobstructed view or if you can position yourself where other onlookers’ heads won’t be in the way.

Try a Tripod: With the combination of low light and fast action (the fireworks), a steady surface can greatly aid in helping you record that perfect image. We offer a number of high quality styles including compact, professional and monopod styles:http://www.precision-camera.com/search.php?terms=tripod

Add a Remote Release: A remote release can free you up to focus on your images and keep your eye on the sky. They are inexpensive and many photographers find them to be an invaluable accessory: http://www.precision-camera.com/search.php?terms=remote+trigger

Slow Your Shutter Speed: A long exposure often works best with fireworks since they are moving events and contain bright light. Experiment with keeping the shutter open long but don’t overdo it because you can overexpose the image. Alternate between using a burst mode to capture the action as well as holding the shutter open (by pressing the button half-way at the beginning of the action and continue holding it down until the fireworks burst is complete) in a single shot. Each location and event has unique circumstances so keep experimenting as you go along until you find the effect that works for you.

Forget the Flash: Your flash can be more of a hindrance in this case because it may signal to your camera that you need a shorter exposure time. The flash only helps when your object is a few feet away, so in this case, even though it’s dark, keep the flash turned off.

Happy Fourth of July!

Free Admission & Classes at Austin Photo Expo This Weekend!

Precision Camera & Video is Offering Great Specials at the Expo!

The Austin Photo Expo is Austin's largest gathering of photographic manufacturers in one place for two days only.

Check out the expo demo floor for all the new cameras, lenses, and accessories. Representatives will be on hand to explain how their products work best for you.

Precision Camera & Video is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Austin Photo Expo. We'll have our very own booth at the show and will be offering all kinds of specials on products and accessories during the event.

Our team is excited about being a part of this event, and we look forward to seeing you at the Expo. This jam-packed event has numerous events designed for all skill levels--from the beginning shutterbug to the full-time professional photographer.

To learn more, visit http://www.austinphotoexpo.com/.

We'll see you this weekend!

Make Mom's Day!

There are few things more challenging and rewarding than being a mother. She juggles countless demands and roles and always manages to keep things together. This month, skip the usual Mother’s Day gifts and consider giving her something that shows you really put some thought into finding the perfect gift.

Digital Photo Frame: How often do our favorite photos get downloaded to our computers only to languish for months on end without being seen again? Consider organizing some of Mom’s favorite photos and putting them together on a digital photo frame. A digital photo frame is a unique way to share and enjoy digital pictures and to help her relive some of her favorite memories. And it’s much more fun than looking at pictures on a computer screen! Learn more here: http://www.precision-camera.com/product/4014469

Color Her World: Some of today’s compact point-and-shoot camera models come in a variety of sleek and stylish colors. These cameras are packed with the latest features and are sure to delight her on her special day without breaking your budget. http://www.precision-camera.com/product/3451B001

Go Big! How many times have you heard her talk about getting a few favorite photos enlarged and framed but she just can’t seem to find the time to get the job done? Mother’s Day is the perfect time to enlarge and frame her favorite pictures. You can also take an even more artistic route by having an image printed on canvas. Ask us how we can turn a favorite photo into a work of art. http://www.precision-camera.com/services/photolab/

We can create a number of fantastic and personalized gifts, and our options are time and budget-friendly. Give us a call or stop by; we’d love to help you make Mom’s day the best ever.