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Ensuring your digital camera remains clean and in good condition is an integral part of successful photography. However, it is important to remember the old adage ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it’. Take measures to avoid the lenses and screens becoming dirty in the first place. The best form of protection for your lens is achieved by attaching a UV filter to it at all times. This will prevent it becoming dusty or even worse, getting scratched. It is far easier and cheaper to clean or replace a damaged filter than a ruined lens. Filters are available in various price ranges and if your only wish is to protect the lens then a cheap version will do. Individual lenses stored apart from the camera body should always be kept with caps on both ends to avoid them becoming damaged or dirty.

One mistake people often make is to attempt to clean their lens with a cloth or tissue without first checking the lens for larger pieces of grit. These are then picked up by the cloth and dragged over the surface of the lens causing major damage that could have been easily avoided. Any visible grit should be removed using a soft brush or simply by blowing on the lens prior to using a cloth or tissue.

Lens Cleaning Fluids are usually alcohol based and should be used carefully. They are worth using as they will remove difficult smudges and fingerprints when they are used properly. Just add a couple of drops to your cleaning cloth and wipe the lens or screen gently in a circular motion. Always apply the fluid to the cloth, not directly to the item you are cleaning.

Disposable cleaning tissues are also available for cleaning lenses, filters etc. These are impregnated with cleaning fluids and it is important to use them only once and discard them after use. They are usually made from a very thin paper material which is much thinner than the domestic varieties available. Don’t be tempted to use any that are not specifically designed for photography equipment as they are likely to be coarse and may damage your equipment.

If you are concerned about the environment and do not like the idea of throwing away used tissues, there are re-usable micro-fibre cleaning cloths available. It is important to keep these cloths in good condition and they should be regularly washed and stored correctly.

The day we get married is often the most important point in our lives. It’s a time to celebrate a new union with our family and friends present. We’ve worked long and hard to prepare for this event, wanting it to be perfect in every possible way. It should be captured as such.

One of the most important preparations for wedding planning is to select the right photographer. The pictures and videos from this day need to reflect what the ceremony and reception were all about. You will look back on these with fond memories, with each image invoking a different emotion.

Choosing the professional responsible for taking pictures can be a process that is sometimes challenging or nerve wracking. This person is going to follow you and your soon-to-be spouse, like a shadow with a camera. You need to know they’re going to get the job done. Here are four steps to select the right wedding photographer:

1. Prepare a budget
You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew, and photographers can be expensive. Figure how much you can or want to spend on wedding pictures. Weddings are costly enough, even without a photographer.

2. Talk to several
Call around to locals in your area and see how much they will charge for the day. Many charge by the hour, so ask about their hourly rates. See if they’re available that day, inquiring plenty of months ahead. The more you call, the better you can narrow down the list to the final choice.

3. Prune your possibilities to three or four and meet with them
Ask to schedule a consultation to see what can be done with your special day. During this meeting, inquire about their portfolio and ask for references so you can see what they’ve done with other weddings. See what kind of wedding packages they offer, and whether any fit within your budget.

4. Make sure to have all the details in writing
You should know what you want and what to expect from your camera person. If they give you an estimate, ask for it in writing, with it a list of everything encompassed by the cost.

The last thing any of us needs on our wedding day is an incapable or unprofessional photographer. You need to be sure that whoever is your final choice will be there on time and will do everything they promised. The day is stressful enough without having to worry about these details.