How to Enjoy Your Digital Photos

Now that we all have digital cameras, it’s too easy to let our precious photos reside in our camera or on our computers where we don’t really get to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas for getting those photos to a place where the whole family can appreciate them.

1. Make Your Photos the Screensaver on Your Computer

   Most computers allow you to choose a photo screensaver so that your personal photos move across the screen after it’s been idle for a few minutes. Many photo management software programs (like Picasa from Google) also have options for setting up a photo screensaver. You’ll find that it can be mesmerizing to watch the smiling faces of your loved ones magically appear on the computer screen.

   
2. Watch Your Photos on the TV Screen

   When you got your camera, there was a cord in the box that attaches at one end to your camera and at the other end to your TV (there’s usually 2 prongs, one yellow and one black, at the TV end). Using this cord, you can turn your TV to the appropriate channel (it’s the Game channel on my TV), plug in the cord at each end, turn on the camera, and play back all the photos. I often bring the cord on vacations so we can watch the photos together as a family at the end of the day. I’ll also use it at the end of a child’s birthday party so all the kids can watch all the fun they just had.

3. Make a Photo Book

   I have found this to be the perfect solution for enjoying my photos now and in years to come. It’s fast and easy to make a book of photos even for beginners - just point, click, and drag. You don’t need to buy any supplies. Your only cost is the cost of the book when you order it. You can change anything until the time you order your book. With a photo book, there’s no need to order prints and have them pile up in stacks around the house waiting for you to organize them. A book is always accessible no matter what technology changes come and go. If you keep all your photos on your computer or even on a DVD or CD, you might not be able to easily see them 10 or 20 years from now (remember home movie film reels?) You can even order multiple copies to share with other members of your family. On top of all of these advantages, it’s great fun to create a digital photo book and see the finished product. Do one book and you’ll get hooked!

Click here to view this photo book.