I just downloaded the first set of prints out of the new digital camera. Beware world, with eruptions on this island, flowers everywhere, and incredible scenery, you are gonna see lots of them. Shooting Better Slides When you send slides to galleries and competitions, you want them to be the highest possible quality so they garner the kind of attention your artwork deserves. Here are some criteria to shoot for: 1. Color quality. The color visible in the slide must match the color in the original work, especially if the slide will eventually be reproduced. 2. Maximum size. Artwork is rarely proportional to the image area of the camera lens, so make sure the longest side of the artwork--excluding the frame--fills the longer edge of the image area. 3. Plain background. Place a solid-colored backdrop--not a distracting object or printed background fabric--behind the artwork. 4. Squared up. The surface of the artwork needs to be exactly parallel to the camera lens. If it's not, you'll create a distortion known as parallax, in which the artwork appears to be narrower at the top or bottom, or one side seems shorter than the other. 5. Clarity. The images should be sharp and in focus. Use proper lighting. A well-lit, properly exposed slide shows no sign of glare or "hot spots" and isn't overly light or dark. If you're unable to create the best quality slides, hire a professional who has the knowledge and equipment to do the job right. And keep your files well stocked by ordering duplicate copies when you're having the originals processed. Art Tip provided by Passion4Art.com

How many megapixels is your new digital camera? What make and model is it?

Mine is a modest one - a learner. I'm looking at other options such as interchangeable lenses and such. I really miss having a good telephoto lens when I go to the volcano or try to photograph snow on the mountain. My son's is professional quality, has all the bells and whistles and cost 4 figures! My current camera is (and I have to share it with an inept other) a Kodak 215 Zoom a few years old. I'll check on the pixel density but I have programming options of jpg or bmp format. One uses considerably more than the other. Both are good and the jpgs are of sufficient quality that I have opted for more images on my 64K flash card rather than the precision of bmp files.