Here at Kodak, we make films with varying sensitivities to light so you can get good photos under a lot of different (lighting) conditions. The sensitivity scale is called ISO speed. It runs typically from 25 (real slow) to 3200 (super fast). With digital, it's a little different and also a lot the same*. Most people with film or digital cameras routinely take their shots using the P (program) or A (automatic) settings. If someone, using film, showed me their too-dark pictures and wanted to do better, I'd give them a roll of 800 speed film, or better yet 3200 speed if they were OK with black and white film. Higher film speed has higher sensitivity to light ..... enabling brighter images.

But with digital, if you're not happy with what you're getting, it's time to move to the M (Manual) Mode. Each camera will be a little different, but for the Kodak's 6490 camera, you can increase the ISO speed setting up to ISO 800 to get better exposures under low light. You'll sacrifice a little in noise (like grain in film). There's no harm in trying Manual Mode and once you get a feel for the camera settings that give best pictures, you'll soon be a go-to person for others beginning their photographic pursuits. Plus there's lots of sources on the web that can help you learn.

Realize, I'm not talking about using the computer or the many image editing programs to fix bad pictures. That's a huge topic for future days. And anyway, the better the pictures in-camera, the less time needed mousing around with pictures on your computer.

*ISO Speed: Sets the camera's sensitivity to Auto, or to 80, 100, 200, 400, or 800 ISO equivalents. Auto mode varies the ISO between 80 and 130, as light levels dictate.

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When you are behind the camera, are you usually able to respond pretty well to what's before the lens? Get a proper exposure, with or without flash, in-focus, no blur? That covers the basics. Today's cameras provide lots of help with auto/program-exposure modes and auto-focus [love it] and auto-red-eye reduction. All that's really required then is composing and framing.

Seeing some of the other recent blog posts, and ruminating more about creativity, and inspiration; how can we get more energy depicted in photos? While it's not all crystal clear and totally sorted out, there's always something special when there is a sense of motion in the image. Capturing motion shows the energy in photos. Here is a dangerously interesting camera in motion concept.

I've got to admit, my camera is more likely bolted down to a sturdy tripod and actually I'm still thinking this is a bad idea. But, since seeing them, I'm drawn to the simplicity and power of these types of shots. How do I get over my fear of tossing the camera? Maybe I start by strapping a gorilla-pod mounted camera to an animal or child, or maybe I buy a cheap camera and just go for it ....... or maybe this? Help me out here.

Disclaimer: This author accepts no responsibility for any injuries to photographers, animals or damage to photographic equipment sustained during the tossing process! Like I keep telling myself . . . bad idea!

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