From Eveningsnews.com

Gadgets and Gizmos
Moving Digital Images From The Computer To The Frame
By
Sep 9, 2005, 15:20


(NAPSI)-The rise in popularity of digital cameras is changing the way families archive their lives. Instead of shoeboxes and scrapbooks, memories are captured and stored on the home computer. But this new era in photography is not without its challenges. It is estimated that only 13 percent of digital images ever actually get printed, and with more than 50 million Americans currently owning digital cameras, there are scores of precious moments doomed to be lost forever.

With countless digital images sure to be taken this summer, consumers need help figuring out how to make the most of their digital images, and move their photos from the computer to the frame for generations to enjoy.

One option that has popped up in recent years is the online photo-sharing site. These popular sites offer families a simple and efficient way to organize and share memories online as well as print their images.

Photo sites offer a broad range of services and products to maximize a user's digital imaging experience. By learning to take advantage of a photo site's capabilities, users will quickly be just as excited about having their photos printed as they are about taking them, according to Bob Nell, vice president of network services for Sony Electronics' ImageStation® online service.

"Memories captured in photos are often our most prized possessions, and digital images are a great way to share our personal histories," said Nell. "Now, with online photo sites, consumers can upload, organize, edit, insert captions and share or print their images easily."

Photo sites like ImageSta-tion.com also offer photo gifts from a family vacation or a baby's first birthday that provide real sentimental value. These keepsakes include calendars, mugs, puzzles, confections and for the real photo enthusiast, a hardcover photo book meant to last a lifetime.

Nell offers additional tips to help the family historian manage photos.

• Upload photos within a week. Nell suggests making it a habit to upload photos within a week of taking them, so there is no risk of forgetting dates and other important details while the images sit on a digital camera's memory card.

• Organize photos by date, topic or event. Once the images are uploaded, be sure to organize them in online albums by date, topic or event. Keeping photos in groups will make it easier to keep them organized once printed.

• Print photos at the end of each month. By making it a point to print at the same time each month, users will eliminate the risk of having their images floating in cyberspace for eternity.

By following these simple steps, snapshots of this summer's main events are sure to be enjoyed for years to come.

For more information, visit www.imagestation.com.

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