Simple steps for taking good photos at Congress

You don't have to be a professional photog- rapher to know that Congress presents a host of photo opportunities. You have the excite- ment of being in a new city with new things to see, the color of the opening session, all the exhibits and educational sessions, meeting new friends, and, of course, the exhibitors party at Disneyland.

Fortunately, you don't have to be a profes- sional to be able to bring home some good photos. You don't even have to own a lot of fancy equipment. A little time spent in prepara- tion, in knowing your equipment, and in as- sessing the photo situations is all you need.

Here are some tips for taking good photos at Congress. First, let's look at your camera equipment.

0 It's a good idea to check that your camera and flash are working before you leave for Anaheim. If you are taking a new camera or are borrowing one, shoot a test roll be- fore you go to familiarize yourself with the camera.

0 While you are checking out your equip- ment, don't overlook your film. Like some OR supplies, color film should be used within a certain time. So if you can't re- member the last time you used your cam- era, or if you suspect the film in there now still has shots you took at the 1981 Con- gress in Dallas, it might be a good idea to get a couple of rolls of fresh film.

0 If you are taking a plane to Anaheim, you might consider buying a special pouch as extra protection for your camera and film from airport security x-rays. Pouches cost about $5, can be reused, and are available in most photo or department stores.

0 Once you're at Congress, be sure to carry your camera with you. You can't take that

"once in a lifetime shot" if your camera is backin your hotel room. Pack yourcamera and flash into your purse or briefcase where it will be ready when you need it. You can't take good pictures in the dark. Although there's plenty of light for you to see in the Convention Center, your cam- era will need some help from a flash. Be sure to take enough flash bulbs with you for the number of photos you plan to take each day. Then include some extra flash bulbs just in case.

0 Batteries can go dead at the worst time. If your camera or your flash uses batteries, be sure to carry spares.

0 Don't expect one little flash to light up a whole big room. The farthest a flash bulb will light up is about nine feet; an electronic

Remember to take photos of rhe new friends you meet at Congress.

536 AORN Journal, February 1982, Val 35, No 3

flash will work to about fifteen feet. Unless your subject is within that distance, you'll just get a nice photo of the dark.

0 It doesn't work to take pictures of the slides, overheads, or films that are shown at the educational sessions. The images on the screen aren't bright enough to show up on your film. If you get close enough to use flash, the bright flash of light will com- pletely wash out what's on the screen.

Now that your camera and flash equipment are in order, here are some step-by-step sug- gestions for taking better photos.

Are you taking a photo of someone with a plant growing out of her head? A distract- ing background can spoil a picture, so check the whole frame before you shoot.

0 Don't perform a "headectomy" with your camera. Be sure the people you want to

include in your photo are well within the edges of your camera's viewfinder. During printing, your photo processor may cut off the edges of your pictures, so leave plenty of room.

0 But on the other hand, don't get so far back that your friends will need a magnifying glass to see who is in the picture. Com- pose your pictures carefully.

0 Unless you want a fuzzy photo, be sure your picture is in focus. If your camera doesn't have a focus adjustment, make sure the subject is more than five feet away.

0 Hold your camera and gently squeeze the shutter release.

0 Find out where you can get an application blank for next year's photo contest.

Tipping: What's the going rate? Whom to tip and how much is always a question for Congress visitors. Here is a run down of accepted tipping practices. As a rule of thumb, 15% is the normal tip, but only for good service.

Hotel personnel Doormen 0 50$ to $1 for handling luggage 0 25$ to 50$ for hailing cab Bellmen 0 50$ to $1 per bag carried to room 0 252 to 50$ for other small services Chambermaids 0 50$ per day per person in room Room Service

15% of check

Restaurants Coat check attendant

25$ to 50$ per coat Bartenders

15% to 20% of check Waiters1 Waitresses

15% to 20% of check before tax Head waiterlwine steward

15% to 20% to waiter who will share it;

Bus boys can specify amount on check

no tip; waiter shares

Coffee shop table service 0 lo$ to 15$ if bill under 50$

15$ to 20$ if bill is up to $1 0 15% to 20% for amounts more than $1

Taxicabs 0 15% to 20% of fare; minimum 50$

Other services Washroom attendents

25$ to 50$ Parking attendants 0 15% to 20% or daily fee; minimum 25$

Valet parking, $1 Hairdressers, manicurists

15%

Smoking banned Smoking at Congress programs has been banned by the AORN Board of Directors. The ban is in keeping with the Board's belief that members of a health care organization should provide examples of good health practices.

538 AORN Journal, February 1982, Vol35, No 3