The Moose Jaw Public Library hosted a public information session about how to use a camera and smartphone, which led a handful of members of the public to exchange their tips and knowledge about photo-taking.
The hour-long session welcomed anyone with an interest in learning more about using different types of cameras, and library facilitator Christina Hinds was pleased to see the group gathered offer their own knowledge to each other.
“That's what we're all here for, is to help each other out because it can be a scary road when you're learning about technology like phones, cameras, everything,” said Hinds.
Topics discussed ranged from using different types of storage devices for photos like external hard drives, USBs, and photo sticks — which plug right into a smartphone and download photos from the camera roll — to different ways to edit photos.
Smartphones offer different editing selections, as do most basic photo programs on computers, and there are many free photo editing software programs available to download online — such as GIMP, a popular editing program similar to Photoshop that is free to use and download.
The most important piece of advice offered to anyone hoping to learn their camera was to play around and discover the device’s settings and become familiar with what you can do.
Hinds was pleased with the turnout at the session and was glad to see the attendees offering each other advice to answer the questions that were raised.
“Everybody has questions and answers and we want to be able to help people out,” said Hinds. “Today they were able to bounce them off each other, back and forth, and get ideas and suggestions and that was wonderful.”
Hinds also noted that the MJPL also hosts a weekly technology help program called Tech Time, every Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. that may be of interest.
Library employees are on hand for half-hour sessions where they will help patrons, one-on-one, with any questions they have about their smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
“For some, its as easy as 'how do I use my phone to get on the internet or my laptop?' or 'how do I download my photos on my tablet?'” said Hinds. “It could be basic questions, it could be difficult ones. We try to do what we can to help you.”
