Eye in the sky

So you thought it was cool to shoot pics of yourself and/or your crush at arm's lenghth? Pish. 'Tain't nothin' compared to what you can do with a camera on a stick.

Just use a tripod or better yet, a monopod (they're lighter), extend it to full length and hoist it into the air. There are even instruction on how to convert a paint roller extender into a camera hoist that can reach upwards of 30 feet.

Tips: Use a wide angle lens, preset the focus and use the self-timer.

You'll get a unique view of your surroundings. You can even make pictures from the "squirrel cam."

Concert crowd got you down because they're blocking your view? Rise above them. High fence between you and your sunbathing neighbor? Um, never mind.

So, what is your camera good for?

Feeling a little camera envy because you don’t have the latest and greatest or a boatload of accessories? Not confident your camera is able to take great pictures? Try this for a little inspiration (this only works for digital cameras – sorry, filmies):

Head over to Flickr.com. In the lower right corner of the home page, click on “Camera Finder.” Click through the various camera model lists to locate your camera and click the link. Then scroll to the bottom of the page that pops up.

You’ll see some amazing pictures that have been taken with YOUR model of camera and posted to Flickr. A drop-down menu lists various categories of photos that you can explore. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures or click on the photographers’ names to see even more good stuff.

Then come back here and ask me how you can take pictures like that.

Murphy must have been a photographer!

Some of Murphy’s laws pertaining to photography. I’ve experienced many of these myself!

Automatic cameras aren't

Auto focus won't

If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid

Success occurs when no one is looking, failure occurs when everyone is watching

The one item (batteries, film, etc.) you need is always in short supply

Interchangeable parts aren't

Long life batteries only last for a couple of rolls

Weather never cooperates

Everything always works in your home, everything always fails on location

For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism

There is always a way, and it usually doesn't work

Stunning nature shots invariably happen on two occasions: 1)When animals or the weather are ready. 2) When you're not.

Same rule just substitute children

The important things are always simple

The simple things are always hard

A clean (and dry) camera is a magnet for dust, mud and moisture

Photo experience is something you never get until just after you need it

Lenses are attracted back to their source - hard rocks. Corollary: The more expensive the lens, the greater the attraction.

The greater a photographer's excitement, the greater the chance of fogging film, scratching prints, and deleting files.

As posted in the forums at fredmiranda.com. Hat tip to Denver Photo on Flickr.