For anyone who likes taking photographs, it's a whole new world out there. The variety of cameras is endless with point and shoot, 35mm, medium and large format and digital with a lot of others ones in between.

Photo books and magazines are found in bookstores, newsstands, your public libraries and don't forget your used bookstores. Magazines can be purchased at used bookstores for half price, and these outlets have some of the latest magazines and books on photography. I scooted into Barnes and Nobles recently and discovered Shutterbug magazine again. What a treat, and my mouth watered for some of the new cameras that are available. This was another good reason for sending my photos out. Hey, I could buy one of those new cameras!

So, whether you have your film developed or if you process your own, there's much to learn and enjoy about the business of photographing. If you attend a writer's workshop, all of the instructors pound into your head the importance of reading. Read, read and read some more if you want to be a writer. Well, the same holds true for being a photographer. You must shoot, shoot, shoot, and study, study, and study some more. When you pick up a magazine, newspaper or view a piece of art, do itwith the intent of studying to understand why it makes a good image. Visit art galleries. Study all magazines for the images that accompany the story. Ask yourself, how does that photo enhance the story? Would the story view as well without the photo? Read photo magazines for the latest tips and new equipment. Also, join a writer's organization. Check around and see who needs someone to photograph for his or her upcoming article. This way you and the writer both win and the two of you may become a real team. And Last but, not least, visit the many websites that offer information and photo galleries.

"Photographs open up the world without speaking a word, if they're good."

Visit the new web site, TakeGreatPictures.com , hosted by thePhoto Imaging Information Council that's dedicated to helping people see and enjoy photography. This is an opportunity to look at what the famous and amateur photographer sees through the lens of their camera. You will find images by Rudolph Giuliani's, Kenny Rogers, and many others. You will go back again and again, I guarantee it.