Camera Phones for Dummies

Social media is the new frontier, fueled by camera phones and other gadgets that allow the user to capture the moment, upload, and share with the worldwide web with just a few pokes on tiny little buttons. It seems one can’t turn around these days without someone snapping a shot or two.


Photo sharing can be a good thing and I do enjoy perusing the pics of family and friends, especially those living far away. Vintage shots feed feelings of nostalgia and warn the heart. I am never too busy to see updates on hobbies, recipes and family events. After all that is what friends are for.

Alas, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. Certain places should be a picture free zone. Common sense must rule. For all of us, a few words on picture posting etiquette:

• A good friend will take care to post only the most flattering pics of her posse, no double chins or belly rolls permitted. Only post those with eyes open and fly shut, please.

• Never, never catch someone while shoveling food into their mouths, while bleary eyed after a night on the town, or from behind. Exceptions are made of course for the twenty-something group, who look good no matter what. Oh yes those were the days!

• Never post pictures of bodily afflictions, whether it is a bad tooth, swollen ankle or any other abnormal growths. No one wants to see this. Period.

• Never post anything that could get you fired, arrested, kicked out of school or otherwise into hot water. Never put anything out there that you would not want the entire world to see, because you never know who is checking.

• Never do this to anyone else either.

So as we roll into the holiday season, cameras ready, I look forward to seeing the smiling faces of family and friends. We are a multigenerational social media family as grandparents, parents and kids all get into the game. Happy snapping to all and to all a good night.