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Welcome to The Shutterbug's Blog!
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The Shutterbug is a locally owned camera store that specializes in digital cameras, lenses, film and printing services. This blog will be filled with tips and tricks, fillm advice and camera comparisons. The Shutterbug has four locations: Beaverton, Portland, Salem and Eugene.
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Oregon in Fall: A Photographer’s Guide to Capturing Autumn Color
There are plenty of reasons photographers love Oregon, but fall might be one of the best. As the leaves begin to turn, Oregon's forests, rivers, mountains, and towns take on completely different colors and textures. Add cooler temperatures, dramatic skies, misty mornings, and softer light, and suddenly there's something worth photographing around almost every corner. Whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, wildlife, film, digital, or just your phone, fall is the perfect excu
4 min read


A Photographer’s Guide to Fireworks in Full Color
A photographer's guide to getting the best firework photos.
4 min read


The Smart Photographer’s Guide to Buying a Used Camera
Buying a used camera can be one of the smartest investments a photographer makes. Use these tips to make sure you buy used gear without any hassle.
5 min read


Flower Photography Tips for Stunning Images (2026 Guide) + Oregon’s Best Locations
Tips for Capturing Stunning Flower Photos, Plus the Best Locations in Oregon to Find Them
3 min read


Capture Wildlife Like a Pro: Tips for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers
A short guide to being the best wildlife and bird photographer, no matter what gear you have.
2 min read


Start Shooting Smarter: 5 Beginner Photography Tips
Learning photography is an exciting journey—one that blends creativity, curiosity, and just enough technical know-how to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or finally learning what all those settings do, starting with the right fundamentals makes all the difference. At The Shutterbug, a locally owned camera store in Portland, Beaverton, Salem, and Eugene, Oregon, we help new photographers every day. From choosing the right Canon,
3 min read


Photographing Fireworks at Midnight: A New Year’s Guide
Camera Settings, Lens Choices, and Creative Tips from The Shutterbug New Year’s Eve fireworks are a classic subject for photographers — bold color against a dark sky, moments of anticipation, and the excitement of ringing in a new year. While fireworks can feel unpredictable, they’re actually very approachable to photograph once you understand how your camera handles light at night. At The Shutterbug, we always recommend starting with preparation. Arriving early allows you to
3 min read


Capture the Magic: 3 Creative Tips for Stunning Christmas Family Photos
The holiday season is a time for family, laughter, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. While it’s easy to snap a quick photo in front of the tree, capturing truly memorable and magical moments takes a little more thought and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a film enthusiast, or just someone looking to document the holidays in style, these three tips will help your Christmas family photos stand out. 1. Use Ornaments and Holiday Lights as a Lens
3 min read


Halloween Camera Tricks: Light Painting Your Pumpkins
Learn how to light paint your pumpkins this year! Kyla from The Shutterbug will teach you how to use your camera for this festive look!
4 min read


Protect Your Film at the Airport
Protect your film from x-ray damage by following these simple steps.
1 min read


Long Exposure: Waterfalls (by Clara Howell)
How to capture those silky smooth waterfall shots.
5 min read


In-Store Trade In FAQs
Be sure to stop on by and get a FREE quote!
2 min read


2024 Oregon's Wooden Shoe Tulip Fields: A Photographer's Guide
We are excited to announce the Shutterbug's16th annual visit to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farms! If you've never been to the Wooden Shoe...
5 min read


How to take Bokeh-ful Photos with Christmas Lights
What is Bokeh? Before we dive in, here’s a quick break-down of what bokeh is. Bokeh is the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of...
2 min read


2021 | Salem's Zombie Walk: A Photographer's Guide!
Salem's Annual Zombie Walk with The Shutterbug Camera Stores | A Photographer's Guide
6 min read


Camera Troubleshooting: Why are My Photos Blurry? 5 Common Reasons Why
As a local camera store, we have plenty of customers who come in and ask us to recommend them a new camera as it is not producing 'sharp'...
4 min read


Get Creative with Lens Ball Photography!
Looking for something new to add a bit of spice to your photo adventures? We have our favorite accessory for your camera bag.
2 min read


A Crash Course on UV, CPL and ND Filters
There are plenty of accessories we can recommend to the average photographer, but filters are by far our favorite. Here's how you can...
4 min read


Have Old Film Negatives and Slides? Here's What You Can Do
Found an old box of slides and film? Here are some options that can help you figure out what you want to do with these memories. #1...
4 min read


3 Things You Should Know Before Purchasing a Lens as a Gift
If you don't know very much about lenses, here is a QUICK little 3-step crash course into what you may want to know before buying a lens...
3 min read
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