6/30/2016 10:14:00 AM
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the courageous members of the Continental Congress who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. As we honor our ancestors' fight for freedom, many of us will experience this holiday through family gatherings, barbecues, musical events, festivals, parades, and fireworks. We’ve compiled a few tech tips for you to share with family and friends for a safe and memorable Fourth of July weekend:
This weekend when you’re watching a fireworks show with family and friends, chances are someone will pull out their phone to snap a few photos. Don't let them suffer by taking bad photos. Share these tips with them first: Turn off your flash, avoid shakiness, don’t zoom in, tinker with your camera’s exposure settings, and try burst mode.
Check out this TIME Magazine article, 6 Secret Tricks For Photographing Fireworks With Your Phone.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can attest that the Fourth of July weekend is a busy time at Minnesota parks. Many Minnesotans take this holiday travel around to remote parts of our great state with family, relaxing in the woods, sightseeing, hiking, and seeing some of Minnesota's most popular attractions.
While these experiences make for great family vacations, getting lost in the middle of Minnesota does not. Before you set out on your next great family trip, read about How to Use Google Maps Without An Internet Connection.
If you're looking forward to spending the Fourth of July weekend relaxing with family and friends, and not checking your smartphone every minute - maybe a "digital detox" is in order.
One simple way to gain independence from your smartphone is to shut it off, and lock it in your closet. If this is too extreme, you could put your phone on silent - or better yet, just turn it off.
There are some benefits to a "digital detox", as Fast Co. reported in What Really Happens To Your Brain And Body During A Digital Detox.
We wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Technology
