Summer is the perfect time to get creative with your camera. There are endless photo opportunities around each corner. Take advantage of the season to take plenty of pictures. And then turn them into something fun. Here are four easy ideas to try.

1. Yes, beginners CAN create works of art. If all or most of the pictures on your memory card are of people, here's your change to break into new territory. In this digital age, you no longer have to be a professional photographer to create artistic prints worthy of hanging on the wall.

Experiment with your macro mode by taking super close up snapshots of the flowers that are blooming everywhere. Use that ultra zoom at the zoo to get an animal portrait that looks like it was taken in the wild. Click away at the seagulls, sand and surf. Take your camera with you wherever you go and look for interesting things to capture in your lens.

Take pictures from different angles and distances. Study your results and when you find something you like, try to do it again with a new subject. Sooner or later, even the biggest amateur will accidentally stumble into taking some great shots, and learn in the process. Then, don't be shy. Frame those masterpieces with pride and display your efforts.

2. Make an easy, inexpensive, thoughtful gift. Of course, you could give one of your framed photos as a lovely present. But you can personalize your photos even more, by adding a meaningful, inspirational or even funny quote. Just open up your photo in your computer graphics or word processing program. Resize it to 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 inches. Then type in the quote in an attractive font. Choose a font color that contrasts with the background, so that the words are clear to read, such as white on a dark background or black type in a lighter area. Move the text to a better location on the picture, if necessary.

You can use this same method to make a handmade name print. Research the meaning of the recipient's name. Baby naming websites have all that information. Once again, using computer software, type the person's name on the photo in large letters. Underneath the name, place the meaning in smaller letters. After your gift is printed, trim it to the right size and frame.

3. Wish you were here! Why settle for an ordinary generic vacation postcard that just displays a landmark? Instead, you can send postcards that showcase your family having fun at your destination. Simply take some snapshots of your loved ones in the foreground of that recognizable scenery. Choose a good shot and bring your memory card to the local supermarket, drug store or photo store to print, or use a kiosk in one of those locations set up for doing it yourself.

Once you have your 4 x 6 inch photos ready, then on the back of the picture just write your message on the left and the address on the right. Put a stamp on it and mail. For an even more professional look, you can find acid-free postcard labels that are manufactured for that purpose to fit on the back of photos.

4. It's Christmas in July. Don't wait until November to take that great holiday picture for your family photo Christmas cards. Take advantage of the nice weather, natural outdoor lighting and the relaxed, happy faces of your kids having summer fun. A candid snapshot of your children engaged in activities they enjoy, reveals their personalities more than any posed portrait. And if you want to stage it, you can photograph your loved ones wearing Santa hats in the pool or building a sand snowman on the beach.

Then, take it a step further. Browse online for a great photo Christmas card design, order them, address the envelopes, seal and add stamps. Do everything ahead and mail them in December. That way, you'll have one less thing to do when the hectic holidays roll around.

So, play with your camera this summer. Take some time to familiarize yourself with what it can do. Experiment with the different features and modes. Click away at anything and everything. Then have fun transforming your photos into something creative. And then, do it all again with every season to come.