Are You a Hustler?

Do you hustle? I mean really hustle. As a kid growing up I was a huge fan of the Big Red Machine, Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Pete Rose became my favorite athlete. Forget about Pete Rose as a man and all his personal shortcomings, Pete Rose gave it his all every time he stepped on a baseball field. Pete truly earned his nickname Charlie Hustle." If you want to be successful, no matter your looks, talent, connections or anything else have going for you, you have to learn to hustle.

Recently I was in New York City on business. Later in the evening after my meetings I went to a famous Jazz Club called the Iridium Jazz Club to listen to T.S. Monk. T.S. Monk is a great Jazz drummer and the son of legendary Jazz musician Thelonious Monk. The music was incredible and I enjoyed the music and atmosphere tremendously. A funny thing happened in the Iridium Jazz Club that night. I learned more about business, marketing, sales and the hustle you must have to succeed than I did in any of the business meetings I attended. Go figure.

While watching the music, I noticed something. A young girl was invited into the club by the club manager, he gave her something to eat and then she took a professional looking camera and starting taking action shots of T.S. Monk and his band. She made me curious, so I asked her what she was doing with her pictures. Here's is what I she told me and what I learned from her.

This young girl was nineteen years old and a student of Bowling Green University in Ohio. She had saved money and moved to New York for the summer to attend photography school and shoot photos of bands and musicians to build her music photography portfolio. This young girl had moved from a small town to a large city by herself with no connections to pursue her dream.

This young lady had put together unique marketing material that included a catchy brown envelope with rough texture and her name in an unusual font at the bottom. The envelope contained three photos of her work and a business card with a music type photo of herself and contact info. The young lady went to school during the day and at night went to music clubs around New Work City and asked if she could shoot pictures of the performers. While at the clubs she would tell everyone she met what she was doing and of her dream to be a photographer of Rolling Stone Magazine. She let the band know how excited she was to shoot pictures of them and that she would provide them the pictures for free for the chance to build her portfolio. In between her school in the day and the picture taking at night she would call on Rolling Stone Magazine and other music related magazines trying to get an opportunity. I have no doubt this young lady will be successful. As a matter of fact she already is. In creating her dream, she is living her dream. The young lady knows how to hustle.

Towards the end of the evening at the Jazz Club I got to meet TS Monk. Mr. Monk told me that he went from playing Jazz to R&B music and had some hits and success but when he decided to came back to Jazz music, his dad had already passed and some of the doors that might have been open before to him were no longer available. Having a famous dad had allowed him some opportunity but he had to be able to deliver. T. S Monk talked to Jazz player who was a friend of his dad and asked if he could come out and play with him. The man said sure and told TS to come on out. TS sat there all night and never got to play. TS asked the man about the next weekend and the man said to come on out. Again, he sat there and never got to play. And so this same scene kept occurring for months. TS would go to the nightclub; he would sit and never get invited to play. Finally, one night he was asked to play. After that night he started to get invitations and opportunities started to open up for him. As TS said to me, he had to hustle and keep believing.

Whether you are Pete Rose, TS Monk, a young music photographer or a salesperson with big dreams, hustle is a common element of success.

How to Find Digital Photography Jobs

You have come to the right place if you are interested in learning more about potential digital photography jobs. Photography is becoming an ever increasingly popular career choice, particularly in today's world of digital picture taking. If this sounds like something you would be interested in keep reading, below you will learn about job qualifications, training and a summary of what the average photographer earns.

First on the agenda, let's take a look at what a photographer is. You could say photography is about capturing images the portray an event or story. The best photographers know how to use lighting, angles and lenses to capture these moments in such a way that the viewer is drawn into the scene. You will have several types of photography to choose from including landscape, fashion, wildlife and wedding photography. Many institutions offer courses in these and various other photography disciplines. In addition to taking pictures, many photographers are also learning about electronic equipment for editing and otherwise manipulating photographs. Some photographers still use a dark room for developing, however this is becoming less popular.

Exactly what qualifications are required to become a photographer? If you are looking for a photography position as opposed to striking out on your own you should know employers look for technical photography skills and a great imagination. While not necessarily required it is a good idea to have a photography degree from a reputable institution. Photography courses are available at many local colleges around the country. These classes will focus on technique, process, design, composition and proper use of photography equipment. Once you have the education you will then need to obtain some photography experience. One great way to get this experience is by volunteering as an assistant to another professional. In the meantime, work on building your portfolio, which you can present to potential future clients.

Today photography has seen a good deal of advancements, especially when it comes to technology. This is one reason the field has become more appealing to a variety of individuals. Of course, that means more competition! With competition being so fierce it is a good idea to gain as much specialized knowledge as you can, the more you know about your chosen genre of photography the better your chances at securing a position within that particular field.

Now, we come to money and when it comes to an annual salary, the range is wide and varied. You will see start out wages anywhere from $14,000 per year up to $50,000. Generally speaking, that gives you a median annual salary of around $24,000 in the field of photography. That being said the particular area you go into will make a huge difference in your salary. For instance, even an average fashion photographer makes a great deal more than the portrait photographer does.

It is very important that you obtain a photography degree regardless of the type of photography you want to focus on. This will be essential to creating a thriving career. If you are ready to begin your journey toward your dream career as a photographer it is time to begin searching for a school that offers the courses you need. Before you know it you will be well on your way to establishing a profitable and fun career

Buying A Country Home

Things to consider when buying a home in the country moving to the country be prepared for some changes you may not be aware of. Here are some helpful insights to think about.

1. On site well and septic

Well water quality and quantity. Some dug wells will go dry in the summer.

Older septic. What is in the ground? Is it a concrete tank. What is the field bed? When was the tank pumped last?

2. Homes built longer than 17 or 18 years ago were 2"x4" framing R12 and R20 insulation. Newer homes are 2"x6" framing R20 and R40 insulation.

3. Things to note: Age of roof, windows, plumbing and wiring. Size of electrical service. Some older homes may have a 100 amp panel but still have a 60 amp service. Older toilets use 3 or 4 gallons per flush. Newer low flush toilets only use about 翻 a gallon. Important with a dug well where there may be quantity issues.

4. Black flies and mosquitoes can be thick in some rural areas. Near a farm? Manure will be spread spring and fall.

5. Exposure to weather. Long driveways may drift in the winter. Some winters we can get a lot of snow. Don't under estimate the difficulty that comes with that. May be lovely in the summer but be pre-pared for winter.

6. Wood heat. Is the stove CSA approved and is the installation W.E.T.T.

Certified? Will be an issue with insurance. Most insurance companies have a 50% surcharge if you burn more than 2 chords of wood. Fire wood in the area averages $200 per chord delivered ready for the stove. The average home with a wood furnace will burn 3 to 6 chords a season.

7. Watch for formiculite insulation in older homes as it may contain asbestos.

8. Know where the schools are and where the school bus stops.

9. Allow extra time for traveling in the winter. 25 minutes to work in the summer could easily become 45 minutes on slippery roads.

10. Where is the closest church of your denomination? What is available for recreation and minor sports for the kids.

11. So you want to farm a little. Does the zoning allow for that. Make sure there are no restrictive covenants against it.

12. Horses your pleasure. Some municipal governments have specific by-laws like 1 1/2 acres for the first horse and 1/2 acre for each additional horse.

13. Secondary roads may not be plowed as quick as main roads.

14. Garbage and recyclable. Ask how they are handled and if pick ups are scheduled.

15. Lots of grass to mow? Don't expect that push mower and your back to handle it. You will need a ride on.

16. Be ready for any extended power outages. A home with a generator could be something to think about. If not have an emergency plan in place.With today's extreme weather don't be caught unprepared.

17. Last but not least. If you don't know ask. I love living in the country but even an old pro like me has been caught unprepared from time to time when I under estimated mother nature.

Just some tips based on my 38 years in the real estate business

Larry

How to Write a Media Services Proposal (Photography, Audio, Video, Multimedia)

If you're in a media service business like photography or creating video production or sound recordings, then you are always looking for new clients. Most contracts in these businesses are of short duration, so you need to line up as many contracts and clients as you can. The best way to do that is to master the art of writing a business proposal.

You probably don't consider yourself a writer, but creating a proposal is not difficult once you understand the basic structure and ingredients that all winning proposals need. You already know the services and the quality you have to offer, and you probably have a good idea of what most clients want, so you have all the basic information you'll need. And after you have written one proposal, you'll find that you can use a lot of the same information in every proposal from now on.

Let's focus on structure, and you'll see how easy writing a proposal can be. All service proposals have a standard structure: introduction, client-focused section, services-focused section, and then finally, a section focused on you or your organization.

The introduction part is very simple. The first thing you need in a proposal package is a Cover Letter that explains who you are, why you're sending this proposal, and what you want the reader to do after considering your proposal. Naturally the Cover Letter should contain all your contact information, too, so the client can easily phone or email you with a response. A Cover Letter isn't always part of the proposal, but should introduce your proposal when appropriate.

At the top of the proposal itself is a Title Page, which is exactly what it sounds like--just clearly label your proposal. Examples might be Photography Proposal for Birchfield Wedding or Recording Services for QRX Band or Proposed Audio Book Recording of The Only Witness.

If your proposal is only a few pages long, that's it for the introduction. If your proposal is complex, you might need a Table of Contents and a Client Summary page next--that's a short summary of the most important points you want to make in your proposal, and such a page is generally only needed when there are executives who must approve your proposal but may not have time to read the entire package.

It's important not to start off with a sales pitch that's all about you. Save that for the last part of the proposal. Successful proposals are customized to the potential client. They are more about satisfying the client than about bragging about the service provider.

So, after the introduction comes the client-centered section. In the client-centered section, you prove that you understand your potential clients and their needs and concerns. Put yourself in your potential clients' shoes. At a minimum, this section should have a Needs page that spells out what the clients have already asked for or are likely to ask for. For example, a photographer proposing a shoot for a sports magazine might list events that the client wants covered and an approximate number of shots per location or event, or a recording studio might list the number of recordings and the final formats that the client has asked for. In some cases, you might know more about what is needed than a new client, so be as specific as possible. This section might include a Requirements or Specifications page to spell out technical details, and topic pages like Budget or Limitations or Schedule that mention any concerns of the clients or restrictions on the project.

After you have described what the client wants or needs as well as any restrictions, it's time to explain how you propose to fulfill those needs. Describe your services in detail. The pages in this section will vary according to your particular business and the project. Be as specific as possible about what you will do, when, and how much it will cost. You'll probably want a Services page and a Cost Summary page, and maybe Options or Packages, Venue, Schedule, and Equipment or other topics that explain everything you have to offer. If you offer a Guarantee of satisfaction or a Warranty on a product you deliver, include that in this services-focused section, too.

In the final proposal section, it's your turn to brag about yourself. Explain why you are the best choice for the project. You might include pages like About Us, Clients Served, Projects, Awards, Certifications, Testimonials--in short, anything that shows that you are an expert in your field and can be trusted to deliver on your promises.

That's it--you're done creating a draft of your proposal. Now, be sure to proofread every page to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes, and make sure every page looks good, too. If possible, enlist a person who is not familiar with your proposal to do the final check; it's too easy to overlook mistakes and omissions in your own work. You want the proposal to represent you at your professional best. After every page is perfect, print it and mail or hand-deliver it, or package it in a PDF to attach to email, whichever method is most likely to impress your potential client.

Want to get a jump start and speed up the proposal writing process? Consider using a proposal kit of pre-designed documents, which are designed for writing all sorts of business documents. A good proposal kit will come with hundreds of templates to cover any topic you might want to include. Pre-designed kit templates will also contain instructions and examples to guide you, so you'll never feel clueless about what to put on a page. The best proposal kits will also provide many detailed sample proposals you can use as guides when writing your own proposal.

Enjoy a Panoramic Tour of Arizona's Natural Grandeur: Hike the Woodchute Mountain Wilderness, Jerome

With rising temperatures and record breaking heat in the Arizona desert, the summer months are the perfect time for heading up north to higher elevations, 7000ft or higher, where the temperatures are cooler and you can get outdoors again to enjoy more of the natural beauty and diversity that is state of Arizona and its terrain. For a quick and easy summer day trip and a quiet, less crowded, easy-moderate hike with breathtaking panoramic views of Arizona, I recommend hiking the Woodchute Trail, in the Woodchute Mountain Wilderness, near Jerome.

Starting out from Phoenix, you'll want to take I-17 north till you reach the exit for Route 260 West, Cottonwood/ Clarkdale & Jerome. We started out around 8:30 am on a weekday so the traffic and road conditions were pretty good. We noticed there seemed to be a lot of Arizona Highway patrol cars everywhere so be very careful to watch your speed. After a few short stops along the way, we arrived in the small town of Cottonwood at around 10:30am, made a left onto route 89A South, and followed the signs for Jerome. On 89A South, you'll begin a winding ascent up in elevation from 3000 feet up all the way up to 5000 feet, with some really beautiful views of the surrounding Verde Valley behind you.

We arrived in the historic town of Jerome and after a short break to stretch our legs, we continued on our journey heading south on 89A, now called the "Mingus Mountain Scenic Byway". With many tight twisting, hairpin curves and a winding ascent up in elevation now from 5000 feet to 7000 feet, the views along the way are absolutely spectacular! This very scenic drive from Jerome to the top of Mingus Mountain is roughly about 8 miles. Once you reach the top you'll see a sign for "Mingus Recreation Area" off to the left. Turn right, then drive a short ways until you come to FR 106, then take that for about a mile until you come to the Woodchute Trail. The road is all dirt but good and passable for regular vehicles if you take it slow. However, if you have a high clearance 2WD or a 4WD, that'd be better.

After arriving at the trailhead by noon we set out on our hike on the Woodchute Trail. It was a really nice, quiet and serene hike which wound through thick ponderosa pine forest. The elevation ranged from 7000 feet to roughly 7600 feet with only a moderate, gentle climb. The temperature was roughly in the low 80's with a light breeze to keep you cool. Starting out on the trail we noticed some signs of a burn, though not too bad. What I liked best about this hike was the spectacular panoramic mountain top views it offered. Only a short ways down the trail and off to your right you'll see the view down below of 89A winding up to the top of Mingus Mountain, but as well, looking up and beyond you'll see amazing views of the entire surrounding geographic area of Arizona such as the Verde Valley, the Red Rocks, the Mogollon Rim and off to the distance almost dead north you'll even see the tops of the San Francisco Peaks! Then a little ways further down the trail and off to your left you'll reach another ridge where in the distance you'll now see amazing views of the Prescott and Chino Valleys, making it almost a completely panoramic tour of the northern state of Arizona!

We continued hiking the Woodchute Trail for several miles then returned back to our car by about 2:30pm to head back down to Jerome again via 89A. Once we arrived, we had a little time to spare so we decided to stop in at the very well known "Giselle's Bakery" on Main Street and after getting some wonderful pastries to take home with us, we then drove up the street to check out the famous, "Jerome Grand Hotel", which they say is Arizona's most haunted hotel. It's a very beautiful and historic hotel that has a lot of reports of paranormal activity and was even visited recently by the Ghost Adventures paranormal investigators team from the Travel Channel which aired earlier this year. We stopped in for an hour or so and ordered a nice cold locally brewed micro beer in their restaurant & lounge called "The Asylum". We did not see any ghosts while we were there but were told that if you really want to see ghosts, you can come back anytime and they'll take you on a real live Ghost Hunting Tour of your own!

After a quick tour of the first floor and main lobby of the hotel we left Jerome around 5pm to return back to Phoenix by 7pm. We really enjoyed this trip to the Woodchute Mountain Wilderness and our visit to the old historic (and haunted) town of Jerome. It was a really nice, quick and easy summer day trip and hike that's not far from Phoenix at a high elevation of 7000+ feet and with temperatures perfect for getting outdoors. Plus, this very easy-moderate hike had gorgeous scenery and views that will absolutely take your breath away. I highly recommend it. We look forward to returning again soon in the near future and possibly staying a night or two at the haunted Jerome Grand Hotel!

Selling Stock Photos Online - Tips For Beginner Photographers

If you are considering selling stock photos online, there are several things you need to remember in order to get the BEST shots possible. And if you keep these basic tips in mind when you are taking your pictures, selling stock photos will be much more of a successful venture for you.

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  Remember that bright, clear, and well-lit photos sell best! Many stock photography sites do not even accept dimly lit or dark photos. Think "postcard picture", and shoot on sunny days. This will ensure your photos have vibrant color. As many digital cameras have a way of somewhat under-representing color, you may need to boost a photo's saturation with a basic photo editing program. If you do touch up your photos in a graphics program like Photoshop, do not overdo it.


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  Get top quality photos by working on the highest resolutionn your camera can handle. When deciding which photos to upload, reject your grainy or blurry photos right off. Be honest with your assessments, remembering that just because YOU love how a photo looks even though it has a grainy section or is slightly blurry, it doesn't mean that OTHERS will love it too. If you want to be selling stock photos online, look critically at the quality of your photos, and separate the story behind the photo from the photo itself.
  


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  Other good rules of thumb for photographers are to never use your flash as your primary light source (as it often creates unnatural shadows), and to make sure the subject of your photo is easily evident.


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  Consider the commercial value of your photo choicesbefore you upload them, and think about it even as you work with your camera. If you are serious about selling stock photos, you need to remember that you are not just uploading photos because you think they are NICE, or even are GOOD, but because you think they could SELL.

Selling stock photos online does take some photography know-how, but you do not have to be a professional photographer to take photos that will sell. Just follow tips like the ones above, and see where it takes you!

Earn Online Through Photography

Online world is full of opportunities. There are millions of ways to broadcast yourself and similar number of ways to earn online. a person who spends some time on internet searching for online jobs he will immediately realize that there are many simple things which can earn him better than other stereotypic jobs.

One such way of earning online is through photography. You might have noticed that every website needs quite a number of original and unique pictures. This is how the need of good creative photographer rises. For all those who love photography must try earning some money through their skills.

Avenues in this field are obviously very large. You can never be stagnant and can only grow.

Earning money online through photography is a very lucrative option. Since not many photographers are aware of this option there is a huge demand of photographers online.

For earning money through photography does not need any technical expertise. You should be able to click good quality photos with high digital camera, should be able to upload them on your computer and then edit them using photo editing software. The basic reaction that any aspiring photo photographer will give will be why will anyone buy pictures clicked by me, I am not as good as a professional photographer. To all those who are feeling this way must understand that internet is a cast market where talent is appreciated not the number of degrees you posses.

If you can click good photographs then you are surely required online. No need of underestimating yourself because you might perform better than any other professional. So if you want to earn well while operating from home and doing what you love -photography then you will get hundreds of worthwhile offers. Let your talent is appreciated and paid well.

Where To Find Really Cheap Digital Cameras

Who doesn't want to save some money by finding the best source for really cheap digital cameras? I know I would. The trick though, is to make sure your not sacrificing quality for the sake of price. A truly inexpensive camera is only a deal if it works. And continues to work months and years from the date of purchase. There are of course, at least as many places to find great deals on digital cameras, as there are places to avoid like the plague.

Online retailers are a great source for cheap cameras. Many would be consumers realize that they can buy new products from big online retailers like Amazon and others. What some don't realize, is that they can also buy used products as well. Used cameras will always be priced better than the latest models. A growing number of small camera retailers use the big online stores to sell their wares. What this means to the online shopper, is that looking at one web site is actually like browsing dozen of camera stores at the same time. It's kind of like a shopping mall with nothing but camera stores.

Don't just consider used cameras. It's often quite possible to find older discontinued cameras that have simple fallen out of favor with consumers looking for all the latest bells and whistles. Keep in mind, that the basics of good photography didn't just change with the advent of digital photography. Older proven models are more then capable of taking amazing pictures. Often without the problems that new technology can bring. Cheaper discontinued digital cameras can often be found at the same online stores the sell new and used cameras as well.

One very underutilized source for cheap digital cameras is photography discussion forums. These forums are filled with camera enthusiasts of every imaginable level. From full time pros to digital camera newbies. If there's one thing I've learned about camera hobbyists, is they're always on the lookout for the next great camera. Which usually means they have older cameras to get rid off. Often the cameras are in mint condition as they've been cared for by experts. Photography discussion forums usually have whole sections dedicated to selling used digital cameras.

Photography - Fireworks and the Death Grip

Photographing fireworks can seem like it would be a tricky thing for the photographer that is just beginning. It may even seem to be a little scary to someone that has never tried to take photos of fireworks. You can relax I'm going to let you in on a few simple photography tips that will make things a whole lot easier on you.

You will come to realize that this type of photography can actually be a lot of fun and that you can take shots that will impress your family and friends. The main thing here is for you to get out there and try. You never know, by the end of the night you may even be surprised yourself.

One of the first tips that I want to pass on to you is that you need to use a tripod if you can. You need to be able to secure your digital camera to ensure that you have no movement of the camera. Being able to keep the camera still is really important because you will be using longer shutter speeds. The longer shutter speed will not only capture the movement of the fireworks, it will also capture any movement of the camera itself.

Maybe at this point you are thinking this makes sense but I do not have a tripod and I can not run out and get one. That's o.k. because there are other ways to get around the tripod issue. Your first option to help with the camera shake is as simple as getting a good grip on your camera. A good solid steady grip is a key factor here, you may want to try griping your camera before you go out. This way you will know the best way for you to grip your camera. Remember this shot is going to take a little time so you to be able to hold your camera and still be comfortable.

Now that you have a death grip on your digital camera you need a place to lean your weight on and help steady the camera. This could be a wall, tree, or a fence. A fence post can work out really well for you, because another method to get around not having a tripod is to set your camera down on a clean solid surface. Besides the fence post you could use something like a seat or a brick wall. After you have found your spot line up your shot and take it from there.

Using the self timer in this method is another way that you can overcome the shake factor. By using the self timer you get rid of the shake that you have with just pressing the shutter button. It may seem like this is some really simple information about photography and photographing fireworks but by using these simple tips it can make all the difference in the world to the photo itself. So if you are just beginning, don't get to uptight with it. With a digital camera you have room to play around a little. You get to see your shots right away so you can make any adjustments that you need.

Principal Photography Completed on Kalpvriksh - The Wish Tree Directed by Manika Sharma

Director Manika Sharma has completed principal photography on KALPVRIKSH THE WISHING TREE YOUR DREAMS ARE JUST A TOUCH AWAY, starring Shabana Azmi. The film was written by Manika Sharma. Ace Cinematographer Rajeev Jain is the Director of Photography.

KALPVRIKSH - THE WISH TREE is a magical, inspirational and an extremely entertaining story of five children in a hill-station who come together to save their 'wish tree' (KALPVRIKSH) from being cut by vested interests. The film is extremely lively, entertaining, endearing and engrossing so that the underlying message to protect trees and environment is seamlessly driven home...

Twelve year old Nikita is overweight and headstrong. When her overeating becomes an obsession, not only does her life at school and at home become seriously out of control but her dream of becoming a 'rock star' one day, seems next to impossible. Nikita's life is mysteriously enjoined with four others -

Guriqbal Singh, Nikita's classmate and sole heir to the presently crumbling business of "Nanak Paneer (cottage cheese) House", has a stealing problem, which is about to take dangerous dimensions. In the face of financial insecurities which are more anticipated than real and an even more insecure father, who is gradually turning alcoholic, Guriqbal must 'collect' and 'store away' what he can to protect the well-being and future of his family. His treasure box lies buried deep in the forest behind the railway tracks.

Sean, a 'dyslexic', is an eleven year old boy. Sean's constant struggle with reading and speech makes him the 'butt' of all jokes and relentless public humiliation at the hands of his superior classmates, within the unforgiving walls of his classroom. And to make matters worse, while at home, Sean must also live through the trauma of separating parents, who are on the verge of an official break-up. The only comforting source is 'Pari', Sean's beloved pet, his lemon-yellow colored lovebird and perhaps one day, the gift of 'free-speech'. Through Sean's eyes the world lends itself to a strangely stunning visual possibility... and when he picks up the brush, the canvas leaves people amazed at his genius.

Ten-year old Fatima Khanam is obsessed with Bollywood, specially, Superstar 'Shah Rukh Khan'. A 'star' in her own right, Fatima is preparing herself for her 'star-destiny', which will come to her someday soon. She goes through her day as though an imagined camera is filming her at all times, even while she is brushing her teeth! Fatima manages to skip school smoothly to watch films in the cinema hall, until the season of 'parent-teacher meetings' spoils it all and Fatima's father, Khwaja Sheikh, is alarmed at her shocking performance in school tests and also her disappearing acts from school.

This season also spells doom for Nikita, Sean and Guriqbal, who are getting into deeper trouble and misfortune. In a world swinging between angry parents, punishments, disapproving neighbours, and a stressful school life, their world is fast crumbling and their dreams drifting away in conflict with their reality.

Last but not the least is Dhanua, a witty, street smart, eleven year old who works at the dhaba (local eatery), down in Paltan Bazaar. With his unshaken faith in muscular 'Hanumaan ji' (the Indian Monkey God and mythological superhero), he must fight the tests of time against his abusive and tough dhaba owner 'Shankar dada'. Dhanua would love to go to school and make friends with other children, who seem to have a perfect life, but right now he must earn his meals from day to day and protect himself from being bullied and exploited by other older, stronger boys working at the dhaba, Jaikishen and Kaalia.

Life's tough. Even so, a miracle awaits Dhanua and the messy lives of Nikita, Sean, Guriqbal and Fatima...

On the Annual Sports day at school, Nikita wins first prize in the back-to-back race. But when some of the children scoff at her and announce that she has only won by cheating, this is the breaking point for Nikita. The most hurtful day of her life is about to transform into the most magical day of Nikita's life.

Nikita's mysterious old friend (who lives in a green house in the forest) tells her the magical tale of 'Kalpvriksh' or 'The Wishing Trees' that have existed through thousands of years. "They are still around and the only unfortunate reason they have not been discovered in recent times is because no one believes in them anymore, the Wishing Trees are dying", she tells Nikita.

In the moments that follow, Nikita instinctively runs to her secret place where she always sits when she is sad. She stands before an old twisted tree and speaks to it as if it's listening. In the days that follow Nikita's life begins to change drastically. She does not steal food from the kitchen in the nights and through a series of incidents, the children in school not only stop teasing her but look at her with newfound respect and admiration. The humiliation begins to give way to a feeling of self worth and pride.

Nikita has discovered her Wish Tree and she must share its magic with Sean, Guriqbal, Fatima and Dhanua. According to Nikita's mystical old friend in the forest, the powers of the Wishing tree grow when more and more people believe in it. But the secret must be shared only with those that genuinely believe in it.

Sean's speech is clearing up miraculously since his angry meeting with the Wishing Tree. At some point he must gather the confidence to express his love for Nikita.

Fatima is grounded by her father. One day when a newsflash on TV reports that Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is being flown to London for surgery, her fantasy about him begins to crumble. He is real, he can fall ill. At such a moment of crisis, she can only reach out to the Wishing Tree.

On the other hand, with sheer faith of the children, the Wishing tree is coming back to life after a thousand years of sleep. It is celebrating life. It is spurting into new leaves and also growing pretty white flowers.

The special thing about the tree is that it is making their wishes come true. It's magic is working its way through the lives of these children, and their lives are changing, fast.

But even as the children spend more and more time with their newfound friend, some rumours of the tree being evil are brewing in the town. 'Pannalal', the sly contractor / wood-cutter is responsible for this.

The children love their Wishing Tree but the true test of friendship is yet to come.

The Wishing tree is going to be felled and the whole town has gathered to witness this. Five axe-men sharpen their axes and walk towards the tree. The people of the township stand staring dumbfounded, curious to see what is to come. And then something happens... something that no one has ever witnessed before. This will perhaps not be seen for another thousand years...

This is a triumphant story of five kids, with their complex problems, who despite being written off by the world around them, make an extraordinary difference by courageously following their instincts, fiercely guarding and actually saving their Wishing tree against all odds. Disability and difficulty become the stepping stone to become extraordinary.

They make National news and the world must now see them with a difference. The Wishing tree has regained all its powers and come back to life with a bang. Strangely, all the Wishing trees in the world are celebrating.... Superstar Shah Rukh Khan celebrates a timeless message with the children...

... And the KALPVRIKSH pleads... "I am just a wishing tree which grants what is asked for. Whereas all the trees of the world give their everything to life on earth without even being asked". It thanks everyone for saving it from being cut, and implores them to ensure that not a tree is cut anywhere, in any part of the world. It also appeals to all kids to make sure that they all plant their own 'wishing trees' and see their wishes come true.

Somewhere in another corner of the world, a little African American girl is curiously running her hands through the bark of a very old twisted tree....could this be her Wishing Tree?

After all, science has its limitations... faith has none!!

Manika Sharma is a Graduate of the Vancouver Film School. After winning an award for her student film, "Crimes of the Art", she came back to Mumbai in 2000 to start work on the feature film, "Asoka". This was internationally acclaimed Santosh Sivan's magnum opus period film based on the life and times of Emperor Asoka, one of the greatest legends in human history. As Chief Assistant director on 'ASOKA', Manika did the visualization for the film (the look and setting of 232 BC) along with conceptualization and art direction of the songs. She has written the English subtitles for the film. Manika has had an opportunity to travel worldwide with 'ASOKA' around the festival circuit (Venice, Florence, London, Singapore).

She has shot popular commercials for Pepsi (Men in Blue, World Cup) with the Indian cricket team in Leeds, England. Also Lays Potato chips with Saif Ali Khan (leading Bollywood star) and Mohd. Kaif (Cricketer) in South Africa.
Apart from writing and co-directing a short film for CFSI (Children's Film Society of India) she has directed and produced music video's for Sony BMG Music and United Nations (UNAIDS).

Her music video, 'Tod do Deewaren' became the first ever theme song on World AIDS Day to feature elaborately on National news across the country. It featured sixteen famous singers/ pop artists of the country including classical maestro's such as Pandit Jasraj. The song in essence celebrated hope and togetherness, the spirit and triumph of people, especially children living with HIV and AIDS. Manika's most recent work is a music album for Sony BMG, which has aired across UK. The music video, "Mitr pyare nu" was on chart hits in North America.

Rajeev Jain, Director of Photography, was highly appreciated for his camera work in Army, Badhaai Ho Badhaai, Carry on Pandu, Kadachit, Mirabai Not out and Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi. He was also the Additional DOP / 2nd Unit DOP for such notable films as Rang De Basanti, Chalte Chalte, Gupt and Trimurti. He has also shot several ad-films and short films.

Description: KALPVRIKSH (THE WISHING TREE) is a magical, inspirational and an extremely entertaining Feature Film wherein five children in a hill-station come together to save their Kalpvriksh (Kalpavriksha, Kalpavriksh, Kalpvriksha) 'wishing tree' from being cut by vested interests. The film is extremely lively, entertaining and engrossing so that the underlying message to protect trees and environment is seamlessly driven home. Shabana Azmi plays a key role in the.
Authors Bio: Raajaysh Chetwal, Rhombus Films. Background in Banking & Finance. Producer of several television programmes on various channels. Produced TV commercials and corporate films for Indian and International clients.

Tags: Raajaysh Chetwal, Rhombus Films, Kalpvriksh the Wish Tree, Manika Sharma, Kalpavriksh, Kalpavriksha, Kalpvriksha, Rajeev Jain DOP, Rajiv Jain Cinematographer

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC H20 Photography School

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC H20 is a powerful camera ideally suited to taking pictures of human beings. Smile shutter, face selection, anti-blink, priority face selection, these are no doubt things that most people would be happy to have when it comes time to get all those memorable shots of Grandma and Grandpa with the kids. However, the art of photography goes beyond portraits and people.

This camera also features Dynamic Range Optimizers and 9 Point Auto Focus, and these are very useful things that make those artistic shots easier to produce. Dynamic Range refers to different exposure levels of light to better capture an "eye accurate" picture, and 9 Point Auto Focus is a very useful function to creating good compositions and pictures that stress natural and easy flow on the eye.

Dynamic Range is an important function of any camera. The ranges of light that the human eyes sees are far more subtle than what our best camera technology can pick up on. Dynamic Range is a technology that allows photographs to be recorded with more than one exposure at once. In this way, something that might be too bright or too dark in a picture of otherwise natural light can be shown more as it would appear to the eye.

The most obvious element like this in a picture is the window. Windows always show up too bright compared to the rest of the room because they are a source of light. That light is going to our eyes as well, right? Of course, but we see it differently because our eyes pick up far more subtleties than one camera exposure can. Good Dynamic Range technology can take multiple exposures in thousands of little places in the shot, and then average the final picture together for a near-perfect appearance as we're used to seeing it with our eyes.

9 Point Auto Focus is something that may not seem useful to novice photographers. It is, however, very important to people who have developed an eye for compositions that look natural to the eye. Good camerawork, they say, is camerawork that you don't notice. It is not just true about cinematography.

It's also true about photography. If you take a picture of someone in front of a big view of the Golden Gate Bridge, which side of the person are you going to have the bridge in the picture. This is not a trick question. Putting the person, who you're taking the picture of, in the middle might seem logical, but then where does the bridge go? Crammed into one side and cut off with just hills on the other side? No. You put the person to the side and the bridge "in front". The eye sees the person and then the bridge.

This is done very fast in our brains, and it's obvious when it's done wrong. That's a pretty obvious example 9 Point Auto Focus can be used to find up to 9 different places in the shot that could be considered "Focal Points" (places like the Golden Gate Bridge that the eye wants to look at).

You'll be the new Ansel Adams in no time with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC H20.

Film Schools Offer Various Program Options

The world of film has grown to encompass everything from photography to audio. A large number of vocational film schools offer students a chance to work with digital video and media production. Students will find that film schools offer various program options at the certificate and associate's degree level.

Sound, lighting, photography, directing, and broadcasting are all areas that go into creating a film. These elements are connected to other areas of the film industry like producing and scriptwriting. Students that are interested in entering the film industry will find that numerous options exist for study in higher education. Some areas offered by film schools include:

• Photography


• Recording Arts


• Film


• Video Production


• Broadcasting

The available educational opportunities inside film schools have students stepping into careers that are driven by today's newest technology. With the understanding and skills gained inside a program students can work to produce films, television news, studio programs, and more. Depending on the path student's take multiple careers and further education inside a traditional college will be available to them.

A popular certificate and associate's degree program available within a film school is film. The base of a program centers on providing students with the skills needed to create films. This objective has students learning about every aspect of the field from camera operation to editing. Inside an associate's degree program students work through specific courses that enhance their ability to fully understand the industry. Script writing, editing, directing, cinematography, and lighting are some areas covered in a typical curriculum. A directing course covers the tasks needed to take a project from conception to the screen. Inside different classroom lectures students learn the role of a director in regards to actors, scripts, rehearsals, pre and post production procedures, and more. Students should expect to understand the specialized film process and enter the industry or further study with a wide knowledge base.

Earning a certificate or associate's degree in film and broadcast is another popular schooling option. Inside a certificate program students study one aspect of the field in connection to the overall industry. This can include working through a screenwriting certificate program. The most common vocational path for this area of study is at the associate's degree level. Students study both areas of the program during the first year of study. Basic courses in broadcasting, field production, directing, writing for broadcast, and studio production are covered. At the end of this first portion of the two-year program students are expected to choose a concentration like producing or broadcast. Skills will be taught more in-depth within a concentration and prepare students to be competitive inside the work place.

Film schools offer a variety of educational options and students can complete a program in two years or less depending on the focus they choose. Find the right film school by beginning the process of picking a program and area of focus and ensuring it is fully accredited by an agency like the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation ( http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/ ).

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Finding the Perfect Portrait Lens For Your DSLR

I'm a portrait photographer. So I get asked a lot about what cameras and lenses the portrait photographer should be using. And while I'm a true believer that any lens can be a portrait lens, what we're looking at here is trying to find the 'ideal' lens that should be the first one you reach for when doing portrait work. So what we'll examine here is the 'why' behind the lens of choice for the majority of portrait work. This is a lens that will routinely work in a variety of situations and produce outstanding results. Let's get starting with some of the key features to look for in your choice.

1: FOCAL LENGTH. This is always step one. A good starting point is to take the diagonal measure of the film or sensor your camera uses and multiply it by two. For example, the film diagonal of a medium format square camera is about 80mm. The diagonal of the film is used to determine the focal length of a 'normal' lens. I believe the reasoning is that a lens of that length gives us a 'normal' perspective when made to 8 x 10 and viewed at arms length, but don't quote me. In the above instance, a typical lens length for portraits is 160mm. And it seems that all makers of square format lenses just happen to make a 150mm lens that all portrait photographers own. Translating that to the 35mm format, we'd come up with a 100mm lens, and it also seems that for years 35mm camera makers have made a 105mm lens. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Now you can see that if we look at the 'perfect lens' for digital, our sensor size must be taken into consideration. If it's a full frame camera, then we can use the same thinking that applies to the 35mm format. If the sensor is only half the size or less, that must be taken into consideration. For example, the Nikon D 80 camera chip is about two thirds the size of a 35mm frame, so the lens 'conversion factor' compared to 35mm is 1.5. That means that a 100 mm lens on a 35mm camera becomes a 150mm lens on a camera with a 1.5 conversion factor. Now that I've taken the time to explain the relationship between film or sensor size and focal length, let's just stick with 35mm format and you can do your own interpolating later depending upon what camera you own.

Now that that's out of the way, what's the reasoning behind the longer than normal focal length for typical portraits? There are actually a few reasons for it. First, there is perspective. The perspective you have in a photo is dependent upon how close you are to the subject, not the lens. Take a few images on a tripod of the same subject and keep changing the focal length. While some images will have more in them than others, the perspective remains the same. However, to include the same subject at the same size means moving the camera. Walk up to a friend, get two inches from his nose, close one eye, and look. You're seeing what a wide angle sees in close. Back off six feet and look through a paper towel tube, there's your long lens. So a longer than normal lens allows us to keep some distance between ourselves and our subjects, giving us a pleasing perspective. And by keeping that distance, our subject is also more comfortable than if we shove a camera up his nostrils, so the longer length now accomplishes two objectives - a pleasing perspective and subject comfort.

Now we're going to throw in another nice feature - angle of view. The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view. For example, a 28-200mm lens has an angle of view of about 74 degrees to about 12 degrees. Naturally, the longer the lens, the less is included in the image, and the easier it is to isolate your subject on a background and crop out distracting elements. Is this all starting to seem quite logical? Good, let's look at some other factors.

2: LENS SPEED. In studio portraits, lens speed is usually not that critical, since you may be shooting at f/5.6 or smaller. Outside, on location, and for weddings, you want the fastest lens you can get. No matter what your shooting aperture, it's always nice to have it as bright as possible so both your eyes and the camera can focus better.

3: ZOOM LENSES. It used to be that prime focal length lenses were much better than zoom lenses because they don't have to make the many compromises needed in the design of a zoom. While that's still true, lens technology is now so advanced that the gap is very tiny. So in practical terms, a quality zoom will fit the bill for most photographers. A zoom offers many focal lengths and allows you to crop the image in camera so that you can maintain optimum image quality. One other note, if at all possible, try to buy a lens that is a continuous f/stop as opposed to those that vary with focal length, it will make your life easier and your exposures more accurate when manually metering.

3: OTHER FACTORS. Here are a couple of other factors to consider in your search for the perfect lens. Based on my limited testing, if you're digital, buy the lenses made for digital cameras. Film and sensors do not focus the same way, I see a considerable difference using digital lenses. Another consideration is the blade shape of the lens diaphragm. Some are designed to make more of a circle, so your out of focus highlights assume a pleasing, circular shape. Also, a Vibration Reduction lens will cost you more but also allow you to shoot handheld about two stops more than the standard issue. If you do mostly outdoor and location portraits, I'd suggest it.

4: THE PERFECT LENS. Taking all of the above into consideration, I'll take a couple of stabs at the 'perfect' lens. For 35mm and full frame digital, there are 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses with VR that seem pretty close to perfection. There are also 55-200mm digital lenses that have variable apertures, pick them if cost is an issue. A shorter and lighter lens, like a 28-75 or 80mm, is nice to have when you are working in tight quarters or when the weight of the longer lenses becomes an issue. On my wish list for the future? A 50 to 300mm VR f/2 lens that you can throw in your pocket and buy for $400. Read this three years from now and you probably won't thing it's so ridiculous!

SHOOTING F/STOPS. While the lens you use has f/stops from about f/2.8 to f/22, for portraiture you'll probably settle on a couple of favorites. Since not all of you have studios, let's look at how you'll be shooting outdoors.

My zoom lens goes to f/2.8 but most of my shooting is done between f/2.8 and f/5.6. I find that these apertures will in most instances give me the 'look' I want. They are open enough to throw backgrounds out of focus, but small enough to keep my subject in focus.

Do your own practice shooting to find your favorites!

How Can One Person Make a Huge Difference?

We are all the fruit of a lot of cultivation. In my own case, I can trace much of my progress in life to a few dedicated, giving people.

One person can make a tremendous difference. As an example, Mother Teresa never imagined that she could change the conditions of the dying poor in Calcutta. She was primarily focused on helping the ones directly in front of her. Over time, with tireless work, she inspired thousands to join her in the challenge. Helen Keller once remarked "I am only one person, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something." We are all capable of doing something.

How can one person, making a relatively small contribution, impact the world?

At the turn of the twentieth century, Mary McLeod Bethune was a young Black girl who dreamed of helping other poor kids rise out of poverty. She was herself poor, one of seventeen children born to slaves in South Carolina. Walking more than ten miles to school each day and working tirelessly, she came to the attention of a wealthy Colorado dressmaker. The dressmaker sponsored Mary's attendance to the Scotia Seminary where Mary excelled. Eventually, Mary moved to Daytona, Florida where she saw the opportunity to realize her dream.

Working day and night for very low wages, she eventually saved enough money to acquire a small building to start a one-room school. Over a 75 year period, that one-room school blossomed into Bethune-Cookman University. Today Bethune-Cookman University serves over 3000 students from the U.S., the Caribbean Islands, and 35 countries -- offering degrees and professional training to disadvantaged and other students enrolled in their six academic schools.

Truly, one person can make a difference.

Here is another example: In 1970, a young college president was on a mission. He was committed to increasing his university's enrollment of young, qualified minorities and women - an area where the university had done a poor job.

He made it his business to travel the country giving talks and sent university representatives to visit promising minority and female prospects. Once identified, he extended them invitations to visit the campus and to apply.

One potential student lived in a poor inner-city neighborhood at the south eastern end of Washington, D.C. This student had considered college, but was convinced that the expense was too great for his family. In his mind, going to work would make a far better choice.

Learning of this student's situation from a school guidance counselor, the president sent a representative to visit him. During that meeting and later during a trip to campus, the student was encouraged to apply. The president assured him that sufficient financial support would be given if he was accepted, and that acceptance was likely.

That student performed well at the university and went on to post-graduate studies in business. He eventually entered and advanced in the banking and finance field, became active in the industry, and co-founded an equipment finance company serving U.S. based start-ups and emerging growth companies.

The story did not end there. That executive, inspired by his own experience, decided to reach out to other students. Rather than focus on students in his native country, he identified a handful of under-developed countries where small financial amounts could make a big difference. He began to support ten students unable to attend school. As of this writing, two of the students attend universities and another five are on the college track.

Imagine the possibilities!

One day, several of these students might finish college. They may move on to have successful careers and families. Possibly, one or more of them -- inspired by a helping hand -- might go on to assist or to inspire others.

One person can make a big difference. From one person's commitment, a large, fruit-bearing garden can grow. That garden can prosper and stretch out over generations. In this case, the helping hand of one university president is still at work.

This is a true story. The university visionary, who has since passed away, was Dr. James Ralph Scales of Wake Forest University. The student that he recruited and inspired --- you have guessed it, that's me.

Protecting Your Digital Camera From Sand and Water

Summer is here and this means a lot of photo opportunities around most especially outdoors when you feel like getting much sunshine together with loved ones and friends. With students off from school, many are thinking of ways to enjoy their vacation and one of the favorite destinations of youngsters is the beach. But while you are enjoying your time swimming, playing on the sand or just sunbathing, you also risk damaging your digital camera if you don't take care of it properly.

Remember that at the beach, your most loved photographic equipment is exposed not only to sand and water but also to heat and salt. These elements are not good for the camera so make sure to keep them away from the device at all times.

Here are ways to protect your digital camera and its accessories. When these tips are put in practice consistently, you can be sure to have a well documented summer holiday and a happy camera as well.

• Never leave your camera on the sand. Keep in mind that these tiny particles of the sand can get into the small corners and openings of your device. Plus they can also cause scratches on your lenses. So even if your camera is inside the bag, don't let it touch the sand. To avoid this, put a clean towel, plastic bag or an extra shirt under the device first.


• If you're a hobbyist and are heading to the beach to take some great shots, stick to just one lens. Do avoid changing lenses while you're already at the beach so you don't expose them to sand. If this can't be avoided and you really want to change your existing lens, don't do it in a sandy area but rather go inside a restaurant, in your car, any enclosed area or in a car park where you'll be away from sand that could be blown by the wind.


• It's standard procedure that you carry your camera and other digital camera accessories inside a bag. But again, when you take out your device for a photo shoot, keep it closed and put it on top of a chair, table or log but please not on the ground. Make sure to clean your bag as well when you get home. Giving it a vacuum is the best way to get rid of sand.


• For photography enthusiasts who are passionate about the sand and sea, purchasing a rain cover or even an underwater housing will protect your camera from sand, water and the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Having a UV filter is also ideal and it even helps in capturing clearer images.


• There's also a cheap alternative which you can find at home. It's the Ziploc plastic bag which you can use to cover your camera while you're not taking photos and you have nowhere else to place your gadget on while at the beach. Putting the camera inside the plastic and locking it will ensure that no sand particles will get inside the device.

Portrait Photography - How to Take Great Shots

In my opinion the greatest medium for capturing a person's character is through photography. It may seem odd to say a single shot can capture character while only capturing the moment, but done well it will tell you more about the person than any other medium without prejudicing your views through hearing them etc.

Many tutorials will start by advising you, the viewer, which lens or camera you should use; and while this may be important in some respects it is by no means the number one factor in taking a good portrait, in fact it is the photographer who takes the great image not the camera. THE most important practice to consider when looking capturing great portrait photographs is to get to know your subject. Personality is what comes through in great portrait photography, not a camera or lighting (although these can help).

When preparing to for your portrait session, your initial steps should be in planning; what it is you want your image to capture? If your subject is a, quirky, fun person then look to pose them in a style befitting of their manner, use imagery to truly capture their personality; if they are serious then alter your style to suit. Capturing this essence is what will make the subject (or their friends/family) really think wow! There is no point trying to get a shy reserved person jumping all over the place or acting the loon, all you will achieve is an awkward picture that neither you nor your subject/client will be happy with. Many of us will remember how portraits used to all look the same; posed, smiling on mottled backgrounds, this is no longer the way in portrait photography, pictures need to resemble the persons essence more than how they look (if that makes sense).

When you know the personality traits of the person, then taking the photograph becomes a much easier prospect. Your next step will also help, there are two places you can take someone's portrait, firstly in a studio setup or alternatively in a natural environment. Now just to be clear, when I say studio set-up I mean equally in your plush all singing studio using fixed backdrops or in a makeshift studio in someone's home. And by natural environment I don't always mean outside (though if you do go outside you may get to use the greatest natural light we know), someone positioned at work or watching TV is equally as natural as relaxing on a beach or perched in an archway. Natural to me means in the areas you would likely find them normally. I find it is all about comfort and relaxation, if the person would be most at ease being photographed in a studio, then use one, if they would be more comfortable somewhere different then that is where you must go. Again we see personality come into play, for example most parents I know would much rather have a stunning image of their kids playing in their local park than sat in some stuffy studio, as this captures what children are about and that is what good portrait work is.

With that established you need to start considering lighting, there are, in their most basic form, three styles of lighting most people will use; Low-key, where there are lots of dark colours and shadows (basically the emphasis is usually towards the darker colours in the image); High-key, where eliminating shadows (often with stark white backgrounds and vibrant colours) is more important; and Medium tones, where most of the subject is clear but there are still high and low lights (this is my own term for it). Whichever you choose of these will also aid in the style of the image, usually Low-key is down beat, High-key is upbeat and normal will be in between, but this is your choice and again any decision should be made with the subject in mind.

We know who we are going to be photographing and which style we will be shooting, are we ready? Not quite, as with all photography it is personal choice that will dictate what happens next. Now is where you start to look at posing and composition (there are many books and websites to help with ideas for posing so I will only give a few basic impressions I have found). For portraits it is important to consider eye contact, looking into the camera will give an impression of intimacy, while looking away from the camera (while facing the lens still) will give an impression of shyness. Looking into the distance will put emphasis on thought, or facing a second person will often imply affection or a bond. It is well worth at this point looking into other images to see which sort of impression you want to show, and see how that will work with your subjects.

Similar to posing you will want to think about positioning in the frame, it doesn't have to be the person in the centre, in fact it is often more impressive if there is space round the person, this gives a feeling of room for the subject (either to look into or move into, depending on whether it is only a head/shoulders portrait or a full body photograph). Thinking outside the box will often result in stunning photographs. There are far too many ideas to explain them all here, but think about these examples; a person looking up from the bottom of the image into an open space; or jumping while being photographed at an unusual angle, these will make your work stand out, but do remember it will only work if it suits the person's personality (or you have an adaptable model).

I don't like to talk about specific settings often as I feel that the photographer must experiment to find out what works in each situation, but another way to change your portraits would be to consider depth of field. Many tutorials will talk about setting middle F/Stops (often around the f/11 mark) as these will have more of a persons face in focus and while this will work in many cases doing things slightly away from the rules will again give your images something different. A very narrow depth of field can be used to highlight a single feature only, or increasing the depth so the background is in focus will again change the whole feel of the image again, Experimentation here is key, find what you like.

One final point of emphasise from me is experimentation is key, changing what you do to see what you find works for you and your subject will make more interesting imagery, but most importantly, make sure your subject is comfortable in what they are doing, it will become obvious in the final photograph if they were not happy.

How to Photograph Your Own Senior Pictures

Getting senior pictures taken by a professional photographer has become such a phenomenon it seems like in the past 5 years even. I graduated from high school 11 years ago and getting your senior pictures wasn't even a "thing". If it were I would have gotten them as my father made a good income and I actually have always loved photography, so I am certain it would have been something I would have done even if it was just a somewhat popular thing to do.

Now days, it seems that not getting your senior pictures is not an option. This can put a large amount of pressure on high school seniors, as they all want to look good in their senior photos because all of their friends are posting their own on Facebook and other social media sites. If you do get your senior pictures taken it is an assumption that you will post them on Facebook for all of your friends to see. Well the problem is that everybody doesn't have the money to invest in a professional photographer to take these pictures for them so below are some photography tips that could help if you want to take your senior pictures yourself!

1) Get a family member or good friend to take them for you. Make sure it is somebody that you feel comfortable around so you can look natural in your final pictures.

2) Take your photos outside. If you are not a professional photographer, taking them inside is not something you should do as you don't have the appropriate equipment to be able to make them look good and you could even end up with "red eye" or a bright face. The goal is to not us a flash at all.

3) The time of day you take your photos is CRUCIAL. It depends on what month out of the year and where you live to decide on what time. For instance in the west, you will do outside photo shoots at 5:30 p.m. in the summer and 3:30 p.m. in winter. Do some research online to find out what time is best depending on where you live.

4) Take your photos in the shade with the sun behind you. So the person taking the photos will be facing you and facing the sun, but you will both be in the shade. This single tip right here is the best one. This way you won't have shadows on your face, and you won't be squinting in your photos, it will give you a nice even light. Again, but make sure you are taking them at the right time of the day, because you want it to still be light enough outside that you don't have to use your flash.

And take the time to actually read some other tips online regarding "do it yourself photography". It will be worth your while and your photos could turn out great!

Brief History of Photography

The word photography derives from the Greek words, light and graphein (to draw). The method of recording images using the action of light onto a sensitive material.

Around 330 BC, Aristotle pondered on the question... why the sun could make a circular image when it shined through a square hole?

It was around 1000AD, when Alhazen invented the first pinhole camera, also known as a camera obscura.

In 1872, Joseph Niepce made the first photograph using a pinhole camera. Before this, people simply just used the pinhole camera for viewing or drawing. Joseph's photographs were the starting point for the modern photographer by letting light draw the picture. Neicpe's photographs however, were not yet advanced enough as they required 8 hours of light exposure to create. Soon after the image appeared, it would disappear almost straight away.

Louise Daguerre inventor of the first practical process of photography went on to join with Neicpe in 1829 to develop his work.

In 1839, after several years of experimentation, and the death of Joseph Neicpe; Daguerre developed a better and more effective method of photography, and named it after himself 'The Daguerreotype'. This involved fixing the image onto a sheet of silver plated copper, coating it in iodine, placing the plate in the camera and exposing it for a few minutes. After the image was exposed to the light, the plate was then bathed in a solution of silver chloride, creating an image that lasted.

Shortly after this Daguerre sold the rights for the 'Daguerreotype' to the French government. By 1850 over 70 'Daguerreotype' studios were opened up in New York City alone.

Henry Fox Talbot, an English botanist and mathematician; invented the first negative, meaning multiple positive prints could be made. In 1841, he perfected the art of his invention and called it 'The Calotype', the Greek meaning for 'beautiful picture.'

In 1879, since the discovery of tintypes and wet plate negatives, dry plate negatives were developed. This was a glass negative plate with a dried gelatine emulsion, allowing the ability of being stored for a longer period of time. There wasn't any need for portable dark rooms, and because the dry process absorbed light so quickly, the hand held camera was now possible.

It was George Eastman in 1889, who invented the flexible roll film, this was a film with a base that was flexible, unbreakable and could be rolled.

By the early 1940's, colour film was developed, using modern technology of dye coupled colours in which a chemical process connects the 3 dye layers together to create an apparent colour image.

Best Photography Programs

A brilliant pianist has no need to look at the ivory, his hands know the way. This is also true with a great photographer, and the best photography programs instill this in their students. While allowing their talent to shine through students with excellent photography skills are able to function with their cameras instinctively. They are so familiar with their equipment and the training is so etched in their mind they are able to simply work, allowing their talent to show itself while the training keeps them on the path of correct procedure.

The following is a short list of schools with excellent photography programs: Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara Ca., Brown College Mendota Heights, MN. Harrington College of Design, Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology, and Briarcliffe College. These are all notable schools that give fine photography training. These schools stay abreast of the latest technology in the business. Students are given the necessary training to keep them competitive in a highly competitive market. The best photography programs prepare a student to walk into any photography situation and go to work.

The best photography programs teach a student to be creative without losing control of the elements needed to make a shoot successful. In the best photography programs students are encouraged to find their comfort zone and expand on it while learning the discipline required for success. The Photography business is extremely competitive and a good photography program does not allow its students to go out without having the skills necessary to compete. Many things are taught in the best photography programs: Video Photography, Film Photography, Visual Journalism, Still Life Photography, Advertising, Portrait, and Commercial Photography.

A student learns and becomes proficient with their technical ability they are able to completely concentrate on there talent while taking care of the other aspects of the photography business. The camera is machinery a photography student must become familiar with; in a sense the camera is his lifeline. In the best photography programs the use of the camera becomes second nature the student has been trained so well.

The camera and the hand of the artist has been the recorder of history for generations. The development of these skills has only come to fruition through training. People become so developed with this skill they almost function without thought of the technical, completely concentrating on the art, the way only an artist can do. The best photography programs have a hand on learning situation, allowing the student to make mistakes with the benefit of professional correction. We get unforgettable movie images and pictures of events that stay with us; this is partly due to reflective genius, and training given by the best photography programs. Photographic excellence is everywhere we look, and many places we don't.

Photography Classes and Tips to Take Great Photographs and Control Your Camera - Techniques

We get these incredible cameras that are mini computers and can do amazing things but most of us end up setting it to Auto and go around shooting. We don't give much thought to how to anything because the manuals are so big and the fonts are so small. It's all so overwhelming. We need to go to photography classes to learn about our cameras.

One of the most important things in photography is to control sharpness in the image. Sharpness or lack of, like those great portraits where the backgrounds is blurred and the colors look deliciously soft. Well, it is sharpness that will emphasize your subject. When part of an image is soft focus the sharp area will receive the attention. If everything is sharp in your photograph then your subject will have an equal value, an equal amount of attention and hopefully color will emphasize the important part.

In architectural photography, sharpness is important and the parallel lines and perspective lines will lead you to the important part of the image.

In landscape photography sharpness can make the images look more playful, colorful or very intense. In photography we call the amount of sharpness in a photograph the depth of field. Landscape photography will be interesting with a sharp depth of field or a shallow depth of field.

Depth of field is controlled by the lens opening; and it's called the aperture. The aperture has different sizes and the wider the opening, the less sharpness you will have. When you want that beautiful portrait with a soft background set your lens to f-stop of 1.4, 2 or 2.8.

Make sure your subject is at least 4 feet away from the background. You can be close to the subject or not, that distance will not matter. Focus on the subject and shoot. The background will look surreal and soft and the main subject will be sharp.

A sharp depth of field is obtained by using an F-stop of 11, 16, 22 or smaller. Remember that depth of field is about the opening of the aperture: the smaller the opening the more things will be sharp.

Tips for Wedding Photos - Group Shots

Many a times, those precious moments in our lives are shaped and defined by our interaction with the people in our lives. One of the reasons we want our families and friends to be with us at our wedding is because they are the reminders of those defining moments in your life, and you know their presence will make the most significant day of your life even more special. Naturally, you would want these memories to be well-documented in the form of your wedding photographs, so that you'll always remember the people who were there to make that day special.

There's a lot that goes into a group shot and although it does indeed drain much of the time in your wedding programme, it is of utmost importance and sometimes signifies a tradition that must be upheld. Never mind the hassle; it is a great way to thank each of your guests and leave a lasting memory of their presence.

Moving on, group wedding photos also allow you to relieve your special moments, even in a story form. Perhaps you might want to take the group shots over different times during the wedding, or add an element of fun to it.

With relatives, it might be necessary to keep it formal as a form of respect. However, with your close friends or ex-school mates, you can always do it your way. Feel free to spice it up by portraying the very mood of the occasion. Be spontaneous without trying too hard - do what you feel comes along. Strike a balance between both types of photo shots and ensure that at the end, everyone has been part of a group photo and that they've all had a share of the magical moment.

Always honour those guests whom you might not know too well, or have a close bond with, making sure that none of your guest is left out. Ultimately, you want them to feel comfortable and know that they are acknowledged, not just someone you have to invite because of politeness or protocol.

Keep in mind you can never take too many photos, but do give priority on having quality photos taken with your direct relatives and family members for all the love and support they have given you. Make sure you make some effort to be considerate to your guests' wishes in terms of the wedding photographs. Although, some might still feel going to tables after tables for group shots take too much time off the wedding programme, but it does provide the best opportunity for you to formally introduce your spouse to your relatives and your friends.

In a nutshell, have a good time, and know that at the end of your wedding day, you'll have an album full of the day's precious moments to look at and feel the deep appreciation of those who have come your way to make that day extra special.

12 Reasons to Visit Malta for a Winter Holiday Break

Winter weather can be schizophrenic in Malta. But on the whole, clouds over this small outcrop of an archipelago at the heart of the Mediterranean do have their silver linings as we can experience four seasons in one week.

Another peculiarity of a Maltese winter is the temperature difference between inside and out; while northern Europeans retreat indoors for warmth, and get little sunlight-induced Vitamin-D in the winter months, in Malta folk do the opposite. We tend to get outdoors to escape the chill inside our houses, as we rarely have adequate heating. However, outside is the place to be as the Islands' wonderful Mediterranean light, stormy days or not, can make us feel more energised now than during summer's brain-numbing heat.

With the weather set generally fair in Malta in winter, there's every reason to head here to escape the big freeze up North. Malta in winter is the very best time to be out and about and most activities can be enjoyed year round. As you can see, this list of suggestions includes a lot of time well spent outside.

1. Walking: Try Malta's North for the swathes of countryside you thought these somewhat urban islands lacked. Walk the old British fortified 'Victoria Lines', or do the nature trail near Red Fort, Mellieha. The newly designated Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park which covers most of Malta's North has plenty to offer walkers and do take a camera to capture its unique flora. Cities make for good walking excursions too with a huge dose of cultural heritage thrown in. There are organised cultural tours you can join too - ask at the Tourism Offices. Cities like Valletta, Birgu and Mdina are a lot less crowded in winter and cafe life is still buzzing at this time of year.

2. Winter sun: Malta won't offer quite the same 'winter sun' experience as the Caribbean, but the islands' stone takes on a deep, honey-yellow hue in the winter sun, which itself still packs power even in January, if you choose a sheltered spot.

3. Cycling: ever more popular here, despite the islands' urban sprawl. But Malta and Gozo offer challenging cycling to satisfy the keen cyclist. Head north if you like hills. Gozo, Malta's sister island is all steep ups and downs. For more on the flat, try southern Malta.

3. Sailing: pretty much an all-year round sport in Malta. The ancient mariners among us sail almost whatever the weather - competitive sailing months are autumn to early summer. While sail schools and hotels tend to teach and hire out boats only in summer, you can ask around, find a friendly skipper and get out on the water in winter too. If you don't know the waters, even if you are an experienced sailor, get advice.

4. Heritage trails: these aren't really officially defined as such, but you could, for example, do a combination of walking, driving and cycling to take in Malta's South (the Three Cities on Grand Harbour); the south-west coast & temples (Blue Grotto, Wied-iz-Zurrieq, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra); the fishing villages (Marascala, Marsaxlokk); Victoria Lines walk (start at Fort Mosta); Dingli Cliffs & Buskett; walks in Bahrija and Bidnija area for ancient olives, views and countryside. And all of Gozo of course.

5. Rock Climbing: Nothing beats this for a new sport to take up this winter. It relies as much on skill and strategy as strength and Malta offers some exhilarating scenery to challenge you or as a backdrop. Meet the enthusiasts, meet new friends, or just join up with them for a day's climb if you're on holiday here. Search online to find the clubs who will welcome you on a climb as a visitor.

6. Painting: You might have to gather brushes up and make a dash for it in a shower, but it's not too cold to sit still outside in winter, and you'll get great colours and light to work in.

7.Photography: as with painting, this is a good hobby for winter which gives great conditions for the natural light photographers among us. No heat haze, amazing hues and depth of perspective. Some deep shadows, but nothing that the pros can't sort out either naturally, or in Photoshop later!

8. Short courses: Malta has a wealth of adult evening classes and clubs and societies - take your pick from everything from tango classes and fencing to your regular institute courses. Many groups and clubs, like the tango one for instance, are happy to welcome casual visitors and not just regulars.

9. Conferences:Spring and summer are more for incentive trips, but winter is for conferences. Almost all Malta's four- and five-star hotels offer conference venues in house. The islands are the ideal short-hop from northern European cities, and are a beacon of warmth to those in northerly climes. No wonder Malta is a key conference destination.

10. Love-bird getaways: most of the more upscale hotels offer very attractive discounts for winter weekend breaks. A lot have spa facilities these days too. Malta is near enough with just two to three hours flying time from most European capitals to hop to for a winter weekend break.

11. Gozo farmhouse breaks: Rentals abound, at good prices, as tourists are fewer this time of year. Snap up a weekend with friends in a larger place, even if you aren't going to be using the pool in winter. Unlike some Greek island resorts, Gozo doesn't really shutdown in a melancholy way out of peak season.

12. Cultural events: last but not least, Malta and Gozo have an immense amount going on in winter in the arts. Most weekends, there are two or three good things that clash, so packed is the calendar. It's theatre season big time. So, don't think it's a July, summer arts festival thing. Bother to get out, and you'll be spoiled for choice from opera to stand-up comedy.

Photography Schools - Which One to Choose?

There is a lot of choice when it comes to places where you can learn photography, but which would be the best for you? For sure there are plenty of online learning resources, but you will not get that practical experience you need. You will learn a lot more being with other students and a good teacher. Having said that, online information is good at getting the basics down, and is a good place to start.

What exactly you require from a photography class will help you decide which one to go for. For example, a college which is not just for photography will only offer basic levels. If you only intend taking up photo-taking as a hobby then the basic levels of instruction will probably suffice.

If you really want to take your photo-taking seriously you should go for a school or college which specializes in it. These specialized schools will probably employ a professional which should really help you learn the specifics and expand your know-how.

You must decide what it is you exactly want from your photo-snapping, once you have decided that you can choose your school or college and set about applying for a course. Do your online research and try to find any local courses or even courses further afield.

You may need to take specialized classes in basic disciplines such as lighting, composition and various other basic routines. Portrait photography, for example requires an understanding of light, angles, balances, and will teach you how to get the reactions you want from your subject. The digital photo-taking world requires the understanding of several different techniques that were not required when using the older type of film camera.

As you get into it and really start learning all the ins and outs you may decide that you would like a career in photography. There is a lot of help both online and off-line if this is the path you choose.

One specialized area of photo-taking is taking photographs under water. Most normal schools and colleges do not cater for this and you may have to do a bit of searching to find one which specializes in it. Underwater photography would make for a fascinating hobby or even better, a profession. To me, the underwater world is more interesting than the world above it. 

Several Popular Genres of Photography

Photography is one of several interesting hobbies that could help you make money if you do it professionally. Surely, having basic skill in this certain field is never enough if you want to be an expert photographer. You have to learn it in more details in order to be a professional, and it will be better if you also take specialization on a certain genre so you can be more focus in your career. You can choose one of some popular genres that you can easily find in this following article.

The first one is fashion photography. This is one of the most profitable genres since fashion is always becomes important things for people, especially for women. The main point here is making a good photograph that brings attention to the accessories and the clothes of the models. Usually, fashion photographers find their bright shining careers through leading fashion magazines.

The second genre will be glamour photography. Basically, this genre is almost the same with fashion photography. It does not merely focusing the attention to the clothing and the accessories of the models, but also highlighting the models in different light. A lot of people also include nude images as a part of glamour photography. You can find the best example of this genre on the covers of magazines.

The third is advertising photography. Surely, this genre is creating the best environment in order to highlight the advertised product. Here, photographers should come up with concepts, visuals, and/or ideas at times. It will help them get specific results that they plan to achieve. Besides, this genre needs good coordination with the advertising firm.

The fourth will be wedding photography. This genre is shooting or taking photographs in this most memorable moment of a couple in various attractive ways. Here, the photographers could handle the subject based on their own approach. Some photographers tend to apply traditional photo concept while some other use actual moment as their base. Besides, photographers also could make fashionable pictures in a certain theme requested by the clients.

Surely, other than those four genres of photography, you can still find some other interesting ones. You can find fine art, portrait, still life, nature photography and many other interesting genres that you could master. You just need to determine which one that you enjoy the most.

This Is INCREDIBLE

Dearest Darling Readers,

Are you ready to be STUNNED?

Cakranasah parinaham prthivya (Rigveda 1.33.8)

It says "people who reside on the surface of the Earth's circumference." More than 10,000 years ago Indians knew the world is round. We call geography 'bhugol shastra'. This translates as the 'science of the round earth'. Western world 'doubted' that the earth is round. Galileo was put to death for claiming the earth is round. They believed it only after Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigated the world. Isn't the wisdom of our forefathers stunning? To me, it is.

The star Antares is the 15th brightest object in the night skies. Our elders called it Jyestha meaning the biggest, the eldest. This star is more than 500 times bigger than our sun. It is so incredible that 5000 to 7000 years ago our ancestors knew all this. To the naked eyes, this looks like just a point in the skies. It looks like another ordinary star. Not so to our ancestors. Isn't it incredible. Counting stars is considered to be impossible. Yet among all those stars, which one is the biggest was identified by our ancestors 1000s of years ago. Outstanding!

There is a constellation called Big bear constellation - In that constellation there is a particular twin star that our ancestors named Arundathi Vashistha. In south they have a tradition. After marriage the bride groom takes his newly wed bride out, and shows her this twin star in the night skies. Why so? Here is the incredible answer.

Most twin stars have one star in the middle and one star goes around it. However, this twin star has both the stars moving around each other in a wonderful symmetry. Now THIS is not easy to know through back of the envelope calculations. Nor is it an obvious to understand, through simple observation, phenomena. Here are some reasons that had me totally stumped.

First, to know it is a twin star. I mean, at that astounding distance how did they know it was not just a star but a twin star.

Second, how did they know it is a unique twin star and not a normal twin star - they move in a unique way around each other. One star is NOT the centre. Arundhati - Vasistha both revolve around each other making it a class apart. So Brilliant!

Third, they had no telescopes at that time. How in heavens did they know WITHOUT the telescopes that THIS was a 'twin star'.

Fourthly, to make the married couples see it and gain significance out of an celestial event... the message being, in marriage no one partner must ever be the CENTRE, they must be always be balanced, equally important and in rhythm. When the newly weds see it, they ought to learn not to dominate but to walk together around each other towards fulfilling the goals of life. This is all mind boggling.

Now from the skies lets move to earth. Do you know about the 'rust resistant' Ashoka pillar in front of Qutub Minar in Delhi? It was made almost 1800 years ago. There is another rust resistant iron pillar near Bangalore in Kollur where we have 750 cms of rain 6 to 8 months a year. Now this pillar has no protection. It is out there in the open. Yet hardly any rust. This pillar was made by the locals / tribals to welcome Adi Shankaracharya when he visited their village. They wanted to create a permanent reminder of his visit. Some say, this knowledge of making such pillars is lost today. You know what is stunning? With modern efforts we have not been able to decipher even today how to make rust proof iron. There are certainly a few theories that are floating around. However, non of these theories are used in production. These iron pillars were made a few thousand years ago. Incredible!!!

India held the knowledge how to distill zinc for over 3000 years. It has a very complex and peculiar method of distillation that is very difficult to master. In the fifteenth century the chinese too started making zinc. 1738 William Champion was the first britisher to get a patent for distilling zinc in the west. Till then, all the zinc in the world was made only in India.

Ancient Indian mathematician Bhaskaracharya, in his book Siddhanta Shriromani, had defined laws of gravity in 12th century, 500 years before Newton defined them for us. The speed of light was known to Indians since Vedic period, centuries before it was calculated by the Western world.

The amount of history, the amount of knowledge India had was phenomenal. When Europe was using bow and arrow to kill and hunt, we were distilling zinc. Have I got your attention now?

An interesting question is, what made Indians like this? The truth is all ancient scientists in India were sages. All of them did pranayama. All of them were meditators. Through these practices, they trained their mind into peak awareness. This led them to incredible understandings of the working of nature when backed by their sharp intellectual and a relentless pursuit of truth.

Ironically, with the rule of the Moghuls, invasion by the marauding Turks and the subsequent rule of the Britishers, we were left with shame and contempt of our own culture. We started mimicking the habits and culture of the invaders. We lost touch with our greatest strengths, the base of spirituality, the base of science, practice of meditation.

I heard in a speech by Mr Batliwala that one day when he had a packed schedule, Mahatma Gandhi said - "Today I will not be able to meditate my usual one hour. I will have to meditate for at least two hours. I need to be super efficient."

In aping the west, we dropped the important things that made our country and our countrymen, amazing.

We are still to change.

65 years after independence, we still do PT in schools and not YOGA. While all of us acknowledge the depth and wisdom of Yoga, we still do not train the youth in schools and colleges in pursuing it. It is pity we are still into PT. This is the legacy of the britishers. They knew to break this country and to rule this country, they had to break our culture and our traditions. They were successful.

'Late nights' was never the culture of India. Even wars would stop once the sun had set. The evening will be welcomed by bhajans at homes or in the courtyards of the hutments. The mornings will be welcomed by Bhajans in the temples. People would go first to places of worship and / or take blessings from the elders before leaving for work.

Today more than 20% of the population of Europe and US is in depression. A report says, last year, more than 20 million people in US went to see a practicing psychiatrist. We are aping their life style? For what?

I am not saying everything from the west or other cultures is wrong. There is indeed so much to learn from them. Discipline, quality, excellence, research, planning, thinking big, systems and processes etc can be certainly learnt from them by us.

What I am saying is this. India and Indians of the past have some incredible achievements to their credit. Some of these achievements, predictions and inventions are not yet understood or explained by modern science. Just imagine for a few moments. The blood of our forefathers run through our veins. Just comprehend their achievements. Understand you and me are made of the same stuff. If we can develop a few aspects of ourselves, we can do incredible things.

We have the same DNA, the same culture, the same knacks. We have breathed the same air and lived on the same land. We are superbly intelligent, highly spiritual, deeply cultured and possess phenomenal value for contributing and helping.

India was once called the 'golden bird'. In our land, Lord Vishnu is married to Goddess Laxmi. In our culture, Knowledge and Riches have always gone together. We have the mindset of abundance. Lets do it all over again.

The past has played its part. Now it is our turn. Lets live unto the legacy of our forefathers.

In yesteryears, people from all over the globe used to come to India to study. We, in Life School, have decided to play our part in resurrecting the education system of our country. In this direction we have taken our first step. We have purchased a land of 22 acres where this institution will come up.

I cannot say what YOU need to do.. What I certainly know is we NEED to do 'something'. Don't let this glorious country down. The future is waiting for you...

Let me put it very simply...

Either live in India and make it better OR leave India and make it better.

With loads of love, prayers and best wishes,

Narendra Goidani

As I Live... I Learn