How to Stay Confident in a Negative World

I learned from the time I was eleven years old that there's nothing more exciting than someone who will come alongside and place the words in your ears, "You can do this!" When I was eight years old I came home from school one day and my dad announced to me that I would learn how to play the piano and introduced me to my piano teacher. He didn't ask me if I wanted to play the piano, he just said, "You will do it."

Over the next ten years and three piano teachers later along with one to two hours of practice every day after school, I took lessons and played the piano. One day when I was eleven years old and in Middle School, a school notice was sent home that a talent contest would begin with each individual home room. Students could participate as they chose. When my dad read the note he said to me, "Susan, you will participate." I obeyed and played a piece of music for the class. The class voted and I won.

Next, my dad received a note that the winners of all the classes would participate in a contest among themselves. My dad said to me "Susan, you will do it." I participated in the contest and was voted first place, once again. Next, another note was sent home stating I was invited to participate against all the schools in my home town. I heard again, "You will do it." After winning that competition, my dad received a notice I was invited to participate and compete against all the schools winners in California. Again, I heard, "You will do it."

The night that I was to compete with the California winners, I remember standing behind the curtain of an auditorium which held around 2,000 people. I was waiting for my turn to play, peeking out from the curtain, at the large crowd. I saw a man coming toward me on stage, with a tender smile and friendly countenance. He was the Master of Ceremonies. As he looked at me he must have determined the look on my face. I remember fear hit me, but this tender man with the smile, leaned down, took my hand and very sweetly said, "You can do this," not, "You will do this", but " You can do this." I remembered after I played and I heard the applause, the man once again came up, took my hand, leaned down and said, 'You did it, take a bow." I won, once again.

You see, I learned something from a very small age. With "Can do" there's an option there, it's my choice. With "Will do" there's no option. Will do, there's control, its authority. A good coach doesn't control the person being coached, only supports and encourages your choices. You see, I knew I could play the piano, but the man with the smile and tender words gave me the confidence that assured me that I could play in front of 2,000 people. He coached me across that fear barrier. I no longer felt like an object, but a person of worth who had an opinion and a choice. I was experiencing my first real coach. From that time forward I began to play the piano for my own personal joy and to the glory of God.

A good coach senses who you are inside, listens for who God made you to be. A good coach enlarges your hope, relieves your fears, believes in and empowers you. They encourage you to walk across bridges and support you in the process. A good coach will enlarge your perspective, they'll help you find that vision and hold it out in front of you so you can see it clearly. And they'll help to keep you focused, encouraging you that you're making progress. They'll give you options and allow you to make choices, liberally bestowing confidence and assurance.

Up until that day, playing the piano was my dad's agenda, my dad's dream; he was living his vision through me. But when I heard the words, "You can do this", and when I heard the words, "You did it", I felt someone had dropped a warm blanket of love across my shoulders. I became focused on the goal, not the fear. I received the confidence and the love and was able to acknowledge my own accomplishment. You see, my coach held out that vision for me, the vision of success through choice, not dictatorship.

It can be difficult for us as humans to personally always see our own strengths, values, passions, gifts and uniqueness or even blocks to progress. Many of us have demanding jobs or pressured schedules and we rarely take time to reflect on these kinds of issues. But a good coach can increase our awareness of our current situation. Every one of us has blind spots. We don't always see self-sabotaging attitudes or behaviors in ourselves. And when we do see these, we may not want to admit them or know what to do with them. But a good coach has a way of pointing out obstacles in a way that doesn't bring defensiveness or resistance, but brings the light on a situation so change can come and the client can ultimately feel good about themselves. The object is to move forward, achieve goals and in the process crucify fear and doubt.

My dad concentrated on his vision for me and reinforced his thoughts of pushing me to a desired end by his authority. He used words like, 'You will do it." But my coach concentrated on my passion as well as talent. Once I heard, "You can do this, rather than, you will, the passion in my performance gave credence and took precedence over my ability. Yes, God gives us abilities and talents, but it's our passion, it's the love that raises it to the heights of glory. A passion ignites the soul and allows a personal light to shine forth. When passion is moved forward the Christ in us is moved up.

A good coach works with people to find, develop and pursue their passions. I knew when I played through my passion; there was a quality of explosive excitement for me I'd never had before and for those listening.

A good coach listens for a person's hopes and dreams, energies, attitudes and abilities, routines and habits. A good coach can discern our greatest opponent which often resides within our own head; the negative thought patterns that hide so as not to be discovered. Self-sabotaging words and thoughts can undermine our confidence and it needs to be replaced by mental visions of encouragement and God's words, such as "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Many people sense that something is missing from their lives, but they don't know what that is. We have no control if we don't have that awareness. A good coach knows how to discover these things. A good coach uses their knowledge, experience, discernment and God's wisdom to bring this knowledge to the surface in a way that ignites clarity and incite which brings beautiful change, healing and wholeness.

You may be one of the richest people walking the earth. You may have degrees which cover all four walls of your office. You may have Christmas cards from friends that are running over your waste basket. But, at the same time, you may have a void, a sense that something's missing inside you that no amount of money, credentials or friends can fill.

What's the secret to self confidence? Believe that God made you to be a winner. Tell yourself "I CAN do it!" Say it out loud and say it often. Next, find the right coach; invest in yourself on a one-on-one or group coaching program experience. Get aligned with those who think like you do. Allow the strength of two or more in agreement to infiltrate your life and business and help catapult you forward in the direction of your dreams. Tell yourself, "I CAN."

Online Photography Courses - Hair and Makeup in Glamor Photography

One very important aspect often overlooked by beginning glamor photographers is the importance of hair and makeup. Let's move this out of the debate arena right now: hair and makeup are essential in glamor photography. Now we can have a look at ideas to bring this essential element into your photography.

In some instances, where you do not have any tight head shots, the model may be capable of doing here own hair and makeup. If this is the case; well good, as this will save the expense of a stylist. But make sure you keep an eye on the application and you get what you want. Unless you are looking for dramatic effects, keep the makeup clean, simple and natural. If the makeup is applied in a very stylistic way, this will make your images dated and will have a negative impact on sales.

Hairstyles - together with makeup - should be simple and classic. Avoid any hairstyles that detracts from the overall feel of the shot so you can maximize sales.

If you feel your model is not capable of good makeup application and hairstyling, you may need to hire a professional hair and makeup artist. Some salons offer home or studio visits and there are plenty of freelancers out there. Of course the freelancer will generally be much cheaper than a salon that will also charge you a premium for the privilege of coming to you.

When working with stylists that are not specializing in photographic work, you need to keep a close eye on the finished product. You need to communicate clearly what you want. Describe the look you want and make sure there are no deviations. Many will try to make a statement and create dramatic styles. This is generally the opposite of what you want. It takes an experienced hair and makeup artist to create a truly natural look. The last thing you need is an hour or more spent on hair and makeup that is not appropriate and totally unsuitable for your photographic requirements.

When your model is ready, it's time to start shooting. Give some warm up time, you are never going to achieve fantastic shots straight up. When working with beginning models, don't expect instant terrific poses. They will be nervous and waiting for your direction. Give instructions clearly, stay calm and give positive feedback where appropriate. When your model is feeling confident and good about herself, your photographs will improve. Never, never give negative feedback; if a pose is just not working out, move on and don't criticize.

The better you are at communicating and expressing your ideas and putting your model at ease, the better your photography will be. Consult reputable online photography courses to find further detailed information on glamor portraiture.

Lily Vanilli - Let Them Eat Cake!

Recent years have seen an explosion of talented bakers. From cupcakes to macaroons, baking is now big business.

And the big news is Lily Vanilli, who has sent a shock wave through the conservative bakery backwaters with her creations that have drawn praise and interest both commercially and critically.

Lily appears demure and somewhat delicate, but she's is no pushover - you don't succeed in this market by being soft-centred - and she has a keen business mind as well as a rich imagination.

"I've always liked cooking and even from an early age, I am sure I considered it as a career, although it may not have been a conscious choice."

As a child her father's work took the family to the Middle East and Lily spent her formative years in Saudi Arabia.

"We lived on a compound and everything was idyllic and perhaps cocooned to a degree. I certainly wasn't exposed to any of the political or religious intolerances often associated with the kingdom and I have to say that my experience of Saudi was wonderful. It's a beautiful place and I have a great fondness for the country. I am certain I will return there one day.

"I was 14 when we came back to the UK, moving to Croydon, and within a couple of years, with college before me, I had to make a decision on what career path to follow. I loved photography and was also a keen reader of philosophy but eventually it was the latter discipline which I threw myself into.

"After university I took a post in Australia in graphic design but within a few years, I wanted to return to the UK. The country was stuck in the middle of the recession and work was hard to find so I turned to the one thing that could provide me with an immediate income, baking."

Lily set up a stall at her local market and baked her cakes at home, selling them at the weekend. The venture was an instance success and she had to seek out working premises. Having officially launched the company in February 2009, she has never looked back.

Her cakes have drawn worldwide interest and her client list reads like a who's who of celebrities, with the likes of Elton John, Lulu Guinness, Sadie Frost and Alexander McQueen all fans. She has been featured in everything from The Sunday Times magazine to Vogue.

In the summer of 2010 her book A Zombie Ate My Cupcake was released, full of gruesome cake creations with an instant appeal to young children.

"I wrote this with my Godson in mind and wanted to portray a sense of ghoulish fun about the cakes featured. I always wanted it to appeal to younger people as well as cooks."

Having read through the book it certainly does showcase Lily's extraordinary artistic ability. Featuring Marzipan Beetles, Morbid Meringue Bones and Dracula's Bite cupcakes, it shows you how to surprise not only the taste buds but your visual senses too.

Harrods soon came calling and her products are now available in their food hall although Lily was quick to impress upon me her desire to stay away from the mass production of her cakes at the moment.

"I design and bake all the cakes myself, along with a trusted third generation baker who I work very closely with. I want my personal stamp on everything that carries my name so I am cautious about farming out my templates for others to bake."

Her creations also played a big part in a music video from pop band Ash, featuring among other things, a bloody heart and the film was included in the Top 50 videos of 2010.

In the here and now, Lily is riding the wave of success but she still has big plans for the next few months.

"I'm working on another book that I hope will be out towards the end of the year and I plan to be involved with Cake Britain again this year."

Cake Britain was launched in 2010 and was the world's first exhibition of completely edible art. It drew vast crowds and media interest and this year's event is sure to be an even bigger success.

"I'm not quite ready to open up a shop but I have always thought it would be cool to have a late night establishment that would serve sweets and treats as an alternative to a diner. Maybe one day...For now if people want to buy my cakes they can either visit Harrods or contact me through my website."

Clearly, she has a lot on her plate but when Lily does find time to unwind, her interests are varied.

"I love the cinema and eat out a lot. Many of my friends are chefs so I am often spoilt for choice in the food department. I also love playing pool and fishing and right now I am learning to shoot."

All this and I have heard it said that she is also a bit of a dab hand at karate!

Are Photography Schools A Good Investment?

Photography schools are on the minds of a lot of people who have an artistic bent, but find that they aren't good at painting, sculpting, or any of the other ways of expressing a physical expression of their take on reality. Being a photographer would allow them to give voice to their inner artist, and possibly change the world in the process. However, learning photography is a bit different than developing other talents, such as painting or drawing. With painting or drawing, an artist can go to school for training, but in most cases there was an innate talent that the education builds on. In other words, a person should be pretty good at drawing or painting before they think about going to school for it. Art school can show them how to take their basic talent and greatly improve upon it, but it usually can't instill the talent when it's not there to begin with. Photography schools are different. But are they a good investment?

Well, when it comes to photography, there's really no such thing as a natural talent for it, simply because it is so technical. No one is born with the ability to instinctively know which lens is best, or what shutter speed, or how to light a scene. It's true that they don't necessarily have to get training or instruction on such aspects of photography, and they can experiment, using trial and error until they get these things right, but that's far different than being born with the ability. So when it comes to taking photos, some instruction is clearly necessary. That doesn't necessarily mean that going to photography school is a good idea, though. In fact, for most people, photography schools are probably a bad investment.

Why is that? Well, it's because for most people it simply isn't necessary to plunk down thousands and thousands of dollars to become skilled in photography in the age of the internet. Just as the internet has radically changed the television and publishing industries, and is continuing to do so, it has also made learning certain skills, such as photography, much easier. There are an abundance of sites where a person can acquire professional level photography training for a few dollars a month, choosing which areas they want to focus on. There are formal courses offered on the internet for a fraction of the price of a degree in photography. And these are just the paid options. The amount and quality of free photography instruction on the internet is truly staggering. There are thousands of free instructional videos on YouTube alone. So, for most people, photography schools are a poor investment. If someone simply can't learn on their own, or is interested in a certain, unusual technique, photography school can be worth it. Everyone else, though, can find the training they need on the internet.

A Smart Guide to Find the Best Wedding Photographer

Photographs complete any wedding occasion. They're even sometimes considered the reason why people dressed their best and prepare for a wedding. No matter how you consider it, photography plays an important part to the perfection of any occasion and ceremony. Around the world are several wedding photographers that are highly skilled in this field. And for you to find them, you have to keep few things in mind to avoid ending up with the wrong one. Here is a guideline to help you find the best wedding photographer to handle any of your special outdoor or indoor events.

1. Check online photography services. The internet provides all the important information you need to find the best wedding photographer. Believe it or not, but staying 2 or more hours searching the web is already enough for you to know all the necessary details of a qualified photographer. There are several sites that provide a long-list of photographer names with their years of experience along with their sample photography artworks. You can also check the net for the direct contact information of these people. Once you get a hold of all the things you need, don't forget to make a call and arrange a meeting with your chosen photographer. This is to further discuss your wants and also a chance for you to learn more on the style and working attitude of your photographer.

2. Refer to different photography experts. One effective way to find reliable wedding photographers is to ask those who are into photography business. They have the best knowledge to all those who are really good in doing event photography. Ask them for some recommendations to make your task of finding one easy and fast. You can also inquire those people closest to you who had experienced satisfaction to give you the details of their photographer.

3. Consult several photography schools. If you find it hard to find one by asking people or searching the net, you can directly go to the best photography school in your place and choose the one you want to cover the entire event you're planning. They can offer you a list of good Sydney wedding photographers to handle your event. The good thing is you are sure that they are highly qualified as they are equipped with the right trainings and exposure.

4. Read magazines and newspapers. The last possible option for you to locate the popular photographers is through magazine and newspaper advertisements. Though the chance of getting one is fairly low, still there are a few professional photographers who are publishing their works using these mediums. Write down their contact details and make a call.

Don't waste your time and money with the wrong wedding photographer. There's nothing you can take back once the event is over and what you have left are the not so good pictures. For your perfect wedding event, keep in mind the above pointers and you're on your way to getting nothing but the best wedding photos to treasure.

3 Reasons to Use a Professional Headshot Photographer Versus a Good Photographer For Acting Jobs

Looking for acting jobs in TV, film or theatre?  Then you need the right professionals to help you get there.  Your headshot is the first impression you make on those who can hire you.  So why wouldn't you get your Headshots from a professional Headshot Photographer?

Just like you wouldn't got to a doctor to fix a legal issue or a car mechanic to build your home, you want to go to the right kind of photographer for your headshots. This is not to imply that other photographers aren't good at their specialties, just not every photographer will give you photos appropriate for industry accepted headshots. Someone who specializes in headshot photography will be more efficient and will generally cost you less in the long run by helping you get the right photos the first time.

These are some other types of photographers who may be professionals in their specialties, but not necessarily who you want to go to for your headshots. Some photographers may overlap specialties, but if headshots aren't listed near the top of their list, maybe you want to consider someone else.

For your reference, here are 3 types of good photographers and why these photos might not be helpful in getting you acting jobs.

Portrait Photographers

Portrait photographers generally are trained in taking high quality, artistic photos of individuals and families. They work with lighting and backgrounds to set moods and capture amateurs in good-looking photos, but generally not with the same qualities that make headshots different than portraits. Really good portrait photographers generally have packages that include one or two high quality prints often larger than 8 X 10 for artistic display in the family home.

Event Photographers

Wedding photographers, convention photographers, sports photographers who specialize in these and other events are experts at capturing images that portray glamour of a special occasion or capture the essence of live events or catalogue participants or capture movement and excitement of a sporting event. Each is a specific specialty. Some specialize in specific niches within different types of events. You may have a great photo of your child's sports team. Buy lots of them for you photo album and family members. Keep one available if a casting needs that particular type of athlete, but don't use them as headshots.

 Mall Photographers

Most shopping mall photographers are franchises. Some have corporate-trained, professional photographers, some do not. They specialize in family or glamour shots. More often than not, they have a variety of backgrounds and props to help set the scene. Headshots require plain backgrounds generally without props or scenes. Some will have very reasonably priced packages for a specific number of prints. Some are very expensive including features seen with portrait photographers. 99% of these photos won't work as headshots and if you truly want a career, you will not try to use these photos for headshots.

 Check with your local acting schools, online casting services and other actors to find out about headshot photographers in your area.  

Become a Master Photographer

If you're a beginner photographer you may be wondering if your photography skills are up to par. Can you actually take a photo against a white or black background and make it look professional? Are there shadows on your white background that make the photo look less than professional? Or, does your black background end up looking gray? How do you become a master photographer?

You can perform miracles with your average photos once you learn the basics of photography and digital imaging. You do not need to be a master photographer to start. Think about turning that average photo into a masterpiece! But how? How can you take a simple photograph with a cluttered background and turn it into the wildly expressive and professional print of the masters?

The wonderful thing about digital imaging is that you do not have to use Photoshop to make a great print. When we think of Photoshop we think of the master photographers and digital imaging experts. However, and here's the good news, any type of photo software can do a great job. Gimp is a free software much like Photoshop. Scrap-booking software can easily be used to add that unique and creative touch to photographs. How cool is that and it's free.

Beginner photographers often think that to develop their skills they need to be an expert in lighting. That's not true at all! In time you will develop your skills to become a master at professional studio lighting. A good first goal is to not expect too much from yourself to start. By mastering free digital imaging software you can develop yourself into a master photographer in no time. Once your photos are selling you can afford to invest in more expensive studio lighting, photo courses, and digital packages. It's a learning game and no one became a master photographer overnight!

Best of luck to you!