Vegas Wedding Photography Frequently Asked Questions

Before you start making plans for your wedding photography, it's important that you have a general idea of how everything goes. Check out the most common concerns regarding Vegas wedding photography below to get more information:

How can I find a good photographer in Vegas?
You can look for your wedding photographer by searching the Internet, checking out ads at Craigslist.org, browsing the yellow pages, seeking referrals from people you know, and visiting different studios in Las Vegas. Remember to hire someone who's professional, qualified, affordable and easy to work with.

How much does wedding photography cost in Vegas?
The costs usually start at $400 and can go up to $4,000. The price will depend on the photographer you hire, photography package you avail of, time you got booked, date & season that your wedding falls on, and other relevant factors.

What are some ways in which I can lessen the costs?
Practical ways to save on your wedding photography would be to:

• Hire a professional photographer but only for the ceremony, and have your friends and family cover the reception instead.
• If you know someone who takes up photography as a hobby or has taken classes before, ask for their help so you won't have to pay much for their services.
• You could also consider getting an amateur photographer to really save on the costs.
• Purchase a photography package that's really affordable and within your budget. Avoid availing of unnecessary items and pay only for what you need.

What are the best city attractions to use as locations for my pre-wedding photoshoot?
The most recommended places are as follows:

• Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
• Bellagio Fountains
• Eiffel Tower Replica at Paris Las Vegas
• Gondola Rides at the Venetian
• Las Vegas Strip
• Neon Sign Graveyard
• Stratosphere Tower
• Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

Some locations outside the city are also very ideal for your pre-wedding photoshoots. The best outdoor attractions are Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, Mount Charleston, Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountain Ranch.

When can I get the final prints?
It depends whether you chose film or digital photography for your pictures. Digital photos may only take a week or two, but filmed ones may take longer-from a couple of weeks to months. It also depends on how many clients your photographer has the same time as you. This is why it's very important to book early so you'll be prioritized. Make sure you clearly discuss the arrangement with your photographer so you'll know exactly how long to wait for your final wedding photos.

How can I help make the pictures turn out great?
Here are some tips to help your wedding photography turn out as planned:

Let Your Photographer Know What You Want
The only way to assure you'll love the final results is for you to discuss every detail with your photographer. Make sure he or she truly understands what you need; you should share your ideas, state your preferences, and give clear instructions so that nothing will be missed.

Get Enough Rest
Be sure you have a nice, long sleep before the wedding and the engagement sessions as well so you'll look stunning in your wedding photos.

Have the Perfect Camera Appearance
The wrong type of hairstyle and amount of makeup are often the most common mistakes that lead to terrible wedding photos. Be sure you've hired the right makeup artist and hairstylist that know how to make you look good on camera.

Cooperate
Lastly, you must work together with your photographer if you want your photos to be amazing. You should always follow your photographer's instructions so he or she can produce incredible wedding pictures. Remember, the success of your Vegas wedding photography relies on both you and your photographer; even if you've hired the best photographer in town, you can't put all the responsibility on him or her because you also have to do your part. You need to work well together in order to achieve the best results.

Europe Is More Than Big Cities - How to Really See Europe

Mix Big Cities with Small Villages

One of the great advantages of European travel is the proximity of one city to another and the efficient/affordable public transportation system that easily allows for cross-border travel. This provides travellers with a great opportunity to see a wide variety of destinations. Try to mix up your trip so that you're visiting big cities and lesser known places. If you're not sure where to go, think along the lines of your interests. Visiting a wine region in France or Italy, for example, is an unforgettable experience. If you like gourmet food, the city of Sarlat is known for its truffles and foie gras. Emilia-Romagna, a fabulous region in Italy, is home to prosciutto, parmesan, sweet balsamic vinegar and so much more! Like beer? Head to Plzen or Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic.

The Capital Isn't The Country!

Too many people interchange the capital city with the name of the country. Paris is a great example of this. When speaking about their "France" vacation, most people don't venture outside of Paris. If the only place you've ever visited in France is Paris, then you definitely have not seen or experienced the French lifestyle. France is made up of many regions that each have their own regional specialties, history and culture. Everyone in Paris seems to be late and in a rush. This is very much a contrast to the relaxed and friendly demeanor found in smaller villages and towns. While your attempt to speak a few words of French may not be appreciated in Paris, it certainly will be in most parts of the country.

Head East

If you want to get away from the swarm of international tourists in the summer months, head East. What you'll quickly discover is that Eastern European destinations are more affordable, while still providing you with an amazing experience. Because your dollar stretches further, you'll be able to try higher end restaurants and do more shopping without breaking the bank.

While traveling in the East, you're also more likely to meet like-minded travellers searching for great destinations off-the-beaten-path. You'll discover a number of hidden gems in the region that you won't be able to read about in guide books. Places that you may never have considered, or countries you weren't interested in visiting, may end up becoming the highlight of your trip. Some of my fondest memories, and the stories I continue to tell me friends, are from lesser known destinations that I honestly didn't even know existed prior to my trip. Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia and the Czech Republic all have amazing cities that are worth a long trip.

Keep these tips in mind and you'll end up having an unforgettable experience in Europe!

Photography in Dim Light

Most of us at one point in our photographic history realized that capturing images in dim light, or fair darkness changes an otherwise mundane scene into a much more interesting, and in many cases a surreal scene. While capturing this scene in normal daylight is typically fairly straight forward, working with very low light is quite a bit more difficult. There are many minor issues, and just as many larger issues which make it tricky to capture good photography in dim light. As such, we will discuss the big issues which everyone without a doubt has encountered at some point. Sharpness, and accuracy of exposure is always a concern when the light is low. So, let's dig deeper into these issues, and discuss suggestions to improve your low-light photography.

If you are like most people you shoot your low-light, or night photography on the go. This of course means that unless you are already a pro, and have an assistant who carries your tripod, you have to carry it yourself. In most situations tripods are a great tool, however we may not always have them available to us, and at times traveling with one is not easy. There is nothing out there that will replace a stability of a tripod, however if it were not an option there are other things we could do to compensate for low-light. The most simple way is to increase your camera's sensitivity to light. It may sound weird to amateurs, but a higher speed (higher ISO) film, or a setting on a digital camera makes the instrument more sensitive to light. Basically, the higher the ISO setting on your digital camera (ex. 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, etc.) or the ISO rating on your film, the faster it will respond. There are disadvantages to every advantage, and this is no exception. Higher ISO setting on your digital camera means lower image quality. While the camera does become more sensitive to light, and is able to capture lower amounts of light to “paint” the scene correctly, the high ISO also causes “digital noise”which looks like grains of sand sprinkled over the image. Luckily, technology is getting much better, and there are now digital filters built right into the camera which reduce this noise.

Nonetheless, there is some loss of quality. In fact, with most Point-and-Shoot digital cameras the effect is greater than on digital SLRs (Single Lens Reflex cameras), because the image sensor, which actually captures the image through the lens, is very small, in many cases the size of your thumb nail. If you are planning to shoot a lot of low-light photography, consider upgrading to a digital SLR, if you are using a Point-and-Shoot, and are familiar with effects of digital noise. If you are still shooting film, the same problem exists, and higher ISO films are often much more “grainy”than a photograph captured with a digital camera. Some photographers introduce higher ISO films on purpose, because grain is at times considered an artistic effect, however, it has to be used wisely. If you invested in a film or a digital SLR, your options are more open. If you have a reasonable budget, consider getting a fast lens, which will allow more light in and require less sacrificing on the side of quality. Many new digital cameras come with an “Image Stabilization”which allows for sharper images captured at lower ISO settings without a tripod, or another stabilizing device.

Just when you thought getting around without a tripod was difficult enough, I throw another curve ball at you. Overexposed Highlights – are common in photography captured in low light. It is a fine balance, and you never win. You either overexpose the bright light, or underexpose the dim areas of the scene. There is not one solution to this. Try to keep your exposures short, whether you use a fast lens on your SLR, or a higher ISO setting on your Point-and-Shoot, as this will reduce the overexposed lights. If your camera allows for exposure bracketing, use it, and it will help you get the right balance of light and darkness in the scene. Stay away from using any sort of flash, unless you are photographing people, and not a dimly lit scene. If you are shooting people in a club, a pub, or any other dimly lit place, use your flash, and try to be fairly close to your subject(s), because flash drops off very quickly. If you are shooting a street scene, a night landscape, a harbor, or any similar scene, the mood of the scene will be destroyed if any flash is used. The resulting image will be underexposed, and only very near objects will be captured.

Obtaining focus may be difficult at times, when the light really drops off. This is when a manual focus comes in handy. It is unfortunate that most Point-and-Shoot cameras do not have a manual focus option. However, many new cameras have pre-focus lights built into them. If you have this option, make sure it is enabled. The camera sends very quick bursts of light to light the scene, and allow it to obtain focus. In extreme situations a flash light may help too. Simply shine it in the direction of the lens, and let your camera focus. Needless to say, when it is so dark, you MUST have a tripod.

While you will certainly encounter other problems shooting in dim light, the topics covered will no doubt ease your photographic efforts. Ultimately, most of your success will come from practice, and experience.

Photography Colleges

Photography has always been a captivating art, even before the advent of digital cameras. But as the prices of this new generation of cameras become more and more affordable, it comes as no real surprise that more people are looking to get formal training in the craft.

Fortunately, getting proper training and education is not as hard as you might think. Photography schools are commonplace these days, and the only problem you'll most likely have to deal with is choosing which school to go to.

Of course, you might ask yourself, "Why should I even think of photography colleges?" If you want to be serious as a photographer, then enrolling in the best colleges is the way to go as it gives you access to programs that include history of art, history of photography, technical aspects of the craft and other various topic. This will help you appreciate the art form better and turn you into a better-rounded photographer.

Getting formal training ensures that you get to hone your skills-maybe even to a point where photography can become a career, instead of just a hobby.
With hundreds of schools offering photography courses in the country, which one should you go to? The very best colleges will provide in-depth information on their courses, helping you select which ones will fit your existing skill set and interests.

Schools that offer this course will also delve into the technical aspects of photography. This is a key factor in today's digital art age. Aside from teaching you how to take great pictures with your DSLR, colleges will also offer classes on photo editing or turning your shots into professional-grade photos with a computer.

Tips on How to Prepare for a Photo Shoot

How to prepare for a photo shoot - What to do and not do

Through my experience with female models I have been surprised by the large number of 'models to be' that lack the very basics to make a photo shoot successful. This has prompted me to write a short straight forward guideline that it is easy to follow.

On site one can easily point out which models took the tips seriously. It only takes just that little bit to turn a fair photo shoot into an excellent one.

So do you want to arm yourself with some essential tips to feel confident and act like a professional model? Do you want to be popular with photographers in order to get more hired jobs? As a photographer, do you want to direct your models with a professional attitude? If yes, then read the following with care.

Natural Look Makeup

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening while foundation must be applied much heavier than usual.

Mascara should be clean and contains no clumps.

Use natural eye shadow, such as, shades of brown, blue, green and silver. Not black!

Eyeliner can be green, blue, white or black. If using black it must be very thin.

Use matte lip stick and avoid lip gloss.

Hair

Any hair style will do but I would suggest avoiding horsetails (except for theme shoots).

Finger and Toe Nails

These should be well groomed.

Natural or basic colours work best, so that they fit well with what you will be wearing.

Clothing

Stay away from striped clothing. Solid colours such as red, blue, orange, brown, green, purple or other colours produce better contrasting photos. Black clothing items ideally should not be your first preference.

Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing.

Vary the style. Plan outfits completely.

Shoes should match clothes you are wearing and must be clean.

It is suggested that clothes that wrinkle up very easily should be brought on hangers. Wrinkled clothes do not look nice!

Underwear

Wear golden (non-shine) tan tights, especially when wearing short skirts or dresses.

Session can be taken with or without bra, this subject to model's discretion. If wearing a bra make sure it is seamless and it fits properly underneath the clothes you are going to wear. This stands too for other underwear items. With today's thin fabrics you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.

Tip: black coloured bra on black/brown clothing, skin coloured bra on white clothing, white coloured bra on coloured clothing

If you are doing any nude or partial nude shoots wear loose underwear and no bra for at least 2 hours before the shoot. Underwear leaves ugly press marks on the skin that take very long to fade away!

Personal Hygiene

You should never shave legs or other parts of the body the night before the photo shoot. This should be well planned beforehand.

Watch those underarms!

Accessories

No watches. No rings. Again these must be removed at least 2 hears before the shoot.

Earrings should be simple in shape and moderate in size, except for ring earrings.

Ideally no other jewellery should be worn. If wearing a necklace makes sure that's dainty.

If you wear contact lenses, bring with you your glasses in case you need to remove them.

Props

Take with you any props that you would like to use (any other item that you feel that it might say something about your character).

A hat matching one of your outfits is always suggested as a prop item.

In your personal bag you should have:

Your hair care tools and products Wipes

Brush to clean clothes Mirror

Small make up kit for retouches Foundation

Last but not least

Have a good night's sleep the night before the shoot and restrict your alcohol and tobacco intake for a few days before the shoot - it all shows in your face.

Please do not cancel without sufficient notice and for no good reason. Time is money for the photographer.

Please switch off mobile phones during the photo shoot.

It is strongly suggested that you do not take your partner/lover/boyfriend//girlfriend/husband/wife during the photo shoot. Both the model and the photographer can be inhibited from giving their best. On the other hand, if it makes you feel more at ease, a friend with the right attitude can be helpful during the session.

By following the above mentioned tips you can turn a photo shoot in one that is both productive and relaxing. If you are yet not sure on how to go about directing and posing a model, I suggest you do some homework beforehand so that you never get stuck behind the camera.

Macro Photography Art - Could Abstract Close-Up Photography Be For You?

Macro photography art is something most photographers eventually come around to experimenting with if they try macro or abstract photography. This is the style of photography that takes a subject up-close so the image is as close as possible to the actual size of the subject. It is considered an art form by many because the images are often eye-catching and highly compelling.

The beauty of macro photography art is the ability to see details that you would otherwise never see in life. For instance, how often do you get to see a wasp so close that you can see the tiny flecks in their eyes or the tiny hairs on their small bodies? You wouldn't since we ordinarily run from wasps.

This type of miniature or minuscule photography may not seem all that different from ordinary photography before you actually try it. After all, it's just another way to take a picture, right? Not exactly. There is a lot that goes into macro photography composition if you are going to capture stunning pictures worth being called "art."

Abstract Art

Abstract art refers to images or paintings that are not of ordinary objects or people. An untrained eye might look at an abstract macro photography art print and think the colors are pretty but someone must have had the camera way out of focus. What they don't see is the beauty in capturing different patterns and textures of color and light.

Abstract photos do not show your mother's face as it appears to the rest of the world, but a small part of that face that has been taken to the microbial level of skin cells, water, and light.

A rose is not captured as it appears on the bush outside your home on a bright Sunday morning. Rather, the camera is placed down inside the rose, using the water inside the pedals and perhaps a mirror or other enhancement tools to take advantage of the color inside the rose.

While you can't make out concrete pictures and lines in abstract macro photography, you can see beautiful creations of light and water that are not seen by the naked eye. This is the beauty of macro photography that inspires so many artists to pick up a camera and so many photographers to venture away from the ordinary.

Macro Photography Tools

If you find the idea of macro photography art intriguing, especially the abstract variety, you can start experimenting with whatever camera equipment you already have as long as it has interchangeable lenses or can be used with filters. The more you get into it the more you will feel compelled to purchase additional equipment that allows you to get closer to the 1:1 image ideal that macro photographers aim for.

The most basic equipment for macro photography art includes a dedicated macro lens and a variety of extension tubes and bellows. You can also use teleconverters, close-up lenses, and reverse rings to get closer to your subject and pick up different types of images.

A good tripod helps as well since you need a still camera and a still subject to get the best macro shots.
Once you start experimenting with this new photography art-form it can become addicting. You will want to see everything that you come across up-close, but the beauty of an ordinary shot will still hold its magic for you as well.

The Reel Deal! - 8 Independent Film Performance Risks

Some segments of the motion picture industry are highly competitive. In the Production Phase, competition will affect the Company's ability to obtain the services of preferred performers and other creative personnel. The Company will be competing with the producers of other films in arranging for distribution in the domestic theatrical marketplace and in other markets and media. In the Distribution Phase, competition will limit the availability of theaters required for the successful distribution of the motion picture. The film project will be competing directly with other motion pictures and indirectly with other forms of public entertainment. The Company will compete with numerous larger motion picture production companies and distribution companies, which have substantially greater resources, larger and more experienced production and distribution staff and established histories of successful production and distribution of motion pictures.

Many films are released each year, which are not commercially successful and fail to recoup their production costs from U.S. theatrical distribution. Foreign and ancillary markets have, therefore, become increasingly important. Although both foreign and ancillary markets have grown, neither provides a guarantee of revenue. Licensing of a motion picture in the ancillary markets is particularly dependent upon performance in theatrical distribution. If a motion picture is not well received by the public, it may be a financial failure. The primary risks for a motion picture project are as follows:

1. Production

Particularly as produced by independent filmmakers, each film property is a separate business venture with its own management, employees and equipment and its own budgetary requirements. There are substantial risks associated with motion picture production, including death or disability of key personnel, other factors causing delays, destruction or malfunction of sets or equipment, the inability of production personnel to comply with budgetary or scheduling requirements and physical destruction or damage to the film itself. Significant difficulties such as these may materially increase the cost of production or may cause the entire project to be abandoned.

2. Audience Appeal

The ultimate profitability of any film depends upon its audience appeal in relation to the cost of its production and distribution. The audience appeal of a given motion picture depends, among other things, on unpredictable critical reviews and changing public tastes and such appeal cannot be anticipated with certainty.

3. Cost Overruns

The costs of producing motion pictures are often underestimated and may be increased by reason of factors beyond the control of the Producers. Such factors may include weather conditions, illness of technical and artistic personnel, artistic requirements, labor disputes, governmental regulations, equipment breakdowns and other production disruptions. While the Company intends to engage production personnel who have demonstrated an ability to complete films within the assigned budget, the risk of a film running over budget is always significant and may have a substantial adverse impact on the profitability of the motion picture.

4. Distribution

The profitable distribution of a film depends in large part on the availability of one or more capable and efficient distributors who are able to arrange for appropriate advertising and promotion, proper release dates and bookings in first-run and other theaters. There can be no assurance that profitable distribution arrangements will be obtained for the film or that the film can or will be distributed profitably.

5. Long Term Project

The production and distribution of a motion picture involves the passage of a significant amount of time. Pre-production on a motion picture may extend for two to three months or more. Principal Photography may extend for several weeks or more. Post-production may extend from three to four months or more. Distribution and exhibition of motion pictures generally and of the motion picture specifically may continue for years before the Company generates recoupment of any investments in the Units, the Fixed Rate of Return, or any Back-end Participation generated from the exploitation of the motion picture, if any at all.

6. Foreign Distribution

Foreign distribution of a motion picture (i.e., outside the United States and Canada) may require the use of various foreign distributors. Some foreign countries may impose government regulations on the distribution of films. Also revenues derived from the distribution of the motion picture in foreign countries, if any, may be subject to currency controls and other restrictions, which may temporarily or permanently prevent the inclusion of such revenue in any of the Company's returns.

7. Prospective Investor Last In Line

A motion picture typically goes from the producer to the distributor who in turn may send it to territorial sub-distributors, who send it to theatrical exhibitors. The box office receipts generated by a film travel this same route in reverse. The exhibitor takes a cut and sends the balance to the sub-distributor, who takes a cut and sends the balance to the distributor, who takes a cut and sends the balance to the producer. The problem for the private investors with this system is that such investors, who have had their money at risk for the longest time, are at the tail end of the box office receipts chain. Thus, if the Company, in negotiating a distribution deal, has to rely heavily on a participation in the film's net profits, revenues to the Company and thus Subscribers will be the last in line to benefit from such a revenue stream, if any.

8. Industry Changes

The entertainment business in general and the motion picture business in particular, are undergoing significant changes, primarily due to technological developments. These developments have resulted in the availability of alternative forms of leisure time entertainment, including expanded pay and basic cable television, syndicated television, DVDs and video games. During the last several years, revenues from licensing of motion pictures to network television have decreased (and fewer films are now being licensed for any price to network television), while revenues from pay television and DVD's have increased relative to network. The level of theatrical success remains a critical factor in generating revenues in these ancillary markets. It is impossible to accurately predict the effect that these and other new technological developments may have on the motion picture industry.

Several precautionary measures need to be taken to minimize these risks as follows:

• The management team is recruited for their extensive knowledge, skills and contacts in the industry.
• Potential partners have already been sounded out about the film, and feed back is very good.

Each potential partner will be kept aware of all production elements so as to get their early feedback on commercial viability and changes needed to be made. On completion of securing the funding, the Company should have the following key critical success factors:

• The right property.
• The right management team.
• The right strategic partner(s).
• The right path to market.
• The right company business philosophy.

Conclusion

Many films are released each year, which are not commercially successful and fail to recoup their production costs from theatrical distribution. Foreign and ancillary markets have become increasingly important. If a motion picture is not an artistic or critical success or if, for any reason, it is not well received by the public, it may be a financial failure. A producer's distribution and global sales access, combined with publicity investment, greatly enhances the probability a picture will be purchased by exhibitors and distributed through all channels of media exploitation worldwide, maximizing return on investment.

How to Get in to Sports Photography

Sports photography can be a very tricky field to become involved with, especially with so many photojournalist eager to get the snapshot of that perfect catch, or just the right angle on the winning pass. The competition is at large, so it is extremely important for you to be on you're a-game at all time, and progressing on a daily basis.

Lights, camera, action!
That's right; get out the manuals to your camera. Get ready to read about photography, new techniques and everything in between. Stay up to date with industry standards, and trending shots that have been making their way in to the magazines, on billboards, et cetera.

Research your way to the top. There are no free passes in this highly competitive field! (Except for the ones to the game, of course) Get to know your competitors work during your research, read everything you can about them and keep your eye on their work. You need to understand what you're up against so you can further yourself in the field. Just like the sports you're photographing, you need to understand the competitors plays and reasoning behind their shots.

Get ready to make some decisions: are you going to use film or digital? If you already own a camera, you'll need to make sure it can take photos at a minimum of six frames per second-in the world of sports photography it is ideal for the camera to take around eight or more frames per second. Your lens is extremely important to make your shots look great. If you haven't already, invest in a high quality lens with great focal length and aperture. Industry standard says a fixed 200 at 2.8 is the absolute minimum with least noticeable results.

Get schooled
You will also want to take photography classes at a local college if you haven't done so already. Start taking hundreds of photos; make sure you're taking photos of moving objects. Begin to toggle shutter speeds and aperture so you're able to utilize the tools you've learned in photography class.

Game on!
Start out at local sporting events and photograph the movement, gathering shots you know you've seen before in classes. Prepare to shoot several rolls of film and take your time with the project-if you're moving too fast your work could appear sloppy. Remember the goal in mind is to become an amazing sports photographer.

Understand the sport you've chosen to photograph, you're better able to understand and anticipate action when you understand the game. Once you feel comfortable with your photography at local events, start building a portfolio. You'll need a high quality leather portfolio-these may be costly, but think of it as an investment in your future.

Once you've laid out your best work, start looking for places that are hiring, or just by sending samples of your work. You'll want to work with philosophies like 'big fish, small pond' for a while to allow yourself to get better at your work and grow as a sports photographer. Once you have quite a few professional sporting photos, you'll want to start weeding out your amateur portfolio one by one. Next, apply for a position with a newspaper in a small town and let the games begin!

Starting a Photography Business - Are You Ready to Start Your Own and Make $250 a Day?

To start your own photography business can be a very lucrative venture. It is very possible to make $250 a day. Some devoted photographers are known for making as much as $7,000 a month and sometimes even more! Can you imagine all the things you could do with that and the freedom that affords you?

Do you have a digital camera? Can you take photos of things in focus? If so, then you are in a great position to start your own photography business.

There is a world of opportunity for you here with so many different avenues you go into. You can choose to work strictly from home with your own little studio setup, or you can take your photography on the road and take travel pictures. It is your photography business, your freedom to choose!

Is there a market for your pictures? Most definitely! You can most certainly make money with your camera by just uploading the pictures you take to the internet. There are numerous sites that will pay you to upload your pictures to them. Of course, the more sites you sign up with, the more money you can make all with the same picture!

This is just one avenue you can take. There really is a lot of choices you can take. There is something for every kind of photographer. Insurance companies need photographers, couples need pictures, pet owners need pictures, families need pictures, businesses need pictures. The list is long!

And no, you do not need a fancy expensive studio and photography equipment to get started. All you need is a digital camera, a DSLR is the most desirable, and some basic computer skills, and an internet connection, and you are good to go!

A Look at the Game Bully on the Wii

Bully is another classic from rockstar games. Known for such games as the grand thief auto series, Bully follows many of the same missions but is set within a school yard. As such there is no firearms, no killing and some new interesting side lines.

Of unique interest is the best way to get your health increased to twice its normal leve .... You kiss - snog is probably a better description.

You can also increase your health in bully by drinking sodas.

Along with the boarding school theme you can get a number of weapons of a juvenile nature - including stink bombs, sling shots, spud guns, bottle rocket gun, itching powder, fire crackers, bags of marbles, eggs, paint cans and of course your own fists. This is where the Nintendo Wii takes bully to a new level over and above what other consoles can offer. You want to box on with someone - you box on, trust me you can get quite a workout. Especially when you fight in the preppies boxing ring for 16 rounds!!!.

You can learn a number of moves to increase your fighting abilities, including leg sweeps, head butts and the classic knee to the groin (having suffered this particular move in real life I am intimately acquainted with the damage and pain this can cause), so much better to leave this type of behavior in the virtual world.

Their are 87 missions that I've completed, most follow a central story line between you the main character - James (Jimmy) Hopkins and Gary Smith - a deeply disturbed young man and Pete your wimpy side kick!

Other characters in Bully include the Preps (yuppies), Jocks (large sporting types), the bullies (white shirt and jeans), the greasers (50's rejects), Nerds (if you don't know what a nerd is, its likely you are one), along with little kids, the bigger girls (the large chested ones ;), as well as the prefects (the ones who bust you and slam you to the ground and drag you off to the principals office), and the teachers. In town are police, adults, students and assorted losers.

As with most rock star games, bully has a number of maps that slowly open up to you as the game progresses. The main town, the upper class suburbs, the slums, and more industrial slums. Running all around this huge town would take ages, thankfully there are a number of other transport options including your always handy skateboard (and the back to the future ride hitch), bicycles, scooters, and the go kart. Once you have the go kart - this will be the only way you well choose to get around town as it is lighting fast. Get this by winning all the go kart races - it waits for you outside the front of the shop near you personal garage.

Bully has a number of 'collectibles', including destroying gnomes, collecting cards, rubber bands (which gets you a new rubber band ball weapon when you have them all). There is one difficult rubber band on top of a roof in town with no ladder to get there - you can't jump the gap from the neighboring roof top - you need to jump while on your skate board - a tricky maneuver, but I got it on the third go. Also 6 radios are collectible and you can trade them to a vagrant to teach you fighting moves.

The only annoying thing with the Wii version of the game is the camera control in some missions, which can be very tricky - you need to push the Wii remote hard at the screen and then aim it carefully - the designers could have used more sensible options to direct your camera - the camera is needed to complete some missions and take year book photos - or just happy snaps of your game.

Bully is set in a boarding school so of course you have CLASSES - with a variety of teachers you probably met some time during your school career - if somewhat over dramatized. The classes include art, english, chemistry, maths, shop, music, gym, photography, biology and geography.

English is the hardest and Maths is no knock over either - calculate fast or miss out.

Gym is great to learn new fighting moves.

Music, art and photography are about as pointless as they are in 'real' school. Photography at least gets you a camera.

Shop gets you a varying progression of better and better BMX bicycles.

Chemistry enables you to cook up itching powder, stink bombs and fire crackers in your dorm room.

The main buildings in the school are the boys and girls dorms, the main school building - classrooms, cafeteria and principals office; the gym, the shop, the library, Harington house, the stadium and sports field and the observatory. Its easy to get around on skateboard - though jumping both sets of stairs to the main building requires pin point timing - but is possible.

Some interesting school asides - playing dodgeball, pulling the fire alarms, kicking the soccer ball again the wall and just making a nuisance of yourselves. You can hide from authority figures in bins, lockers and porta-loos until your heat level cools down - it you can't find one - just run, skate or drive away. Don't try to take on the prefects - I've managed to knock one out, so I tried the spud gun - I got two but the other two prefects nailed me.

Bully is a great game - all the rock star brilliance without the blood.

Other areas of interest - the carnival - lots of fun games, rides and ability to earn tickets. The seaside and wharf - to get that last gnome on the barge don't forget to use your super slingshot. The mental asylum, the clothing shops, tattoo 'van', barber shops, theater and comic shops, BMX track.

You can even pick up odd jobs and earn money making food deliveries, paper round and mowing lawns. You will need the cash to buy all the clothes to get 100% completion.

My only complaint about the game is the main story finishes long before you complete 100% and the world it so huge it takes ages to 'collect' everything. Occasionally the Wii controls - particularly in chemistry and shop are hard to "copy" exactly - you will see what I mean.

The best part of bully - boxing on, causing mayhem and kissing the girls. Funnest part - watching your girlfriends pull each others hairs, least funny part - being kneed in the groin by an upset girlfriend - both can occur when your caught out playing the field.

I recommend Bully as a must have game for your Wii collection.

Niche Marketing Strategies For Tutoring Businesses Looking To Attract Senior Citizens

For years, we've heard about the graying of our population from the baby boom years. Our current class of senior citizens inductees (the population born during the Baby Boom after World War II from 1946 to 1964) is going to make up close to 20% percent of the total US population by 2029 according to the US Census Bureau. What often goes unmentioned is that this mature population also controls one of the largest percentages of disposable income. As a group, senior citizens are and will be for some time the most affluent Americans. They hold about three quarters of the nation's financial assets worth approximately $1 trillion in disposable income annually.

Again, that is $1 trillion dollars in disposable income annually.

Many product and/or service oriented businesses have taken the long view and begun marketing various products and services geared specifically to the older consumer. Despite this recognition on the part of a few marketers, this financially secure, mature group of consumers remains largely untapped by educational companies and services. Take for instance the onslaught of new technologies that seem to pop up like daisies in the spring, out of all consumer groups, our seniors, are usually the last to be courted. While it may be true that certain technologies are better suited for younger tech savvy consumers (I am reminded of my elderly grandmother who purchased an unlimited text messaging package on a small phone without text messaging capability and did I mention she had arthritis), it doesn't mean that this market is entirely unsuited for those educational businesses and services that use technology to deliver their product or service.

For a supplemental education service tutoring provider, this mature consumer group is wide open with far less competition and minimal requirements in the way of overhead expenditures. Two of the much-needed services that senior citizens in particular lack are computer training and technology acclimation. Many of the services supplemental education companies can provide, are the ones that are most often overlooked or taken for granted, i.e. using the internet, opening up an email account, social networking account registration, etc. If you are reading this article, you can definitely offer those services and more. Suppose for a moment you feel uncomfortable with your level of competence in offering a few of these services, let me repeat what I said in my previous article, Niche Marketing Strategies for Tutoring Businesses Looking To Attract Parents of Students Taking State Standardized Tests, you do not have to be an expert in the subject matter in order to provide supplemental services in the subject matter, you just need to hire people with thorough experience related to the field.

The reason for the lack of competition in this age group is precisely because this mature audience is a bit more discerning with their spending habits and a more sophisticated approach is required to gain their attention, loyalty, and dollars. However, it is for this very reason that supplemental education service providers should dive into this market with fervor and enthusiasm. Education is, and has always been a cornerstone for any age group. The value that the 50 and over age group places on education should not go unnoticed. Along with education, communication plays an important role in everyone's lives and its role only expands as one gets older. In the past, many grandparents would send letters to their grandchildren and eagerly await their response. Grandparents yearn to be a part of their grandchildren's lives. Why not offer the ability to stay in touch while simultaneously helping an older population learn and acquire new skills? Imagine grandma's joy every time she logs on to her e-mail account and sees a message from her grandchild or when she receives a tweet. It's truly a win-win proposition!

Of course that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the type of services supplemental education providers can offer up in addition to computer training. Curriculum and/or activities marketed to senior citizens can range from learning a new language to scrap booking to ballroom dancing. If you're looking for ideas on what senior citizens are interested in learning, you can find a compiled starter list below. Since most of your organized activities and programs will consist of a variety of group sizes, you will have the ability to market age specific specials and discounted tuition fees accordingly. Remember, you run a supplemental education service business that should be able to teach and tutor in multiple disciplines. You do not need to have any expert knowledge in any of these areas, just hire someone who does. It is highly unlikely that Sam Walton knew how to repair the diesel engines of every tractor-trailer that brought in a load of merchandise to his stores, but his business (Walmart) hired people who did have that expertise.

The best part about marketing to this age group is that they are fairly accessible if you know where to look. Putting up postings/flyers at local community church bulletins, visiting the adult education departments of local community colleges, and contacting the Facility Director or Onsite Coordinator at various assisted living facilities to propose your computer training or other services to their residents, is a good way to start. If interested, there are plenty of online directories that list full contact information for assisted living facilities narrowed by zip code or state.

How about the Bingo nights? They are usually held at lodges, halls, churches, and schools/community colleges.

Hold the presses! Yet another great source that has been largely abandoned by the younger generation is the newspaper. Here's a little known fact about the newspaper industry - 65% of its readers are over the age of 55. By advertising in this medium you are reaching over half of the newspapers readers - Now that's worth another read!

When it comes to reaching senior citizens, let your creativity lead the way, your opportunities are limitless. For the astute, forward thinking individual, this is a unique opportunity to service an undeserved demographic and separate your business from the competition. Remember, thinking outside the box never gets old!

Activity Ideas for Senior Citizens:
繚 Computer Training
繚 Dance
繚 Yoga
繚 Painting
繚 Sewing
繚 Journal Writing
繚 Knitting or crocheting
繚 Photography
繚 Discussion Groups
繚 Exercise
繚 Knitting
繚 Foreign Language Conversation
繚 Needlepoint
繚 Pinochle
繚 Quilting
繚 Tai Chi
繚 Writing workshops
繚 Crafts
繚 Bowling
繚 Bridge

Online College Courses - The Benefits for You

Want to take an online college course? A lot of people are joining up to take one or two or even earn their bachelor's or master's degrees. There are many college courses to take too. Some are credited and some are non credited courses. Many people take an online college course to boost their careers in hopes to get a higher position which will equal higher pay. Some may just take an online college course to jump-start their career, or they could just take a course for personal pleasure. Here are some popular college courses online that are available for you to take.

Popular Online College Courses

Online Classes in Business- This is where you can learn about: Starting your own business, Time Management Training, and Project Management courses.

Online Course in Online Training- You can take a course in: Internet Marketing, PC Hardware, Graphic Design, Web Design, Linux, Office Software, IT Certificate

Online Class in Career Training- Here you can get some training for a new career where you will earn a diploma in many vocational positions like: Carpentry, Bridal Consultant, Real Estate, Medical Transcription to name a few.

Online Course in Professional Continuing Education - This course is for those professionals that, you guessed it, want to continue their education. Take an online CE or CEU course in: Architect, Teaching, Social Working, Physician, Real Estate, Massage Therapist, Lawyer, and Engineers.

Online Course in Personal Development - These online courses are of personal interest. They are courses that pertain to a person's hobby. Say you want to learn about digital photography you can do that as well as many more options like: Cooking, Gardening, and Investing.

Online Course in Language - Here you can take an online course to learn a foreign language even ESL. You can even take a credited course in language for credit too.

Online Class in Arts and Religion - Take a class on Writing, Religion, Jewelry Designing, Music, Floral Arts, Fashion, English, Interior Decorating and more.

Online Classes in Education and Teaching - If you want to further your teaching career these courses may be good for you. Here you can take a course in: Special Education, Early Childhood Development, Library and Resources, General Education, K -12 Education.

Online Social Science Courses - Take up a course in Criminal Justice, History, Political Science, Law, Legal Secretary, Paralegal, Psychology, Social work.

More Tips to Improve Land Surveys

Many of you may not be aware that land surveying is widely acknowledged as the worlds second-oldest profession. Land survey, simply stated, is the art and science of measuring and mapping land. While the entire scope of land survey is vast, it all eventually means where people's land boundaries are located. Land surveys can be critical for building railroads, skyscrapers, airports, bridges etc. Land owners can not put up fences around their yards without exactly knowing the boundaries.

Land survey is a vital part of the design and construction process and qualified surveyors conduct boundary surveys to let the clients know the exact location of their property. They map the topography of land for purposes of engineering design, create elevations of buildings to ward off floods, perform title surveys to facilitate real estate dealings and certify that structures are built according to approved design. They also map river bottoms for dredging purposes, lay out photo control for aerial photography and write legal documents to delineate pieces of property, map layout for tunnels, roads, airports, pipelines, underground cables and railroads, and help split up properties into new lots.

Global positioning System is a tool used by land surveyors for precise positioning of points. It functions through satellites which send out signals to the receiver mounted on the tripod of the surveyor. The receiver then transmits those signals to the data collector of the surveyor that stores the data. Surveyors will thereafter download the data into the computer, and the computer software lets know from the data the exact position of point within a few millimeters.

As already stated, the basic duty of the field surveyor is to measure, map, and observe. The key tool they use for these purposes is called total station. It comprises of a distance meter for measuring distances and a theodolite for measuring angles. Land surveyors derive elevations with the aid of total station by using geometry and measuring the angles and distances and by Global Positioning System by intersecting vectors from satellites in space.

Land surveyors derive elevations with the aid of total station by using geometry and measuring the angles and distances and by Global Positioning System by intersecting vectors from satellites in space. It is the responsibility of the land surveyors to report their work to the office, who in turn will pass the results to the client. If the site is a construction site, then the office will coordinate it with the contractor.

Land surveyors, to succeed, should have the required knowledge about zoning regulations, building regulations, planning regulations, health policies, wetland regulations and general land use codes. They must be able to apply various techniques and current technologies to measure the land.

If you are a well qualified and adequately experienced land surveyor desiring to start your own land surveying business, then you need to provide high quality of service. It is also essential to have modern surveying equipment, computers, laser and access satellite technology, to successfully compete and survive as a successful surveying venture in today scenario.

o The land surveying business to be efficient, should lay stress on proper coordination between the surveying done in the field and the head office staff who are responsible for the work.
o There should be at least one professional land surveyor for 3 field crews for the supervision to be effective.
o Proper technical and operational support and guidance must be provided to the different teams working on surveying assignments.
o It is critically important that all land surveying work conform to technical and accuracy standards.
o Maintain regular rapport with the customers and provide them with updated information.
o There should be regular orientation programs for surveyors on new surveying technology including latest trends in surveying so that the surveyors become more efficient and increase productivity.

Night Photography Tips For Good Photos Taking At Night

The night photography tips covered in this article will help the photographer capture the best quality photos at night. Make sure to take extra photos when taking photos at night. Taking extra photos will give the photographer the best chance of capturing that dramatic, stunning photo.

Most cameras have an automatic flash feature. This flash feature should be turned off before taking evening photos. If the flash feature is used when taking photos, this could over expose the background of the picture, and under expose the main subject. Using a flashlight to help light the camera dials will help improve the use of your camera in the evening.

Using a tripod for is a must. An unsteady hand could ruin a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. Using a tripod when taking evening photos will help to ensure that camera shake doesn't interfere with the quality of the photos.

Carry a spare set of rechargeable batteries for your digital camera. Taking late night photos will quickly drain camera batteries. Always be prepared for little mishaps when taking photos in the dark. Being prepared will help ensure a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity won't be missed.

If a photographer is using the moon or sunset as a background for their photos, they should become familiar with the time the sun sets and the moon rises. Timing is crucial when choosing nature as a backdrop for late photos. A full moon offers natural light for an evening photo shoot, and a stunning backdrop.

Choosing the right surroundings and subject to help enhance a photo are important night photography tips to remember. A photographer should become familiar with the location or subject they are going to photograph. Driving to the location or subject during different degrees of darkness will help determine which time is best for taking the photos.

Beginners Photography - Digital Photography Tips For Beginners

If you want to grow in beginners photography or digital photography you are going to want some beginners photography tips. Digital photography, especially when using an SLR, is a whole new world. Here are some photography tips for beginners photography that I think will help get you going in the right direction.

Choose a Camera

Selecting an SLR can be confusing. Websites and forums or companies like B&H Photo can help you select one that fits your specific use, whether it is personal or professional.

Learn the Basics

There are some basic rules in beginners photography that will help start you on the path to becoming successful in digital photography. The first is to learn the relationship between aperture and shutter speed in exposure. In digital photography, the aperture controls the size of the opening in the lens, and the shutter speed controls how long the shutter is open. To get the right amount of light, you need to control these two settings properly. A really wide opening along with leaving the shutter open for too long makes your photo too exposed to light and it will look washed out and colorless. The opposite is also true. Using your manual, learn how to change these settings to let the right amount of light into the lens.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you have got your camera and have learned the beginners photography basics, you need to go out and practice. This process can be long and frustrating, but stick with it and don't give up! The more you practice, the more you will learn from them. Websites like digital-photography-school.com have forums where you can have your photos critiqued and learn from suggestions from professional photographers.

Start Making Money

Once you have down the basics and have practiced and received advice from professionals, use your digital photography skills to start making some additional income. Find websites, forums and other resources that will allow you to use your newfound beginners photography skills to generate some supplemental income under my website listed below. Even people with just beginners photography skills can earn some extra income by learning the basics and practicing.

How Long Exposure Trick Photography Is Used to Do Light Paintings

Light paintings are one of the more stunning examples of long exposure trick photography. You're literally painting with light. You use a camera to take a long exposure photograph, and then move a bright light source around it. Also, just like a magic trick, consider this a spoiler warning if you want to continue to be baffled by how light paintings are made.

The trick is that the bright light acts as your brush, so you have the freedom to move it around and create interesting shapes or even form words in front of the camera. Or you could move the camera instead. If you're feeling particularly brave you could actually toss and spin your camera in the air. You could get very beautiful light paintings with a bit of patience and creative uses of light and colors. There are people dedicated to taking light paintings by tossing their cameras, and the results are often spectacular.

When you use long exposure (also known as time exposure) photography, stationary objects appear still and in sharp focus while moving objects creates blurring and smearing. Long exposures are easier to do in low-light conditions otherwise you'll need very bright lights or specially designed equipment and cameras.

Because of this, light paintings are often done in the dark. The other side effect of low-light conditions is that fast moving objects can literally disappear from the image. This leads to interesting situations where you can photograph a still object in long exposure mode, and then run in front of the camera with a bright light to do your light painting. If you move fast enough and your clothes doesn't reflect much light, you will not be seen in the photo. You will only see the still object and a trail of the bright light. This explains why you can only see headlight and taillight trails but not the individual cars in pictures of highways or roads during night-time.

This is actually very important for light paintings because you don't want to see the "painter" in the photo. The illusion of light trails appearing or hovering around your subject without any clues as to what made it just make the picture that bit more magical.

During the daytime long exposure photography are less commonly used. The most familiar pictures of daytime long exposure pictures are those of waterfalls. Long exposures blur the moving water so it has mist-like qualities while keeping stationary objects like the trees and rocks in sharp focus.

Now that you know the secret behind the magical light paintings, you can still admire the creativity of the people who created them. But the truth is that anyone with a camera and a flashlight can use long exposure trick photography to create beautiful and fun light paintings.

Forensics Vs Forensic Science

If you bring up forensics in a conversation, those involved will often start thinking of scenes from the television show CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). It's synonymous with scouring crime scenes for minute clues to help criminal investigators create leads in various cases.

Because of the misunderstanding that's developed about criminal investigations and forensics, many don't realize that there is an acute difference between forensics and forensic science.

Currently, forensic science gets shortened in most discussions to "forensics." The word "forensic" actually relates to debates, and comes from the Latin word "forensis" or "of or before the forum." This concept became most prominent in ancient Rome where both the accused and the accuser involved in a judicial case had to advance their arguments in front of a public forum. This led to the usage of the term "forensics" for both public debate and the presentation of legal evidence.

This concept of "evidence" is what has caused it to run parallel and merge with forensic science. As the judicial system evolved, so, too, did the evidence that was required in cases. No longer was it a matter of verbal debate; instead other forms of evidence were necessary. The concept, that being "forensic" or "before the forum" still holds true. The only thing that has changed is the type of evidence that's being presented.

While some modern dictionaries will actually merge the two and provide similar or identical definitions, they are quite separate by origin and practical application.

The term forensics refers to public debate which includes the presentation of evidence and rhetoric. Forensic Science is something different. It deals specifically with the gathering, identification, research, and scientific interpretation of evidence to determine such things as who was involved in a crime.

In addition to confusing the terms forensics and forensic science, people often mistake forensic science for criminalistics. However, it's important to keep these terms in context too. Forensic science involves any discipline that can be applied to evidence. Criminalistics is just one of the subdivisions of forensic science.

Some of the disciplines that fall under the umbrella of "forensic science" are:

• Computer Forensics


• Forensic Accounting


• Forensic Audio Engineering


• Forensic Linguistics


• Forensic Pathology


• Forensic Psychology


• Forensic Engineering


• Criminalistics

Criminalistics itself is the scientific discipline which brings together various natural sciences such as biology and chemistry to the examination, identification, and comparison of certain types of evidence. Criminalists deal with biological evidence including DNA and bodily fluids, trace evidence such as fibers, hair, and soil, and impression evidence such as fingerprints and tire tracks. They also are involved with ballistics, drug analysis, crime scene photography and reconstruction.

As you can see, the forensic sciences deal specifically with the research and examination of evidence so that such evidence can be admitted to and used within the legal system. Forensics on the other hand should be viewed not as the science behind the evidence, but as the presentation and use of the research once it's completed.

Online Version of Photo Booths

Photo booths have advanced so much that they have moved online. If you are the one who wants to get your image in the web and you have great graphics on your web cam and desire to share online, then you can do that through the web based Photo booths. Many web based photo booths are loaded with the best applications so that one can share and use in the online network and email the same to friends. You can also make it your profile in the social network websites.

If you're looking forward to some unique and memorable photos to be shared in your network, then the web based photo booths is a perfect option.

Even your friends are going to love the nostalgia and te fun of the web based photo booths. Most of the web photo booths offer unlimited and free photo sharing. The online photo booths are much more than the regular snapshot; it is the perfect option for the web lovers.

All you have to do is take pictures through your webcam and you can easily enhance them by the tools provided by the web photo booths. Later you can download the same and share and store them on the web.

All you have to do is click pictures with your web cam. You surely need a webcam, without which all this is not possible. Then you can add the fun effects and also apply the color filters or morph images, distort them and add up different kinds of frames, set the scenes and lots more. You can then download the same and share them on the web. You can also share the edited images with your friends.

If you do not have the web cam, then there are lots of offers available. You can research on some good brands and buy it as it is going to be very helpful to you. If you do not buy them, then you are missing out a lot of fun factor. It is your personal choice whether you want to make crazy snaps or the serious kinds and share the same online.

Many online web booths are user friendly and the best part is you can also edit your pictures by adding frames, stamps, and pictures to anything else so as to make your application as an online photo Library. You also have wide range of options for moving your photos online. Your webcam can be utilized online and made available to your admirers, friends, well wishers by emailing or uploading the same in the social networking website.

What are you waiting for? Click and share your photos with you and friends using your own webcam and then you can experiment of lots of things. So, add stickers, wacky, Fun house filters, and speech bubbles and so on.

Newborn Photographers: Top Ten Things to Look for

Choosing newborn photographers these days is almost as involved as choosing pediatricians. You ask around to your friends to find out who they use. You talk to your parents and go online for hours looking at pictures, but what should you really look for in a good newborn photographer? What attributes and policies should they have and how do you tell if they have them? This list should help out in finding the right person who will document the memories of this special moment in your life.

This is a top ten list. There may be more things that are important to you. Here's a tip first and foremost, make your own list. Use some or all of these suggestions and then add to it with things that are important to you and your family. It is also important to note that just like finding true love and that perfect pediatrician, you may not find everything on your list. So be sure you know what is most important to you and what you would be willing to get "close enough" to or to sacrifice all together. Again this all comes down to how you feel, so be sure you feel comfortable!

The top ten things to look for in a newborn photographer are:

1. Attention


2. A Plan


3. Meeting


4. A Home Option


5. Patients


6. Digital Skill


7. Love


8. Comfort


9. Adequate Time


10. Personality

Now for a more detailed explanation. I'll start at the top.

• Attention- You want to look for someone who will give you their full attention. What I mean by this is that there should absolutely never be anyone else scheduled for that photographer's time on the same day as your shoot. Your shoot may only be two or so hours, but it is not going to help anyone if your photographer is preoccupied thinking of other clients. You should be their top priority.
  
  
  
  • How to tell: It is totally okay to just ask if you have a question so that is what you will do in this case. Simply ask your potential photographer if they schedule multiple shoots on the same day. You could ask this in email, over the phone, or at their studio if they have one. That goes for the rest of these "just ask" answers. Don't be afraid, I can guarantee they are used to answering questions like these.

• A Plan- An important thing to understand in a newborn shoot is efficiency. Babies of any age don't much like to be dressed, undressed, and changed, over and over again. It is important that your photographer have at least a rough plan or pattern to go by on what shots to get in which order. On that note however, it is also important that your photographer know how to deviate from the plan effectively when an opportunity for a good shot presents it's self.
  • How to tell: This is another "simply" ask answer as many of these will be. You can just ask your photographer, "Do you have a plan or try to get certain shots in any particular order?"

• Meeting- Look for a photographer who would be willing to, or better yet suggest a meeting with you. This serves as a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and for them to get to know you. I can tell you right now when your photographer has met you face to face rather than just through an email or phone call, it will come through in the photographs. During this meeting you get a chance to let them know your style, your personality, and even some concerns you may have. This is also a great time for the photographer to present their pricing, show you products they can offer, have the contract signed, and to get any deposit paid.
  
  • How to tell: Contact the photographer and tell them you are interested. Then ask if they generally like to meet clients before the shoot. Some photographers may even say on their site that they will meet with you.

• A Home Option- The best time to take newborn portraits is before two weeks of age. When your baby is that little, taking them to an unfamiliar environment like a studio is not ideal. Look for a photographer who will come to you. Your photographer should feel comfortable in your home and should be able to get beautiful intimate photographs both with background equipment and in the settings for your own home.
  
  • How to tell: Ask where the photographer normally takes newborn photos. Then when you meet with the photographer, if possible, meet in your home. This may not always be possible, but it is good to ask because seeing your home gives the photographer great insight into who you are, your personal style, and the overall feel of what makes you comfortable.

• Patients- Anything can happen on a newborn shoot. Your photographer should understand this and have the utmost respect for yours, and most importantly your baby's comfort. If your baby needs to eat, feed them. Your photographer needs to understand and encourage things like feeding breaks, changing breaks, and even small breaks just because if the baby needs time. This patients comes from experience which is a sort of sub point to look for. Your photographer is the absolute last person who should get annoyed, frustrated, or unhappy with your baby. I would say that even if you get annoyed the photographer's job is still to be calm, collected, and even try to be sure you know that everything is going to be just fine.
  
  
  • How to tell: When you met with your photographer if they seem at ease and calm then will be that way on your shoot as well. Especially if you are meeting in your home, look to be sure that your photographer is comfortable and confident. You don't want someone who is acting overly nervous or even just awkward being in your home or meeting you for the first time.

• Digital Skill- It is extremely important especially with newborn photography that your photographer edit every single photograph after the shoot. Those rich black and white photographs high in contrast and beautifully classic can only come from a starting good photograph as a base combined with digital editing skill and experience. This is not only true with black and white images. I can guarantee you that 99.9% of all images need at least color correction and your photographer should be well versed in digital editing.
  
  • How to tell: Look at the photographer's online galleries. Your photos will look very similar. Then again simply ask, "Do you edit every photo?" As a photographer I can tell you that I have received this question and it is absolutely not an inappropriate one to ask.

• Love- It sounds like a silly thing to look for but love is a very important ingredient for good newborn photographs. Your photographer must love what they do and while they are taking your child's portraits they should love your baby like their own. They must also understand your love for your baby. I don't think it is 100% required, but it may help if the photographer is also a parent especially if you are a little overly concerned as most parents are right at the beginning particularly with the first child. I know I was!
  
  • 
    How to tell: Look at their galleries online. If the photographer loves what they do you'll know because you'll love their photographs as well. You can also read their "about me" page if they have one to learn a little more about them. Don't be afraid to ask if they have children if that is important to you and see how they are when they meet with you. This one really shouldn't be too hard to figure out and if it is I'd keep looking.

• Comfort- Your photographer should know that the most important factor in getting good newborn photographs is the comfort and happiness of the baby. In reality the photographer is not in charge. Even you are not in charge. The baby is the one in charge and will do what he/she will. Neither you or the photographer can force the infant into anything. Your photographer should know this and encourage bottle breaks, frequent diaper changes if necessary, and even just some mommy baby time.
  
  • How to tell: Ask your photographer if they encourage breaks and the like.

• Adequate Time- The amount of time the photographer gives you is something to think about. About two hours for a newborn is just right for most. More than that the baby wont be able to handle. A single hour on the other hand will likely not be enough as the child will almost definitely need some breaks along the way. A second part to this point is adequate scheduling time. Make sure the photographer will allow you to book a session before you have the baby. Because the best time to take newborn portraits is before two weeks of age, the best thing to do is to schedule before you even have the baby.
  
  • How to tell: Ge on the photographer's website or contact them to find out the amount for time they offer as a general sitting time. Don't go with someone who will make you pay extra for that second hour. As far as scheduling goes, just ask what their policy is on scheduling newborn sessions for an unborn baby. They should let you have a guaranteed spot regardless of if the baby is born early, late, or on time.

• Personality- It is very important that you like your photographer. Find someone who you get along with and could even be your friend. You don't want to be stuck in a contract with someone you don't like or who doesn't understand you and your style.
  
  • How to tell: Be in contact with the photographer that you're thinking of using. Call them, set up an appointment to meet in person, email them some ideas you have or some pictures that you like. They should be receptive, supportive, and appreciative or your vision and enthusiasm.

There you are; the top ten things to look for in newborn photographers. Like I mentioned before make your own list of things that are important to you in finding the photographer to document such an amazing time in life of your family. Remember these are memories that you will want to keep for a lifetime and beyond and you have one shot at capturing those memories perfectly, so choose the photographer that is right for you.

Photography - Famous Photographers

Thinking of joining the ranks of the greatest photographers of all time? Well, it might be a good idea to check out a few of them and the works they've done so you know just what it is you're up against.

Probably one of the most famous photographers of all time was Ansel Adams. Adams was born In San Francisco California in 1902. He lived in Carmel until he died in 1984. His most popular photo was titled "Moonrise Over Hernandez, 1944". This is a breathtaking photo showing a beautiful night view and the small town below it. Other famous photos by Adams were "Clearing Winter Storm" and "Winter Sunrise". Adams did a lot of outdoor photography with some breathtaking views. His most popular photo has about 1000 copies in print. The price range of these photos, depending on condition goes from $5,000 to $175,000 if you can find one.

Moving from outdoor photography of landscapes to nude women on beaches we have the works of Jock Sturges. Sturges was born in the big city of New York in the year 1947. He currently lives in Seattle, Washington. His most popular images, all of beach nudes, are "Misty Dawn 1991" and "Northern California, 1991". His prints range in price from $1,000 to $3,000. His most expensive print sold for $4,000.

Herman Leonard was known for taking great photographs of jazz legends. He was born in Allentown, PA in 1923. He currently lives and works in New Orleans. His most popular images are photos of great jazz legends Dexter Gordon, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Herman Leonard was one of the more active photographers even when not working at his craft. He often traveled with great entertainers like Marlon Brando, who he hung out with in 1954. His photos range in price from $950 to $5,500.

Another great photographer was Irving Penn who was born in Plainfield, NJ in 1917. Penn was actually known for a number of different styles of photography including fashion photography and provocative life style portraits. His most famous work was "Cuzco Children" which sold for as much as $175,000 at the turn of the century. Penn worked for some of the most popular magazines of our time including Harper's Bazaar, Saks Fifth Avenue and Vogue Magazine.

Another great photographer, who most people have actually heard of, was the one and only Helmut Newton, who just recently passed away in 2004. He was most known for photos involving fashion and nudes illustrating themes of mass media, glamour, sex and theater. Newton's work was often categorized as bizarre. He was once quoted as saying "My job as a portrait photographer is to seduce, amuse and entertain". He most certainly did that better than just about anyone else. His most popular image is "Sie Kommen I, II". His photographs are in such demand that some go for as much as $400,000 each.

The list of famous photographers goes on, literally forever. So if you are thinking of joining the ranks of these greats and many others, then you're going to have to work hard at your craft.

Very, very hard.

Why I Love Nature Photography - Capture the Beauty of the World

Nature Photography entails photography taken outdoors. You can capture distinctive photos of sunsets, landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, flowers, birds and wildlife which a reason why i love nature photography.

Anyone can become a good nature photographer and sell their photos if they learn how to do it. There are photography workshops, classes and books that teach all the details of taking great nature pictures. You can take nature pictures as a personal hobby or make a career out of doing something you love.

Creating a Mood with Nature Photography

Nature photography is so enjoyable that it can lift your mood and make you feel good. Being outside in the fresh air and being surrounded by nature is another reason why i love nature photography. Nature pictures can also create a particular mood to the viewer such as comforting, relaxed, cheerful, happy or dark. Knowing the mood you want to communicate helps you know what kind of elements you need to add to your picture. Different seasons can also create different moods. Depending on the area of your photo such as the country, city, ocean or mountains can change the mood of a picture.

Every Picture Is Unique

No matter what your subject preference is, you can always capture nature on film that's unique and is why i love nature photography. No animals are ever posed in the exact way twice. They way flowers blow in the wind makes them look like they're in a different spot every time you snap a picture. The sun reflects on land and water different each time. You can take many pictures of the same scenery and there will always be something that is different from the others. There's no ending to designs you can find on rocks, in water and leaves on the trees. Each lens that is used to create photographs also gives a different view. The correct lens can make a picture look exactly like you want it.

Landscape Photography

A great part of nature photography is taking pictures of landscapes. You can take a picture of the same landscape in several different ways. The representational style is the most natural. You don't change anything about the way the picture looks but you do need to pay attention to details like the right light, timing and the weather. The Impressionistic landscape photos aren't as authentic as the representational style. It's a creation of the scene and accents a certain part of it. Pictures taken in the abstract style may not look like the scenery because it's more about the shape, form, contrast and color.

Finding the Right Light

Light changes the way a picture looks so different kinds of light makes your photo outstanding. Finding the exact light that gives a picture a perfect look is also why i love nature photography. The direction of the light can come from the front, side or back. This greatly influences how your nature picture will turn out. Light coming from the front can look best if the scene has a lot of color. Side light will enhance texture and back light will highlight the shape of your subject.

Ten Exciting Things To Do When Visiting Iceland

Should you happen to contemplate vacationing in Europe, you could give Iceland a try where nature that means more than beaches and resorts. Best of all, majority of the tourist spots the country can offer will require no entrance fees unlike in most other countries. Summer would be the best time to go there.

1.) Bláa Lónið

This is a famous health center with pool known as Blue Lagoon located in southwest Iceland. This happens to be a spa located in the center of lava filled with stunningly blue waters. One will find this place one of the warm spots in the country as opposed to the impression of a primarily snow-filled place that the country's name implies.

2.) Gullfoss

One can try going east of the capital Reykjavik to be able to get to the Golden Falls. The breathtaking waterfall is fed by river known as Hvítá. This goes down a two-fold cascade to create one of the best waterfalls you could visit.

3.) Geysir and Strokkur

As mentioned earlier, Iceland is also home to several geothermal spots, and two of them are Geysir and Strokkur, which happens to be a few kilometers on the west of the Golden Falls. Between the two, it would be safer to go to Geysir since it hardly erupts, and Strokkur would do so every few minutes. But what a sight it would be and a picture worth taking only if you keep a safe distance.

4.) Skagafjordur

It is one of the cities in Iceland which offers several fun activities to tourists. One of the parks you will find here is the Historical Nature Park Island Drangey then you can go on to visit the Glaumbær, which happens to be a folk museum. And you will need to wonder no more what an icelandic horse looks like because this place is where they are bred. And yes, it's also time to take the challenge of river rafting.

5.) Kerið

Here lies the sight of a lake within a volcano. Many times, what you will find in countries are both active and inactive volcanoes which would spew lava from time to time. This time, you get a lake instead of lava right inside the crater of a volcano.

6.) Þingvellir National Park

UNESCO has made this national park one of the world's heritage sites for good reasons. This happens to be the place where you will find the movement of European and North American shelf plates while serving as the longest running parliamentary field there is. Again, this, too, is just about 35 miles off the capita's east.

7.) Mývatn

On this spot, you will get to visit the desert Smajfall which gives out sulfuric steam coming from the ground. Here, you will also see Dimmuborgir which is also known as Gates of Hell or The Black City. But the name Mývatn actually refers to the lake which looks nothing like other lakes due to presence of special volcanic craters around it.

8.) Dettifoss

If you just came off the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, you might want to check this place out afterwards. A powerful waterfall awaits you at Dettifoss. This happens to be one of the best all over Europe.

9.) Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights

Textbooks have talked about the midnight sun. It was even discussed in school. Iceland is the place to be to get to view this sight where the sun does not set at midnight, and you will not be able to find this occurrence in other countries.

10.) Vestmannaeyjar

When translated, the name means Westman Islands. It is actually a volcanic island with a wonderful collection of bird species and the biggest puffin colony you could find in Europe. That's definitely something not to miss.

Easy Digital Photography Techniques for Beginners

There are lots of methods to find out how to use your camera, but do these things make you a more productive photographer? The answer to that is "maybe". You see, the camera is just a tool to generate creative photos. It depends on how that tool is ultilised that determines the greatest and most stunning photographs.

Essential Digital Photography Techniques

To get spectacular pictures we first need to look at some fundamental photography techniques. The initial one I am able to share with you is find out about light. Anytime you learn about light and in what way it interacts with the direct environment then your photos will get better.

Examine shape and form- Where you place things in the photo is next. Continually consider the angles and shapes of the things you are shooting. Do they generate a balanced image that is satisfying to the eye? One method to master the techniques linked to photographing ideal composition is to see where these things guide our eye. Each time look for a balance and simplicity. Put into practice these things by taking photos of straightforward things that have nice straight lines, or curved lines and proportioned patterns. Do not have anything else in the surroundings.

A nice way to get started with this creative method is photographing architecture. Architecture is filled with lines. Take shots of walls, angles in the walls, look at where these lines direct us and the way it looks as a photo. This is great practice. This system of looking for symmetry will really improve your photography, ten fold in fact.

Easy Photography Techniques - Examining light

One of the simplest techniques I know is to examine and study light. Try this: every time you take a look at something, observe how intense the light is, what direction it is coming from, the amount of darks and lights it generates and the colour of that light. For the next 7 days, whenever you photograph something, write down what you saw and then how it appeared as a photo.

Once you have effectively understood this skill begin shooting your lines and curves. If you start taking photos in this manner you will notice that a) your technical skill increases and b) your photos begin to look artistic and a whole lot more interesting. It's not just simple to do, but a lot of fun. You will begin to feel like you are experiencing a link with light.

Your comprehension of light improves. As your appreciation improves, so do your photos. You will start to recognize what will work as a photograph just by looking at the scene in front of you. It's a fantastically positive and empowering feeling.

Better Photography Techniques

Enhanced photography techniques come with training. Practice takes time. Time needs dedication and a willingness to learn. One of the things that helped me to understand photography was the exploration of light and shape. An additional useful thing you can do is to write everything down in a notebook. Before you shoot write down notes about the light.

Ask yourself and write down the answer to:

What is the light doing?

How does it make your scene appear?

How does the light change the mood of your scene?

Next, write down:

• Notice how much light

• What direction it is coming from

• How much contrast it creates

• The colour of that light.

Then, if you are shooting in automatic, note down what the internal light meter is telling you as you point the camera to that scene. Make a note of the shutter speed and f stop it wishes to shoot at. (It will be incorrect and generally underexposed, but more about that another time.)

Then, switch your cameras mode to manual and alter the adjustments to what the auto setting just said. It will be wrong, so make sure you put the dial in the center, or slightly to the right hand side of the middle.

Subsequently, look at the lines and shape of the subjects in your photograph. Where do they guide your eyes? Are there any distracting elements in the scene that you really don't need?

Imagine that picture as a two dimensional medium and look again. Is there someone in the way? A tall tree that doesn't really look like it makes sense to be there? A lot of cars whizzing by that detracts from the drama and power of the construction? Every time ask yourself these things prior to photographing.

Digital Photography Professional Techniques

One of the greatest ways to become good at photography is becoming good at a photo editing program. Photoshop is an incredibly superb tool to have but it takes time to become skilled at it. It's very complex to the newbie so take some formal classes if you need to.

You can also learn Lightroom, which is a less complicated adaptation of Photoshop. It's less complicated to learn and you may not always need official instruction. Whichever way you decide to go, specialist methods come from not only better photography and shooting techniques but approaches in post processing.

Post processing is a term given to editing, sharpening and improving your photos in a software program. There are so many incredibly remarkable special effects you can apply in both Photoshop and Lightroom. Darkening the outer areas of a photo and increasing colour and contrast are just some of the simple functions within both programs. You can also add objects that were not there beforehand. You also have the capability to remove distracting things in the background.

These programs are dynamic for wedding and portrait photography as you can add depth to colour, generate softness for skin tones, make facial features glow and the eyes sparkle. A whole new world opens up to you after you realise what Photoshop and Lightroom can do, and, how much better your photos can appear.

You can become preoccupied for hours when you are post processing, so become skilled at good techniques. The last thing you want to do is spend 1 hour taking pictures and 6 hours editing all your photos. The faster your post processing methods are the better photographer you turn out to be.

On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography

The worst way to use your flash in wedding and portrait photography is directly front-on. First, others detest the flash being blasted in their eyes. Secondly, the direct flash is not really designed for front on use (except if it's a unique circumstance, in which case it would be turned down to its lowest brightness.) The flash is meant for filling in the shadows.

Professionals usually have an external flash and point it up to the ceiling, to the side or position something over it to minimise its strong, white effects. I never ever use flash front-on for weddings and portraits since the light is too bright.

When we shoot with light that's bright and white on a person's face, we waste a lot of the subtle and softer details of a persons face. It makes people look horrible in photos!

Digital Black and White Photography Techniques

Techniques for shooting in black and white are no different to shooting in colour. However, on saying that, you may want to shoot black and white subjects with the intention of creating a black and white photo. That's okay too. If you feel like some really beautiful black and white photos then try to shoot items that have a naturally strong contrast. For example a white sign with black letters in front of a silver building may look really well suited. A person's face with red lipstick and intense eye make up looks great in black and white.

Digital Photography Lighting Techniques

I have covered how to assess light and how to employ the flash properly, but what about ambient light? Ambient light is the light that exists in the environment we are shooting in. Light from a window that fills a room is regarded as ambient light for example. It's vital to take note of ambient light just as much as other light sources.

Ambient light is reflected light. It's light that comes from a light source and fills up the environment without a noticeable direction. This is very critical to take note of as it determines how you photograph the scene. If you have heaps of ambient light you may have light evenly spread all the way through your photo. This is nice.

But what if that's not the effect you care for? What if you want a moody and sombre result instead? In that situation, you would try and photograph whilst the intense light source is at an angle. Using a directional light that generates strong shadows can really create a moody photograph.

The way light is contained within a scene has an effect on the way you take the photo and the capture the emotion of the photo. This is very crucial, do not forget this.

Canon Photography Techniques

I got asked last week what camera I owned. I replied a "5D Mark Two". It impressed the person I was talking too. The fact is that no matter what digital camera you shoot with you will still want to get behind the principles of good photography and get good at them. There is in fact no such thing as specific photography methods for a Canon and a set of unique tricks and techniques for a Nikon camera. It's still picture making and light is one of your most important concerns.

Digital SLR Photography Techniques

You have bigger chance to be in charge of the digital camera if it is a dslr. There are more controls and more approaches to get the effects you would like. I am not saying that it's awful to have a compact camera. I am simply saying that you have better influence over the way your photos turn out. I have seen some spectacular images come out of point and shoot cameras because the photographer recognized the best way to examine and work with light and composition.

The main reason I use a Dslr is for the reason that I require more management over my image making. I want to be able to amend my focal length and have various types of lenses on the camera if I want. I also require the chance for high speed photography if the occasion calls for it.

I also want a really fast shutter speed at times. A really fast shutter speed takes place when you use a fast lens. This will mean that the maximum aperture of the lens is pretty wide. A lot of light can come in to the lens and you have additional light to work with. You may get a fast shutter speed this way.

Dslr cameras have more controls such as a high ISO, multiple shots per second, the ability for interchangeable lenses, the functionality to have an external flash and a lot more. You will still be able to get beautiful shots with a compact camera, but soon you will start feeling limited in what you can do.

To really become good at photography it's most ideal to be taught by a person who is experienced at it. This comprehension can save you years of errors and disappointments. Learn to master light, where you place things in the photo, your digital camera and you will have the structure to be an amazing photographer.

How to Edit Your Digital Photos in Order to Sell More Stock Photos Online

Is photography your hobby or passion? In either case you can easily start minting money if you pursue this passion. All you really require is a digital camera, access to good software programs on your computer and Internet. Mentioned here are a few ways on how to sell stock photos:

Internet contains a plethora of web sites where you can stock your photos. There are micro stock agencies, which deal in providing with low cost pictures to the customers. There are many people who browse these sites and are willing to pay good price for the photographs. Simple images of a budding flower or an abandoned building will attract enthusiasts.

It is significant that you decide on a theme for clicking photographs. For a photograph to sell, it should be appealing to the customer. So your perception should be worthy as an illustration and should benefit the customer. Basically people are looking for crystal ideas or illustrations that cater to their company's image. For example a lady with red lipstick in one hand and a cherry in other will sell more than a baboon jumping trees.

Are you a novice in this field? Clicking photographs as a hobby is completely different from clicking on them from a professional point of view. Your friends might give you advice on how to shoot photos, but it would be better if you obtain some serious advice. There are several e-books that can guide you to sell stock photos, but the Turn Your Photos Into Cash blog is the ideal place to get started. It has clear instructions on how you can actually start getting great results in digital photography by following a few guidelines.

Yet another web site LearnElementsNow.com comes from an erudite in photography - David Peters. His e-book has step-by-step instructions on how to master your skills in Adobe Photoshop Elements in just 2 hours! - These new skills allow you to sell even more stock photos

Once you have mastered the skill and taken a few photos, you have to follow certain instructions to upload your pictures in the micro stock agency sites. Primarily the picture should be in JPEG format. Ensure that the picture you have uploaded is 100% clear and unambiguous and does not have any granules. Even if it does have, remove all these before submitting. The photo should never include any names of the labels or brands. This will be copyright infringement. Try removing these with the help of Photoshop.

One of the most important parameters that people often overlook is indexing the photograph. Try to name the photo by including appropriate keywords. For this you have to conduct good research. You can even use synonymous words in case your competitor has used a similar word for his photograph. Try looking for these words online with Google search...

Finally the most important part - your payment! Once some of your stock photos have been sold, you get bulk payments. Sometimes agencies take 50% of the money as their fee.

So it is a wise idea if you upload your stock photos in more than one agency site. It will minimize your loss too.