Types of Shot in Photography According to Distance

Anyone who has a camera can take pictures. It doesn't really matter if you have an education about photography or have not. However, it is still better to learn (even the basics) the things about photography in order for us to have better quality pictures that we can share to others. Because of that, I wanted to share the types of shot in photography according to distance and the uses of each of these shots.

There are three types of shot according to distance. These are the Long Shot (LS) or some call it Wide Shot (WS), Medium Shot (MS), and Close up Shot (CS).

Wide shot is a type of shot that includes almost everything that we wanted to show. It is the general view of a scene. It is usually used to establish the scene by answering the question "where are you". That's why when we are watching movies, a building is shown first before a person talking inside that building. Film makers wanted to tell the viewers that the person talking is within that building.

Long shot is usually used in landscape photography. This is of course because photographers wanted to show almost everything in the scene of landscapes.

Let's go then to a shot that shows some part of a general view - the Medium shot. After establishing the scene, it's now time to capture those parts of that scene a bit closer. We can now show people, trees, plants, or any interesting subjects in that particular scene.

After showing the general view and some parts of a scene, it's now time to capture the details by getting close up shots. When you took a photo of a plant for example, you can also capture its leaves or stems to get the details of that plant.

Close up shots also make us see things closer than how we normally see them. We may pass by a flower in a path way and do not mind it at all. But once photographed in a close up shot, the flower then shows its real beauty that we can appreciate.

Knowing those types of shots according to distance will then guide us in photographing things. In documenting a birthday party for example, it is better to shoot first a wide shot of the place where the event will be held (it's better to take several shots of at least three). After taking that wide shot, it's now time to go inside that house and take medium shots of people in the party. It's also good to take close up shots of details of the house, candles, peoples' emotion, etc.

In English subject, there is what we call the inductive reasoning which takes the reasoning from general to specific. In the same manner, in documenting events, it is better to start from a wide shot (general view) to medium shots and close up shots (specific). It is also good to take various shots of wide, medium, and close up to show variety of shots in the photo album.

Photography is an art that we can learn. You can also become a serious photographer and make money out of it.

Perfect Digital Photography Secrets: How To Use Your Camera's Flash

I hope you will like and benefit from these flash tips for the perfect digital
photography!

You have to take full control of your digital camera's flash. Why? Because digital
cameras and their build-in software are pre-programmed and make a few assumptions..

For example:

There are sensors inside your camera that measure the percentage of illumination in
the scene at which your camera points. If the sensors measure low illumination then
your flash will fire. That is because your camera is pre-programmed with the assumption
that flash will improve the photograph in a low-illumination environment.
On the other hand in a high-illumination environment the flash will not fire because
the camera will assume it's not necessary. After all it's dark out there!

The issue with these assumptions is that there are certain situations when you want
an opposite result..

For example there are times when you want to shoot the perfect digital photography in
a low-illumination environemt without using the flash.. e.g. when you are in a dark
room with a candle burning and no other light sources.. If that's the case you need
to be really steady for the photograph to be sharp. You may want to use a tripod to
achieve better results. If you do it right you will have a perfect digital photography
with beautiful warm orange/red colours.

Remember that the straight light coming from the flash gives a cold commercial look to
your photographs. That could be OK in some cases but not in all cases.. You should
decide whether to use flash, not your camera.

But what happens when working in Bright Light, high-illumination environments?

Then, the flash will not fire! Of course that saves battery-power but what are the
results of your perfect digital photography? You definitely don't want to lose in quality
right?

Imagine when you want to take the perfect digital photography of a person wearing a hat
and the sun is overhead in the sky shining.. Then you will notice that the person's face
will be in dark shadow because of the hat! But even if there's no hat, you will usually
see shadows under the chin or under the person's eyes.. So what you should do is fill
those small shadows with light using your camera's flash!

Again, YOU should decide whether to use flash or not, and not your camera.. YOU should
take control of your camera's flash..

Today's digital cameras have five basic flash settings:

- Setting #1:

Automatic Flash: This is where your camera is pre-programmed to make assumptions
depending on the level of the environment illumination and use the flash accordingly.

- Setting#2:

Automatic Flash with Eye Reduction: Again, the camera uses its software to determine
when the flash will fire but there's also some type of red eye filters to reduce the red
eye effect.

You camera will probably automatically select, by default, one of the above two settings.
I recommend to never use the above settings if you're aiming for the perfect digital
photography.. And why is that you may ask..

As I said before YOU should be the one who decides whether to use flash or not.. And
furthermore the eye reduction filters will not always do a good work and will confuse
your subjects in most cases..

I recommend to make use of the following settings depending on the scene and the subject
you're trying to shoot..

- Setting #3:

Flash Always: With this setting enabled your flash will fire in all cases. You may want to
choose this setting when you want to fill small shadowed areas with light.

- Setting #4:

Flash Disabled: Your flash will not fire no matter how illuminated the environment or the
scene is.. Make use of this setting when you want to shoot in a low-illuminated environment
e.g. a dark room with a candle burning..

Just remember that in a low-illumination environment you have to be really steady in order
to shoot the perfect digital photography..

- Setting #5:

Slow Shutter Flash: This is a very underestimated setting and the least used.. If you choose
this setting your flash will fire occasionally but the shutter will remain open for a longer
time than usual. This will allow you to capture the subject illuminated by the flash, but it
will also allow other lighting sources (like a candle's light) to record themselves.

This setting is perfect if there is high illumination on the background while infront of the
subject there's certain darkness. For example when you want to shoot a person in front of a
casino at night.

So.. If you're aiming for the perfect digital photography you should be able to switch between
those five flash settings found in almost all digital cameras these days. Have a look at the
camera's manual for more information on these settings. They are really importand.

Turn Your Hobby Or Interest Into A Thriving Online Business

You can easily make money on the internet from selling products that you have no knowledge of which is fantastic! But what if you can make money online from an interest or hobby that you already have?

Wouldn't that be great if you could spend your time immersed in your favourite pass time? With the internet there are literally thousands of profitable markets to choose from. If you enjoy fishing, photography, hiking, fitness, camping, caravanning, cooking, scrap booking, dog training or anything else you can think of, there is potential to make money from it using the internet.

People are always browsing the internet to find information and products about their hobby's to find ways of improving their skills or to solve a problem they might have. So if you have an interest in something then you can help other people with the same interest.

What a great way to spend your working life. The internet gives you the opportunity to actually enjoy your work as you can work on something you love as apposed to being stuck in a job you hate.

As well as the internet, I also have a keen interest in kart racing. I know that one day I will start a business venture on this subject as it's something that I would love to get more involved in.

If you can think of something you would love to be involved in, then find out if there is a market for it and start your internet business. It's that simple. You can start a blog to give people valuable information on your chosen subject and to find out about peoples problems.

Finding out about peoples problems can give you ideas for a product to sell which solves their problems. You could create an eBook, video, CD or DVD and sell it to your visitors.

Once you've got your first product created and selling you can then look into other products to sell. How about a membership website on your chosen market? Membership sites can be extremely profitable.

Let's say your members pay you 瞿50 a year and you had just 500 subscribers... that's 瞿25,000 a year. And all you have to do is keep your site updated with valuable content! People will and do pay for memberships on their hobby's and interests.

Think of it as a magazine subscription but in electronic form. There are many more advantages to a membership site than a weekly or monthly magazine, but I'll cover that in a future post.

I'm sure now that you can see the true potential of how your life can change if you just get started, especially if you have a keen interest in something. But you don't even need to be interested in the subject to make money, and I'll also cover that in a future post.

So for now, just have a think about what hobby's or interests you may have and think about how you could be earning a living from it doing simple work for a few hours a week on a subject you enjoy.

Have fun!

The Secret of Digitizing Your Old Photos

Do you have a large collection of old photographs taken by traditional cameras? It is then really necessary for you to digitally process all these old photographs and import onto your computer. Otherwise all of the old memories collection would be lost in no time.

It is observed that all the photographs imported from a photo scanner come with a very big size image file. The file is a TIFF file supporting very high quality image resolution and color depth. You may find that your photographs are imported with varying sizes as they might have on actual print. Now it is necessary to resize all those photographs to similar sizes for easy storage and maintenance. I generally prefer to use a free online picture resizer to resize my photo collection. These picture resizing tools make it very easy to resize multiple pictures at once.

An online picture resizer is a free web based service on a website, generally offered with some functionality limitations (picture size limit, file size limit etc.). These tools help you to resize pictures online from wherever you are. It is essentially used by people moving around the world or travelers. You don't need to have a photo editor on your computer or laptop to resize your pictures.

Before you resize the photographs, you can adjust the brightness, contrast and other properties for each imported old photograph so that they look consistent when viewed as an album or a slideshow. Don't make pictures too bright or adjust contrast too much otherwise you will lose original picture quality when you resize pictures with an online image resizer.

You should choose the right storage medium for all the imported photographs. I will prefer to store all the photographs on a DVD. This way it becomes portable and durable for longer time. Using portable hard disk is another good way for long term data storage. Hard disks generally require maintenance and protection so choose this option carefully.

Another best way of storing photographs for long term is to use an online storage service provided by websites such as xdrive.com and idrive.com. This service offers more than 2 GB online disk space to store your pictures collection. This kin d of service is useful for periodic backup and long term archival of important data and photographs. Again, please make sure that you have properly resized all of your old picture collection with an online picture resizer tool before uploading it online otherwise it would eat up lot of disk space.

Keeping your old photographs online with a storage services really helps you when you want to share all those good memories with your family members, friends and colleagues located all over the world. You don't need attach that bulky bunch of old photographs to your e-mail and send it to everybody. You can just send the links of those photographs in your e-mail and send it.

All in all, it is necessary to adjust picture properties of your old photographs and resize them with a free online image resizer which is also available on reshade.com before moving them to a permanent digital storage medium.

Online Bridal Consultant Programs

Basically, bridal consultants are said to help a couple all the way through the process of planning the wedding and also offers advice on various topics such as where the wedding should be held, the reception, caterers, florists, musicians, photographers, commutation, and other arrangements. They generally provide various services to the bride and a majority of them are self-employed, while others take on the services of a staff.

Bridal consultant programs are in great demand these days. When one takes into consideration the fact that each year more than 2 million weddings take place in the US, it does not come as much of a surprise that more and more people are going for online bridal consultant programs. In terms of statistics, more than 70 billion dollars are spent each year on weddings. According to recent research, one out of three couples takes the services of bridal consultants. Their services normally account for about 20 percent of the total cost of the wedding. The job of a bridal consultant is quite challenging. To attain success in this field, you must possess excellent communication and networking skills along with creativity. Further, you must have incredible amount of energy and patience in order to succeed in this industry.

Training

Acquiring an online bridal consultant degree is not mandatory in this profession, but one thing is for sure that when you earn an online degree, you are considered more knowledgeable and therefore your chances of doing well in the field increase. It may seem straightforward at first, but the fact of the matter is that planning a wedding is not that easy and this is why numerous couples acquire the services of bridal consultants.

The job profile of a bridal consultant includes detailed planning, coordination with different vendors and active role in other tasks. There is a wide variety of online bridal consultant courses and programs available for individuals who are interested in earning a bridal consultant degree. With the acquisition of this online degree, you can not only boost your career but also attain skills that are necessary for bridal consultants.

Coursework of Online Bridal Consultant Programs

When you enroll in a bridal consultant program at any online college or university, you are going to learn the below-mentioned things:

o Wedding party attire
o Selecting the perfect flowers
o Marketing
o Photography and Music
o Budget planning
o Wedding etiquette

If you want to work as a bridal consultant and interested in being your own boss, then it is quite vital that you opt for a training program first. When you do this, you are going to learn various things that are associated with weddings.

Institutes Offering Online Bridal Consultant Programs

Professional Career Development Institute
The online bridal consultant program conducted by Professional Career Development Institute is accredited in nature. The beauty of this program is that it will teach you important routines, which are quite necessary for every bridal consultant. Another good thing about this program is that there are no prerequisites to register.

Penn Foster Schools
Penn Foster Schools run an online bridal consultant program, in which the the syllabus consists of photography, invitations, clothing and coordinating receptions and ceremonies. What's more is that you will also get up to date details on specialty weddings and bridal shows during this program. The faculty members at Penn Fosters Schools are highly qualified and experienced.

With the number of weddings taking place, and the fusses created by brides and grooms all over, bridal consultants are in great demand these days. To put up with this increasing demand, various online colleges and universities have started to offers online bridal consultant programs to help individuals learn the basics of bridal consultancy and wedding planning.

How to Win a Photography Competition

Competitions are fun and exciting but no fun if you're not winning any. In order to win a competition you have to know some basic photography skills. Those skills should include lighting, shutter speed, ISO, aperture and most importantly how to compose an image that inspires or sparks flowing emotion.

This "how to" manual will not explain the basics of how to use your camera but instead, how to increase the chances of your skills winning a competition. First of all it is important to understand the competition you want to enter. Homework is no fun but it is pertinent in finding out how to compose an image tailored for the competition. Competitions come in many forms, but most commonly they are judged by prominent photographers or by your peers. Some competitions use both photography judges and peer votes.

Read the rules

Reading the rules is one of the most important steps to follow. Without reading the competition rules you might as well have not entered. It's happened before, photographers win the competition and later come to find out they are disqualified for something as simple as the photo was manipulated too much. Save yourself some embarrassment and read the rules.

Know your judges style

When the competition is judged by a panel of photographers it is important to understand who the judges are. Many photographers enjoy different styles and will judge accordingly. Find out who the Judges are and study their portfolios. Typically there are two styles that photographers lean towards and those are the journalistic and creative styles. Those who love journalistic images don't like much retouching and generally despise overly edited photos. The creative photographer enjoys clean edited photos that can range all the way into heavy manipulation of the photograph creating an imaginary look. Make sure your images lean toward the majority of the judges styles. Typically Nikon shooters lean toward journalistic, "National Geographic" type images and Canon shooters lean toward colorful highly retouched images.

Build an army

If the competition involves voting don't kid yourself. Your photograph will never be good enough to match the Facebook/twitter army. Build up a base of followers to your photography page on social media networks. I have seen poorly composed images win and stunning once in a lifetime photos lose simply because other photographer had more friends on Facebook. So build an army that loves your style of photography. Join and get involved with photography groups and networks online and prepare for that great battle. Once you have your fight, let everyone know every day that they can vote for your photograph and to share the news with their friends. Don't be shy and feel that people will hate you for posting too much.

Conclusion

Following these simple rules will increase the chances of you winning photography competitions and winning some of those really nice prizes. Don't just rely on your awesome photography skills to do all the work. Only the photographers with the smarts, hard work and fake friends get a payout.

Family Photography Poses Can Transform Mundane Photos Into Masterpieces

Transform Mundane Photos into Masterpieces with Family Photography Poses

When it comes to taking stunning portraits that effectively capture the subject in an interesting and captivating light, several different elements contribute to the quality of the final product. We all want to take stunning portraits which show our subjects in the best light. Because several different factors contribute to the final quality, it is often a challenge.

From specifically-calibrated equipment to appropriate lighting and ambiance, creating an exquisite masterpiece is rarely as simple as "pointing and shooting." In fact, getting that perfect shot is often a drawn-out process that can involve hundreds of different attempts and pure trial-and-error.

One of the fundamental requirements in taking the perfect shot is to position your subjects in the right manner. Many amateur photographers quickly grow discouraged in their attempts to photograph their family, because their images never have the same professional look of those obtained from a studio photographer.

One of the simplest ways to solve that problem is to use a variety of different poses that have withstood the test of time and are sure to create more dynamic and intriguing photographs.

Armed with an arsenal of family photography poses, even the most inexperienced photographer can create beautiful portraits of their loved ones. Furthermore, using tried and true techniques eliminates the need for expensive workshops and training, and allows just about anyone to begin creating their own masterpieces today.

Nevertheless, before you begin, you'll likely want to keep the following ideas in mind.

Know Your Subject

Taking a great picture of a small baby is not the same process you'd want to use for photographing a newly-engaged couple. Different subjects come with a variety of different challenges and obstacles that you'll need to address.

For example, young children are notoriously difficult to photograph, because they are constantly moving. One potential idea is to engage your subject in a game as you take the photos. You can ensure better end results by determining how best to work with your subject before the photography session has even begun.

Find the Right Focus

Regardless of whether you're taking a picture of one individual or a group, it's important to focus your camera lens appropriately. Different situations call for different approaches to snap that one perfect picture.

This is one of the great reasons that having good photography poses to reference are so helpful! Poses allow you to position the subject in a way that makes focusing your camera a piece of cake. When focusing, remember to always focus on the eyes of your subject. Shooting multiple people, you'll want to focus on the eyes of the subject closest to you.

Develop Chemistry with Your Subjects

How do you develop chemistry with your pictures? Your most captivating photographs are those that capture an intimate moment that resonates with the person viewing the portrait. Whether you're working with a romantic couple, a father and daughter, or one individual, your job as the photographer is to capture-an-emotion with your camera.

When working with multiple people, you'll need to develop the chemistry between the subjects in a convincing way that doesn't appear overworked or cheesy in the final product.

Similarly, an individual subject needs to form a bond with the camera lens that the final photograph will display. Poses that have withstood the test of time are the easiest way to show that perfect chemistry, every time you shoot.

No matter what your specific intentions are in taking photographs of those around you, taking the time to learn how you can compose the subjects in a way that tells a compelling story will allow you to take better pictures... every single time you pick up your camera.

Not only will these poses save you time and frustration, they'll allow you to take shots that appear more professional and polished, without investing all the time and effort that professional photographers do. When it comes to taking better photographs, the solution is simple: use a proven pose and you'll be well on your way to PHOTOGRAPHY GOLD.

穢 2011 Robert Bezman

For more information on finding those perfect photography poses, be sure to follow the link in the resource box below!

A Freelance Writer's Dilemma - When to Take That Leap

Okay, you hate your job. All you want to do is write; it is your lifelong passion. You can taste success. You know you can make it as a high-priced freelance writer. You've heard the stories; devoured the ads for all those writing courses that promised you fame and fortune. You can see yourself sipping a cool Margarita on some exotic beach, smiling, pecking away at your laptop, knowing full well that you were producing another great masterpiece.

Then your boss screams, "Get back to work!"

That's right, it's back to reality and the 9 to 5 grind. Life ain't fair.

But before you tell your obnoxious boss to shove it and storm out into the cruel world, relax and look before you leap. Think about this: Many well-known writers had to work for a living and write whenever they had the time... just like you.

For instance, Kurt Vonnegut worked at General Electric for years in the PR department. Walt Whitman served as a lowly government secretary. William S. Porter (O'Henry) was a bank teller... before bank funds were found missing. Lots of writers, such as Aldous Huxley, Joseph Heller and Dorothy Parker, worked full-time as copywriters during the day. Others worked for newspapers, like Erma Bombeck, Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck. And if you ever wondered why Agatha Christie knew so many ways to poison people, it was because she worked as a pharmacist for years. So, you see, you are in good company if you're writing and still holding down your day job.

Now if you really can't take your present job anymore, look around for another one. Some writers do better with physical or "mindless" jobs that rests their creative minds for writing later on in the evening. I found an even better way: I often took jobs where I could work and write at the same time... and get a paycheck at the end of the week! Impossible, you say. No. I've done it. I produced four novels at work as a bridge tender, working the night shift. Years earlier, I worked as a night security guard and night parking lot cashier, polishing off a batch of columns, stories and articles. Of course, I made sure the writing didn't interfere or cost me my job. But I was always aware that writing was my primary focus. The other was but a means to keep a roof over my head.

You may want to also consider a "regular job" in the writing field. My 16 years in newspapers taught me the value of deadlines, interviewing techniques and writing quickly and accurately. I strongly recommend any aspiring writer to put in a stint at his or her local community newspaper. Unlike large dailies, these smaller papers offer wannabe writers an opportunity to be more creative. The diversity of covering everything from hard news to features to photography to production to circulation will give you a foundation unlike anything taught in today's liberal arts colleges.

Writing is a continuous learning experience. And today, thanks to the Internet, you can gain knowledge with a click of a mouse. Ebooks on writing or the writing profession is a cheap way you can get information quickly and easily. Tips and insider secrets are there for the taking. So don't hesitate to learn and keep on learning and writing. When you have gained enough knowledge and confidence in your writing ability then, and only then, it may be time to go out on a limb.

But don't take that leap until you...

1. Have two year's worth of savings in the bank, just in case.
2. Have sufficient knowledge of your field to be classified an expert.
3. Have sold enough of your work to know you can sell more.
4. Have the complete backing of your family members.
5. Have finally had it with your regular job!

If you've checked all five, then go ahead and take that leap. But watch that first step. It can be scary. Then again, so is a life of unhappiness and watching your dreams fade away. It's your choice. Good luck!

Teaching Careers - General Information

Sure, a teacher education program is "easy" once you're in, but not so much the case when it comes to the application process.

How To Get Into Education As a current teacher and master's in education student, I am constantly in touch with prospective education students whether it be at the high school or post-secondary level - with students always wondering what it takes to be at the top of the short list when applying for a teacher education program in Canada. The following includes several most common questions asked by prospective students about a degree in Education - and of course, my answers. If you have other questions or are unclear about some of the suggestions offered in this article, please drop by our website and find us in the forum!

Q #1: What sort of classes should I take before applying into a B.Ed program?

This completely depends on your school and programs that you are looking at (such as programs designed for Aboriginal students or ESL instruction, etc.) within your chosen university. Some universities require that you only take two years of Arts and Science (General Studies) prior to your application, some may accept you straight out of high school, while others would prefer if you had a three-year degree before they would consider accepting you.

If you are lucky enough to apply straight from high school (aside from ensuring that your high school academic average is sitting pretty and above 70-75%) check out your volunteer and extra-curricular experience, your work resume, and what references you are choosing to vouch for you when it comes down to your school's decision-making time. Schools love to see students who are heavily involved in extra-curricular because they see a potential college student who works hard and can "give back" to the university community (making their program look good), as well as jumping 5 years down the road looking at you as a future sports coach or interest clubs leader as a teacher.

Grades are of course important for an obvious reason - teachers have to teach good work and study habits and of course need quite a bit of general knowledge to address student inquiries and instruct courses at a higher level.

Work experience - chances are if you have held jobs throughout high school that involve children or some sort of social/helping aspect of work - you're a candidate for an ed program. Think being a camp counsellor, activity leader, coach, lifeguard, etc - all jobs similar to these show that you have had previous success/interest/experience working with your community and with children and can better place you in a position to be seen as a teacher professional who continues to do so as a career.

References - don't use a relative, unless you're a colony runaway and haven't got any other options.I kid, I kid. But seriously - ensure that your list of references and reference letters are well-rounded. Use past bosses, teachers, principals, volunteer leaders, or a fellow community member to help you out. Most places require at least three of these, so I would suggest thinking of five just in case you fall short somewhere in there.

If you are going the degree route before applying to education - your best bet would be to sit down with an academic advisor from your university's college of Education to outline for you their expectations of what you should have. Your high school career/college counsellor should also have a good hold on this, but it's best to get a second opinion just in case there's a mismatch of information once you actually start your university career.There's nothing worse than thinking it's your "last year before getting into education!"....and realizing your one or two classes off of what you should have taken. Boo to the urns.

Finally, if you are taking two to three years of general studies before applying and not necessarily looking to get a pre-ed degree, I would also suggest seeing an academic advisor once you start your studies. If you plan to teach straight-up public schooling at any age level, safe courses always include English, Studio Art (painting, drawing, etc. - even if you suck, you can score a decent grade), Native Studies (take more than a couple of these - teachers with Aboriginal history/culture familiarity are well-sought after), Kinesiology, any of the natural sciences (be careful of your "geography" classes - some universities will not accept Human Geography as applicable to an education undergraduate program)... but of course check with your advisor as course availability and their applicability range from province to province.

Q #2: What kinds of courses would you take each year in education?

Like any professional college, your courses become more interest-focused the further into your studies you go. As a first year ed. student (of a two or three year ed program) - you'll learn the basics - educational foundations (basically classes on classroom culture, awareness and addressing student cultural diversities, ethical topics, etc.), you might be introduced into a couple of curriculum classes (courses that introduce what curriculum is, and maybe some classes that have assignments requiring you to play/practice teaching the curriculum), and some required electives that are only open to education students. As you venture further into your degree, you will choose whether you want to go elementary/middle years/secondary and you may also have the option to prepare for teaching in a religious school by studying that religion (one or two courses) as an elective during your undergrad. The subsequent Ed Foundations and Education Curriculum courses will just be "better-focused" versions, or subject-based versions of what you were introduced to in your first year. Expect some administration courses (studying policies and staff/board politics) as well as special education courses (looking at learning disabilities and gifted kids, addressing these learner types in your classroom).

All super-easy stuff but does require a big time investment and commitment to attending class, as much as it may not seem necessary. Profs notice attendance and if yours is in good shape, can work to your advantage when you need a flashy reference letter or name-dropping to future employers.

Q #3: Internship details??

Most people have some practice teaching stints prior to doing an internship - whether it be days or weeks at a time, there's some practice there. Don't be nervous (easy for me to say...) - but really. Your co-operating teacher (the teacher whose class you'd be placed in to "practice teach" during your internship) and your supervisor are there to support and guide you as a student who is learning to become a teacher, not to rip you apart and try to fail you.

There's a big debate as to whether you should prepare a great amount for your internship or not. Yep, if you know your grade level and know how to prepare or have a teacher friend who can show you the ropes over summer time. But if you're a first-time teacher and haven't a clue how to do a proper unit plan or long-range plan for your students AND effectively utilize the curriculum, set up your classroom a particular way, etc. etc... don't bother! Your co-operating teacher is also your mentor and there should be some time where you can take notes on classroom set-up, his/her instructional methodologies, students as learners - and then have conversations with your co-operating teacher about how you can best do your job as an intern with all of these factors in play. You will also have several opportunities to meet with other interns and your supervisor to discuss your experiences and to attend professional development days to learn about teaching (yep, teachers still have to attend these even after graduating - just to be on the up-and-up of instructional trends!). In other words, don't go into an internship expecting to up-show your co-op or to be heavily criticized on the don'ts of your methods. Instead, take each of your lessons as a learning experience for the next and enjoy your growth into yourself as a teacher professional! It's fun, make the best of it - relax, work hard, and use your college supervisor if you have problems with your co-op teacher - it's nothing but a great learning experience that should make you excited about the profession!

While in your internship, devote as much time as you can to extra-curricular and networking. This not only adds experience to your resume, but opens you up to an array of activities that you may find you enjoy teaching as well as the biggest key - NETWORKING. There are so many opportunities that open up once you get yourself involved in coaching, preparing a school concert or play, or leading special interest groups at school or the community. People see you doing great things, spread the good word, and voila - you're opening a door to a steady flow of positive and well-rounded references from a variety of people involved in the field of education. Easy!

Q #4: Job outlook...

Depends on your province/city. Changes constantly with people retiring. Typically in larger centres the market is tough as the university students who become teachers tend to hang around and wait for jobs. Rural communities have more availabilities - which can sometimes be good if you're willing to compromise location - as having a quick start on your career can ease you into an urban school division a bit quicker than a teacher hopefully who hangs around like a bum waiting for a job after university. As an educated person, it's okay to be a bit picky. Browse school division and individual school websites that you may be interested in. Do their visions and goals match your teaching philosophy? If you are more about hands-on education and less traditional teaching, a Maria Montessori School or one that revolves around Reggio Emilia philosophies of primary learning may be the choice for you. Teaching at schools with such philosophies do often involve training beyond your teacher education program, so shop around on their websites for a teacher training location nearest you.

Q #5: Salaries...

Again depends on your province and whether you're provincial/public.A great website for a chart of provincial average salaries is on the Education Canada Network (ECN) website -- this site is also great for job hunting on a broader scale!Don't forget that your salary will always increase with each year of experience and with each additional degree that you have obtained aside from your B.Ed. More information can be found on your prospective school division or local teacher union's website.

* original article here

Can I Get Into College With A GED?

So you had a few rough patches in high school, now you're wondering if you can ever fully recover. Can I even get into college with a GED, you ask? Sure you can. Don't let that small period in your life define who you are. Give yourself another shot by pursuing a college education after getting your GED.

What do I need to do? I'll tell you...

First, you have to research the various schools that you're interested in to see if they accept GED applicants. I'd recommend calling or emailing the admissions office to try to get a hold of this information. Some of the competitive colleges may or may not accept GED applicants, but there are still a ton of options out there.

If you're having trouble finding a school, try state colleges and universities. They are usually more open to accepting GED applicants. If you stick to tier 3 or tier 4 colleges, you will have a higher chance at getting accepted.

Lastly, if none of these options work, you should be able to attend any community college. After spending a few years at a junior college, you will have proven yourself to be just as dedicated and capable as any high school graduate. At this point, you should have no problem getting accepted into a four-year college or university.

Here are some other things to keep in mind. Most colleges that do accept GED applicants will require additional information. For example, you still may need to take the SAT and/or ACT or you may be required to have additional letters of recommendation or write additional essays.

Also, nowadays, most employers really do consider a GED as being equivalent to a high school diploma so there is no reason for you to feel inferior to any of your college classmates.

You should also know that there are scholarships available that are specifically for GED students. They are a little bit harder to find, but they do exist.

Still wondering: Can I get into college with a GED? No? Okay, great...now go get started on those college application!

Good luck to you!

A Lucrative Business Venture

While many say that network marketing or multilevel marketing has been existence since the 1940's, it's only in the past twenty years that MLM has gained a reputation as being a legitimate industry. Yes that's true, for not long ago, the MLM environment was filled with a number of scam artists who were promoting silly Ponzi schemes, pyramid marketing rip-offs and other dumb get-rich-quick schemes. Today however, MLM is an industry that's praised for contributing greatly to the global economy. It has also turned a lot of hardworking and dedicated sales professionals into self-made millionaires. However, because of the industry's very competitive nature, is there a proven success system for MLM?

There are no employees in MLM, just successful entrepreneurs

Most network marketing companies don't have large budgets for social security payments, hospitalization benefits and other conventional perks that are afforded to standard employees. The training programs, technology and systems that are found in MLM are not designed to make you a good employee. They actually are in place to turn you into a successful entrepreneur.. The responsibility of shouldering the company's products and services relies heavily on the hard work and innovation of its army of affiliates and individual marketers. These individuals are highly-motivated people who devote their time and effort to marketing the company's products and services, because they're aware that they themselves will be earning from their endeavor.

MLM gives practically anyone the opportunity to amass great fortunes

Network marketing is not just for the university-educated or the wealthy. Practically anyone is welcome to join the multilevel marketing industry. If you got the patience, determination and the right attitude, then you surely can find your niche in this lucrative world. The good thing is that most network marketing entities only collect minimal fees or start-up charges from their participants and members. What you need to do is simply pay a small amount to get in an MLM company's business opportunity scheme. The low startup costs and the high income potential has lured a lot of people into the MLM industry, which has truly helped sustain and promote its success.

MLM offers the widest array of products and services

Unlike other conventional industries, MLM is known to offer the widest array of products and services. The network marketing industry is practically supported by the people who patronize its products and services. And by employing proven network marketing strategies, individual network marketers are able to target more customers, recruit more down-lines, and generate higher commissions and other perks.

In Multilevel marketing, time is considered a very precious commodity. MLM does not tie-up its members with routine 9-to-5 jobs. It offers its members the chance to work at their own time and pace, and also allows them to have more free time in their hands, so they can go on vacations with their family, or do their favorite hobbies and spend more quality time at home. MLM also promotes wonderful values like teamwork, unity and trust. Network marketing is basically all about sharing and building trust. This innovative business model encourages its members to interact with all sorts of people, and also builds trust by establishing close ties. MLM also upholds teamwork between individual marketers and their up-lines or down-lines.

Over 99% of the people i interviewed for this book said that they were sure that they would make it to IIT. "DETERMINATION" brings all other factors come together. Ask yourself, "Am I absolutely determined to secure a rank in IIT-JEE?" If your answer is "Yes", next ask "Are my actions consistent with my determination?" If the answer is "No" then ask again "What can I do to make my action align with my Determination". Go on playing this game with yourself till you have all the answers.

However, besides determination, Motivation is the turbo-engine that keeps determination high and successful people use constantly to complete their arduous journey.

The Meaning of "MOTIVATION"

Motivation provides ammunition to keep your determination high so that your goal always remains in sight. Achievers don't let themselves forget their motivators. They keep tossing and turning motivators in their heads.

What Motivates you?

Do you know what motivates you? What is the "ONE" guiding factor in your life that drives you on? Find it out. It can be anything - STUDIES, The lure of Extra-Curricular Activities at IIT, The IIT Brand - Anything. IIT promises all round development.

So, if sports are what drive you, then believe me, you will have ample opportunities to play games at any of the IITs with as much competitive spirit as anywhere else. IIT campuses have some of the FINEST sports facilities and these cater all fields - Soccer, Hockey, Cricket - EVERYTHING.

For non-sport fans there is plethora of other activities. Students follow many interests varying from Astronomy to Animation. Some of the CLubs are:

1) English Debating & Literary Club (EDLC) organised a variety of events like extempore, debates, dumb charates, JAM etc.

2) Hindi Samiti: Oraganised Hindi Language related events varying from recitation to plays to songs.

3) Dance & Dramatics Club: Organised plays in Hindi &: English along with various fance events.

4) Music Club: Organised Western and Eastern nights, musical skits, Classical & instrumental concerts etc. IIT - B holds the Asia's Largest Yearly Cultural Fest MOOD INDIGO. (I (Samik) tell you, this thing drove me to prepare for JEE because I want to form a HARD ROCK BAND.

5) Photo & Audio Visual Society (PADS): Organised teaching workshops on Photography etc.

6) Film Series Committee: Screened movies at IIT campus.

7) Indoor Sports Club: Organised card games, carrom, Table Tennis, Billiards & pool etc.

Staying Away From DE-MOTIVATORS.

(Hey Dumbo! You could not even solve this easy problem?). Now this is the commonest refrain friends use to pull down friends. You will also come to hear "i attempted 11 out of 12 question, what did you do? When you actually knew there was time to attempt just 7!

Here it is very important to understand that different people use different prisms to understand life's complexities. A reality can be different for different people. There are people who over-estimate everything, they will go on feeding lie after lie. Then there are the "Nay-Sayers" who underestimate everything.

Therefore, a simple antidote from these De-motivators is to stay away from them. Don't let stray sarcastic comments run down your enthusiasm . There may be students who are smarter than you and can succeed faster than you - DON'T FORGET YOU HAVE YOUR OWN GIFTS. There are over 6000 seats to compete for. Its OK if you are not the BEST. Thats the way most of us are anyway. You can still give your best and assume that best will come to you.

Online Photography Business - Techniques to Market Your Business

Marketing is the backbone of any business, whether it is online or not. Without it, your business may go practically unnoticed and drop into the wayside. Luckily for those who are into photography, marketing their products is no longer as difficult before. There are numerous resources that can be used in order to turn the venture into a viable career, whether it is an offline or an online photography business or both.

Search Engine Marketing

Marketing through the use of search engines is one of the most popular and effective ways of letting your audience know about the services that you offer. What makes it so good is that everyone makes use of search engines. Ideally, you would want the search of people to lead directly to sites that contain your photos. Search engine marketing is actually quite specialized so it is best to get in touch with professionals who can help you with your own business.

Social Media Marketing

An online photography business can benefit from the social interactions that occur online on a daily basis. There are websites such as Twitter, Digg, and other community-based location that can be of use of your photography business. This is the perfect way of taking advantage of the opportunities other people present when it comes to marketing. Make sure that your photos are included in the forums and discussion groups in order to garner positive attention.

Paid Advertising

Pair advertising is quite similar to traditional forms of marketing. The tradeoff of fast results is that it may entail additional costs for you and your business. Some of the opportunities that are available are pay-per-click, offline ads, and traditional banners. For those who are just starting their business, this is the best option. Once the company has become more established, then it can be a good takeoff point towards other online methods of marketing.

How to Prepare Yourself For Life After High School

Being a senior in high school is a busy, exciting time. It is the final year of school for these students and the last phase of being dependent on their parents and living at home. Many things are necessary to do during this final year to prepare for life after graduation whether it is going to college, preparing for the working world, or doing a gap year experience. It is time for them to get organized for all of these things as well as the other senior year things like making an appointment for a photographer to take your senior pictures.

If you plan on attending a college or university, there are some things you should plan to do during your last year of high school if not sooner. To best way to get a good feel of a school is going to visit it in person. Seeing a place online or through brochures is completely different than going and seeing the campus and the students in person. This will allow you to really know if you could see yourself there as a student. Also, meeting with the admissions office of the school is helpful to understand all of the requirements to not only getting into the school but other important information like scholarships and financial aid. If you are unsure where to look, meet with your high school guidance counselor to get their feedback on what they may think would be a good fit for you.

If you are do not think going to college is the right path for you, then it is important to look into other options for this while you are in high school. Many high schools offer an alternative vocational type of program that you may be able to do during your last two years of high school that will not only give you your high school diploma but will also give you job and career training in a field you may be interested in working. For example, if you love cooking, you can be trained to be a pastry chef or if you love doing hair, you can train in cosmetology. This will make your step to finding a rewarding career that much closer once you graduate.

If you are uncertain what you want to do after graduation, you can do what is known as a gap year experience. Some students may think they are not quite ready to go off to college yet and this is a great alternative to gain some wonderful life experiences and to help them mature. Gap year experiences can be anything from traveling and living in another country, doing community service for an organization or doing a post graduate school year to improve your grades or your athletics.

If you start your planning in your junior or senior year, you will be better prepared for your life and the choices following high school. With some assistance from your parents, teachers and guidance counselors hopefully you can find the best option for you.

Photography Lessons

The traditional way to get photography lessons is to attend a photography school or program outside of the home. Nowadays there are Online and distance education options available as well. However, for the amateur photographer who just wants some help improving their skills, and doesn't desire to enroll in a school, there are some great free options available.

Nowadays, the focus is definitely on digital photography. However, there are still classes being taught in more traditional photography. Despite the fact that film is obsolete, the rules of exposure and composition are exactly the same in digital photography. So, many photography professionals still recommend that students get a basic knowledge of film photography, in addition to their digital training.

Today's cameras have such advanced automatic functions, that the majority of amateur photographers don't feel the need to take any photography lessons, and learn more advanced techniques. However, having a mastery of light, exposure, depth of field, and composition can take your photography from the realm of the "snap-shot" to the polished look of a professionally taken photograph.

There are people who choose to pay a professional instructor for one on one lessons in photography. This can be a real boon since all of the attention that would be spread thin over an entire classroom, is then focused in on you the individual. Also, some people are shy about having their photos shown in front of a classroom, and would rather be evaluated more privately. Also, this is a great option for those who don't care to earn a degree, but simply want to learn the needed skills.

It is possible to get some great photography instruction at absolutely no cost. There are many websites offering free lessons in photography, which are often of very high quality. In fact, for the very independent person who doesn't care about earning and degree or certification in photography, free lessons can be a wonderful option. Free instruction can also be helpful to the photographer that is already accomplished, as nobody can know everything, and being able to quickly look up the answer to a photography related question is very convenient.

The true drawback to free lessons is the lack of support from an instructor. Getting your photos critiqued by a real person can be invaluable. Often friends and family will just tell you that your work is nice no matter what they really think, or they don't have a sufficiently trained eye to offer real help in improving your photos. Still, free photography lessons can dramatically improve your photos if you really make the effort to learn from them.

How to Participate in a Photo Contest

You are an aspiring photographer and you want to receive recognition for your photographs. What do you do? Enter a photo contest! It is simple and easy and here is how you do it:

1. Do Some Research.
There are many, many types of photo contests on the internet nowadays so it can be a bit challenging to find the right one for you. The most important thing to do is to find your focus. Do you like taking photographs of landscapes? Enter a Nature photo contest. If you like taking portraits, then perhaps a Family photo contest is the contest for you. Some contests are not as straightforward and have a more complicated theme. For example, they can ask you to take images of events that tell a story about a current issue. Those types of contests require more conceptual thought, but it is a great opportunity for the photographer to think outside the box and really be creative with the topic.

2. Know the Costs.
Most contests have an entry fee that charges for each photo you submit, so be sure to check the cost of entry. Usually, the higher amount the entry fee is, the more significant the prizes will be. Of course, there are also many contests that do not have an entry fee.

3. Know your Competition and Rewards.
Most photo contests offer cash prizes, but there are many other prizes offered such as publication in a photography magazine, or product vouchers. It is good to be aware of how much the cash prize is because it gives you a sense of the level of competition. A photo contest with a cash prize of $10,000 is most likely geared towards professionals whereas a prize of $100 can be for anyone. It is up to you to judge what level you think you are at. A good way to get an idea of what you are competing with is to look at past winners and observe their pictures.

4. Be Confident.
It might seem obvious, but it is true! Choosing which photo to submit is the hardest step. Get opinions from friends and family to help you make the decision on which one you ultimately want to present, but also follow your own instincts. If there is one picture that catches your eye the most, it most likely has the same effect on others. Once you submit, it is all up to the judges from there. It is very suspenseful waiting for the announcement of the winners, but once you find out that you have placed in the competition, it is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.

FAT (Field Analysis Test)

Students are the future leaders who, after their matriculation needs proper supervision about the field to embark upon. Field opting is quiet difficult nut for students to crack. Amateur selection without having curiosity in that field leads towards dreary future.

The main psychological problem which most of the students faces is an inappropriate knowledge about the fields to select from.
In this article, you will not only discover yourself as your own mentor to select the best Intermediate group, but would also know your capabilities and skills, with the help of FAT (Field Assessment Test).
Remember that you will have to spend two years to achieve HSC (Higher School Certificate).

Let us first review the groups you can jump in after your matriculation.

Pre-Medical: One of the best and highly prestigious fields for all those, who want to serve humanity in their future.

Biology, Chemistry, Physics are the major subjects, which will be taught to you during your Pre-Medical.

This Higher certificate would lead you towards the following major fields in the future:

Bachelors in Dental Surgery (BDS)

Bachelors in Medicine, Bachelors and Surgery (MBBS)

Bachelors in Science (Bio-Technology, Nursing, Zoology, Botany, Genetic Engineering, etc.)

Bachelors in Pharmacy and Doctorate in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)

Pre- Engineering

For all those, who want to be a Computer Scientist, Pilot or an Engineer, they should select Engineering group for their bright future.

Instead of Biology, you'll have to study Mathematics. The other subjects are same.

This course would lead you towards the following major courses

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Bachelors in Electronics (B.E)

Bachelors in Computer Science (BCS/BS)

Bachelors of Engineering in Tele Communication

Bachelors in Architecture, Aeronautical Engineer, Mathematics, etc.

Computer Science

If you love spending most of your time on computer, not just for chatting, but also for learning new ideas about Artificial Intelligence, Robots, Web Designing, Computer Languages, etc., then your Computer Science is waiting for you.

Instead of Biology, you'll have to study Computer. The other main subjects are same.

After pursuing your Intermediate, you could move on to either of the following:

Bachelors in Information Technology (BIT)

Bachelors in Computer Science (BCS/BS)

Bachelors in Digital Media

Commerce (I.Com)

If you like to manage your home account, or are interested in stock exchange news and reviews, then enter Commerce.

If You Choose Commerce you will have to study Economics, Accountancy, Business Mathematics, Commercial Geography and Principles of Commerce during two years of time.

After pursuing your Intermediate, you could move on to either of the following:

Bachelors in Commerce (B.Com)

Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA)

Bachelors in Public Administration (BPA)

Bachelors in Management Mathematics & Statistics
LLB

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Associate of the Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Humanities

Are you artistic? Do you like criticizing things around you? Do you have an imaginary skill? If yes, then you should opt for Humanities group.

You will have to select any 4 subjects out of a wide range of options, including, psychology, education, Islamic studies, history, sociology, economics, etc.

After pursuing Intermediate, you can move towards either field:

Bachelor in Mass Communication

Bachelor of Arts (General Group)

Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences

Bachelors in Journalism

Bachelors in Fashion Designing (BFD)

Bachelors in Education (B.Ed)

Bachelors in Hotel Management

Bachelors in Arts (could select any subjects of your interest)

Home Economics

This group is famous among girls in our society, who likes home decoration, cooking food, sewing, etc.

You will have to study Food and Nutrition and other elective subjects.

After Intermediate, you can move towards any field as of Humanities with an inclusion of fields like food and beverages degree, hair cutting or beautician degree, etc.

DBA (Diploma in Business Administration)

This diploma is equivalent to intermediate and offers wide range of courses of Commerce. After this course, you can move towards any field as of Commerce.

DAE (Diploma in Associate Engineering)

This Diploma is also famous for those, who are technically interested, rather than studying course books. You can move on to any field of Engineering afterwards.

There are many more unlimited liberal fields with unlimited opportunities for all of you after Intermediate, like Movie Directing, Photography, Politics, Freelance Writing, E-commerce, Operators, Administrators, etc. You should concentrate on it after completion of your Higher Secondary Certification.

Centralised Admission Policy, (CAP) form will be made available soon in all the banks. Under the CAP rules, the prospective students of first year classes at the government colleges and higher secondary schools will be required to produce his/her matriculation mark sheets for obtaining the admission booklet and placement form.

Students have to fill out their relevant information about their matriculation. They have to select five best colleges of their choices and would have to write their names in respective columns.
You can also choose any of the private colleges offering Higher School Certificate, whose admission has already been started.

If you are still confuse what to do and where to go; just consult some Student Counsellor in your area. I am presenting FAT (Field Analysis Test), which has been designed after an extensive research conducted by me. This short-term test would readily help you greatly to know your interest, so that you could select the best field without being hesitant.

Answer the following questions:

1. Which one of the following would best describe your interest?

Movie and Music

Cooking

Surfing Net

Web Designing

Playing Games

Experimenting Things

Outing

Playing Mind Games

Making Creative Things
None

2. Which one is your Favorite subject?

Mathematic

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Computers

Economics

Commercial Geography

English

Urdu

Islamiat

Pakistan Studies

Home Economics

Art and Craft

None

3. Which Subject you hate the most in your school life.

Mathematic

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Computers

Economics

Commercial Geography

English

Urdu

Islamiat

Pakistan Studies

Home Economics

Art and Craft

All

4. What were your results in your Secondary school classes

Outstanding

Very Good

Good

Average

Poor

5. Select the trait that applies you the most.

Conventional

Reasonable and Reliable

Responsible, Organized and Calm

Productive

Practical

Sincere

Reserved

Hospitable

Warmhearted

Innovative

Open Minded

Short Tempered

6. Whom do you inspire the most?

Athletic coach

Hair stylist

Physical therapist

Astronomer

Banker

Politician

Doctor

Pilot

Web Designer

Counselor

Librarian

Social worker

Teacher

Engineer

Movie Director

Minister

Nurse

Food service manager

Carpenter

None

7.How many hours could you spend on studies?

Less than 1 hour

1-3 hours

3-6 hours

6-9 hours

You do not need a psychologist or a counsellor to evaluate your questionnaire.
Just fill out the questionnaire and give it to your siblings or your parents to vividly know your interest, which could be revealed, if most of the answers to the questions are similar in nature.
Copy down your answers separately on a sheet and evaluate the similarities.

Here is an example to evaluate your interest:

If most of the answers are related to artistic things and creativity, with open mindedness, then Humanities or Home Economic is good for you.
In the same manner, do for the rest.
Best of luck for your future endeavors to embark upon!

After School Activity Ideas For Kids

After school activities are essential for enhancing the social and intellectual development of children, especially for those in grades K - 12. The following four after school activities are great ways to help kids learn and have fun at the same time.

Gardening

Gardening is a great opportunity for kids to use their hands and learn about healthy eating and healthy living habits while having fun at the same time! Start out small. Make the garden kid-sized and fill it up with colorful flowers and vegetables. Remember that kids love things that are big and bright. Sunflowers, cherries, tomatoes and lavender flowers are all examples of good plants to have in your after-school garden. Gardening also gives kids a long-term project to work on, fostering patience and commitment. You can also take the opportunity to teach your kids about composting.

Photography

Photography can be an excellent after-school activity, especially during field trips, though it can also be great while still remaining in school grounds. It's an easy, dynamic and fun way for kids to get creative and let their imaginations fly. It can also be pretty cheap. Disposable cameras are a great option, inexpensive and convenient. The kids will love not only taking the pictures but also seeing them once they've been revealed. Photography also teaches kids to be attentive, to see things more closely, to notice things out of the ordinary and think creatively. When you get the pictures back, encourage the children to lay them out and see what stories they can form.

Fitness Club

After school fitness clubs are a great ways to let kids run loose and spend all that energy they've been collecting throughout the day. Plan a specific group fitness activity each day. Teach kids about the importance of stretching and eating well, and emphasize team building activities, such as relay races or volleyball. Setting up kid-friendly obstacles courses is also an excellent idea and always a hit with children.

Drama or Puppet Theatre

It can be a little harder to engage a group of children in a more complex activity like putting on a play, especially with kids K-12. However, you can make it easier by making the process fun and colorful. Using puppets, for example, and letting the kids design their own stages are great ways to do this. Let them come up with the costumes and the stories. It can be an ongoing activity. Not every day, but something you work on twice or three times per week. When the plays are done, invite the families and put on a show.

Digital Photography Basics - Still-Life Photography Tips

Unlike some types of photography which require you to venture into the great outdoors (something that not everybody has time for) or into a studio, still life photography is something that every photographer can participate in.

You don't need any specialist equipment and all it takes is a little preparation and of course, lots of patience.

Here are some top digital photography tips to help you discover the creative potential of still life from the comfort of your own home:

* Always take lots of shots and try to experiment as much as you can with different white balance and exposure settings.

* Fill the frame as much as possible to avoid having to crop out valuable pixels later. It will produce a better picture and save you lots of time.

* Light should usually come from the side. If it doesn't, then the subject will look flat on the photographs.

* Be on the constant lookout for potential subjects and backgrounds. This will help you to produce some interesting and exciting photographs.

* Don't place your subject too near the backdrop if you want to avoid shadows. You may find that you need to light the background separately.

* Colored gels placed over light sources are a great and inexpensive way to add impact to a shot.

* A tripod is essential to ensure that you get razor-sharp results. It will also give you the freedom to leave the camera and tweak your subject as well as steadying your camera in low light.

* Think ahead: if you intend to work on your pictures later in Photoshop this might affect or change the way you set up and take the picture.

* The kitchen, garage, bathroom and the garden are a rich source of potential subjects. Also keep an eye out for unusual objects when you are out and about - the seashore or the countryside is often a great source.

* A lightbox can be an inexpensive way to light the subject from below which will eliminate shadows.

Remember, it doesn't take much to transform a humdrum snapshot into a great image. Just take as many photographs as you can, tweaking as you go and you will soon have a stunning still life masterpiece.

Unadopted Orphans: Citizens of Another Universe

Over the years, a large volume of literature has
been devoted to the structure of the family in America. Prior to the sexual revolution of the late 1960's the traditional family unit was a mother, a father, and children.

However, as the divorce rate has climbed to over fifty-percent, so has the structure of the family evolved into a myriad of single parent families and blended families. Things are not quite so simple as in the days of "Father Knows Best" and "Leave it to Beaver".

There is a growing body of work describing the psychological and sociological adjustments of the adoptive family, the adoptee, and to a lesser extent, the birth parents who relinquished their child for adoption either by choice or by unavoidable circumstances.

Interestingly, there has been very little attention paid to orphans who were never adopted.

In the film, "The Cider House Rules", the lead character Homer was adopted several times only to be returned because he was either too "quiet" for one couple or abused by another.

Therefore, Homer grew up in the orphanage never again to be adopted. Instead, he was trained by the physician who operated the 'home" to be an 'unofficial doctor' who either provided abortions or helped babies into the world to be adopted.

At one point in the film Homer was trying to provide comfort to another orphan named Curly. It seemed Curly could not understand why prospective adoptive parents who came to 'look at' the children in the orphanage never chose him.

Homer explained to Curly that he was "much too special to be adopted by just anyone". Only a very special family could have Curly. It was never made apparent if Curly ever believed Homer's attempt to ameliorate the little boy's pain.

What happens to orphans who are not chosen for adoption? Where do they go? What do they do?

Back in the late 1960's a considerable number of orphans, upon reaching their late teens, were asked to drop out of school and join the military. It was easier to supervise smaller kids than it was older kids with raging hormones.

Some orphans did drop out of school and worked full-time jobs. Most were drafted and sent off to Vietnam.

Maybe an unknown number of orphans were able to struggle long enough to finish high school. Possibly, there were a smaller group who applied to colleges. Perhaps an infinitesimal number even graduated from college and went on to successful jobs or careers.

The difficulty is the dearth of documentation in regards to how many kids left orphanages without being adopted and were able to lead a productive life. Did they manage to finish their formal education? Did they develop an entrepreneurial acumen to become successful business people? Were they prosperous at love, marriage and parenting?

So very little is known about these individuals and even less is understood about what life was like for them that they might as well have been from another universe.

Would most people who had parents, either by birth or adoption, understand these individuals?

When asked, most cannot imagine life without a family. They have never thought about how it would feel to be alone on Thanksgiving or Christmas, or worse, to be alone on their birthday.

There needs to be more anecdotal research on young men and women who leave orphanages without benefit of a family or a parent to guide them on their pathway to adulthood. Did any succeed, or did most fail? Did they perpetuate the circle of life and create kids only to abandon them to grow up in orphanages themselves?

Maybe they continued in their quest for 'belonging' by working their way through college and possibly graduate school. It is possible that some of them could have waited for the right marriage partner to come along and found fulfillment in being a life-long loving spouse as well as a devoted mother or father determined to be all they could imagine, or what God wanted them to be.

It could be enlightening to many to know what it would be like to be a citizen of another universe.

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Copyrighted 2005. All rights reserved.

Key Equipments for Product Photography

Photography has a very exciting job profile. It's all about creativity, technicalities and skills. When you are doing product photography, it means you are either working for a client or trying to promote your own product. It's more of an advertising campaign than a general photo-shoot. In a product photo-shoot, the entire focus is on the product. Every essential element should be incorporated to gain the best result as marketing campaigns invest huge amounts to make their products look great.

Along with a good professional camera and knowledge of techniques, there are certain equipments which makes a photography assignment fruitful. Usage of equipments is according to the size and kind of products. You may use your same camera and lenses, but there are specific kinds of lights and other accessories that can be used to intensify your product in the photograph. Products vary in size and types. Specific types of lighting would be required for different products. Lighting for small and minute products will be essentially different from large products.

For large products, large lights are used for effective lighting in a wide frame to include the whole product. Large diffusion frames are helpful to cover a large object in outdoor shooting and also to get rid of bright day light.

Bounce boards creates nice soft lighting. It's more glamorous if the photograph is shot under soft lighting compared to harsh light. It's better to have large selection of flags (black cloths in a metal frame which are used to align light by shaping and cutting the light) of various dimensions. Product photography can be tedious, hence every necessary element should be used to bring out the tiniest detail in a product.

For small products, equipments used for lighting are smaller or rather miniature versions of what is used while shooting large products. Equipments giving small beam of light, small flags, tiny light panels, and small bounce boards are needed. Sufficient amount of stands are needed to set up light anywhere.

For smaller or tiny products, a mini stage is required. A mini stage is a tiny white cyclorama which is a background with no corners. It creates the appearance of having infinite space. For instance, if you want to have a spinning effect in your product while shooting a video, a turntable can serve the purpose.

You should also take care that every time you are shooting your product, it should look fresh and have no finger prints on it. Hence, it's important to keep cleaners and gloves while handling miniature products.
Equipments used in product photography are generally same for all products: lights, stands, bounce, diffusion, and flags. It just varies between products.

August Sanders, Father of Modern Portrait Photography

August Sander was born in November, 1876 in Herdorf, Germany, near Cologne, a major cultural center and patron of the arts. Mr. Sanders was the son of a mining carpenter and began an apprenticeship as a miner in 1989. His first exposure and introduction to photography was by assisting a photographer working for the mining company. It is said his uncle provided his first camera, a 13 x 18 cm, in 1892. He built his own darkroom and began learning his art, an art without precedence in the late 1800's.

Mr. Sanders served in the military from 1897 through 1899 working as a photographer's assistant. After military service he began working for a photography studio in Linz, Austria, later becoming a partner, and finally its sole proprietor in 1904.

Mr. Sanders was devoted to his art; his life's projects are populated with travel, documenting society, culture, and especially people. He belonged to the 'Group of Progressive Artists' in Cologne. His work and discovery thrived during a time of unparalleled adversity at the height of the Nazi regime in Germany. His son died in prison, convicted for being a member of the Socialist Worker's Party (the only resistance to the Nazi party). Many of Mr. Sander's photographic plates were seized and destroyed; his studio was destroyed in a bombing raid in 1944.

He is probably best known for his series 'People of the 20th Century' showing a cross-section of society as depicted in classes, an historic work at a time when photography's as an art was only being defined. When we think of the powerful devices with a multitude of adjustments and lighting to assist today's photographer, men like Sanders had little more than their vision and timing to document a moment.

In post war Germany, Sander's work was honored, recognized for its tribute and contribution. His photographs were chosen by noted authors for inclusion in their work. Mr Sanders was named an honorary member of the German Photographic Society in 1958; he received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1960.

It is difficult to choose a single photograph of August Sanders. All of his work is compelling; all bring questions to mind about his equipment, surroundings, lighting, and subjects. How did he create such moving photographs? All of his subjects appear to show at once a sense of honor and history, that they are being recorded forever in this new yet little known science called photography. Perhaps that is part of how the bricklayer possesses the same aura of dignity as the businessman; the gypsy tribe eye contact as powerful as the young child.

All of his pictures possess a softness that may speak to the medium of the day. Each contains texture that allows you to touch his subjects. Some appear to use shallow depth of field to accentuate the subject, yet the pictures I have of the young man and the gypsy tribe exhibit sharp detail throughout. They all possess compelling eye contact. You know this person and the sense is as powerful as if you were standing next to Mr Sanders as he is taking the photograph.

I love the power of 'the Bricklayer'. This man is holding a load of bricks on his shoulder, making penetrating eye contact with the camera; yet with one hand at his side, seems as relaxed as if waiting for a bus. The dress of the day helps describes this man with waistcoat, 'home stitched', and his workers cap perched blending with the brick. While most of the Sanders photographs I have viewed use light background, it can't be an accident that this background is dark. Is he in a studio? I doubt it. This adds weight and drama to the lifeblood and lifestyle of this man. This photograph is indeed an exquisite blend of weight and lightness, using the reality of their presence in this image to tell a story about this man and indeed, the worker class of this time.

Widely regarded as the "Father of modern portrait photography", August Sanders exhibits an innocent devotion to his calling. While the sophisticated equipment of our day did not exist, the qualities of light remain unchanged from the first artist's gaze. Devoted more to documenting his fellowman than advancing his art, his photographs reveal an intimacy that bridges Time.

"Every person's story is written plainly on his face, though not everyone can read it"

-August Sander

7 Reasons Why Online Driving Schools Are Better

Online driving schools have a number of advantages compared with traditional in-classroom driving education schools. They offer convenient fast education at superior driving school prices.

1. No need to drive to get to lecture sites

Internet driving schools offer the convenience of the online studying versus in-class studies. Need to commute is completely eliminated: you do not have to drive and endure traffic nightmares to get to the driving school site. Parking hassles are completely eliminated as well.

2. Take the course when it is convenient for you

You do not need to be inconvenienced by trying to fit your busy schedule around the times lessons are offered at regular courses. You can choose to complete your course at any time, day or night; there are no time restrictions. And the best thing about these courses is that you will be able to do as much or as little as you want each time you log in to your online course.

3. Take the course at the convenience of your own home

You can learn at the convenience of your own home, at your home office or living room, at your personal computer - all while learning driving education online. Quality of the online driving schools' instructors is equal to that of regular schools' teachers. And while learning at your computer, you do not need to be inconvenienced by someone's cough or other distracting noise or appearance or listen to lectures for hours.

4.Fun and easy to follow

Most online driving education courses are fun and easy to follow compared with often-boring live lectures. You can become a safe and confident driver while taking online courses available at any time for you, twenty four hours a day, any day.

5.Pass your test the first time

With web based education courses, you do not need to worry about not passing the test the first time you take it. When you sign up for a web based course, you will get access to hundreds of affordable practice tests.

6.Online driving school prices for driving education courses are unbeatable

As if online driving schools did not already have a multitude of benefits to any consumer, you should know that online driving education courses are also significantly cheaper than live in-class courses.

Moreover, some states give drivers automobile insurance discounts, sometimes up to 10 percent, for taking driving education courses.

7. Money-back guarantee

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, virtually all online driving schools offer a money-back guarantee in order that you be entitled to a full refund.

Currently, there are numerous individuals taking advantage of this great opportunity to take a web based driving education courses. One website, has over 2 million satisfied customers have already completed online drivers education courses. Word is catching on; get on board!

Sell Digital Photos - Cash From Your Camera

Digital Photos can make You serious money with Microstock Agencies.

Microstock is the term to define low cost royalty-free Digital Photos.

Digital Cameras are now common and have totally changed stock photography.

There are many agencies who will accept digital photos from both amateur and professional photographers.

All pictures must either be from Digital Photos or high quality scans of slides from film cameras.

Most of these agents need a file size of at least 6 Megabytes or preferably larger.

Traditional photographers may be shocked at the low fees charged by Microstock agencies.

These fees fall into two categories -

Fees set by the Photographer and which are split with the agency or

Payment per download at a low fee (typically 20 to 60 cents per download) to subscribers.
(The Agency get the lions share of subscriptions)

The usual reaction is how can I make money from that?

The answer is QUANTITY SALES.

A popular picture can be downloaded a thousand times a MONTH!

There are a growing number of photographers making Big Bucks from these downloads.

Many of these are amateurs with specialist knowledge.

People pictures are always in demand for both regular stock and microstock.

The uses are normally nonexclusive and for a single use (further uses have to be paid for)

A Danger to customers using pictures from these sources is that their biggest rivals may well use
the same picture from the same source!

This could be embarrassing for major advertising uses.

What pictures shall I send?
THe answer is fairly simple - got to some of the major agencies and view their download details.

Most agencies have a list of popular downloads - THAT is what you should be shooting and sending.

Exclusivity is normal for Microstock agencies and you could place your work
with several agencies (sending similar shots but not exact images to each)

I'd suggest sending nearly identical pictures though (with slight differences) and then everyone will be happy.

The Biggest agencies that sell best according to people I have spoken to are:

Shutterstock

Big Picture,

iStockphoto

There are many more equally reputable agencies - a fuller list is on my website

Large Regular Stock Companies are also selling low cost royalty free stock too.

What Subjects should you take?

Rather than answer that question directly, I would ask in turn what clients would use your pictures?

Most customers now look at these sites first - sometimes for ideas!

The clients of Microstock Agencies are a closely guarded secret but can be broken into broad groups:

Book Publishers - frequent users but may store and re-use pictures without repayment according to how well their rights control department is working. It is worthwhile checking on book publishers for unauthorised re-uses.

Calendar and Greetings card and postcard companies - use lots of pictures but seldom have huge budgets.

TV and Film companies - use thousands of images and are good customers for microstock.

Website Designers and other Internet uses .These are the BIGGEST users of internet pictures.

Photographers often use low cost pictures and resell pictures to their clients.

Tour operators will use good digital travel pictures.

Estate Agents will even need attractive pictures of your own area.

Even local and National Government departments have started using low cost downloads.

One of the great advantages of this genre of stock photography of course is that numerous customers can use a great picture at the same time

The big secret of Microstock though is to carve yourself a photographic niche by specialising in a popular subject - and this is how many people succeed.

Pictures should not be complicated to be saleable - in fact simple pictures sell better.

Experience The Old West On The Apache Trail: A Day's Adventure Back Through Time And Scenic Wonder

Once a raiding route for the Arizona desert Apache to escape into the vast and rugged Superstition Mountain Wilderness, you will feel yourself journeying back into time and history like on a real "old west" stage coach trail with breathtaking scenery all around you as you travel on the Apache Trail, National Scenic Byway. Whether you are looking for a day trip or have time to stay a night or two along the way, this is a trip well worth taking in, but only if you're up for the adventure!

After over 15 years Rving and camping in Arizona, I think we've driven and visited just about everywhere in this beautifully diverse state, except for the "Apache Trail" because we were advised years ago that the road was too rough and too rugged for anyone with a large RV or trailer. The Apache Trail is a very mountainous, winding, all dirt, wash board road and in many places is single lane even with two way traffic! If you have an SUV or a truck, you should and will do okay. We actually drove it in a small car and did okay as well, but just take it slow though, no more than 20-25 MPH maximum speed. If you don't mind lot's of dirt, dust and slower driving conditions, I promise you will be absolutely amazed and inspired by all the breathtaking views of the seemingly untouched and pristine desert scenery that is the Superstition Wilderness and Salt River Canyon of the state of Arizona.

Because it's the desert, I'd say the best time of the year to go is naturally when it's not too hot, like early spring or late fall. I recommend March to April, or October-November. We planned it for mid-March and the weather was perfect, very dry, sunny and temperatures only reaching up into the upper 70's. I'd also recommend not to try to drive it in the summer monsoon or winter rainy seasons. Wet road conditions would make this drive potentially very hazardous and dangerous for anyone. If you're starting from Phoenix for just a day trip, be sure to start out as early as possible, no later than 8am. The trip is long and slow and you want to be able to have enough time for pictures or just stopping to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.

We left Apache Junction on Hwy AZ 88, aka "The Apache Trail" and started our journey from the beautiful and gorgeous Canyon Lake. It's a very popular area as they have daily guided boat tours, such as the "Dolly Steamboat" for a very scenic and enjoyable experience out on the lake. With its close access and proximity to the Phoenix area, it's also a very popular destination for swimming and boating. We stopped for a few pictures then drove on up the road a couple of miles to the also very well known town of Tortilla Flat. We thought it was very quaint with its rustic, old western style town, but again way too crowded and hectic with many tourists. After only a brief stop, we ventured a few miles further down the road to the next stop along the Apache Trail, Fish Creek Hill.

At Fish Creek Hill, you will find the panoramic vistas and 360 views absolutely breathtaking! It's worth planning on taking plenty of time to stop for pictures. We also got a chance to see what we were facing if we decided to continue traveling the Apache Trail. Within a few miles, the pavement ends and from here on out the trail is all dirt, goes down to single lane, and drops 1500 feet straight down the mountainside! Whoa! It was at that moment we realized we needed to talk to someone local with more experience traveling this road to confirm we would in fact be able to make it on our own in a small car. And thus we found a very nice, experienced local traveler that confirmed for us that it was safe and possible to make it and so and I made the decision to continue on. Very carefully, very slowly and very nervously, we continued the journey on the Apache Trail beginning with the hair raising 1500 drop down the mountain. I have to admit too, it was extremely tense for what seemed like quite a few minutes as we slowly wound around and around the tight "S" curves, trekking over single lane, all dirt, washboard bridges with large ruts on each side, all the while stopping and yielding to what seemed like a lot of fast oncoming traffic from the other direction. But after only a few very scary, "white knuckling" minutes, we made it safely to the bottom of the canyon and then stopped briefly to catch our breath. "Wow", was all we could say, looking back up at where we had just come from.

We pressed on from the bottom of Fish Creek Hill to our next stop on the historic trail, Apache Lake. The road conditions improved from there and wound around and around through the gorgeous, rugged canyons of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness. I recall absolutely breathtaking views just about everywhere I looked. I stopped whenever and wherever it was possible to take as many pictures as I could possibly get. It was approximately 12 miles to Apache Lake, which at 20-25 m.p.h., took us a bit more time, but we arrived at the top of the lake by mid-afternoon and were amazed at how tranquil, serene, less congested it felt. With mostly just local boaters and fisherman, it was much more quiet and serene. Plus the scenery, spectacular! We stopped for more pictures at the top of the hill where you first arrive at the lake, then had lunch at the Apache Lake Resort. With time running short, we would've liked to have spent more time at the resort, but we grabbed a few brochures then got back on the road again.

The scenery continued to be amazing as we drove along the upper portions of Apache Lake. We traveled another 10-12 miles along the winding, washboard trail, with every moment as beautiful as the next until we finally arrived at Roosevelt Dam. Roosevelt Dam built from 1903-1911, is said to still be one of the highest masonry dams ever built. On the other side of the dam is the beautiful Roosevelt Lake, one of the largest lakes in Arizona. It also marked the end of the Apache Trail Scenic Byway. After a brief stop at Roosevelt Lake for a rest break and more pictures, it was time to head back home again. We decided to take the Beeline Highway, Route 87 south back to Phoenix and made it home that evening by 9pm. I'd say you can figure on estimating about 200-220 miles for this trip from Phoenix and total estimated drive time including lunch, 10 hours.

As a quick and inexpensive, turn around day trip, the Apache Trail is truly a beautiful, gorgeous, and scenic adventure and must do for anyone ready and up for a real historic "old west" travel adventure!

Oil Painting Art Course - Is Using Photographs OK? Edgar Degas and Norman Rockwell Thought So

Edgar Degas painted from photos: Degas became a painter just at the beginning of photography. He first had others shoot photos for him for his use in his paintings. Later, he became an expert photographer. Degas' paintings show the influence of photography in the cutting off of figures. Before Degas, the whole person was inside the painting. In many of Degas' work, the figures are cut off mid leg or their figures are cut off on the left, right and top by the edge of the painting. This cropping came from his reference photos.

Photos were a tool in his paintings, drawings and sculpture. Degas' photographs had the look of his paintings. His paintings were based on his photographs.

Students ask me if it is proper to use photos: I have a classmate from the art school from which I graduated. He has had a very distinguished career painting all his life. He said that anything you do to help you develop a painting is a correct method.

Seven Ways to Project or Transfer Photos or Drawings onto Your Canvas: 

1. Tack them up on your easel as reference: There is a famous Norman Rockwell self-portrait (Google it). The painting shows Rockwell painting himself at an easel covered with photos of portraits by Rembrandt and Van Gogh and a drawing of himself. Rockwell is also looking in a mirror as he paints.

2. Opaque Projectors: The opaque projector is a machine that projects photos, book pages or drawings by shining a bright light onto the photo from above. A series of mirrors, prisms and lenses project the image onto a canvas. The artist then draws the outlines of the photo on the canvas using the projected image as a guide. Opaque projectors are available from Dick Blick, Jerry's Artorama or Mister Art online or at some art stores.

3. Camera Lucida: A camera lucida is a lens on a metal arm that clamps onto the artist's drawing board. The camera lucida superimposes an image on the artist's drawing surface. One sees a scene or the reference photo on the drawing surface. You can then trace the outlines of objects.

4. Mirrors: David Hockney, a well-known contemporary artist, was interviewed on "60 Minutes" on CBS-TV. Hockney had Lesley Stahl stand outside his studio window, in full sunlight, facing a mirror set up inside the window. Her image was reflected in the mirror and it was projected inside Hockney's dark studio onto Hockney's canvas. That projected image can then be copied. Hockney had written a book called "Secret Knowledge" about which Stahl did the interview. In the book Hockney theorizes that artists in the 1400's learned how to use lenses and mirrors to project images onto their canvases.

5. Print the photo or drawing on your canvas: You can print your photograph directly onto your canvas and then paint over them in oil paints. Ink jet printer paper suppliers offer ink jet printable canvas. You need to ask your ink jet/canvas supplier how long their inks last according to scientific testing.

There are printing services that offer Giclee fine art reproductions for painters, photographers, galleries and museums on fine art canvas. Some artists use these services to make reproductions of their paintings for sale in addition to selling the original oil painting. Giclee (French for "a spurt") is an inkjet process for making super high quality and long lasting prints. A good supplier uses fade-resistant inks or dyes that some claim last as long as 100 years.

Other artists print photos on canvas at Giclee printers and then paint over them in oil paints. Giclee prints are not only long lasting but also have no visible dots as do most ink jet printers. Google "giclee printers" to find giclee printing suppliers on the web.

6. Camera Obscura: In his book "Vermeer's Camera" Philip Steadman poses the theory that VerMeer used the early version of the photographic camera: the camera obscura. Camera obscura are the Latin words for dark room.

How the camera obscura works:

• A box (or room) with a pinhole in the front end is placed in a well-lit room.


• The room in front of the hole will then be projected onto the inside back end of the box.


• Later, the camera obscura evolved into what we now call a camera. In a photographic camera, film is placed on the inside back end of the box where the image is projected from the lens in the front end of the box.


• Using the camera obscura principle with additional lenses and mirror, one can project an accurate image onto a painting surface and trace over the projected lines. Some suggest one can paint onto the canvas directly guided by the projected image. People still make camera obscuras ... Google "camera obscura" on the web.

7. Tracing: Some artists trace and transfer the outlines of photos onto their canvas or other drawing surface. They staple together a "sandwich" of the traced photo, a transfer sheet and the canvas. Drawing over the traced photo drawing on the top of the sandwich with a ballpoint pen causes the transfer sheet color to be transferred to the canvas. They then paint using the transferred line drawing as a guide on their canvas with the original photo(s) tacked alongside their canvas as reference.

Is Using Photographs OK? Like Edgar Degas and Norman Rockwell and countless other great painters and illustrators, I think so.