Delightful Graduation Party Themes

Graduation is one of the most meaningful moments in a person's life. Sleepless nights, long hours of reviewing and researching as well as years of hard work are finally rewarded. The graduate deserves a party! Adding a theme spices up the celebration and makes it extra special and memorable.

Below are five theme suggestions.

Friendship Theme
Invite the graduate's closest friends and classmates, including a few other relatives and families. In the invitations and souvenirs, give emphasis to the friendships. Look into friendship quotes and designs.

All About the Graduate Theme
It is a perfect time to celebrate the graduate's magnificent achievement. Since this theme is all about the graduate, make him or her as the focus of everybody's attention. Flaunt the graduate by adorning your home or your chosen venue with his or her favorite colors and items and exhibiting photography albums. You can make streamers that highlight the awards received in schools.

Thanksgiving and Appreciation Theme
Send invitations to all of the graduate's mentors, trainers, special friends and teachers and who have made remarkable influences and immensely helped him or her in the many years of schooling. Plan a thank you activity and incorporate games that will highlight the theme.

Profession Theme
Make the profession of the graduate's choice into a graduation party theme. For instance, if the graduate wishes to be a chef, order a cake that resembles a chopping board, pan or any veggies. Decorate the venue with miniature kitchen essentials such as apron, utensils, and others. You can also make these miniature items as souvenirs.

If the graduate desires to be a teacher, fashion a graduation party with art crafts made out of school supplies like colors, glitters, and colored papers. You can distribute school supplies as party souvenirs. The ideas are endless so let your creative imagination work.

Beach Party Theme
Every graduate fancies those delightful summers spent lazing around in the sand and water. Scout for the waterscape or beach nearest you and prime yourself to a wonderful graduation party. You can serve cold drinks like fruit punches or tropical cocktails topped with tiny umbrellas. If you have a kiddie pool, stuff it with loads of ice and organize your salads as well as other fresh food there. To add to the beach atmosphere, feature a variety of al fresco games and items including lawn seats, beach balls and towels, umbrellas, and the like.

Who is Peter Varghese

Peter Varghese sounds just like another mallu name doesn't it, but it's not. The Peter Noozhumuri Varghese I'm referring to is a key person; both for India and Australia.

A few facts about Peter:

• He was born in Africa(Kenya) in 1956


• B.A(Hons)from Queensland University


• Joined service in Department.of Foreign Affairs in 1979


• Since then has held key positions including International Adviser to the PM in 2003


• Married to Margaret O'Sullivan and has one Son

What makes him special are two facts, namely: he being the first Indian to be deputed from Australia as High Commissioner to India,and India currently on an economic boom. The thing that immediately comes to mind is the attacks on the Indian students a few months ago and more recently the Indian students being left high and dry after many colleges close down courses. And not to forget the issues with Uranium being refused, on what grounds, is anyone's guess. Economic Pundits have been proclaiming India as the inevitable economic giant for years now, but the way it is positioned in another 10 years, India may finally arrive.

Now that half of the world seems disillusioned with China's games at helping only themselves, their doubt able stance on Tibet, supporting Pakistan to spread terror in India and their own military enhancements; powers like the US are looking at redefining their relationship with India. Lets be honest, its all about vested interest's.There is no free lunch and Hillary's visit to India was a multi purpose one; some of it we can only guess, but some were obvious. China may well be the Frankenstein the US wants to ignore, and India the pacifist democracy with a booming economy. We have a lot to gain and so does the US, from the alliance.You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. But a line needs to be drawn. Now, Australia also wants a share of this giant pizza( I prefer that to pie). No harm in it, its business after all and we all have something to gain.

Now, what can Peter do for India and Australia is the big question. He has a tight rope walk ahead of him. He will be doubted as Pro-Australian in India and maybe the same in Australia,that of being soft towards his country of origin. Only time will tell as he may have been hit as soon as he assumes office, by the attacks' issue as that is fresh in memory and will take predominance. He will need to be very tactful, as this has become a very sensitive issue for Indian's. It will be safe to assume that his deputation is a wise move by Kevin Rudd to try and appease India. Whether it pays off or not remains to be seen. Its going to be one of the toughest deputations for Peter and more so because of the high hopes pinned on him from both sides. Lets wait and watch if his shoulders are strong enough to carry this responsibly and smoothly, or he will crumble under pressure. I read that he has a very sharp mind,hope that comes in handy. I will sign off by wishing Peter all the very best and that God gift him the strength, wisdom, courage and vision to see him through. Jai Ho 

A Bride's Guide to Planning a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget

Things You'll Need:
Wedding Venue
Reception Venue
Florist
Caterer
Photographer
Cake(s)
Wedding Dress
Bridesmaid Dresses

Step 1: Find a wedding venue. Typically, wedding ceremonies last 15-30 minutes long. Find a church, gazebo, park, chapel, auditorium, etc. that will allow you to hold your wedding for a nominal fee. Although you want your wedding to be beautiful, there is no sense in going bankrupt. Consider having an outdoor wedding if you are really strapped for cash.

Step 2: Find a reception venue. The reception will probably be the most expensive part of the entire wedding extravaganza. One way to cut corners is to find a venue that will allow you to hold your wedding and your reception in the same place. For instance, many churches have reception halls in them. Use the chapel for the ceremony, and hold the reception in their "fellowship hall" or whatever they call their reception area. If that won't work for you - try to rent a room large enough that it can be split down the middle. Half of the room can be used for the ceremony, and the other half can be used for the reception.

Step 3: Catering: When you are planning a wedding on a budget, there is no need to have a full meal at your reception. Try a chocolate fountain, fruit/veggie platters, meat/cheese platters, etc. There is nothing wrong with serving finger foods at your reception. You will already be supplying the cake and the punch, so there is no need to bankrupt yourself by serving a full meal. If you need to cut corners even more, eliminate the caterer altogether! There is nothing wrong with having your wedding cake, some mints, and some mixed nuts. After all, your guests didn't come for the food, they came to watch two people dedicate their lives to one another.

Step 4: Photography: Everyone wants to have beautiful pictures on their wedding day; however, there is a way to get the beautiful pictures without spending a ton of money. Is there a photography school nearby? Are there any universities that have art courses? Many students that are in photography classes are already marketing themselves and taking pictures professionally. Because they have not yet graduated from a professional school or university, they are often the cheapest, yet most overlooked, option. My advice? Check them out! See what they have to offer! If you don't like what you see in their portfolios, don't agree to have them photograph your wedding.

Step 5: Flowers: Flowers can cost a ton of money. To eliminate this large chunk of your budget, consider silk flowers. Many stores, such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby, sell beautiful silk flowers for a nominal fee. If you are opposed to silk flowers, try limiting the quantity of real flowers you order from the florist. Have the florist use real flowers for your bouquet and your bridesmaids' bouquets, and even get a few gallons of fresh rose petals, but don't think that you have to have thousands of fresh flowers everywhere in order for your wedding to be beautiful.

Step 6: Music: Having music at your reception is also a cost that can be avoided. Many reception venues have an audio-visual package that is included in the price of the venue or can be purchased at an additional charge. If this is the case, get the audio-visual package, and plug an Ipod into it. Create a playlist in I-Tunes before the wedding. Nominate a close friend to press "play" whenever they get to the reception, and feel free to dance the night away. This eliminates the cost of having a DJ, and it also allows you to have complete control of the music.

Step 7: Wedding Dress: This is the most important day of your life, but don't feel like you have to spend thousands of dollars on a beautiful wedding dress. There are stores that constantly have good sales going on, and you might be able to find your dream dress at a fairly low price. Shop around. Look up stores such as David's Bridal and see if they are having a sale. You might just find the dress of your dreams for a few hundred dollars.

Step 8: Decorations: This is probably one of the most stressful parts of the wedding. My recommendation? Do it yourself! Go to Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or some other craft store, and find beautiful decorations. Shop around, and wait on the sales to come to you. In fact, when I got the centerpieces for my wedding, Hobby Lobby was having a 50% off sale on decorative glassware, candles, and anything that had to do with a wedding. Don't stress out...you'll have plenty of time to shop around.

Step 9: Other advice: Eliminate wedding favors. They will probably just end up in the trash. Need an inexpensive way to exit the building? Invest in wedding sparklers. You can get 150 sparklers for as little as $45, and they look great in pictures. If you are buying the dresses, limit the bridal party. You may have a large amount of friends, but you are planning a wedding on a small amount of money. Lastly, and I've said it before, shop around! Don't think that you have to plan the entire wedding in a week. Take your time, search out bargains, and shop around.

Your Photo on a Restaurant Wall

I was having dinner one night in an Italian restaurant that does a decent job of recreating the look and feel of the old fashioned neighborhood Italian restaurants in the great Northeast. Those places with their simple tablecloths, hardwood floors and weighty dishes with tiny floral patterns had a homespun feel to them. Sitting in the chain operated restaurant I got a bit fixated on the large photos that seemed to cover every wall in the place.

Most of the photos were black and white shots taken between the turn of the last century and the 1950s: Ordinary people doing ordinary things. Some were posed and others were candid camera shots. Of course the pictures aren't on the walls to hide cracks in the wallboard. They're intended to make us feel like guests in the home of friends with lots of warm family photos on display. Such schmaltzy marketing is not limited to Italian restaurants either. Lots of restaurants adorn their walls with photos that remind us of simpler times. The selections often match the restaurant's theme. In a country cooking spot for example, you're likely to see men in overalls standing next to an old John Deere. Italian restaurants have pictures of people that look a lot like my grandparents.

Lately, I've taken to wondering who the people in these photos were. Whenever I eat in a restaurant that uses old time photos I find myself trying to imagine what their lives were really like. I also wonder how happy they would be to discover that their likenesses are plastered all over the walls in 570 Cracker Barrel locations in 41 states for example. Celebrities are happy to give restaurants a glossy 8x12 including an autograph. They want people to remember them. But I don't think people that led quiet lives actually gave their permission to display their images in all these restaurants. It's just as unlikely that they all happened to be professional models that were paid for the photo shoot and then signed releases in exchange for a few bucks.

I know it sounds like a small thing but put yourself in their shoes. After you're gone do you want your picture hanging in a rib joint, a seafood shanty, or heaven forbid, a fast food outlet? What if the photo some marketing guru happens to select fails to take into account that you had a cold the day the picture was taken? (Is that a cold sore just under my lower lip?) Besides, what if the photographer was in a hurry and got your bad side? I know what you're thinking. Who cares? I'll be long gone by then. Well, some people might care if they knew about it.

Legally, there probably isn't a thing to be done. But consider this: What if your picture is hanging on the wall of thirty-something diners in 14 states right now? Yes, how do you know your mug isn't smiling down on table number 22 at a local bar and grill hundreds of miles from here? Face it, there's no rule that says you have to be dead before they can make 500 copies of your likeness and put them on the wall overlooking the restaurant counter stools at Waffle Houses all over the south.

Right now my high school prom picture could be hanging in a delicatessen somewhere in Poughkeepsie. With my luck there's probably a gravy stain on my cummerbund. If I knew which deli it was I suppose I could do something about it. But I don't. I just checked to see if the photography studio that took my prom picture is still in business. They are. Just to be safe, tomorrow I will call them. I'll demand that they cease and desist from selling or otherwise distributing my likeness to restaurants that think customers are more likely to have a good time if they're surrounded by photos of perfect strangers.

You might think that in an era of digital cameras and camera equipped cell phones, easily downloaded to the Web, the possibility that your picture might be hanging on an eatery wall, is the least of your worries. Fair enough but if my picture is on the Web I can locate it and possibly have it removed. If my snapshot is hanging on the wall of Rudy's Deli without my knowledge, that's a problem. In addition to making a restaurant feel homey, those photos are implied endorsements. Suppose I don't think Rudy makes a decent Reuben?

What Should You Do to Become an Artist?

I get asked this question a lot by friends and colleagues who know I'm a self-taught painter.

Most people assume that to become an artist you need to go to art college. And that is one route, but it's not the only route. In fact, for some people, art college is the worst possible choice. Why? Because that process of teaching can dull the creative fire. I honestly believe if I had gone to art college I would have been expelled! Why? Because I don't conform, and the best artists don't, they create their own path.

Do you know which famous artist didn't go to art college? It was Vincent van Gogh, and look what he created? Not bad.

My route to being a painter was by 'accident'. I was looking for a way to express myself when I discovered I couldn't write during my cancer treatment. When I picked up my first paintbrush, an inner door opened for me, and I fell in love with the whole process of painting. For me, it was and still is a way for me to express my voice.

There are almost certainly clues in your life right now about your artistry. Think back to your childhood - what did you love doing? Who encouraged you the most? Follow those clues as they will give you important information about your next steps.

When you have found your medium, set about educating yourself. Leave no stone unturned, and be conventional and unconventional in your approach.

I found practising artists who tutored me, and I educated myself. I found those tutors by following my nose, not because I had great contacts. I just 'interviewed' several until I knew I'd found the one who I clicked with. That's really important. I asked a lot of questions, and became the apprentice artist while I discovered my path, and I'm still learning. Since I began painting in 2002, I've had joint exhibitions, sold my work, and been commissioned by private and corporate clients to create artworks. Not too shabby.

Start by looking within your networks - who do you know who can advise you? If you draw a blank, expand your search, and get creative with this until you find your tutor.

So if you are asking yourself, 'what should I do to become an artist', here is my formula:

Allow your creativity free reign, and then follow the signs. It's that simple.

Book yourself into that pottery class you've been checking out, sign up for that photography class, or better still, grab your camera, drive to the beach or wilds, and start clicking.

And ask yourself: what do I see? what do I feel? And listen to your answers. You'll know what to do next.

Explore your wild side!

Tips for Vintage Cars Photography

Cars that were manufactured before the end of World War II (1945) are classified as vintage cars while those manufactured between 1945 and 1975 are categorized as classic cars.

Before you venture to photograph the cars, either vintage or classic it will be a good idea to know the basics of car body structure.

From the exteriors, a typical car can be identified by its unique features like body contours, bonnet / hood, bumper, grill, boot / trunk, unique logo or insignia etc.

All modern cars are categorized by its basic type like sedan, hatchback, coupes, station wagon, convertible, luxury and sports cars. For the vintage and classic cars, these may not be the case! You will be surprised to know that there are many vintage cars that have engines in their back (boot) and trunk in the front (bonnet).

Let us now, get to the actual art of photographing these beauties.

One of the challenges in photographing the vintage and classic cars is to locate them! The best opportunity arises when there is a rally or exhibition organized in your locality or city. Remember always, that there will other photographers to photograph the beauties. Always, be courteous to the other photographers, who have as much right to click as you do.

Although, any digital camera will suffice, for best results take your Digital SLR camera. The selection of lens depends on various factors like location, lighting etc. The best would be get the opportunity to shoot in golden hours, ie. couple of hours after sunrise and couple of hours before sunset in outdoor location. On some occasions, when there is a rally being organized of the vintage and classic cars, the cars assemble at the start point in an open space where they are parked prior to the flag off. Generally, there is no race but only a rally from a location to another. It is indeed a feat to get these ancient cars up and running with mounting costs to maintain them on regular basis.

Select a car of your choice and then position yourself at a vantage angle so that you are able to capture the entire length of the car. Next shift your position so that the car is facing diagonal and then take couple of photographs. There are two angles from which the car can be photographed, first the classic standing position and the second is it to align yourself to the height of the bonnet, which in most of the situations will be about your waist height. A Digital SLR camera with tilting LCD will be an advantage.

Feel free to explore other angles like low angle and may be a higher vantage point, if you get such an opportunity.

At all times, keep safety in mind. There may be other cars which are being driven around the rally place and other people moving about.

Pay special attention to the detailed artwork of the logo / insignia and other metallic carvings on body of the vintage cars. These can be best photographed with a prime lens or even better with a macro lens, depending on the light and time available to shoot.

Once, you have covered the exteriors; focus on the interiors like the dashboard, steering wheel and back seats. In most of the vintage cars, the interior upholstery is made up of genuine leather and very finely articulated dashboard of teak wood or redwood with lacquer finishing. Always take permission, before taking photographs of the inside as you may require opening the car doors and seating yourself inside. Avoid using the in-built flash or dedicated flash, as some of the interiors components will be shinning stainless steel or even gold-plated art work.

A good photo session of each vintage and classic car will take you at least 10-15 minutes, so be well prepared and have a pleasant bearing towards the organizers and other photographers.

Starting a Consulting Business - 5 Ideas For Success

Decades ago, starting a consulting business required huge capital, extensive logistics, and lengthy planning. Because of these requirements, only a limited number of people were able to start up a business and keep it running profitably. Nowadays, while you still certainly need to put a lot of thought and preparation into any business venture, practically anyone can start their own consultant business as long as the idea and the determination to succeed exist.

These drastic changes in the tools and costs necessary to start a consulting business have paved the way for changes in the business consulting world. Today, if you want to run a business consulting service, you have many more ideas and options to choose from than you did just a few years ago. To help you get started, below are 5 popular and lucrative fields in business consulting:

1. Entrepreneurship

Since more and more people are now putting up their own business, why not take advantage of this trend and start offering consulting services to these budding entrepreneurs? While most people today realize that owning a business can help them rake in a bigger monthly income in addition to their regular salaries, most of them really do not have adequate experience or knowledge in running a business. If you have some expertise in this area, you can help them out and make a good profit at the same time.

2. Computer Consulting

Let's face it, even in this modern age, there are still a lot of people who are not that computer savvy. With ever advancing technology and software changing the business landscape business owners are actively seeking professionals to guide and support their businesses. From website design to VOIP systems computer consultants have many avenues of expertise for consulting. If you have a genuine interest in all things computer-related, you can earn yourself a lot of money by starting a computer consulting home business that can help old established business bridge the gap with modern technology.

3. Business Communications

If you are skilled in business writing, mediating, or even communicating over the phone, you have a chance of becoming a very successful business communications consultant. Even the best business people today are not necessarily good with communications, which is why they usually hire people to do these jobs for them. Expertise in social networking tools and proper communications methodologies is a bonus.

4. Human Resources

Most companies do have their own human resources department but unfortunately, this department usually only handles simple tasks like hiring of new personnel. For issues like employee contentment and team-building activities, companies usually look to outside sources for help. This is where a human resource consultant will step in. By being a separate and unbiased entity, your consulting firm can effectively help the company sort out whatever problems it may have.

5. Project Management

Project management methodologies and techniques are constantly evolving. With an emphasis on better, faster, and smoother project management consulting is an excellent option for niche consulting. Project management is not limited to typical projects; outside of the box consultants can offer services in managing advertising, photography, event-planning projects. You only need to market your services well and to the right market.

With the state of the current economy in flux these ideas are a good starting point for anyone looking to start their own consulting business. Taking the time upfront to evaluate the options available will ensure a better chance of success for your new business venture.

Diana Camera - Film Lives Again!

For the film user there still is a whole inventory of cameras to choose from. Many many film camera are still available and in perfect working order. Nikon, Pentax, Canon, Miranda, etc are still being used to create photographic film classics.

But we have a resurgence of a cult classic going on. The Diana camera is back and more popular than ever. The Diana is about as "primitive" as one can get with a film camera. These "toy" cameras were introduced by the Great Wall Plastic Factory, Kowloon Hong Kong in 1960. Many were exported to the United States and the United Kingdom. Power Sales Company in Willow Grove PA. was one of the major importers and wholesaled the cameras by the case... 144 to a case. They sold for about 50 cents each in case lots. Many of the Diana's were promotional items to be given away as carnival prizes, sales promotions, novelties for raffles and other events. They use 120 roll film that is still available, and generally produced a 16 exposures of 4.2 cm size while a few were manufactured to produce 12 6x6cm size negatives. Diana production was believed to have stopped in 1970 because of the advance of the Kodak Instamatic.

The Diana is a very simple camera. It has a mechanical film advance, a spring -loaded shutter of one speed, a viewfinder that ranges in visual quality, a plastic meniscus lens and is constructed of a low quality plastic. The original Diana's were produced in the 1960's, and many still are found in working condition today. An original Diana is prone to light leaks that many users battled by taping the case with light blocking tape, and covering the red film advance marker window as well.

Today there is a resurgence in Diana's and a new "version" is being heavily produced in China. The original Diana had about 70 different copy variations under different names like Windsor, Anna, Lina, Dorrie, Banner, Banier, Arrow, Rand and so many more.

The new Diana's are the Diana +, the Diana "F", the Diana mini (35mm model), Diana Novella, the Diana Parisian, Diana F+ Edelweiss, and on.

The main difference in the original and the new "reproductions" is in the lens. As mentioned earlier the original Diana's had a crude plastic meniscus lens that produced a very distinctive photograph. It had a "dreamy" light about it and a definite circular style image which produced vignetting on the pictures. There is also low contrast and resolution, color rendition shifts, somewhat blurred of soft images and lens flares. However, this trend in photographic tendencies, led the Ohio University in Athens, Ohio to become one of the first ever art colleges to use the Diana as a required camera in some of their photography programs. The was a way to help students cultivate their creativity and photography visions without relying on technology. The Diana will capture exactly what it "sees" when you release the shutter. Nothing more, nothing less. This makes the artist photographer think about the subject, light. composition, contrast, shadows, and zones.

Today the newer Diana's offer the same 120 roll film format as well as the new "mini" in 35mm format. The plastic quality is much better and so is the lens quality. Results are better quality pictures much in line with the newer glass lens Holga camera. Newer Diana's range in price from cheap to, in my thinking, absurd! I guess it's all supply and demand. But the original Diana's are selling in two categories... vintage camera and collectibles. Often one has to be very careful in buying an original Diana 151 or its variant cousin. First and foremost remember it is most often used, even if the seller claims "minty" condition. Second, make sure you look very closely at the pictures and ALWAYS ask of the camera is in FULL working condition. Some are found in thrift stores and junk sales and are just that, junk! For an original Diana, mint condition, and unused, in the box be prepared to shell out upwards of $40 or more. This includes any variant of the Diana. Used and usable, in good condition will run you about $20-25. An example is my Lina Diana clone. I have been collecting Diana's for some years now and the Lina I have is the first I have ever encountered and it is in working condition. I would price it as a rare find in collectibles for no less that $30.

I tend to lean toward the original Diana's and own many of them. I collect and I use these great little camera's. I am really drawn to that soft focus edgy picture that they all seem to produce. It's a kind of magic that just enhances a good picture and really benefits a great picture. The original has a way of capturing a scene like no other camera. And it will definitely show you your errors... big time! But often those errors are great one of a kind artistic prints. It's all in the eye of the beholder. Remember that in any photography you are telling a story by your photograph. It's your story and how you want it to read and end is your vision. Do not rely on critics or judges. Rely on those that appreciate your work and rely on yourself. My Diana pictures are for me. I do not take them for a critic to tear apart. I take them for me to enjoy and smile at. A Diana is a great camera to use for that story. It's also a magnificent learning tool for photography. With the Diana, it's you and the scene, nothing more. Enjoy!

Top-Notch Mass Communication Colleges in India to Shape a Prosperous Future

Print and electronic media play a significant role in a democratic country like India. As one of the mainstays of the country, they bring various social and economic related issues to the notice of the government and public. If you seek to build your career in the media sector, you have to acquire a degree in journalism and mass communication. So, it is imperative to know the best mass communication colleges, film and media institutes in India.

A career in mass communication has evoked a lot of interests among numerous youngsters who always want to do something different in their life. That is the reason why getting into a top journalism and mass communication institute has become very competitive nowadays. Luckily, students have plenty of institutes to consider for their admission. However, only a few esteemed mass communication colleges in India are mentioned underneath.

The Indian Institute of Mass Comm (IIMC) is the most famous institution in the country. It was originally established as department of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. But, it was later converted into a self-governing institute in the year 1966. Located in New Delhi, IIMC offers foundation, diploma and postgraduate courses in journalism, communication, advertising and public relations. Students can pursue their PG diploma in journalism in Hindi or English.

The major work areas of IIMC is to organize various training programmes from time to time, devise a model for research and provide an effective information base that is not only apposite for India, but for each and every developing nation. Furthermore, it shares its knowledge and expertise with other institutes in the country and cooperates with those located outside the country.

Another noteworthy mass comm college is the Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), established in Mumbai. It belongs to the Bombay St. Xavier's College Society Trust that also runs a number of other institutions. Started in the year 1969, XIC is currently the largest private professional media centre in Asia. The institute generally offers certificate and postgraduate courses in public speaking, photography, radio jockey, journalism and mass comm, public relations and corporate communication. It boasts sophisticated post-production facilities for sound and video editing as well.

Set up in the year 1991, Mudra Institute of Communications in Ahmedabad has occupied a special position among mass comm colleges in India. The institute strongly emphasizes the role of management education in bringing modernism and professionalism into mass communication organizations. Students completing its various programs can acquire management skills that ensure an up-to-date, dependable and cost-efficient implementation of communications.

Moving to Pune, you'll find Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC) there with courses like Bachelors of Media Studies, Master of Mass Communication, and Master of Business Administration. It was started in 1990 as Symbiosis Institute of Journalism and Communication (SIJC) and assigned its current name in 1999. SIMC has made rapid progresses in imparting journalism and mass communication education and producing highly competent and industry-ready professionals.

Sell Photography Online - Get Well Paid For Your Photos by Doing This

Do you sell photography or do you want to learn how to sell them for the highest amount possible? It yes, there are some vital steps you need to follow and be aware of. Selling photography online has become really big, yet not so many people know that lots of money can be made within a short period of time doing this.

It's what I call the quick cash method. I almost cried of pleasant joy when I was introduced to this money earning venture. I was amazed how easy it was to sell any type of picture I had taken. No matter the subject matter of your images, there is always an interested buyer online.

Many online and offline publications and websites constantly need new photographs to use. They want people like us to provide these images for them. You can sell photography whenever you want without leaving your home. Just log on to the internet and visit buyer sites to get cash for your photos. There is enough room for everyone. The photos each person takes is always unique and this means it is needed.

But you need to be careful of sites that will only pay you peanuts for your pictures. Many of them would for example buy a picture from you at about 9 cents and then go out to resell it for maybe 5 dollars, 10 dollars, 50 dollars, 100 dollars or more. They can do this because they have access to the list of "high paying" buyers.

What you need to do is gain access to these buyers and sell directly to them. That's what I'm doing and this is why I get paid very well for my pictures. It's not because my photos are of excellent quality. It's because I know how and where to submit them. This is what separates the big players from the small ones.

You can learn how to sell photography by following a plan that would show you what to do to find buyers. Learn to choose buyers who will pay you well for your photos. You will make money and get well paid when you select your buyers carefully.

How to Advertise Your Photo Biz For Free Or Close to Nothing

The first thing to do is identify your niche and market your business to them. If you are into Fashion shoots, advertise to Girls with this interests, If you are into sports, advertise to dudes! See my point?

Step one:
Get Advertising Material, such as Business cards, Flyers, Posters, Brochures and of course a WEBSITE!! ( be careful, advertising material could get very expensive)

Step two:
Word of mouth is by far the best and cheapest way to advertise, get your family members and friends involved they will help and some times it will be all you need.

Step three:
Offer FREE stuff, this always works! FREE shoots, once a month. If they like what you do, they will be talking to everyone about you and your services.
Free shoots yes but you get to charge for the prints and for any editing!!

Step Four:
Post your business cards or flyers on as many places as possible: Starbucks and Walmart boards, Schools and Laundry Rooms.

Step FIVE:
Start all over again, endless marketing is the key for a successful business.

Tips:
You can get your advertising material by using different online resources such as: http://www.vistaprint.com, you can sign in for the newsletter and they will send you emails with special offers for FREE stuff, just pay shipping and handling, and this is no affiliate crap!! I am just a very happy customer! give it a try.

Google is another great source and of course if you want to invest a bit more... YELLOW PAGES, i have gotten a bunch of business from this last one.

Car magnets on your door, flyers to everyone you talk to and special offers to attract customers is another way to stay alive!

Keep it up, you will succeed!

Maternity Photography - Focus Upon Technical Aspects Also

Nowadays most expectant mothers like to become maternity model. The growing social acceptance for maternity photography supports this wish. But the major barrier that refrain them from the lifelong pleasure of maternity photography is the high quotes of professional maternity photographers. Smart couples opt to do it by self, which is certainly a good decision to avoid unnecessary pinch over the pocket.

After deciding on this front, next task for such creative couples is to make themselves oriented with maternity photography tricks. There is no shortage of sources but most suggestions mentioned there are good only for standard conditions. The best way is to get the basic idea from these sources and to customize comprehensive plan as per personal liking and preferences. Locations, time, preparation and poses are the general aspects and you may get the much information from your community friends too. But lighting, an important aspect, is generally ignored because of being of technical nature. By using appropriate lighting effects, you can make the maternity photographs more meaningful and impressive.

Backlight comes from behind the model and makes the model more beautiful. It is used to purposely underexpose the model. A fill-flash can be used to null the negative impacts of backlight. Side lighting is used to expose one side of model hiding the other. Any light reflecting board can be used to drift and focus the light on a particular area of body. Bright sunlight at noon is the worst light for photography, avoid taking photographs this time. To take the photographs with desired effects, you can use artificial lights also. Sometimes, artificial lights may give a yellow touch to the photographs; so, be alert.

The best time for outdoor maternity photography session is the morning or the evening when the light is adequate. If the camera flashlight is strong enough, it will null the shadow effects easily. If your camera doesn't has good flash, prefer to arrange the light in such a position that it should fall upon the targeted body part from the camera direction. Generally indoor photographs remain unaffected from lighting effects because the existing light level is easily adjusted by camera flash.

Every pregnancy is equally important; so, it is not wise to take chances while doing maternity photography. There are various institutes that conduct short period online photography courses at very nominal cost. These courses help to understand many technical aspects like lighting and angles etc that your friends tell you hardly. I think doing little investment to save big and also for personal convenience is a good idea.

Turn Your Photos to Canvas Art For an Upscale Decorating Solution

The option to take your every day family photos and turn them into something extra special has become both convenient and affordable. Modern technological developments in the artistic community make having access to affordable and personal art work a desirable choice for decorating your home.

The finest art work has long been displayed using cotton canvas for a highly durable and beautiful quality finish. Changing your favorite photo into a gallery quality work of art will increase the presentation value of your original piece. This is a wonderful approach to making family photos more interesting, using sepia tones, black and white and photo effects such as individual color accents, cartooning, watercolor translation or drawing formats. Every project becomes a one of a kind decorating treasure for your home or a delightful gift giving choice.

Not only family portraits can be turned into photo to canvas art pieces. Creative photographers can enjoy floral, landscape, and any other image that you want to use to enhance your home decorating project. Classic images from times long gone can be restored from negatives, photographs, slides and many other media sources. There is really no limit to the creativity that can be used to generate something both memorable and engaging.

Creating a themed grouping of photo to canvas prints can be used to make a dynamic and encouraging office space decor. The originality and customization options will be refreshing to both the employees and visitors. A well planned work of art can be an excellent conversation piece, and will surely help to create the atmosphere of your space. If you are short of photography of your own that inspires you, there are plenty of images available online for your use. Be sure to choose a royalty free option that is not copyrighted to ensure it's availability.

There are all kinds of size and grouping options that can ensure your work of art is exactly what is needed for the wall space that your working with. Colors can be enhanced or featured to create a very specific style and mood and when blended with the balanced coordinating or accent wall color the combination is highly effective. The affordability of each piece will ensure that buyers are not only thrilled with the beauty of their purchase, but also with the savings over more traditional techniques.

Photos to canvas art make purchasing high quality and impressive pieces affordable for every budget. The immeasurable number of options ensures that every style and decor can be improved with style and class. The ability to create unique and one of a kind art pieces that fit into each life and atmosphere perfectly has caused buyers to flock to high quality providers of authentic canvas pieces over the past few years. Your creation can be sent to your doorstep lacquered and mounted for hanging. Buyers can choose to put the pieces up as they are or to frame them with more intricate designer frames. The entire process is in the hands of the buyer.

5 Tips to Improving Digital Camera Photography

Whether you are using your digital camera for recreational use or are considering a venture into the world of professional photography, you will find it helpful to know some important tips to improving the overall quality of each picture that you take.

1) If you are taking a picture of a person or your favorite pet, make sure that you place the camera at the subject's eye level. If you are photographing a child sitting down or your new puppy lying on the ground, you will need to stoop down to their level. This does not mean that the subject has to be staring into the camera directly because just being at their eye level will create an inviting image.

2) Avoid taking a photograph with a lot of activity in the background. Instead, a plain background will bring more attention to your subject and less to what is going on around it. When you look through the viewfinder, also take a moment to scan the surrounding area in an effort to make sure there are no distracting factors in the background.

3) Did you know that using your digital camera's flash outdoors can greatly enhance the quality of your image? If you are taking photographs on a sunny day, especially, shadows are often very problematic and can be reduced or eliminated altogether with the use of the flash.

4) When taking photos with your digital camera, move as close to your subject as possible. You can use the zoom feature if you are unable to get as close as you would prefer because your goal should be to fill the entire picture with your subject. If you get too close, however, the photo may end up blurry. If you are in doubt, take several pictures just to make sure you get the perfect one.

5) Get creative with your digital camera pictures. Take both horizontal and vertical photos. Most people simply point and click and never give another thought to the option of taking vertical photos, which can greatly enhance an image of tall subjects. From office buildings to landmarks, vertical photos are often the best way to capture every single detail of your subject in one single image.

While you are taking photos, no matter your location, take special care to notice the lighting. Cloudy days often provide optimal photo opportunities, but you will need to be aware of much more than just the weather pattern. If you are using your digital camera indoors, consider the lighting and try to avoid anything that may cause a glare in the photo. Afterall, the brightest thing in your photo should be the subject.

Submit Photos For Money - 3 Easy Ways to Make Money With Your Camera

Did you know that you can easily submit photos for money? It's true! With just a digital camera in hand and a basic knowledge of how to take pictures, you can have yourself a profitable business. If you want to know more, read on...

Submit Photos To Stock Photo Websites For Money.

Anyone who's had to make a professional presentation knows that choosing the right pictures from stock photo websites is key. This is where you come in.

If you have time to spare, why don't you take pictures of people, places and things that you feel may come in handy during presentations? You can take pictures of folded bills, a stack of coins, a laptop user or even a steaming cup of coffee!

Just make sure that when you take pictures of people, you have their full consent for doing so. Submit these photos to stock photo websites like shutterstock.com and you've got yourself a growing business!

Submit Photos To Magazines For Money.

With so many different kinds of magazines out there, you won't run out of opportunities to showcase your talent and earn money on the side.

The first thing you should do is send a proposal to the magazines of your choice. You can easily look up their addresses online or in the magazines themselves. Choose some of your best works and enclose a cover letter with them stating your intent. Send them via snail mail or online, and wait for offers to come streaming in.

Another way to increase your chances of being considered is by including a story proposal or an already-written article with your photo.

Submit Photos To Photo Contests For Money.

Simply search for "photography contests" in Google and you'll have no problem finding one. Magazines and newspapers are also a great way to look for photography contests.

Before submitting your entry, however, be sure to take a look at past winning entries and award-winning photographs. They may give you a better idea of how to take great pictures and increase your chances of winning!

A lot of people make a living by submitting photos for money. Now that you know how it can be done, I'm confident that you too will go a long way with your camera!

Five Wedding Contract Clauses You Didn't Know You Could Get

For people new to the business of photography it's not unusual for wedding photography to be one of the first steps in that journey. There are more cameras at weddings these days than you'll find at most press conferences. Yet, even with all the coverage, the majority of brides opt for a professional photographer, some more than one.

As a professional wedding photographer, you will live and die by the strength of your contracts. There are wedding photographers who didn't require contracts and that's a financial disaster waiting to happen.

When it comes to wedding photographer contracts, here are some contract clauses most new photographers don't know they can include.

Exclusivity Clause

That clause says you're going to be the only professional photographer on the job. That won't prevent an "Uncle Bob" from shooting next to you, but it will make sure that if the bride wants a second shooter, which many do, that you'll be providing that second shooter who will be working for you.

Dinner Clause

This is a clause that says if food is provided to the guests, that they feed their friendly neighborhood photographer as well. This should not apply to half-day or ceremony-only wedding jobs, but for jobs that run all day, including the reception, it's definitely okay.

That applies to food, not the bar. Stab yourself in the eye with a pen before drinking at a paying wedding job.

Force Majeure

That's a clause that recognizes that bad things can happen outside your control as a photographer. Data cards can go bad in the middle of a shoot and pictures can be lost because of events outside your control. The other way to cover this eventuality is carrying E&O insurance, a wise photographer does both.

Lab Errors

Sometimes this clause falls under Force Majeure and it states that labs are staffed by human beings as well and it provides for a reasonable time frame to resolve disputes if the proofs or photos are late because you have to send them back to the lab.

Substitution Policy

States that, while you intend to be the primary photographer, if circumstances dictate a replacement you can provide another photographer to shoot for you.

For really big name wedding photographers, this is a standard clause and most often the shooter will be one of the staff. Some name photographers do nothing but drive between teams in the field to check the progress of their work.

Contracts for wedding photographers are a delicate dance. Make them too draconian and it will scare off customers; make them too soft and there's too much room for ambiguity. Being prepared to be fair and reasonable and spend some time explaining why those clauses are in the contract can go a long way toward smoothing over any trepidation.

Young Actors - Six Tips For Success

Acting is a popular career choice for a growing number of teens. Below are six expert tips for getting started in the fun and challenging world of professional acting.

1. Start at the Beginning Learn acting technique first and master it thoroughly. This is the basis of a long and successful career as a professional actor. The business of acting: getting representation and booking work, is secondary to developing your talent and technique. Join a class or work with a private coach teaching authentic acting technique including relaxation, sensory exercises and their application in monologues and scene study.

2. Read Plays, drama history, theory and criticism are essential reading material for every actor. You can learn pace, style and how to deconstruct a scene from reading the cannon of great and important plays. Many screenwriters begin as playwrights and dramaturges. Understanding their work for the stage or their theatrical influences gives you instant insight when approaching their film and television scripts at auditions.

3. Learn Acting from Actors If talent agents and casting associates could act, they would. Most can't, and found another career, which better suits their talents. They have little of substance to offer student actors except stories about the business and a few do's and don'ts for auditions. Don't waste your time, energy or money in acting classes where the teacher has nothing substantive to offer on acting technique. There's too much to learn!

4. Avoid Career Studios The sole focus of these schools is to make big bucks selling aspiring actors access to casting directors and talent agents. The plain truth is they allow anyone in their classes, regardless of talent or experience, as long as they can pay the fees. Sadly, most of the guest teachers - usually associates from talent agencies and casting offices - know this and are there only to make extra money, with little intention of auditioning or representing anyone in the class. On the rare occasion that an actor is given an audition, it's usually for background or low paying, non-union work or stock photography. An actor is almost always chosen because they matched the physical breakdown. That actor would have done just as well mailing a headshot and resume to that agency office, saving the cost of the class. Staffers and many teachers at these studios work on commission. They use your perceived failure in one class as an opportunity to sell you another class or services they claim will make the difference in your career. Career studios put actors into a cycle of failure and should be avoided at all costs.

5. Consider a BFA degree If you truly want to pursue acting as a profession, apply to the best drama programs and pursue a BFA degree in drama or acting. These programs offer training in acting technique, drama theory and history and the time and environment in which to master the art and craft of acting. Actors with serious training and fine arts degrees from the top programs are sought out by agencies and casting directors because of the quality of their work and their proven commitment to an acting career. A terminal degree will also open doors to other areas of acting such as teaching, development, drama therapy, etc., which can be as fulfilling and creative as performing and help sustain you financially.

6. See EVERYTHING! From the tiniest start-up theatre company to Broadway; short films and low budget indie's to whatever is packing people in at the multiplex. See everything time and your budget allows. This is the best way to develop your critical eye.

Best Books on Pregnancy Reviews

Best Pregnancy Books
There are many pregnancy books on the market and below you will find some of my favorites along with links to access them for purchase.

As any pregnant mom will tell you these guides are designed to be there for reassurance that everything is OK and YOUR pregnancy is on track. If you are interested in understanding how your unborn child is developing each week or you want to know what is actually happening with the changes in YOUR own body than these books can be excellent resources along the way.

Read these reviews of the best pregnancy books around and choose a guide or two that will go with you on your journey from conception through labor and eventually the welcome birthing event!

What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th edition by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel

A perennial New York Times bestseller and one of USA Today's 25 most influential books. It's read by more than 90% of pregnant women who read a pregnancy book. Featuring a new look, a fresh perspective, and a friendlier-than-ever voice. Filled with up-to-date information reflecting not only what's new in pregnancy, but what's relevant to pregnant women. Detailed week-by-week fetal development section in the monthly chapters, an expanded chapter on pre-conception, and a brand new one on carrying multiples. Overflowing with tips, helpful hints, and humor (a pregnant woman's best friend), this new edition is more accessible and easier to use than ever before.

New Active Birth by Janet Balaskas

A pregnancy book that enables you to have the active birth you want. With this book, you can learn to develop all your body's resources to deal with the instinctive experience of childbirth. Fully updated and extended with new information - including Water Birth and Recovery After Birth. It offers prenatal and postnatal exercises with step by step photographs. It presents a detailed section covering every aspect of Active Birth at home and in the hospital.

Birth Stories by Katrina O'Brien

Share other women's birth stories with this pregnancy book that tells you like it is. From natural birth at home to unexpected birth in the outdoors to planned Caesareans, these touchingly personal and funny tales illustrate how the method of arrival is less important than the love the child finds when it finally arrives.

The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth and Everything In Between by Ann Douglas

The ultimate guide to conception, birth, and everything in between. Unlike all those other bossy, tell-you-what-to-do titles, this funny, entertaining guide presents parents with all the facts on such hot topics as pain relief during labor, episiotomy, and circumcision, and empowers them to make informed personal choices. It's packed with tools you won't find anywhere else, including:

Up the Duff by Kaz Cooke

This pregnancy bible gives you the low-down on pregnancy and birth. Lots of factual information about the babies growth, what to expect etc. Absolutely hilarious.

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Mayo Clinic

Would-be mothers looking for precise, accurate information from a reputable source will appreciate this pregnancy guide from the celebrated Mayo Clinic. week by week accounts of the baby's development, entries on how pregnancy can be affected by dozens of previous health conditions (such as HIV and diabetes), self-care tips for side effects like nausea and back pain, sidebars that explain the difference between identical and fraternal twins, etc. charts that indicate how to handle "troublesome signs and symptoms" during each three-week period. Another stellar feature is the book's even-handed series of "decision guides," which help parents make those hard (and even guilt-inducing) choices about breastfeeding, circumcision and whether or not to go back to work.

Your Pregnancy Bible by Dr Anne Deans

This pregnancy book gives practical and reassuring advice during pregnancy. Written by a team of specialists, filled with everything parents need to know about the optimum environment for a developing baby and safeguarding the mother. The book contains special fold-out sections on each of the trimesters and the birth process, week-by-week images of the developing baby, sympathetically illustrated chapters dealing with all aspects of pre-natal care, labor preparation, delivery experiences and care of the newborn, as well as comprehensive reference sections on medical treatments and procedures in both pregnancy and the post-natal period.

Conception, Pregnancy and Birth by Dr Miriam Stoppard

A comprehensive pregnancy guide to everything from conception to birth. Widely accepted as the definitive guide to pregnancy and childbirth. Stunning photography and information covers the latest developments in pregnancy and birth, from up-to-date research on how your stress levels can affect your unborn baby to developments in delivering your baby. Miriam Stoppard, MD is one of today's most popular medical personalities and has published over 40 titles.

Feeding the Bump by Lisa Neal

A pregnancy book that clearly outlines pregnancy nutrition. Divided chronologically into pre-conception, first, second and third trimesters and postpartum/breast-feeding. Provides women with all the information they need about their own and their unborn child's nutritional requirements and the best way to fulfill them. Tried and true remedies for common complaints such as morning sickness and heartburn, along with more than 100 easy-to-follow and absolutely delicious recipes. This is a must-have resource for all women wanting to maximize their unborn child's health, and their own, through what they eat.

Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth by Jenny McCarthy

McCarthy applies her in-your-face manner and blue humor to the subject of pregnancy and childbirth in this little piece of fun. She recounts her journey to motherhood with utter abandon; discussing topics that those other books tend to treat too gently, such as enemas, pubic hair growth, and sex in the ninth month. Women who find these topics too embarrassing to bring up now have a place to read about them in a frank and open discussion. Like a gossipy girlfriend, McCarthy brings you in and makes you laugh; there's a certain comfort in knowing that even a sex symbol gets stretch marks and balloons to 200 pounds during pregnancy.

Bonding with Your Bump by Dr Miriam Stoppard

A guide-book about falling in love with your baby before birth. Presents advice and guidance on how to fall in love with your baby before birth. Building that special relationship with your baby starts before birth. Forming a close, early bond can make a real difference to your baby's wellbeing, your feelings as a parent and in creating a loving environment for when baby arrives. up-to-the-minute research with enlightened and compassionate wisdom explains why mother-baby bonding is so vital. Learn to understand and cherish your unborn baby. This book guides you through this extraordinary time: from hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time, to the first magical days post birth.

The Pregnancy Bible: Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood Editors: Joanne Stone MD, Keith Eddleman MD

The Pregnancy Bible covers the complete sequence of fetal development in utero week by week. Full color photography with many life-size photos which are reproduced from state-of-the-art ultrasound images. Written in an easy-to-understand style that will especially appeal to first-time parents.With 300,000 copies sold, it is the most attractive and complete guide to this important event in parents' lives. Includes authoritative information about the latest developments affecting the well-being of an expectant mother and her baby. Specifically, these include:

• New CDC recommendations about mercury and fish


• Update on nuchal translucency screening


• Update on screening for genetic disorders


• Updated information about loss rates after amniocentesis


• New information about 3D/4D ultrasound


• Recent trends in cesarean delivery "on demand"


• Update on Downs syndrome screening.

The Natural Way to a Better Pregnancy by Naish & Roberts

An easy-to-follow pregnancy guide to pre-conception health. Did you know that the food you eat, the environment you live in and the lifestyle you lead in the months before you conceive a child can have a profound effect on the wellbeing of your baby? Preconception health care, as outlined in this book, can prevent miscarriage, premature and stillbirths, congenital abnormalities and has a better than 80 per cent success rate in the treatment of infertility. Did you know that by following its simple principles, you can actively help ensure your baby will be content and alert, won't suffer from colic, feeding problems or other common ailments, and will be less likely to suffer from allergies, asthma or behavioral problems? Complete, easy-to-follow guide to preconception health for BOTH prospective parents. Written by a Naturopath, herbalist, hypnotherapist and bestselling author who runs Australia's only clinic dedicated to helping people conceive happy, healthy babies naturally.

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger

One of the most celebrated British authors on the sociological and anthropological aspects of birth, breast feeding, and early parenthood. This book guides readers seeking a woman-centered birth experience through the newly researched alternatives now available. five major sections: Early Weeks, Physical and Emotional Changes, Anticipating the Birth, the Experience of Birth, and You and Your Newborn, Candid information about what mothers need to know, ranging from ways to navigate the technical landscape of hospital births to making the personal choices of a water home birth. Encourages readers to construct a birth plan, make their own space, and choose an effective birth companion. With revised appendices and 300 updated photographs, drawings, and diagrams, this guide is a valuable resource for all.

The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book by Marjorie Greenfield

Dr. Marjorie Greenfield draws from her experiences as an obstetrician and working mom and from more than a hundred interviews with mothers ranging from factory workers to high-powered attorneys, to create a unique resource for working women. This up-to-date guide addresses all the subjects you would expect to find in an authoritative book on pregnancy plus issues of special concern to the 60 to 80 percent of women who hold jobs during their pregnancies:

• Is my workplace safe for my developing baby?


• When should I tell my employer that I am expecting?


• How can I handle the discomforts of pregnancy when I need to work?


• What laws will protect me when I take medical leave?

The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy: The Surprising Unbiased Truth about Foods You Should be Eating During Pregnancy but Probably Aren't by Jonny Bowden PH.D. C.N.S., Allison Tannis MS

Eat the best foods for your baby's development! Nutrition is never more critical than during pregnancy. What you choose to put on your plate affects you and your baby's health not just in utero but for years to come. Backed up by the latest nutritional research, this guide debunks pregnancy food myths and uncovers a number of surprising food choices that are superfoods for expectant mothers. This one-of-a-kind nutrition reference guide is also packed with helpful quick-reference charts and sidebars, highlighting healthy (but no less delicious!) substitutes for commonly craved foods like ice cream and potato chips. You'll also discover the most up-to-date research regarding pregnancy dilemmas, such as how to get more omega-3s from fish in your diet while avoiding mercury. Its pregnancy nutrition made easy!

Babycare Before Birth by Zita West

A pregnancy book that shares the wisdom of a fertility expert and midwife. Bringing together fascinating new research that shows during pregnancy a woman can make a dramatic difference to her unborn baby's health, well-being, development, and all-round future potential by making small adjustments to her diet and lifestyle, this amazing book explains how to give your baby the best possible start in life.

What to Expect: Eating Well When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

Provides moms-to-be with a realistic approach to navigating healthily and deliciously through the nine months of pregnancy-at home, in the office, over the holidays, in restaurants. Thorough chapters are devoted to nutrition, weight gain, food safety, the postpartum diet, and how to eat when trying to conceive again. 150 contemporary, tasty, and healthy recipes that feed mom and baby well, take little time to prepare, and are gentle on queasy tummies. Comes with a light, reader-friendly tone while delivering the most up-to-date information.

What to Expect Before You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

In the same fresh, contemporary voice that has made the 4th edition of What to Expect When You're Expecting so successful, Murkoff explains the whys and wherefores of getting your body ready for pregnancy, including pregnancy prep for both moms and dads to be. Filled with information on exercise, diet, pinpointing ovulation, lifestyle, workplace, and insurance changes you'll want to consider, and how to keep your relationship strong when you're focused on baby making all the time. There are tips for older couples; when to look for help from a fertility specialist--including the latest on fertility drugs and procedures--plus a complete fertility planner.

Eating for Pregnancy: The Essential Nutrition Guide and Cookbook for Today's Mothers-to-Be by Catherine Jones, Rose Ann Hudson

A volume that combines both recipes and nutritional advice aimed specifically at the mother-to-be. Balancing optimum and unnecessary weight gain with the required dietary needs for a healthy lifestyle. Addresses the requirements of diabetic, vegetarian and vegan diets. A chapter is dedicated to the vegetarian diet. Each section contains recommended pantry items for the recipes. Makes full use of convenience and semi-prepared ingredients to provide simple yet flavorful dishes. Advice on vitamins, health hazards and goals. Each recipe is preceded with the nutritional goal for baby and mother-to-be and followed by tips for cooking, storage, health, special diets as well as complete meal ideas, variations and the approximate nutritional content.

The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, & Other Holistic Choices by Aviva Jill Romm M.D.

Reading this book is like having your own personal herbalist and midwife at your side. One of the first books to explore botanical medicine and pregnancy. Follows the woman's journey from conception to birth, focusing on natural health. Describes herbs that can promote and maintain a healthy pregnancy (along with those you should avoid during your term) and the basics of a healthy diet, with an emphasis on natural foods. Complete guide for the woman who envisions a safe pregnancy without technological intervention, as nature intended.

Cheap Perfume For People With Expensive Tastes

There is a difference between perfume that is cheap in the sense that it is inexpensive, and perfume that smells 'cheap' in the sense of it being tacky, lacking originality or of poor quality. Cheap perfume can be found without compromising on quality, if the buyer is willing to take some time to wisely shop around.

It can be a case of 'buyer beware' when looking for cheap perfume. Never buy from a random stranger, a car boot, a street corner or from a pub. Unlicensed vendors might be selling an inferior or bootleg product that will only disappoint.

High street retailers and secure online retailers should be your only port of call when searching for new perfume. There are plenty of bargains to be found online, and web retailers often sell designer perfumes at a large discount, by offering unopened demonstration bottles.

The choice of perfumes on the market can be quite bewildering. All kinds of celebrities including models, rappers, singers, actors, reality TV stars, sportspeople -,and even footballers' wives,- have scents available to buy.

It has become one of the business decisions that many celebrities take, when expanding their empire beyond the original talent that made them famous. As with the designer fashion names that grace the shelves, the marketing people use a celeb's name to imply a perfume with glamour, taste and style.

The same fragrance might smell differently, and vary in duration, from one person to the next. This is due to the fact that people all have slightly different skin from each other, due to their unique body chemistry. Skin might be naturally dry or oily, and hormones, medications, diet, stress levels and even the environment can all have an effect. Those with sensitive skin should consider wearing the fragrance on their clothes instead.

Perfumes also change on a person during the time they wear it. This happens because a fragrance evolves across three separate stages, which reveal themselves over a period of time.

To begin with, we have the top note, which reveals the early lighter side to the aroma, and which lasts for around eight to fifteen minutes. Next is the middle note, which emits constantly throughout the fragrance's time on a person, and fully emerges after the top note's duration. Finally, the base note develops and reveals the woody notes, which become more noticeable when the scent has rested on the skin for some time.

There are two methods through which a perfume can be applied: spray or splash. Sprays are considered to be the optimum way of applying a scent, as they can be applied anywhere easily, including directly onto clothes. However, they do have a minimal amount of wastage, as some of the scent is naturally lost into the environment around the sprayer. Eau de toilette and eau de parfum only ever come supplied as a spray.

Splash bottles are a more versatile and economical method, as the perfume can be added to steam-iron water and then impregnated into clothes - and as much or as little as desired can be directly applied to the skin. Splash bottles might not be the best option for the clumsy, or those with curious children.

Many a splash bottle has been disposed of onto a carpet, a bed or down a bathroom sink!

The Best Summer Camp Activities

Summer is coming, consequently now is the occasion to get geared up for all your summer garden activities. With abundance of things that you and your relatives can carry out to keep on becoming demanding this summer and have a lot of enjoyable things together.

Summertime is all kid's much loved time of year. No school, temperate weather, indolent days and late nights... what could be more enjoyable?

However although children are on school break, you might still desire them to connect in safe and sound and amusing outside activities rather than letting them hang about at home to gaze at TV or have fun in video games the entire day.

Have you well thought-out of sending them to summer sleep outdoors or summer base camps?

Camp presents the eventual understanding in terms of amusing summer actions and tricks for children. At summer camp, your kids can involve themselves in out of harm's way and entertaining activities while being taken charge of by grown-up camp counselors and who have your child's most excellent interests in mentality.

One of the most excellent things about camp is that there's clear to be one that imprisons your child's wellbeing.

You can discover beach camps, day camps, surf camps, cooking camps, overnight camps, photography camps, religious camps, sports camps, adventure camps, traditional camps and so travel camps and many others.

To come across with a well-liked camp in your neighborhood, just inquire your friends for a recommendation, or go into "summer camps" into Google and observe what arrives up. You'll be enjoyably astonished at the diversity of alternatives obtainable to you!

Without doubt there's no obligation to propel your children to campground. On the other hand maybe there should be, for the reason that it's an only one of its kind entertainment that dates back approximately 150 years!

Not merely do camps present astonishing summer tricks for kids, but you can also look forward to your child to create new friends, become skilled at more about themselves, enhance his or her sense of worth and nurture as a person throughout the camp experience.

Personalized Graduation Gift Ideas for the High School Graduate

Graduation gift ideas for the high school graduate are sometimes hard to come by. After all, we are talking teenagers! Who can ever please a teen, right?

But I have found one avenue that opens up all sorts of ideas, and most of the time, it's a sure thing teens are going to love their gift. Try giving them a personalized graduation gift. There are tons of categories that can be investigated here, and because you went to the extra trouble to personalized it, the graduate will especially appreciate and cherish your gift.

Now, when choosing a gift, don't worry so much about what the graduate will be doing after high school. True, a monogrammed laundry bag or luggage might be more appropriate for those going away from home, and you can take that into account. But remember that the essence of the gift is to recognize their achievement in graduating. What they are doing afterward is really not what you are celebrating. It's a celebration of what they have accomplished thus far!

Practical gifts are great, and I will mention some. But you might want to go more in the keepsake direction for that personalized graduation gift. These are especially appropriate for commemorating the occasion, and create the feeling that you really care about the graduates accomplishments.

I'm really not putting down gifts that have a common sense value. Many, many people would prefer this kind of gift. So just take into consideration the personality and plans of the graduate before choosing. Practical gifts would be those laundry bags, duffle bags, luggage tags, cosmetic kits, book ends, stationary and journals, and laptop or ipad covers and cases. All of these can be found personalized, and make terrific gifts!

Keepsake gifts are the personalized gifts that recognize or commemorate the actual graduation in some way. Many gifts are engraved with the graduates name or initials, and the date of the graduation. Some of these personalized gifts would be a pen and pencil set, or an engraved locket, bracelet charm, or key chain. Photographs in personalized frames, or some sort of wall art with the graduation details, would also be really appropriate.

And, based on the recipient's personality, a really casual personalized gift might be perfect. Some kids just want a t-shirt with their name and graduation year, or a personalized pillow case or maybe just a coffee mug or water bottle that has been made personal in some way.

Learn Digital Photography - 3 Ways to Start Thinking Outside the Box

The creative photographer is one who has learned to think outside the box and take their photography to a higher level. Now if you are like me this statement doesn't mean much but it has been bandied about for decades. Often I am told that successful people think outside the box.

How do you think outside the box when applying it to photography? It easy to say it but how do you do it? That's the million dollar question. Wikipedia says, "Thinking outside the box is to think differently, unconventionally or from a new perspective. This phrase often refers to novel, creative and smart thinking." Applying this to photography you could replace the word thinking with seeing. You have to look for that which is unusual, unconventional or from a different perspective. 

I first saw this applied to photography in a farewell gift when I left New Zealand. The book had been produced by a photographer that saw outside the box. He had photographed New Zealand from a completely different perspective than normal. Many of the angles made the famous sites and locations look completely different and 30 years later I still have the book, an inspiration for seeing outside the box.

So how to begin would be the question I need to answer. Let's look at a few points that will help you see outside the box.

1. A clever outside the box thinker ponders the scene carefully. 

Time and thought is vital to a creative thinker. Stepping into a location and shooting fast does not allow you to be creative. You need to arrive at your location and take time to quietly take in the scene and think about what you are seeing. Relax and visualise the possibilities. Exclude preconceived ideas and photos you may have taken there or seen. Walk around the area and find new angles, perspectives and vantage points. Open your eyes and look for the out of the ordinary and things that interact or relate to each other. Sometimes creativity is more feeling than seeing and sensing things rather than looking for them. A creative thinker outside the box brings one than one of their senses into play.

2. A creative thinker breaks the rules

Some say that rules are made to be broken others say they are there to provide the boundaries. I think that boundaries should be pushed and tested because it's only once you know the true boundary can you push the limits. If the rule says never place the subject in the centre of the composition try breaking it and see what happens. Most times it doesn't work but there are times that it creates an amazing image. If the rule says that two colours or patterns should never be seen together try it and see what happens. If you stick to a traditional approach you might never find the one occasion when breaking the rule works. Never be afraid to try new things.

3. Thinkers aren't scared to make fools of themselves

A strange statement you may think. Not so. Many of the great pro photographers try things that others are too scared to attempt and get the great shot. I know one photographer that lay down in the middle of a cobbled square in France and got the most amazing shot. He looked a fool and everyone stopped and stared. He now sells that image on stock photo sites and makes money from it all year round. Lie on you back, crawl on your stomach and hang from a tree (exercising care of course) and find that elusive angle or perspective. Who knows, you too might hit the jackpot. Don't be afraid to venture outside you comfort zone.

To most of us thinking or seeing outside the box is a daunting challenge as it doesn't come naturally but bottom line is do you want to be better than the next person? If you do, then you need to fly against convention and try things that might not seem normal. Use your imagination and look for things that are different and maybe a lot more challenging. Once you start it becomes easier and easier and before you know it you'll be a creative outside the box thinker.

Money Making Ideas For Single Moms

Ideas just do not fall off a shelf and when looking for money making ideas for single Moms it is quite difficult and a lot of circumstances come into effect. How old are the children, what size of home does the Mom have and money making ideas for a single moms would have to fit the criteria of the situation, of course the mother would have to feel that it would fit into her situation.

If the mother is fond of children and her circumstances is suitable for doing day care for 2 to 3 children it would be an ideal way for making money for a single Mom, and if the children are young enough that they would require nap time in the afternoon maybe Mom could start to write short stories that she could sell on the Internet.

It certainly would be ideal if she could be a stay at home mom and possibly to save on grocery costs she would be able to prepare dinners so that she is not paying for packaged food and not knowing what the ingredients are in the package. Did this all happen suddenly? is the father involved or just walk away, as we have laws that make the dead beats pay.

A mom is going to have to figure out her situation and what is her best avenue to venture on, has she family members that are able to support, like baby sitting her kids but that that is not very fair for parents that already brought up there children, Really think of your best avenues for money making ideas for a single Mom.

Film Theory and Silent Film

As a student in film school, one of the most popular subjects was film theory, which is an analytic study of film as a language. Film theory has many different forms to its approach over the years, yet I've always found the more experiential style to be most rewarding.

In film school, I had to read all the classics, including Bazin's What is Cinema?, Eisenstein's Film Form and Film Sense and Hitchcock/Truffaut, the definitive series of interviews between filmmakers Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut. These books and the numerous films I had a chance to see, gave me great insight as to how films are made and what filmmakers are actually trying to convey.

It's not entirely easy to break down a film's many levels. In some cases you have to watch a film several times to get the gist of what's being expressed. Much of the technique focuses on lighting, composition and especially editing. In my film theory classes, we'd watch a film and then a specific scene would be shown on an analytic projector. For example, my professor spent almost an hour breaking down each individual shot of the shower scene in Psycho, so that we could understand the impact of rapid cuts and short shots and how they comprise a gripping sequence that 50 years later is still studied so meticulously.

Some film schools incorporate a form of anthropology and psychoanalysis in their film theory, which wasn't what I was exposed to. Instead, it was more about the film itself and the use of technique to create mood and feeling. It also provided a great opportunity to see films that I had never had a chance to see before, including the work of Stan Brakhage, Jean-Luc Godard, Jacques Rivette, Jean Cocteau, and Dziga Vertov among many others.

This kind of experience was very beneficial to my film school education, as it influenced my approach to filmmaking. Much of this derives from narrative theory, yet in film, the use of images alone can tell a story, for example the early silent films, some of which used intertitles to show dialog.

Silent films are important to a film school education and in film theory as well. Until the advent of sound, all there was were silent films. Yet where some students may find silent films dry and boring, there's a wealth of cinematic knowledge contained therein to explore.

There were many films in the silent era that didn't use intertitles and were equally successful in creating mood and in telling a story, such as Dimitri Kirsanoff's Menilmontant (1926) in which a brutal axe murder occurs in the film's opening minutes. There's no blood, no severed limbs, just a quick succession of shots that are tightly assembled to create a sense of terror. And also F.W. Murnau's The Last Laugh (1924), which tells the melodramatic tale of a beloved hotel doorman who is demoted to a washroom attendant, again without the use of any intertitles. Most of Murnau's films including his take on the Dracula legend, Nosferatu (1922), were some of the most impressive silent films ever made in terms of their use of expressionist elements, which unlike many silent films, haven't aged at all.

Most film schools and especially film theory can provide a greater understanding of silent films and how they tell a story. Sometimes the silent can be a bit daunting to sit through, but they make for a rewarding experience and are crucial to any film education.

Something to Read Before Choosing a College Course

There are a lot of college courses out there and it might make a lot of people confused in choosing one of them. Actually, there are several basic things that you can use in choosing a certain course. Those things will help you a lot to determine the most appropriate course for you to be taken. If you want to know more about those things, you can read this article carefully.

The first important thing to do is registering as a student. Even if you are planning to attend any classes that will not count toward a degree, you still have to register as a student first. Being a student of a certain college allows you to access or get their facilities and services. Therefore, send your registration form to the schools or classes that you are about to attend.

Second, you can continue to plan the schedule of your daily activity. Usually, some schools and classes offer some flexibility by providing day and night class. It will help you a lot to accommodate other activity of yours such as working activity or any other commitment. Even if you can not find the most appropriate school with appropriate class, you can also attend the class in your home by attending online schools or classes.

Third, you have to check for the prerequisites that you have to complete. Usually, before attending a specific course or class, students have to complete other academic requirements. Find more information about certain class or course that you might need to attend previously before attending the course that you are plan to have.

Then, you need to think about your expectations. You have to be realistic in determining your expectation. You might need some years to get academic degree, especially if you are also working to raise a family or simply to earn more money at the same time. Therefore, think about your commitment to the higher education that you are going to make.

By considering those tips, you can easily determine a certain school or class that is appropriate for you. Now, you can learn more details about your interested major so you can be more advance on it.

Man VS Woman - How To Become A Better Photographer

What makes a photographer good?

This really is the question at the core of the art of photography. If you want to become a better photographer, you should know how to get there.

In today's Age of Technology, people just go out and buy a digital camera and start taking pictures. There are very few that begin by taking pictures then figuring out what kind of camera they need to purchase to meet their needs. This is actually the process when you go to photography school… learn how to take pictures, figure out what kind of photography suits you best, buy equipment.

The thing that many of us get involved in is trying to get the best equipment before we know what to do with it. Not only that, but we also want to get really good at Photoshop, because we know that is what the pros use. So, the process many of us perceive to be the correct one to become a better photographer… buy a great camera with awesome lenses, get the latest and greatest version of Photoshop, study photo editing, stay current with the newest releases of equipment and software.

What's wrong with this picture (pun intended)?

The study of image resolution, sensor size vs pixel count, ISO, and how to use mask layers in Photoshop are NOT going to help you to become a better photographer. These pieces of knowledge will help you get smarter, but they will also keep you in the quest for bigger and better rather than improving your photo skills.

Man VS Woman

While this is not a research-backed, scientific study, in general, man wants to conquer the equipment but woman wants to take a good picture. Men, admit it. You know it's true.

Who will become a better photographer first? The woman, of course, because she is focused on the quality of the photo rather than the quality of the equipment used to take the photo. She will look at the results of several different shots of the same scene and analyze which one is best, then use the same technique in a similar setting. This is how you get better at the craft.

A good photographer can use the simplest of equipment to get good photos. Even a cell phone can be a great camera in the hands of someone who knows that composition is the key to a better photo.

Now that you know how to get started, there is one caveat. A digital SLR will give you better photos of movement and action than a point and shoot camera. But you don't need the same camera and equipment that a National Geographic photographer uses. Get an inexpensive DSLR and focus on the elements of photography rather than the features and settings of your camera.

The Auto mode button is your friend.

Set your camera on Auto and start shooting. After you shoot, look at your pictures. Examine them for composition and content. Look for ways to add interest. Get input from friends about which pictures spark interest and figure out why. Study the craft of photography rather than the equipment.

Selling Photos Online For Beginners - Is Microstock Or Macrostock Better?

If you are interested in earning some extra income through selling your digital photos online, then one of the easiest ways to enter into this business is by contracting with a stock photo agency who will represent and sell your photos online for you. However, there are literally hundreds of microstock and macrostock photo companies to choose from. But which is best for a new, aspiring stock photographer?

To answer this question best for yourself, you need to understand the difference between micro and macrostock photo companies. Macrostock photo companies represent some of the best, professional photographers in the country. They can afford to pay their photographers top price for their digital photos, but they also often quite selective with who they contract with for their photos. If you have worked as a professional photographer for many years, or have a superb photography portfolio, you may want to approach a macrostock photo agency for representation. You should not be discouraged, however, if they turn you down because often the competition to work with these agencies is quite stiff.

Microstock photo agencies, on the other hand, is often ideal for new digital photographers. On the downside, however, they often pay little for your photos. To succeed with microstock photo agencies, you will find it will be more of a matter of numbers of photographs you have available than the quality of these photos. To put it simply, the more photos you have available for sale, the more you will earn from a microstock photo agency relationship. This is not to say that the photos you submit do not need to be good quality - they still do, although they do not generally need to be at the level a macrostock photo agency would demand. With a broad portfolio of decent photographs for sale, you can earn a good residual income from microstock photograph sales.

Career As a Crime Lab Technician

Introduction:

Crime lab technicians, otherwise known as police science technicians or forensic science technicians, are part of the process of solving crimes. They are very much familiar to using scientific laboratory methods to study and analyze the evidences gathered from the crime scenes. Their findings are often used to determine the innocence of falsely accused or the guilt of the criminals. CL technicians work side by side with local and state police officers and with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in the US or its equivalent in other countries.

Job Description:

CL technicians usually have specializations. Ballistic CL technicians are responsible for examining bullets and matching them to guns. Physical and chemical analysis technicians are responsible for examining a piece of glass from the victim's clothes or a chip of paint from a car. They also examine soil, hair, blood, biological tissues, body fluids, narcotics, and poisons. Some specialize in DNA analysis. Document CL technicians analyze blackmail notes, anonymous letters, and handwriting, as the paper used in writing the letter. Instruments CL technicians are responsible for matching the marks found on the victims to the tools suspected to have been used by the suspect. Fingerprints crime lab technicians are responsible for analyzing fingerprints and footprints, as well as tire thread. Photography CLtechnicians take photos of the crime scenes while polygraph technicians are responsible for giving lie detector tests and interpreting the results.

CL technicians use different equipment including infrared photography, microscopes, x-ray machines, ultraviolet light, and spectrographs. Thus, most crime lab technicians know how to use almost all the tools in the lab.

Educational Requirement:

Many crime laboratories and agencies now require anyone who wishes to have a career as a CL technician to complete a bachelor's degree in crime technology or forensic science, which cover investigative photography, crime detection, criminal investigation and evidence, fingerprint science, court procedures, and criminal law. There are many well-regarded programs in this field; however, the trend is geared to more advanced study courses.

Crime Lab Technician Salaries:

If you are just getting started out on your career as a crime lab technician, you can receive an annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000. Those with many years of experience in crime lab technician jobs have an average annual salary $65,000, so experience certainly creates a big different in salary for a crime lab technician career.

In-Camera Special Effects

When I was in photography school, there were many options to creating special effects, such as optical printers. Yet what was most interesting was the ability to create special effects on camera, in a fairly simple fashion.

My professors in photography school explained the many ways to achieve these effects, without having to splurge on a lot of equipment; all you need is a camera. At first I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't get the technique of how to do this, but eventually I got the hang of it. You need to have some patience and be willing to experiment with a film or digital single lens reflex camera.

Say you want to try shooting at different shutter speeds; you want to make sure there is little camera movement as the image may appear blurry, but you can also do it handheld if you want that effect. When you move the camera, you can create an effect called panning where your subject will appear clear and focused, yet the surrounding background will seem blurry. Yet this also depends on how fast your subject is moving, what kind of lens you're using and the speed of the shutter. If you attach the camera to a tripod, you can shoot at a slow shutter speed to capture both moving and still images.

Blurry images and abstractions are more commonplace in modern photography. Sometimes these can come out of failed experiments, which is okay as sometimes the unexpected can work to your benefit. Sometimes it may take more work than you expect to get the desired effect. You can shoot at different shutter speeds and with different lenses to achieve a variety of effects.

Photography schools will usually tell you that shooting images out of focus can create some impressive pictures as well. Sometimes this can be seen as a mistake, but in some cases it's intentionally done to create a sense of disorientation. By experimenting with different lenses and apertures, you can explore then depth of field to alter the image's focus. I tried this in photography school with some success, it takes patience, and especially if you have an SLR camera, you can actually alter the focus for the desired effect.

Another thing I learned in photography school was that minimizing the depth of field can also produce intriguing effects. If you shoot at the widest aperture of the lens and focus on a particular subject, this will create an effect where the subject is in focus and the background is slightly blurry.

If you're going for something a bit more extreme, you can try to create a wide angle image. If you use a wide-angle lens and bring your subject to the foreground, the background will appear much smaller in the end result. This is typical as things that are closer to the camera will have a larger appearance, giving the whole image an exaggerated appearance.

If you're up for these experiments, you can produce some amazing images. And as this type of photography is more widely accepted in photography schools, you then have the free rein to learn all aspects of in camera special effects.