How to Sell Fine Art Photography

The photographs that are created by an artist to impress upon the creative vision are called Fine Art Photographs. Pictures created to display for sale are known as Fine Art Photographs, whereas a photograph taken on a commercial intention and to earn a commission is called Art Photography. Fine art photography is very different from commercial photography and photojournalism.

Gradually, many photographers have started viewing fine art photography with a modern outlook. Light and stage are important to present day photography. Earlier, photographers used natural sources and ready to use stages, such as waterfalls, hills and other natural scenic beauties.

Framing and printing a photograph is another important factor in this kind of photography because it helps in improving the appearance of the photographs and thus betters the chance of selling. Highly glossy wall sized prints are used rather than small prints and glass is commonly used to portray the photographs instead of canvas.

Selling of fine art photography is not an easy task. The basic problem faced during selling this type of photography is fixing the price of the photographs. Economics plays an important role during the fixation of the price of a photograph. There are some other points which should be kept in mind while selling your photographs, such as empathizing your own fine art photograph, understanding the targeted buyer, identify venues for display, fixing reasonable price tag. Aficionados, collectors and patrons basically collect these prints.

Selection of a genuine buyer, for your photographs, is also important. It helps if you try to know your community and the events being held there in different places. You should also understand the buyer's psychology. The convenient way is to look for local activities in newspapers and the Internet and participate in various competitions. Your primary concern is to attract buyers to your stall and impress upon them by explaining the ideas behind the photos.

Practical Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system used to gather data and incorporate it in order to store, scrutinize, distribute, and show geographic information. GIS data displays actual world features such as elevations, terrain, and transportation networks, in a digital format. Images that are displayed come from the area where the information was retrieved. Users can take the information for such purposes as analyzing the digitally displayed data, mapping the data, and editing the data. A GIS will include application software for aerial photography, surveying land, extensive geographical mapping, remote sensing, and much more. It is often used to study global problems in an effort to find solutions much more quickly.

Recently, Geographic Information Systems have been developed to be used by the public. For instance, Bing Maps and Google Maps are GIS applications now used by millions of people around the world. Through interactive web mapping, the public now has access to large volumes of geographical information. Another important use of GIS is its use when studying climate change. It is now used in the tracking and analyzing of data regarding the impact of climate change. For example, GIS is used to study the ice melting in the Arctic.

Earthquake mapping is another way one can use GIS. One can map tectonic shifts in high risk earthquake areas for public safety planning and business development such as determining insurance rates. In regards to business marketing techniques, a business can use GIS to analyze demographic data to find regions where they will likely sell their products or services. Governments can utilize GIS to analyze census information such as health and education statistics. This is helpful for creating or modifying public policies and government spending. It can also provide health research assistance such as analyzing heart disease research data. As well, it can help with the creation of jobs in the appropriate regions which can give a boost to the economy.

Not only is GIS technology used for climate change research, it can be used for security and law enforcement logistics, urban planning and development such as selecting where to develop communities and roads that will have the least environmental impact, business marketing and evaluating a potential business market, cartography, management of natural resources, natural resource mapping, archaeology research analysis, and tracking and analyzing natural disasters with the intent of improving emergency response time. As well, GIS technology can be used as an educational tool for technology schools and universities for such studies as geography, science, and mathematics. Even high school students can make use of GIS in their curriculum.

Mapping where places and objects are located will help people find places that have the attributes they are searching for, and if there are problems, they can then identify what needs to be done and put together an efficient and effective problem solving strategy. As well, they are able to see important patterns emerging. The objective of GIS is to identify new trends from the analyzed research. Studying data using the Geographic Information System will help one learn and understand information much quicker and easier.

How To Find The Best LA Film Location

The Hollywood film location network comprises of: film producers, motion picture locations, Hollywood commercial photographers and movie production corporations, videographers, special event coordinators and location supervisors, motion picture location and photo scouts, accredited real estate brokers, and leading Hollywood movie & California television commercial production corporations that are expert in utilizing movie locations and motion picture location properties.

If you're scouting for motion picture locations or film location property in California for inclusion in Hollywood movie venture, Beverly Hills film locations, Malibu movie production, photography location shoot, TV commercial location production, dream wedding, company event, Grammy celebration, or special film location affair, these businesses can assist you locate or rent a perfect motion picture location residence anywhere in California. However, for example, in certain movies, producers may need an average-looking single family dwelling where the family members will experience some sort of inner situation or dilemma or may need a rather dilapidated apartment building to give their storyline the genuine environment of inner city plight. While studio technicians can accomplish some outstanding effects and magical moments; this type of realism could only be found at Los Angeles film locations that actually exist.

Additionally, each time a studio is producing a movie, TV show as well as commercial, time is money. And most executives don't want to lose time waiting for a backdrop to be created from scratch; they would rather spend on a Los Angeles film location that is already accessible and ready for filming. Therefore, studios of all sizes are constantly in search of suitable motion picture locations in Los Angeles that easily fit within their scripts, set descriptions and timeframe. For those individuals who register their property as being a Los Angeles motion picture location, their property is going to be made available for browsing through online directories. It's through these databases that numerous studio location scouts locate their perfect Los Angeles motion picture locations.

Once your property is chosen as a film location, the studio will pay you a daily rate for the right to use it in their production. Each year, Hollywood must have hundreds or thousands of backdrops and ideal settings to bring their films, television shows and commercials to life. In order to meet this demand, studios will frequently lease a home or business for as long as necessary to finish the venture. This begins by listing your house or property with a reliable listing agency. As soon as your Los Angeles film location is on file, a professional photographer will take a series of full-color pictures of your property. This will make it much easier for location scouts to decide whether your property suits their need. In case your home is selected as the backdrop for a movie, TV show or commercial, you will be given money for every single day the production is taking place at your house.

Here are some things to consider prior to turning your home into a Los Angeles film location:

1) while homes of every size, condition and place are needed, the house must be able to fit the required number of stars for a given scene and the movie crew required to shoot it.
2) Some Hollywood productions could go on for months and even though the income will be good, not everybody can handle that type of intrusion.
3) Based on the kind of movie being produced, there may be unforeseen damage to your home which is typically fixed upon completion of production.

Going Back to College to be an IT Professional

Technology careers are experiencing resurgence. In the tech bubble burst of early 2000s, many IT Support and other IT Professionals lost their jobs. In the years since then, as more and more companies rely heavily on technology daily, the market for new hires has exploded. What is different in today's IT arena is that companies are seeking people with more specific skills and a more focused education. Technology trained individuals who concentrate on specific newer technologies; wireless networking, cloud computing, and managed services are finding it easier to get and hold onto good paying careers in IT.

If you are seeking a new career, or wanting to expand your skills in IT, and you are interested in going back to college to gain the knowledge needed to meet your goals, now is a great time to do so.There are many areas that you can specialize in including web development, network management, software development, IT support, educational technology, medical technology, and many more.If you love computer graphics and digital photography there are college level classes to help shape this love into marketable skills.

Being able to troubleshoot problems with desktop computers and printers requires you to get trained and be willing to keep abreast of the latest hardware and software available and in use. This is exciting to some, and going back to college to get trained in this area can lead to a rewarding career as an IT support specialist.

Another high demand area sure to grow is network and internet security. With the multitude of risks to securing their data that businesses can face, this is another IT area sure to grow in the future.

In today's world of high speed internet access, you are able to go back to college without leaving your home, and take classes at any time of the day or night, 24/7. You can start with an online program to get your certificate in a Microsoft or Linux system, then move on to a degree program that grants an Associate's Degree or a full Bachelor's Degree in your chosen field.

If you are choosing to go back to college and do it online, there are many IT programs to choose from.

some of these online universities offer degree programs for IT Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Masters. These can be as diverse as Computer Forensics, Project Management, Educational Technology, Network One There are more than 30 programs in IT that you can earn degrees in. These include Oracle, Linux, Cisco, and Microsoft certification programs. You can get an array of highly specialized training, get certified and have a lot to offer prospective employers.

Earning a degree online, can open doors to many employment possibilities for you.If you are employed now, you can keep your present job while going back to college to advance your future. Study as little or as much as will fit into your present lifestyle. Take the course load that you can benefit from and do the work when it is convenient for you. In 12 months you can have a new degree and the skills to earn a new job.

There are other universities online that offer 64 credit hour program leading to an Associate's Degree, as well as programs leading to even higher level degrees. If you have college credits from another school you can transfer the credits to help get a jump on the program you choose. Don't discount older credits you may have earned, as they could still be viable.

There are many programs to help you with the cost of tuition and other related expenses. The colleges have financial specialists who can walk you through the steps necessary to secure the best financial aid option for you. Present and formerly enrolled military personnel have many benefits for education under the GI Bill, and these can be put to use towards your IT career education.

Men and women are going back to college today in record numbers, to seek the education they need. An online college can be more comfortable for those who have had real world responsibilities and understand the benefits that education can bring them.

Think about your goals and where you want to be in the coming years. If having some other options is attractive to you and you have the motivation, then going back to college to be an IT Professional can be a great step into a new future.

Let's Dance! Ideas For Planning a Fun Dinner Dance Event

Is your group planning a dinner dance event? This is a very popular type of event that can also be a good fundraiser for your group. Here are some tips to help make your dance run even more smoothly this year and help with your fundraising.

Try to Plan Early. The success for many events is simply having the extra time to be able to get organized. You can "shop around" for sponsors or for items needed for the event like decorations and food. Extra time can also help you find more volunteers, committee members and let people know about your event.

Plan a Great Menu. When your dance event also includes dinner, it's important to have a menu that your guests will enjoy. The food you choose may depend on the style of your dance - is it formal, semi-formal or casual? Or is it a theme party, like a '50's dance or costume party? Choose a menu appropriate to the style or theme of your event. Also keep in mind the types of foods your guests will enjoy and don't forget to have desserts! A dance for adults may feature a cash bar, which a school dance would have sodas. You could even rent a margarita or daiquiri machine, or slushie machine if it's a student event.  

Add a Raffle or a Silent Auction. A great way to raise funds at a dinner dance is to add a raffle or a silent auction. The best way to create these is to have volunteers or committee members that are focused on obtaining items for for the event. Encourage committee members to be friendly and ask everyone they can think of for some type of prize, you never know who might come up with a great prize. Of course it is unlikely that you will get prizes unless you ask for them! A raffle and/or silent auction can help to boost the fundraising aspect your dinner dance fundraiser event.  

Ask for Dinner Sponsors. You can ask for people to help sponsor the cost of the dinner. This will help you raise more funds. These sponsors can be recognized in a special way (in the program or at the event itself). You may need sponsorship for catering, disk jockey, dessert, linens, glassware and liquor.  

Create a Program. Many dinner dances give away a journal or program for the event. This a terrific way to thank your volunteers and a good way to obtain even more sponsors and get donations for your dinner dance. Committee members and volunteers can ask people if they are interested in purchasing advertisements in the dinner dance program. One way to "sell" even more journal ads is to have different levels of ad sponsorship available, based on the size of the ad and/or the amount of donations. You will need to have some dedicated volunteers or committee members in charge of the journal, and a terrific graphics person to put it all together.  
Make it a Photo-Op. Hire a photographer or recruit a great amateur to take photos of your event. You can set up a special photo area for couples and friends to get photos made together. Your photographer can also take group photos and casual shots. Dance guests can then order photos after the event. You may find a photographer who puts proofs online and then guests can choose or order their own prints.  

Say "Thank You". It is important to thank everyone involved in the dinner. From the staff that worked on the dinner to the volunteers that helped in any way and the guests that attended thank them in person at the event for their help. An thank you note or letter sent by mail can also be a nice touch. If this was primarily a fundraiser, let people know how funds will be spent. People will remember your appreciative attitude, in addition to the great time that they had at your event.

Learn Digital Photography - Themes Add Creativity to Your Photos

All of us want our photography to increase in creativity. There is no definitive way to become more creative, but, there are methods that will help inspire us to go to new heights. Themes is one of them. So why not give it a try and see what happens.

To me shooting a theme is one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of photography. Why? I don't really know. Maybe when you try it you can let me know. I do suspect though that it has something to do with telling a story. We all love stories. Some of the greatest photographers told stories in pictures. Photo journalism is like this. Photo journalists try to tell their readers a story using their pictures. Of course they have the advantage of adding text, but they should really be self-explanatory.

So what's a theme? I can tell you what it is, but what it contains is up to you. Here's the dictionary definition:

1. a subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition; topic.

2. a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

3. a short, informal essay, esp. a school composition.

So you now know what a theme is. Here are a few ideas for themes that you may want to try in order to add more creativity to your photography.

1. Colour is one of the most exciting themes to use

The reason for this is that it has a way of jumping out of the image. Well saturated bright colours speak for themselves, and we naturally gravitate to colourful things. If you're a parent, try to remember what your small children's favourite objects were. Most often it was something bright and colourful. What this is also going to do for you is to learn colour combinations that work.

2. One of the most common themes is subjects.

Shooting images of cars, boats or animals. For example, my wife's favourites are doors and windows. When we were in London I wanted to take shots of bright red subjects, but she wanted doors and windows. So choose something that really interests you and go and out and shoot till the light fades completely.

3. Another theme is pattern, shape and texture.

Sometimes we have to look beyond colour and subject and step down a level to the pattern and texture. Learning to see detail will help take your photography to a new level. It's not that the opportunity is not there, it's that you aren't aware of it. Try this. Look at something you want to shoot then close your eyes and feel it. It's texture, it's shape and it's pattern. Then shoot it and see if you can communicate that feeling.

4. Signs and symbols

This idea is one of my youngest daughter's favourites.. She has a way of taking great images of an ordinary stop or warning road sign. Picture a red and white danger sign framed by a background of blue sky. I can assure you it makes a great image. You don't need to go to a game park or into the countryside to get good images. Urban photography has produced some wonderful photos of objects that you would never have thought possible.

So shooting themes adds some spice to your photography. It gives you a platform from which you can reach new levels in your creativity. It motivates, inspires and encourages you to try new things and reach a point where you are never short of new ideas. Photography should be fun and shooting themes adds an element of fun that is exciting. Don't ever be afraid to experiment. Happy shooting!

10 Things Mothers Must Do With Their Daughters

Every mother worries about how to stay close and connected with her daughter, especially as they go through middle and high school. The good news is that there are ways to successfully stay connected, even if the relationship ebbs and flows. Each one of the following suggestions will help you and your daughter maintain a healthy, positive relationship.

1. Stop what you are doing at least once a day and LISTEN to her. Research shows that the number one need for girls for healthy development is to be listened to.

2. Volunteer at least once a year. Go somewhere like a shelter or inner city church. Even if your family is not well-off, it's important to show your daughter the benefits of giving back.

3. Go on a road trip. Show her how to use the GPS. Listen to her music. Make her listen to some of yours.

4. Apologize for something you did that hurt her feelings. Do it in a sincere fashion, one that shows you respect her feelings and see her as a person.

5. Tell her a story about a big mistake you made at her age. Do it not to teach a lesson but to show her that failure is ok.

6. Take a risk together. Whether it's entering a marathon or trying to raise money for a charity of your choice, try something that you're not sure you can do.

7. Ask her what her dreams are. Just listen as she talks. Dream with her.

8. Arrange for her father to take her out on her first "date." Make sure he sets the standard high so that she knows what it means to be treated with respect.

9. Go to a concert of her choice with her. It may be the highlight of her life-you want to share that with her. Music moves us, feeds our soul, and makes us happy.

10. Listen to her, really listen, at least once a day. Again, being listened to affirms us as human beings. Listening is love.

While you may find yourself shopping, having manicures or pedicures, or watching reality TV together, the truth is that those types of activities will not deepen your relationship. They might be fun and enjoyable but to nurture your relationship, you need to talk, to listen, and to know one another. An authentic mother-daughter relationship can be one of life's greatest joys!

Online Visual Communications Degree

Sale/Purchase is something which has been and always be an important part of our lives. It's one of the very basic concepts of how things work out in this world. These days with the customer being so aware and so many brands for a similar product, the competition is very fierce. In order for brands to compete in the race and most of all, win the race requires a lot of extra efforts. And it's very important to be the best in order to sell the best. Advertising and marketing are the tools which were created long time ago but with constant evolution we now have a very refined and advance form of it. New techniques and technologies are used for effective marketing. New and advance concepts of advertising have been introduced.

One of the very important and key concepts of advertising and marketing is now Visual Communications. Visual Communications deals mainly with the interactive side of advertising. Not just advertising, Visual Communications deals with pretty much any thing related to visual art, graphics, still image/video editing etc. To sell the best, one has to be the best considering the current competitive times. Getting a formal training in the field is the best option to go for. You can choose to take Visual Communications degree online program offered by top accredited online universities or top accredited online and learn about practical use of design.

Visual Communications Degree online program offered by top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges focuses mainly on photojournalism, visual media management, interactive multimedia, picture editing, film, print and electronic media. If you decide to get into program, then you mainly would be taught to create layouts and production designs for magazines, newspapers, journals and other literary media.

Course Outline:

Some of the courses offered by different top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges in a Visual Communications Degree Online program are:

• Design Basics


• Web page development and web page designing


• Typography


• Interactive Applications


• Image Editing


• Media Layout


• Digital Photography and Illustration


• Business Identity


• Product Design


• History of graphics designing


• Publishing


• Animation

 Skills Obtained

After successfully completing the program from any of the top accredited online universities or top accredited online colleges you would be fully equipped with computer graphics skills and would be ready to work for magazines, media studios and design firms. The key benefit of taking a Visual Communications Degree online program from top accredited online universities or top accredited online colleges is that you would be able to master in computer illustrations and graphics, website designing, manipulation of images, creation of layouts and design plans, advertising, signs, logos, fliers and simply anything when it comes to TV and Media Arts.

Career Outlook and Salary Structure

From the career perspective, Visual Communications Degree Online program is one of the best career options to go for. After completing Visual Communications Degree online program you would be able to work for different media houses, publication companies, web/graphic designing firms, advertising agencies and marketing firms at key posts. Salaries depend on level of experience and education in the field. You would be able to earn $80,000 or more per year.

Three Inventions That Changed Wedding Photography For Good

Weddings are among life's most important events. For this reason, many people want to keep records of their weddings. They want to be able to show their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (if they live that long) how 'fabulous' they looked on their wedding day. And the more vivid the 'record' that can be kept, the better.

Now while wedding photography is integral part of modern weddings, with even couples in the remotest parts of the world making an effort to at least get a photographer for their weddings, this has not always been the case. After all, photography is a fairly recent invention; it having been invented in 1826. Worth noting too is the fact that photography, in its early days, was an expensive venture; meaning that much as they would have loved it, many wedding couples could simply not afford the 'luxury' of wedding photography.

There are three inventions, or rather advancements in the technology of photography, that have helped to truly changed wedding photography - for the better.

One of these was miniaturization of the camera. Today, cameras are expected - by definition - to be relatively small and easily portable. But that has not always been the case. Early cameras looked more or less like today's X-ray machines. They were the sorts of machine that filled a room! And they were definitely not the sorts of machines that one could carry around. Their use tended to be limited to studios where they were kept; so that people who needed to be photographed had to go to the studios for the purpose. This meant that they were largely useless, as far as wedding photography. A couple that wanted to be photographed on their wedding day couldn't get snapped during the ceremony itself, but rather had to wait till after the ceremony - to go to the studio and get snapped. This was off-putting - and for couples that were not too sentimental, it is something they couldn't bring themselves to do.

Second was the development of color photography. As well all know, weddings are usually highly colorful events. Yet early photography was in black and white, meaning there was no ways of bringing out the color in them. This, of course was to change in the early 20th century when color photography - though expensive then - came into being. Through this invention, even couples who were financially constrained found themselves being tempted to bear a considerable expense, just to have the wedding photos in color.

Third was the development of digital photography, a relatively recent invention. One thing that digital photography was known to do is to turn everybody into a photographer: a great departure from the situation before, when photography was an art for the 'specialist' photographers only. Thus in modern weddings, you will not only see the official photographer with a camera, but also the friends and relatives of the couple clicking away, some on their phones (as many phones nowadays come embedded with digital cameras). Another thing that digital photography has done is to make photography inexpensive. Thus a couple can take as many photos on their wedding as they want, without the worry of running out of photographic film - a major concern with traditional wedding photography.

Good Decisions, Bad Decisions

This is about decisions that we all make every day throughout our lives. We all make decisions, some are good and some are bad. Many are quick and some are well thought out. Some of us even make decisions not to make decisions.

Have you ever thought about doing something new and knew that it would involve a lot of work and commitment? I recently decided to learn to play the fiddle and knew that it would be hard, however I enjoy making music, I played the trumpet when I was younger and got a good feeling when it went well. My lips are not up to the task now so I thought I would try a string instrument and the violin sounded like fun. An hour or more of practice each day and it is still hard to see an improvement. But it was a decision I made and set my mind to achieve.

Some decisions affect others, well I should say that most decisions affect others in one way or another. Some decisions are for a life time, these are life changing decisions. Other decisions are daily and minor. We will call these learning decisions. Other decisions affect our character and we will call these moral decisions.

And then there are decisions that affect us at our deepest level, soul-searching decisions!

Life changing decisions

When we are young, we tend to give little thought to the decisions we make and how they will affect the rest of our life. A lot of young people take the easy route and make decisions that cost us a lot as we get older. I dropped out of school at an early age, that decision cost me a lot and later in life I had to work much harder to make up the difference. One life changing decision I made at a young age, I did think about for a long time and that was to leave home. I came up with all kinds of reasons, but what it really boiled down to was just a young restless spirit who thought the world was his and knew no danger.

Entering the Army was another life changing decision and then for three years most major decisions were made by the Army! After that getting married was another life changing decision and one that involved commitment.

Life changing decisions do not occur every day, but when they do occur your life will change direction forever. One of my biggest life changing decisions was when I was about nine or ten, I accepted Jesus as my lord and savior. He still let me make decisions right and wrong, but I firmly believe that He has watched over me and protected me when I made wrong choices. Now I have learned to trust Him in all that I do and more often consult with Him before I make those life changing decisions.

Some big life changing decisions we don't normally think about are the dropping of the atomic bombs during World War II, or the bombing of Pearl Harbor and Hitler's action against the Jewish population in Europe. Some decisions affect all of us and other decisions affect only the ones near us, few decisions affect only one person.

Learning decisions

Learning decisions start when we touch a hot stove or climb out on a limb that is too small. We learn quickly from those types of decisions. These are all the small decisions we make every day and they help us to learn. As time goes on, we grow in the direction of the decisions, we choose. If we decide to take something that does not belong to us, at first it may be a small decision, but the next time we are tempted to steal it becomes a much bigger decision. Unless we make a willful hard decision to stop, it can become a habit. The same is true of good decisions, if we continue to make good decisions they can also become habits, only good habits.

When I look back on my life, I remember good and bad decisions that I made like a roller coaster, up and down. Bad decisions were met with trouble and good decisions with rewards.

As a kid I had picked up a few curse words and would use them if I hurt myself. Once when dad and I were pulling a minnow net along a creek bank, I stumped my toe and let a few choice curse words. Dad was quick to correct me and we went round and round in the creek for a while. The result of my decision to curse was more painful than the stubbed toe! To this day I have avoided the use of words to express my pain and disappointment. Instead of showing anger over cutting myself or having a car wreck, I think about what I need to do to correct the situation.

We cannot take back what has just happen, but we can look for the best decision going forward. For example when receiving a cut there will be a short time before the pain and shock set in, try to use that time to get medical attention or clean the wound before it hurts too badly. The same is true with bad decisions we make. If we make corrections quick, the resulting consequences will not be so bad. For example in the work place, when I make a wrong decision or make a mistake, I try to let my superiors know about it at once. They appreciate it and together we worked to correct the situation.

As we get older and wiser, we try to learn from the decisions that others made. We look to those that were successful in life to see what decisions they made.

Moral decisions

Moral decisions are the processes of learning right from wrong and making decisions that follow the paths we choose. A Christian home is the best place to learn about good moral decisions. There was no better teacher than Jesus and the Bible to learn about right and wrong. Being from a Christian home I know that those values remained with me throughout my life.

Deep within each of us is also knowledge of right and wrong, and each minute of our lives we have to make decisions that we know are right or wrong. The problem is that the more often we choose to make a wrong decision, we choose not to think about it so hard the next time and so we tend to continue down the same path. I can really admire someone who has made wrong decisions all their life and then makes a major decision to change all that, live for God and do what is right. That really takes courage and strength.

Soul-searching decisions

Our pastor shared a story with us Sunday about some relief workers giving medical aid to people in a country in Africa. There were long lines where people were waiting eight hours or longer for medical treatment. One relief worker was going down the line praying with the people for healing, when he approached a Muslim woman who had been in line all day. When he offered to pray with her, she said he could only pray to Allah, not Jesus. When he only offered to pray to Jesus for her healing, she became upset and left the line to return home. She later returned and searched for the person that wanted to pray with her. After asking many of those in line she at last found him and asked for him to pray for her. He asked what caused her to change her mind, and she said that on the way home a man in a white robe appeared to her and pointed at her asking why had she rejected Him!

She made a life changing decision that affected her soul, and eternal life. Sometimes we need a little help in making decisions.

All About Starting A Photography Business

If you've always loved clicking pictures and capturing the beauty of life, then you should definitely consider starting a photography business. Anyone with a knack for photography can venture into this field, but do be warned that it isn't easy. However, it is entirely doable. Moreover, people seldom get a chance to do what they like to do AND get paid for it. So, if photography is your hobby, then by all means, go ahead. Why would you want to pass up an opportunity of getting paid to do what you love?

The Portfolio Does The Trick

In order to start a photography business and attract clients and customers, what you will need is a terrific portfolio. It is always the best thing to do - compiling a portfolio of the best pictures that you have taken - when you're courting prospective clients.

While putting together your portfolio, you must make sure that the photographs taken are from various different fields and each photograph reflects a type of mood and these photographs should be preferably spontaneous. You need to have a portfolio that is designed to impress your client, at first glance, because remember, competition is very fierce in this area and there are many talented photographers out there who are more than willing to snatch your clients away from right under your nose.

Kinds Of Photographers

Next, you need to decide what kind of a photographer you want to be. You can be either an assignment photographer or a stock photographer. If you are an assignment photographer, you will merely have to cover functions like weddings, anniversaries, school programs etc. In fact, this is the career of choice for most photographers, because it involves a much lower risk factor in terms of finances - you'll get paid, either before the event or after!

A stock photographer takes pictures randomly. No, it doesn't mean that you'll go about all over the place snapping pictures. As a stock photographer, you will have with you, a collection of pictures, for which you foresee a demand in future. The photos you take can be sold to various organizations like newspapers, magazines, websites, calendars, brochures etc. Many organizations, instead of commissioning a photographer, just buy stock photographs because it involves a lower cost, you could be the one providing these pictures.

An essential part of starting a photography business is getting your equipment. If you have an amateur camera, then you have no hope of competing with the professionals who have state of the art equipment at the ready! In addition to cameras you're going to require: tripod stands, lights, lenses, filters, studio lights etc.

What you need to keep in mind is, you don't have to spend your life's savings on these pieces of equipment, but you should get equipment which is of a good quality. Sometimes, it's a good idea to rent equipment, especially if you need it for an assignment or two. Starting a photography business is fun and rewarding, so do consider it!

Testing the Waters of Online Education: Reasons to Give Distance Learning a Try

Online learning is still a relatively new format for the delivery of classroom instruction. And while the benefits of attending a virtual classroom instead of a physical classroom are many -- ranging from convenience and affordability to better collaboration and accessibility -- there are still a number of potential students out there who are reluctant to give it a try.

Yet, there is a way to test the waters of online learning to figure out if online study is right for you. Unlike, say, parachute jumping or becoming a heart surgeon, you can find out without taking a big scary plunge.

While traditional colleges and universities normally require you commit to a full semester or even year of courses, that is anything but the case with most online schools. Without any commitment, and very little (if any) expense, you can decide firsthand whether or not online education is a good fit for your unique learning style. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

That being said, online learning isn't just about earning a degree any longer -- far from it in fact. There are countless certification courses out there -- offered by top-tier and accredited universities -- that can be taken to learn a new skill or brush up on an old one. From graphic design to massage therapy, certification courses can lead to a new hobby and even a new career.

'Personal growth' courses also abound, and range from discovering your inner peace and improving your positive thinking to photography and screenwriting. While these kinds of online courses might not enhance your resume, necessarily, the impact they have on one's life can be profound. You won't find a more convenient or affordable way to pursue some serious -- and seriously fulfilling -- self-improvement.

So why not give online learning a try -- or try online learning to test that career path you've always dreamed of?

Here are some reasons to give online learning a try.

Dream Big

You only live once, so why not look into the true dream job or career you would want most out of life? With today's countless options online, anything is within your grasp - whether you've considered becoming a private eye, trial lawyer, or heart surgeon.

No one wants to be wondering years down the road whether they should have taken the chance on a career that they really would have loved. You never know what's possible until you try!

Get Creative

Online learning isn't just about getting a degree or improving your technical skills. It's now an educational arena more and more people are turning to for art, music, photography, and other creative endeavors.

At the very least, you'll liven up your current life with a fulfilling creative release. And who knows, your creative passion might even lead to a whole new career!

Try Something New

As we mentioned, distance learning can be a convenient and affordable way to investigate a new passion, learn a new skill, or sample a new career direction -- with no risk and little expense.

Maybe you're a receptionist that's always wanted to try graphic design? Or a paralegal itching to get into IT? Statistics show that most people change careers at least once in their lives, and gaining expertise in a new field is a great way to test-drive a new career. Online courses let you sample a new field without leaving your current one, and can generally be worked into your busy schedule with ease.

Take a Step Up

On the other hand, maybe you're already happy with your job and chosen field, but would like a quick career boost. You'd likely be surprised at how much learning one new skill can impact your job standing. An accountant learning a new bookkeeping program, for instance, or a graphic designer getting a grasp of the newest cutting-edge software, can make all the difference in the world when a promotion is at stake.

Additionally, your employers will almost certainly be impressed with your drive and initiative -- not to mention your tangible new skill. Some businesses will even cover the cost of your tuition if the course directly applies to your work with them.

Help Yourself

If you're a small-business owner, or just aspire to be, there's a perfect online course just waiting out there for you. What shopkeep, e-commerce seller, or innkeeper couldn't stand to improve their bookkeeping skills, know more about saving on their taxes, or gain crucial knowledge on business management?

Imagine the money you could save by handling your own financial ledgers, or dealing with your own tax filing at the end of the year!

And for the aspiring entrepreneur, your only challenge will be choosing the right business to explore. Whether you're considering opening a B& B, restaurant, import-export service, or other small business, there's likely an online course available to show you the ropes.

Strengthen a Weakness

It's safe to say that everyone has at least one weakness -- from the technically handicapped, to the financially clueless, to those who struggle to communicate better or run their office in a more organized manner.

That monkey on your back has been there too long, but you can give him the boot with one thorough online course. You'll feel a weight off your shoulders and won't feel so much at the mercy of your bookkeeper or office IT staff.

Satisfy Your Curiosity

Maybe you've always wondered what it was like in the world of graphic design, or how those computer gamers come up with such amazing results. Everyone has something they're curious about but never looked into. Our pragmatic side, or fear of failure, tells us "that's not for you," or "you're an accountant, not an interior designer, darn it!"

With the accessibility and affordability of distance courses, you can now satisfy your curiosity without breaking the bank, or even a sweat. Even if you don't end up making a career change, you'll get to see how the other half lives - and gain expertise in a brand-new area.

Stop Waiting!

Regardless of your choice with distance learning, there's no time like the present to give it a try. The field as a whole has grown to be so extensive there is literally no end to your online options.

For someone who's unsure whether or not they want to start pursuing a full degree online, a certification or personal development course can be ideal for getting a true feel for what online learning is all about. If you like it and feel you can succeed at it, then you can take the plunge and move on to a legitimate degree program. If it's not your cup of tea, no big deal, since the monetary and time commitments are fairly nominal.

But the fact is, you won't know how you feel about online learning, or that dream career you've always thought about, or learning a new skill, until you give distance education a test-run.

You have little to lose and a world of possibilities to gain.

Starting a Photography Business Successfully

Most people with the right training, proper equipment and technical savvy can take photographs. But, if they were starting a photography business, then the whole venture is going to take considerable planning, investment and some business acumen to launch their company. Prior to launching the business, the best way to get advice is to go to a small business advisory service and study the following: how to look after your financial and tax matters; make sure you know all the legal ramifications of the business like setting up a company; you must have a well organized office set-up for appointment setting, marketing and administration because it will save you time.

When you are fresh out of college you really need to understand what type of photography you would like to specialize in. Most novices, start out by working in newspapers and magazines, because they need to practice their skills before they launch on their own. However, you will need to have tenacious skills to develop a business in non-journalistic fields such as wedding pictures, portraits, landscapes, events, commercial shots and much more.

The field of photography can be divided into two main sections: assignment photography or stock photography. The owner of the photography business must decide the niche you wish to enter. There are times when you can juggle both sides, but not when you are just starting out. If you choose the field of assignment photography then there will be dead lines to meet and you must be reliable every-time on the job.

If you are hired as a freelancer for a print publication, you will be paid upon completion of the assignment. This will be subject to either a written contract or a verbal one. This does make sure that you will be paid no matter what. Provided you are a reliable photographer, some companies may even pay you a retainer for when you do not have any work. This saves them looking for some-one else at short notice and you still have money coming in.

Choosing the stock photography option is vastly different. As a photographer, you will have to build a data bank of pictures of almost everything. This means taking a lot of extra special pictures that you can sell, should there be demand for it. It also means investing a lot of time and money in your business if you are going to see some good results. You will have to be careful about staff salaries, rent for your office, buying special camera equipment, van to carry the gear, insurance and much more. There is a vast market out there of clients hungry for special pictures and it is a question of finding the right area. To be successful in this side of the business, there will have to be a long term marketing plan and good business strategy as it does require a lot effort. At the very least with a good business plan and financing to see you through the early stages there is scope to improve, learn and grow.

How To Take Good Pictures Of People - Digital Photography Tips

Learning how to take good pictures of people is not hard at all. If you follow some simple techniques your people pictures should start looking great in no time!

People photos are really good to know how to take. This is one type of photography you'll probably be taking plenty of photos of. Not only could these tips help with portrait shots but also simple shots when you're on vacation, traveling, or at an amusement park.

Smiling

When people smile for a picture most of the time it looks very fake and contrived. If you're going for that then keep asking them to smile. However, if you want a more realistic photo then you really should try to get them to smile naturally. Tell a joke, bring a joke book along, do something to get them to laugh naturally.

Posture

If you've tried posing people for pictures I'm sure you've noticed how some people end up looking very stiff and fake. Posing models really can be hard when the model is stiff.

If you want to pose your model right and are confused how to do so, start looking at people as silhouettes. Notice the shape and lines. See how they look and then try to position the person so that these lines and shapes look nice.

Candid Photos

Some of the best people photos are done when they aren't looking. Try taking good people pictures when they're running, on a ride, or talking to others and laughing naturally with one another.

Information About Architecture Colleges and Schools

Trying to find the best architecture school in the country? Picking a school can be hard, especially when choosing one for a specific career, so here is something you should think about before you register for a school. Does it suit your needs? If you are slower paced then others, do the professors offer individual help? If you're a person who learns hands on, does it have hands on training? Even some of the best architecture universities in the country aren't necessarily the best school for you so be sure to do your research.

Over 100 accredited schools in the U.S. offer architecture degrees, and while choosing the best architecture program for you can seem overwhelming, there are many resources you can refer to. The most comprehensive is the Guide to Architecture Schools, which describes degrees offered, program philosophies, faculty, alumni, teacher-to-student ratio, cost, school population, and university setting for each program.

The best architecture schools are accredited, which is very important because a schools accreditation is very important. If a school is not Accredited their diplomas will not be recognized for the true achievements they are worth. So why waste four years in a school which can be harmful to your educational journey and make it difficult for a you to reach your career goals.

Most employers prefer to hire job applicants who have gained their education from a school or university with the appropriate accreditation status. Many employers also look to see that employees have been educated at an appropriately accredited institution when making decisions about business promotions, company advancements, and whether to provide tuition coverage or assistance for employees who wish or need to further their education. It is well proven that if an employer had to choose between a candidate from an accredited school and one from a normal institution they'd rather pick a candidate from an accredited school. The best architecture universities in the country are all accredited.

There are many career choices you can follow once you have gained a respected course in architecture. The different routes require diverse attributes and following a specific route may mean continuing education or gaining an advanced degree. However, the options available to you once you have obtained a degree increase dramatically. You may choose to follow up your course with an environmental building qualification or one of the many design courses available at many of the best architecture universities.

How Much Money do Photographers Make?

Interested in knowing the average salary of a photographer? Well the answer to such a questions is always a little more complex and therefore requires a little thought before a solid number is able to be given. First of all, it should be noted that there is a wide discrepancy between the earnings of photographers. Some make very little money, others spend more money than they make, while still others make decent livings, some of whom even make upwards of $100,000 a year. However, according to statistics the average photographer makes between $14,000 and $54,748 with the median falling somewhere in between those two numbers.

If you want to be a photographer who makes more money than average you'll need to be very strategic with how you approach your career. Below are some tips to ensure that you earn as much as possible during your tenure as a photographer.

1) Get as much photography education is possible. This industry is very "status" oriented. The more education you get the better chance you have of finding someone will want to employ your services. Photographers with more photography and artistic education will earn more than those without.

2) Another equally important, if not more important element to a successful and profitable photography career is to shoot as many great shots as possible of high profile events or people. Being able to name drop, or event drop in this industry will ensure you can charge the best rates in the industry. Try your hardest to get a couple high profile people, places or things under your belt. To the average person or business your credibility will automatically shoot up. Imagine you're looking to get some family portraits done and you have the option of choosing two different photographers. One of the photographers has photographed a couple of celebrities while the other hasn't. You will probably be more likely to want the higher profile photographer. Buying photography is very emotional just like all other buying. While the photographer who photographs celebrities isn't necessarily better than the other photographer, but the public will see it that way. Plus, when they tell their friends who their photographer is they will enjoy saying "they are the same photographer that photographed ____________ (insert high profile name or event here)".

3) Get as much experience as possible and build a breathtaking portfolio. In this industry you can greatly improve your earning potential by having a strong eye for detail. Look at other photographers portfolios and incorporate all of the most eye catching elements into your own portfolio. Always present yourself in a professional manner and make sure you get to show people your work and talk about your accomplishments.

4) A photography career requires a wide degree of creativity. You'll need to be able to change with the times and quickly change to meet someone else's photographic expectations. Working as a photographer means you'll be working in a very competitive environment. This is because many creative and entrepreneurial people feel passionate about this industry. You'll need to ensure you separate yourself from the pact with your own unique style and good sense of creativity. Buy various style magazines and photography journals. Watch creative movies and learn as much about fashion as possible. The better your understanding of style the more employable you'll be.

The above will hold true whether you are like half of the photographers out there today and self employed or if you are employed by a company or other institution. Being able to tell a story visually can be a very exciting thing. Now you just have to find a way to be able to do it and get paid for it!

My Market Stall in Spain

DO THE SPANISH EAT DONUTS? Part One.

During one phase of my long life, I was a Market Trader. I sold many different products and travelled hundreds of miles all over the South of England attending markets. It was hard work, but a lot of fun. I worked as I have so many times with my wife Joyce, and we made a great team.

We worked at various times in Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and as far as the Midlands. We looked forward to the Summer, Markets in Devon. With many tourists travelling to that county, it was a lucrative area to work in. Apart from our "regular" markets our ears were always open to hear of other good ones.

It was on the Devon Markets that we heard tale of Traders going to Spain for the winter to escape the conditions here. It's no joke standing in the rain, wind and snow. It's even worse having to get up out of your warm bed to go to the market on freezing roads, often for very little money. Apart from the Christmas run up, where business picks up, winter markets are not the nicest place to be in England !

Devon was the place that drastically changed our way of marketing and our life. It was where I met and became friends with a Trader and his wife, John and Val. They told us that they went to Spain each winter, not as Market Traders but just for a long holiday. Our conversations turned to markets in Spain, and we learned that many of the traders from England would go and work on the Spanish markets in the Sunny Winter.

They now had my attention! How many times had I dug snow out of a pitch, in freezing temperatures, just to get my stall set up!

They told us how they based themselves in Benidorm, on a Campsite within ten minutes walk to the centre of town. Right on the Mediterranean Sea

Well that was enough for us to start to plan, with their help, a trip to Spain.. There were Markets all around the Benidorm area, and apart from some Markets being for the Spanish Traders only, most other European nationals, were free to work on markets because of the new European rules . With this information I pestered them for all the information I could about the Markets and about Spain itself. I had only one problem -I had never been to Spain!,

Well with-out the long story, my wife and I decided to go on this adventure. What would we sell? I had a Donut Machine which we were currently using, and thought, why not! So our plans were made to leave the country, I had a Transit Van, a large Caravan, and enough stock to last for six months. That consisted of about half a ton of donut mix. Gas and cooking oil for the machine and all the rest of the stall and related items for that plus all the things we would need for our personal well being. Wow! were we loaded, and we had a thousand miles to go!

It was that after our summer markets had finished, our friends agreed to "Show us the way to Spain," The day arrived for us all to set off, heavily loaded , even the Transit seemed eager to go. We boarded the ferry at Portsmouth and it was to take us to Santander via the notorious Bay of Biscay . Luckily the passage was smooth, and two days later saw us embarking onto Spanish soil. And the Sun was shining ! We followed our friends with their car and caravan to Benidorm, and it was nice to have company on this our very first venture into Spain.

We arrived in Benidorm three days later, after a long journey only stopping at Motorway Stations and for fill ups, We were both anxious to get to the destination, but still a little wary of this new adventure. We arrived at a campsite called La Torreta, and got settled in. It was only just a ten minute walk to the centre of Benidorm, just as they had told us, and the beach with the Mediterranean lapping at the sand.

But first priority was to book in for my first market. Now if you want to get on a market in Spain, and you've never been there before and you don't know any Spanish language. That's a pretty daunting task. Remember I had never been to Spain before!.

My phrase book gave me two words, and I knew por favor, (please). Well most people do! I spotted the words Plaza and Domingo, and decided this was all I had to remember. Hm.. not much you can do with that in a conversation! But it might work. So it was a trip to the Town Hall, and find the market office.

OK here goes, "Plaza, Domingo, por favor"

Well I must have hit the right words as an official looked at me for a second and much to my relief, a pad was produced and The Man rattled off some Spanish at me and thrust a paper with a pitch number and the cost towards me. I paid hurriedly and left.

The market was just outside Benidorm, and I had a pitch in La Nucia where the town hall was.

Oh and my Spanish words? Plaza, Domingo, por favor.( Pitch, Sunday, Please.)

I am glad to say that the people at the market on Sunday were a real mixture, seemingly most had come to Spain from England to avoid the winter there. And they all liked donuts! The Traders were Spanish, English, Dutch and German, and we got on well with them all.

We joined other markets and it was not long before we started using Spanish words and understanding maybe more than we knew. Three markets a week was enough to keep us in Spain from October till May. What a wonderful time we had. working just three days a week and the rest of the time enjoying the Sun and finding our way round Spain. Eventually of course, we had to return to do our regular and summer markets. But this journey, thanks to our friends, was a real adventure and holiday in one.

This was in 1995 and for the next six years we went to Spain for the Winter. with the lovely weather, Christmases in the hot sun and a new host of camping friends and traders welcoming us back.

We still go to see friends in Spain, but have long since given up the Market life. We look back and say, it was some of the best times of our life. My point to this story (if there is a point) is that sometimes you just have to get up and go, even if you don't know what's on the other side.

That's why as a pensioner now, I am attempting to do a bit of blogging. I may not get it right, but I'm going to have fun trying.

Advantages of Joining a Film School

The film industry perhaps has the stiffest competitions that any industry can provide. You can have talent, contacts and the resources to get into the inner circles of the industry and still not make it. None of this work well alone and they don't even work well together if the most important thing is missing - discipline. If you think you have enough talent to sail through, think again. There are numerous facets to the industry that you may remain ignorant about till you join a film school.

Leading film schools offer multi-disciplinary courses which would give you a wide range of options to choose from. From acting, editing, cinematography to directing you have the whole wide world of entertainment to specialize in. Some schools offer select courses and focus on either one or a few disciplines. While others have an umbrella approach where they start from basics like film history and film theory and go to advanced courses where you can specialize in a particular branch like production or acting.

Advantages of Joining a Film School

Courses - Film courses range from acting, directing to even writing. In a film school you will get a disciplined approach to each field and graduate from the basics to the advanced courses giving you an in-depth knowledge for future.

Network - The entertainment industry is very closely interlinked. Everyone knows everyone here. Most schools create opportunities for their students to meet eminent personalities and the key people behind them. This will be your first stepping stone to creating your own contacts.

Internships - At the end of the courses, the schools put you onto paying internships in the film or TV industry where you learn the ropes from rung one. Your creativity can then find fruition in multiple areas and help you get into various careers with animation studios, film studios and production companies, television channels as well as advertising agencies.

Career Options

Film making - Film school training will help to get easy entry into a career of film making. You will learn all aspects of making a movie from shooting and development, physical production to post-production. It will also include training in financing, distribution and film marketing.

Acting - A focused course in acting is aimed at bringing out the natural talent and blends it with discipline, professionalism and creativity. Many seasoned actors have found their first footing into the industry after their film school training. Many television production houses directly recruit from films schools to get fresh faces for their shows.

Television technology - With the onslaught of television channels there is no dearth of programs to create and manage. You can get training in all aspects of broadcasting technologies, television production and marketing.

Animation and gaming - Animation and game design are the newest big things in cinema and entertainment. With a film school training you can learn the latest digital techniques to create animated films or games in 3D or 4D. These courses usually start with cel animation and then go on to digital courses giving you all-round training.

Technical courses - These include a wide range of disciplines from visual art and design, cinematography, editing, sound and audio engineering.

Writing - Creative writing courses in the film industry can lead to several career options - screen writing, film criticism, film journalism and writing film and television reviews.

How The Digital Camera Has Changed People's Lives

There's no denying that the digital camera has made changes in the lives of photo-loving people. Some 2.5 billion consumers around the world, young and old, now own this device which they can easily carry wherever they go.

The digital camera all started with a small box about the size of a coffee maker with a cassette attached to its side. Kodak was responsible for inventing it 40 years ago through inventor Steven Sasson.

But although it was not quite successful, the digital technology eventually caught up. Its popularity peaked in 2005. Factors that led to its success are it's very handy and lightweight, can store hundreds of images without the need to use a film and most importantly, it's easy to operate.

Its affordability is another plus factor. And once you own it, no other cost is associated with having this advanced camera. You just need to charge it and you're good to go.

This is a far cry from the old camera that uses the film. In the past, engaging in photography even as a hobby was already quite expensive. Fortunately, many people can now enjoy shooting their favorite scenes and subjects without worrying about expenses.

With the digital camera, people had every reason to take as many photos as they want without having to change films like in the past. Thanks to the memory card that store media, families, friends, professionals and even students are now able to capture hundreds of images in one setting. And an important aspect here is the sharing of photos that happens online which people, especially the youngsters, are often excited to do when they get home or even when they're still at the event.

Coupled with the internet, the digital camera has changed so much the behavior of people in terms of taking pictures. What they do in their daily lives is often shared on social media sites. Before they eat whether at home or in restaurants, people now take photos of their food first. They would shoot places they go to and scenes they find beautiful while strolling around.

People have also improved their photography skills thanks to the digital camera. With the LCD screen and preview feature, it's easy these days to check the image immediately right after taking the photo. This behavior is known as chimping.

Perhaps the most important influence of the camera is its use in citizen journalism. People regardless of their action now have the power to capture news worthy events as they happen such as a riot on the street, car crashes, a fire or even a hurricane and other natural disasters. These images can then be shared with media companies for reporting on TV.

What's becoming a major threat to the digital camera today is the smartphone. With the rise in the ownership rate of smartphones, the digital cameras are foreseen to become extinct sooner or later.

Latest statistics show that more people now own smartphones than the camera mainly due to the phone's multiple functions. Apparently, consumers prefer to have a device that can perform various tasks and with this advanced mobile phone such as the iPhone, they can make calls, send text and do other tasks online wherever they go. Did you know that on Flickr, the iPhone is the most popular camera used in photo sharing?

Photography Business - How to Survive When Your Photography Business is Struggling?

Realize That You Have Cash Sitting On Your Hard Drive - If you've been shooting for anything length of time it's probably safe to assume that you have an extensive library of images on your hard drive just sitting there collecting virtual dust. Now is the time to go through work, print samples and breathe new life into your library.

Offer them on your website for sale -or- contact a small local gallery or perhaps even a coffee shop. Anyway you can get your work in front of eyes can be great way to raise your visibility. The benefits can range from direct print sales all the way to private commissions.

Expand Your Reach By Marketing Online As Well As Off - If you're stuck on print marketing i.e. taking ads in physical publications or direct mail perhaps it's time to start marketing your services online. Today we have so many options for getting the word out about our services from personal blogs to social media networking websites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter just to name a few. I urge you not to dismiss these tools as the domain of high school kids, trust me when I say that major business is being conducted via these sites.

I'm personally constructing educational programs for photographers and making deals with prospects that I've never physically met. Get online and expand your reach, it's practically free and the benefits can be business transformational.

Adopt An Attitude of Bold-Thinking - When times are tight financially our natural inclination is tighten our purse strings, understandably. And while you don't want to be fool hardly with your spending you don't want to be stingy in your thinking. (What I mean is that now is time to adopt an out-of-the-box attitude, don't automatically assume that you have "spend" more money.

Think how can I make better investments? Sometimes your investment will require a financial commitment, but in my experience I've found that some of the most powerful investments you can make are in "Relationships". (So now is the time to think bolder, resist retreat and encourage reaching out. Contact individuals that you can create joint ventures with. These relationships can be other businesses that can use your images, or photographic expertise to promote their services and vice versa.

For example, a small hotel or resort may be interested in promoting a weekend photo workshop, especially if you can bring in new customers for them. Going back to the first point I made in this article about cash on your hard drive, see if you have images that you could print and offer for sale in local boutique or shop. I recently brokered a deal like this for a client and it was great opportunity for both the photographer and the shop owner.

Finally, don't allow today's challenging economic climate to knock the wind out of your business. Use this opportunity to think bigger. Money likes speed, don't wait; get started today. Create a list of potential joint venture partners and see how you create an offer that combines what you love to shoot as a photographer with businesses that need to bring in new customers.

Planning A Recital For Dance Classes? What Parents Need To Know Before The Big Day

Many children take dance lessons throughout the year in preparation of one big event -- the recital. However, the dancers can't do everything themselves and parent participation can be the difference between a successful recital and one that's full of chaos. If you're volunteering to help make sure the recital is a success, here are a few things that people who teach dance lessons want you to know.

Coordinate Costumes, Hair And Makeup For Students In Dance Classes

It's important that all the kids match each other for the recital. For many girls who take dance lessons, this means wearing the same costume, hairstyle and even makeup. While some parents might balk at the thought of their very young girls wearing makeup, it's actually important when they're on stage and under the bright lights. The makeup helps highlight eyes and facial expressions while the kids are performing on stage and these facial expressions can be an essential part of the dance. Additionally, if the teachers have requested a certain hairstyle, bow or other headpiece, take the time to make sure each dancer has their hair properly styled. Some parents get together and appoint one person in charge of hair and makeup to make sure the children are all coordinated.

Bring Extra Tights, Just In Case

Tights are some of the most fragile pieces of dancewear that students need. They can rip, run or tear easily and it's not uncommon for dancers to go through more than one pair of tights during a dress rehearsal and recital. If you can, consider packing an extra two or three pairs into the costume bag just in case. Ask if the instructors prefer matte or shiny tights and take care to purchase the right ones. The different materials can look drastically different under the bright stage lights and this can be a big distraction for people in the audience.

Ask Whether Photography Is Allowed

Many recitals, whether they're for a ballet class or another type of dance lessons, don't allow parents to take photos during the recital. If your child's instructor has asked you not to take photos, there's a good reason. The flash can distract the students as they're dancing and it can be distracting for other parents who are trying to watch their own children.

As a compromise, many studios hire a professional videographer to make a DVD of the performance so parents have the option of purchasing a professionally recording of the performance. Others will allow parents to take photos or videos during the dress rehearsal or even during one of the regular dance lessons.

Whether your child has been taking dance classes for years or they're in their first ballet class, the recital is a celebration of a year's worth of hard work. To help make the event a successful one, ask the instructor what you can do to help. If you can, use these tips. You might be surprised at how thankful your child's teacher will be.

Photography Classes

If you have a talent for capturing picturesque scenes or simply want to immortalize great moments, getting formal training just might be what you need to have direction and get even better with the craft.

For starters, why not search for photography classes in your area? Going online is a recommended course of action to take, as most photographers typically gather in internet forums to share information and pictures.

Don't worry, photography courses are a dime a dozen these days thanks to the popularity of the craft. You also don't have to worry about being the "newbie," as most of those who join these special classes are in fact, novices.

If you prefer to go for the traditional method of photography, then you can sign up for an analog camera class. For a more modern take on the craft, you can sign up for a digital photography course. Take note though that analog photography classes can be hard to find, as most photographers prefer to take digital route.

Every major city will have its own variety of schools for photography. Some of the biggest cities in the world, such as London, Paris and New York are home to some of the most renowned photography instructors in the world, making their classes highly attended by aspiring pros from all across the globe.

If you have the coin to spare, then enrolling in a prestigious photography college can be a great investment, especially if you're looking to turn your passion into a serious career. The programs in these photography colleges will help you gain valuable knowledge into the art form, from its history, to the leaps and bounds made in camera and photo technology.

Diane Arbus Biography

Diane Arbus is known as the photographer of freaks because her subjects are people whose normality seems ugly or surreal. She was born Diane Nemerov on March 14, 1923 in New York to a wealthy Jewish family. Her father is David Nemerov, a hard working son of a Russian immigrant. Her mother Gertrude Russek Nemerov is the daughter of the owner of a fur store. Her parents lived in New York City where they owned a famous Fifth Avenue department store which they named Russek's Department Store. The store specializes in selling fur and women's clothing.

Diane was raised a privileged child. Because of her parents' wealth, she was insulated from the effects of the Great Depression. She was raised together with her two siblings in a large apartment located in Central Park West and Park Avenue. She attended a prep school, the Fieldston School for Ethical Culture. She then married her childhood sweetheart Allan Arbus in 1941, when she was at the age of eighteen.

She met Allan, who was an employee in the advertising department of her parents' store when she was thirteen. They had two children named Doon, who was born in 1945 who became a writer and Amy, born in 1954, who followed the footsteps of her mother and became a famous photographer.

The Arbus couple both got interested in photography. In 1941, they visited the gallery of Alfred Stieglitz and many other famous photographers like Eugene Atget and Paul Strand. It is where Diane was inspired by the works of some of the famous photographers. They were then employed by Diane's father to take photographs for the advertisement of their department store. During the World War Two, Diane's husband, Allan became a photographer for the US Army Signal Corps.

After the war in 1946, the Arbuses started a commercial photography business which they called Diane & Allan Arbus. Diane is the stylist/art director while Allan is the photographer. Allan gave Diane her first camera, and both agreed to took equal credit on their photos. Even though they both hated the fashion world, they contributed to different fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Flamour and Seventeen. Their photograph of a father and son reading a newspaper was also included in the curator Edward Steichen's massive Family of Man exhibition which was displayed at the Museum of Modern Art. Their family business only lasted for ten years when Diane decided to leave the fashion business to pursue her own personal interest.

Diane Arbus then studied photography with Berenice Abbott and later on with Lisette Model who changed her photographic methods and style. In 1959, she slowly became famous and started taking photographs for Esquire, Harper's Bazaar and The Sunday Times Magazine. She then switched from a 35mm Nikon camera to a twin-lens reflex Rplleiflex camera which enabled her to produce more detailed square images.

In 1967, she had her first major exhibition of her photographs which entitled New Documents at the Museum of Modern Art. This gallery also featured the works of other famous photographers such as Garry Winogrand and Lee Friedlander.

Arbus died on July 26, 1971 in her home at Westbeth Artists Community in New York City when she took her own life after ingesting barbiturates and slashing her wrist with a razor. It was said that she suffered from depression and may have been made worse by symptoms of hepatitis.

Can An Online Digital Photography Course Really Help Me Be A Better Photographer?

Many people want to become a better photographer but don't know where to start. What you need most are some lessons, plenty of practice and someone to critique your work so you can improve.

If you want to be a photographer but need some training, it is good to know that there are now plenty of good online digital photography courses to choose from. Completing one of the courses could make the difference between taking good photos and sensational ones that you could even sell. In terms of a new career, photography could be your main work or it can provide a really useful second income.

However it is an art form which requires combined use of technology and artistic sense. Online digital photography courses can be really useful for brand new photographers, old hands who want to shift to digital photography, and getting updates on new photography techniques.

There are many types of online photography courses and there are a variety of subjects as well. Online photography courses utilize a variety of methods to teach, including written lectures and videos.

As technology continues to boom, it becomes easier and easier to learn technical skills online, which is a blessing for budding photographers who can now learn about the technical aspects of photography easily.

On-line digital photography courses should teach you the skills needed to make a career out of your passion in photography, right from the comfort of your own home.

These include various techniques, art appreciation theory and technical proficiency. You can find some good course just by searching through Google.

Keep in mind that on-line digital courses are usually cheaper and of course, accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Some good online digital photography courses are: NOTE: Websites with many years of history are more valuable than brand new sites.

• BetterPhoto.com is the worldwide leader in online photography education, offering a comprehensive resource for photographers who want to improve their skills, share their photos, and learn more about the art and technique of photography. Headquartered in Redmond, WA, BetterPhoto.com is a fun, approachable community, offering online photography courses led by highly respected and published professional photographers, who act as mentors. In addition to help with choosing cameras, BetterPhoto.com offers online photography courses, fun photo contests, digital camera comparisons, photo tips, Web sites for photographers, extensive photo galleries, a useful Q & A, email newsletters, and expert help in all arenas of photography.


• Proud Photography is an online digital photography course that is designed by real professional photographers, based on their past experience, who are willing to share with you their secret techniques and skills.This course is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers. As for newbies, they can learn from basic to advanced photograph taking skill while the experienced users can learn the innovative techniques, tips and tricks from award-winning photographers.


• The Photography Institute The "Professional Photography Course" at the PhotographyInstitute.com is another provided online, via the Internet. You study at home, in your own time, at your own pace. It offers an online diploma course in photography. The new cutting-edge photography course has 24-hour student support. Course duration is 24 weeks, or at your own pace in 12 months or less. Other great online course providers are:

• schoolofphotography.com


• photographycourse.net


• shuttermom.com


• microstockphotography.com

White Balance in Photo Retouching - Pros and Cons of Software Solutions

The first thing you want to take care of, when you set out to retouch your photos, is white balance. White balance refers to the color of the light and assumes that the ideal light color is white. Some shots, like sunset or candlelight, do not have white light, but in general an impression of white light is desirable.

Some use Photoshop's auto levels to set white balance, but that is not ideal, since auto levels merely sets the brightest pixels to white and the darkest pixels to black without looking at the midtones. But what if the brightest pixel in your photo is not white? Or what if you do not have pure black in the photo? (Most photos have black areas, but the brightest pixel is rarely pure white).

The midtones are the most important and to help set the midtones correctly one adds a grey card to the photo. A grey card is a sheet of cardboard or plastic colored an exact midtone neutral gray. Ideally one has three cards: a black, a gray and a white. Photoshop's levels adjustment panel has three eyedroppers for picking color: one for white, one for gray and one for black. By clicking the gray color picker on the gray card, one can set the midtones to neutral gray. One can of course only include a gray card in the photo if one intends later to crop it.

If one does not want a gray card in the picture, or if one does not have a gray card at hand, one can use specialized software that scans the image and calculates the color of the light and sets it to white. There are problems with such software: what if there are no neutral areas in the picture to calculate the color of the light from? Some software does not need a neutral in the image, but most do to get a good result.

If you work with RAW images, you will have discovered that the RAW converters usually come with a slider for color temperature, meaning a slider to adjust the image cool or warm. But what if the color of the light is greenish as when you have taken a picture in fluorescent light? The cool-warm slider is good for regular incandescent light, but not for fluorescent.

Color adjustment sliders are rarely good for correcting white balance, because the color adjustment will not just neutralize the gray card, but will also tone the photo in an undesirable way: often the blacks get colored or the whites, or both.

In short one needs some neutrals in an image to set white balance. A white wall or a sheet of white paper will do well; preferably a gray card for the midtones.

Becoming a Fashion Photographer: More Than Just Photography

We see the fashion magazines lining the shelves at various stores. We see fashion tips and designers featured on celebrity shows and Hollywood publications. We take a look at the reviews of each designer throughout each high profile fashion week. These are all images captured by a fashion photographer. Fashion photography is among one of the most highly coveted careers in both the fashion world and the photography world. It requires a photography degree and plenty of experience.

When paging through publications such as Vogue or Vanity Fair, few take the time to think about the time, work, effort, and talent that was required to capture each photograph. It requires having a strong eye for fashion, style, art, and of course, photography. A fashion photographer uses all they have learned while obtaining their photography degree and utilizes it to create an exceptional portfolio of their talent and experiences in the fashion world.

Fashion photographers are those who capture photographs on and off the runway. They follow the designers, models, and styles from the design room to the catwalk. The photographs must showcase not only the photographer's talent, but the work and brilliance of each designer as well. In addition to taking shots of the designers and their work, it is important to capture the photos of celebrities sporting the fashions as well. One of the most vital ways to achieve successes in the fashion world is through word of mouth, and celebrity endorsements. By snapping photos of Hollywood's most beloved stars in a dress or pair of shoes by a particular designer, their popularity instantly doubles.

Fashion photography combines all that one has mastered while receiving their photography degree, while also using their artistic eye and combining it with an eye for style and fashion. Capturing the models photos is crucial, as it will depict the idea of the designer and the fashion that they are showcasing. These photos will be displayed everywhere, and reviewed and criticized by many.

Wedding Photography: How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day?

Your wedding day will be one of the most important and memorable days in your life. Finding the right wedding photographer will help you to capture all of the precious moments of your big day. Begin your photography research early to ensure that you get the best professional at the best price for your wedding portraits.

Start Now

Professional wedding photographers can find their schedules booked up months in advance. This means that it's important for you to start looking for a wedding photographer for your wedding right now. Once you've located the photographer you want to hire, pay their advance deposit fee to lock them in for your wedding date. Many people plan their weddings more than a year ahead of time, so it is never too early to begin looking for your photographer.

Style Match

Photographers come in as many different styles as any other element in your wedding. Some favour modern photographer with stark shots against blurred backgrounds. Others photograph in traditional styles and recognizable set-ups. Some old school photographers continue to rely on film, while most photographers have moved to digital equipment. And some professionals prefer pre-planned shots versus taking spontaneous pictures. Give a lot of time and thought to the types of pictures you would like from your big day and ensure your chosen photographer can meet your expectations.

Experience Matters

Anyone can pick up a camera and take a picture. But not everyone can take a good picture, and that is the distinction between professional wedding photography and pictures taken by amateurs. Before selecting your wedding photographer, learn about their background and experience. Have they studied photography and composition through a school or training course? How long have they been working as a photographer? Do they have experience with weddings? Bear in mind that more experience tends to mean higher pay when you hire a wedding photographer.

What's in a Package?

Many wedding photographer 's package offerings together to make it easier for their clients to select what they want ahead of time. While this may mean that you save money while grouping together different shots or prints, it may also mean that you need to work with the photographer to get exactly what you want and at a price that is agreed upon ahead of time. As you work to finalise arrangements, discuss all of your expectations and create a written plan for your big day.

When you mix the right combination of experience, expectations and price, you'll be able to enjoy your wedding photography for a lifetime!

Facebook is a Key Photography Marketing Tool

The ease and relatively low cost of digital cameras have encouraged many people to start photography businesses. This has created a competitive environment. In order to maintain or increase the clients, a photographer needs to market effectively. One of the best places for a photographer to market his business is on Facebook.

Facebook allows potential clients to experience a photographer's work from a source that they trust. Unlike many industries in which the web simply allows a business to describe its product, Facebook allows a person to experience a photographer's product. He can actually see and appreciate the photograph. This is unlike a car company in which he can't get in the car and test drive it over the web (at least not yet). Thus, if a photographer has a quality product that moves people Facebook will allow others to experience that product.

Facebook also allows the flow of the experience come from a trusted source. The person will see images posted on their friend's wall. Often the images will be of their friend or other people they know. Contrast this with traditional print mailings. With the traditional mailing the recipient has no idea who the person in the photographs and they know the message is sent without any recommendation from an unknown company. A Facebook posting on the other hand has the implicit approval of their friend.

Another advantage of marketing on Facebook by posting client's images so his friends can see the images is that this type of marketing is free. While Facebook does have a paid advertisement structure and many photographers have found this to be useful, the best way for photography marketing is also the free way. Just ask clients to become your friends and post pictures. Wait for your client's friends to approach you and request to be friends. Don't go around asking to be everyone's friend or people will consider you to be a "stalker." If you are seen as a stalker you will be shunned from the Facebook community and your marketing will fail.

The photography industry is competitive and requires extensive marketing. Facebook is one of the most effective ways a photography business can market.

Niche Marketing Strategies For Tutoring Businesses Looking To Attract Senior Citizens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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