Photography is a Great Hobby For the Expert and the Novice

If you are searching for a new hobby, photography might be the right option for you. It can be difficult when you first begin to figure out what you need and what can be purchased later as your love of the hobby grows. You can rush right out and purchase an expensive camera and complicated accessories like an imagesetter and screen platesetters, or you can start simple with an inexpensive camera and gradually increase your collection of supplies. You may choose to purchase a few photography books or magazines, and it will not take long for you to be overwhelmed. When you are just beginning with a new hobby, launching yourself into the middle of the expert's circle can leave you befuddled and confused. While there are a select number of people that would learn best in this high-pressure situation, most people would grow frustrated quickly and walk away from the hobby. Instead of trying to take it all on and finding out you need time to learn slowly, go into the new hobby with that attitude. Never forget you wanted to take up photography because you enjoy taking photos. If you hang onto this passion for photos while learning the art, you will build a hobby for yourself that you can enjoy for years and years to come.

The first thing you might want to do is enroll in a class. A lot of neighborhood community colleges offer beginner's classes for a reasonable rate. If this is not an option, consider speaking with a local photography store. Most of them offer classes at lease a few times a year that get you started on the basics. If this option is missing as well, speak with the owner or sales associate at the local camera store. Even if there are no formal classes, maybe the person who works there would enjoy teaching you a few basic skills. It would be a mutually beneficial relationship for the both of you. You can learn new things about your hobby and by helping a customer who is embarking on a new hobby; the camera store gains a loyal customer. Even if you just pick up a quick ten or fifteen minute lesson every time you stop in the store for new film, you will establish a relationship with a trusted and experienced photographer, and you will build your base of photography knowledge.

Once you have the basics under your belt; the best thing you can do is get out there and take pictures. Remember, not every shot is going to be perfect. Even the best photographers in the world use up multiple rolls of film during every photo shoot. The key is to try different things and see what works out. Get to know how things look in the lense once they are developed. What looks great when snapping the photo may be not look so good later? On the other hand, you may surprise yourself with a great shot you were not expecting.

Studying Photography in Charleston, South Carolina

The city of Charleston, South Carolina dates back to 1670 (when it was originally called Charles Towne), making it the oldest city in the state. The city has grown substantially since its humble beginnings alongside the Ashley River and is currently the second largest city in the state, after Columbia - the state capital.

Local history is reflected in many well-preserved buildings along the Battery and in other parts of the city. Numerous museums also bear testament to the past One interesting example is the Powder Magazine, the oldest public building in the city that having started out its life as a gunpowder magazine in 1713.

Charleston has a thriving art scene, hosting the 17 day annual Spoleto Festival USA, the MOJA Arts Festival and the Cooper River Bridge Run among others. The combination of a tangible sense of history and lively artistic community makes Charleston an ideal location for students looking for arts academies and photography schools.

With so many inspiring sights and events in the surrounding area aspirant photographers especially will find a wealth of interesting subject matter within easy reach of their photography schools.

Photographing the many local features for tourism and general purposes can provide many work opportunities. The arts festivals also provide scope for plentiful and interesting work, likewise local minor league baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey and other sporting events. The regions popularity as a filming location movies and television, especially those with historical or southern themes creates further opportunities for students at photography schools during their training and after they graduate.

Children's Photography - Tips For Taking Great Pictures of Children

Children's photography can either be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience or a difficult and challenging one. Here are seven tips to achieving the former and avoiding the latter.

1) Choose a proper setting. One of the more recent trends in children's photography is using a natural setting rather than a studio setting. A park, beach or mountain setting not only provides a better backdrop but will make it more fun for the child. To the child, going to the studio may feel a little like going to the dentist's office. Of course a studio provides for a more controlled environment, but in a natural setting you have a better chance of capturing the child smiling on their own. Let them play and explore the world around them. This will provide for some great candid photos rather than posed ones. Of course if you are using a studio setting there are still several things you can do to make your pictures amazing.

2) Get to know the child. Successful children's photography is about getting the child to work with you, not forcing them. To do this they need to like you and trust you. Although there are exceptions, most children would rather do a thousand other things than get their picture taken. They need to see that the experience is going to be better than they had first though and that you are not the dentist. Talk to them. Ask them how old they are, ask about their school, ask about their favorite things to do in the summer. What you learn from the child can help you as you start to take pictures. For example, if the child is small you may want to ask what their favorite animal is and then use that animals sound to grab their attention when they start to lose interest. Children establish relationships much faster than adults. With only a few words you can build a relationship with a child that will help them trust you. Keep the conversation going and interesting as you start to take pictures.

3) Let them choose a pose. This is especially important when the session is first starting. Let them sit, stand, look at the camera any way they want and snap a few pictures. Maybe the pose is a good one, maybe it isn't, but let them pick a pose or two at the start. After they have done that they will typically be much more willing to let you have a turn telling them how to sit or stand. If they start to become frustrated, let them pick a pose again to loosen them up and then go back you instructing them. Children's photography takes patience and that sometimes means yielding a little control.

4) Make it fun. Children's photography is a different animal, and needs to be fun for the child. This is much easier in an outdoor setting but can work in a studio as well. This also ties into the previous point of letting them choose a pose. Maybe they want to stand on their head, maybe they want to have a picture of them jumping in the air. Whatever loosens them up and gets them to smile.

5) Go to their level. Don't tower over small children. Stoop down and talk to them. Let them see and talk to you at eye level. This also applies to how you talk to them. Talk to children in a fun tone and more like a friend would talk to them rather than an authority figure.

6) Use props. Stuffed animals, squeaky stuffed animals, feather dusters, noise makers. These are all essential in grabbing and holding the attention of a small child. The smaller the child, the more important it is to have a good inventory of props at your disposal.

7) Respect the child. Let them guide the session. If they are hungry it isn't going to work, if they are tired it isn't going to work. The smaller they are the more difficult it is going to be to force them. Don't try until they are ready. Children's photography is about getting great pictures of children and that happens most easily when they are working with you instead of against you.

How Social Networking Has Changed Photography Forever

When the compact disc was introduced around thirty years ago, it was roundly criticized as another way to force the public into adopting a new format in order to maximize profits. At the time, few really realized how radically the digital revolution would alter traditional ways of writing, recording, and marketing music, and that the same technology would also transform photography.

The brilliant decision to include digital cameras as standard cell phone equipment made basic photography available to everyone. No formal instruction is necessary to use these relatively simple tools, and the high-resolution results are instant. Yet even with those advantages, it took a few years to develop an efficient platform for publicly showcasing music and photography files.

Social networking and photo sharing websites became the solution. Today, hundreds of millions of internet users worldwide participate by maintaining daily personal and political contacts and blogs, and these communications often include real-time photos. While instant publication provides unlimited opportunity for expression and recognition, it has also created some legal issues.

The unintended consequence of being randomly included in public photography have greatly increased, especially when current events are being recorded and uploaded in real time. Posting photos of a politically charged demonstration, for example, may inadvertently display the face of someone who may wish to remain anonymous. Even at innocent social occasions such as weddings, not everyone in the audience appreciates being photographed without permission.

With digital cameras and photography becoming nearly universal, there are no all-inclusive legal rules that can actually anticipate every conceivable photographic situation. There are, however, general guidelines for situations that mandate obtaining legal releases signed by the subjects. They are based primarily on the initial intent of the photographer, and include whether or not the pictures will later be sold, or published for profit.

Social networking photos may be unflattering, but are usually not marketed for personal financial gain. Taking a news photo as a building burns does not require written permission, for example, unless an insurance company decides to include it later in their advertising. When sales, profits, or advertising are involved, the photographer must always obtain a model release in writing.

Sample forms are available online, and range from basic permission signatures, to more elaborate legal documentation. On certain occasions when obtaining a release may not strictly be necessary, lawyers familiar with First Amendment cases advise getting one anyway. When the legal lines are a little blurry, a simple release form can prevent an unpleasant lawsuit from going forward.

Top 10 Point and Shoot Cameras Under $250

There are so many different types, brands, and features to consider when buying a digital camera you may not know where to start. There are some top brands such as Canon, Kodak, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, and Olympus. Now this is just to name a few of the top brands, there are many brands nowadays that sell great quality cameras. Since technology has really improved, you can't go wrong lately with any brand of digital camera. What you really need to consider before purchasing your digital camera is what you plan on doing with it. Do you need a more professional zoom or just a few megapixels to print out quality photos? Here is a list of some top digital cameras that are point and shoot and under $250:

1. Canon Powershot A590IS has 8 megapixels, a 4X optical zoom, an optical image stabilizer, and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. A range of shooting modes from manual to automatic including Canon's new Easy Mode which makes picture taking carefree. Once you choose Easy Mode the camera automatically sets every camera control including the flash to reduce blur and improve image quality.

2. Canon Powershot SD770IS has 10 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and optical image stabilizer which reduces the blur of camera movement even in low light situations. A 2.5 inch PureColor LCD II screen which offers more color, resolution, and contrast even when viewed from an angle.

3. Canon Powershot SD790IS has 10 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and optical image stabilizer. It also has a 3 inch LCD screen and like the other Canon Powershots it has DIGIC III Processor for superior image quality and improved functionality.

4. Canon Powershot SD1100IS has 8 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and like all the other Powershots it has enhanced Canon face detection technology which focuses on faces in a scene and concentrates on them.

5. Canon SX110IS has 9 megapixels, a 10X optical zoom that makes it easy to get close-ups out of all your pictures. It also has image stabilizer and the DIGIC III enhanced face detection technology.

6. Nikon Coolpix S550 has 10 megapixels, 5X zoom with a Nikkor lens, image stabilization, and it has the smile mode and blink warning. The smile mode takes the picture as soon as your subject smiles and the blink warning lets you immediately retake the picture when it suspects your subject blinked.

7. Sony Cybershot DSCW120/B has 7.2 megapixels, 4X optical zoom, and smile shutter mode which captures smiles as soon as they happen on a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.

8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K has 9 megapixels, 10X optical zoom, and with intelligent exposure the camera automatically adjusts the brightness.

9. Sony Cybershot DSC-H10 has 8.1 megapixels, 10X optical zoom, and a 9-point auto focus which focuses 9 precision points, not just 5.

10. Kodak EasyShare Z1015 has 10 megapixels, 15X optical zoom, and the Smart Capture feature which adjusts settings for great pictures.

Remember, this is just a little bit of what is available to you.

Your Photography Questions Answered

The art of photography is a wonderful creative outlet for all types of individuals. This art form has been around for decades, and companies have thrived on the production of equipment that is needed to ensure are great picture is taken.

Different types of photography are so varied, that a person can just be a novice to the art or they can become a professional that is driven by their passion. Photography is something that captures the moment for generations to come.

Which is better digital or basic film?

This is a question that only the person taking the pictures can answer. Digital is a relatively new concept that with the right equipment can allow for easy photo sharing via the internet.

A person can also send their digital pictures to a photo lab via the internet also. This allows for a family member several states away to pick up pictures quicker than having to wait for them to come through the mail.

But, if a person thinks that digital photography is too difficult to understand, they may opt to stick with the basic film camera. Again, depending on what a person wants to invest in, the choice is strictly theirs.

How can I become a professional photographer?

So many answers are available for this question. Photography school are everywhere, but if a person cannot attend photography classes on campus, becoming a professional photographer can be difficult.

However, the New York Institute of Photography allows for anyone in the world to become a professional photographer via correspondence. But, by doing a little research at the library, on the internet, and possibly interviewing local photographers to find out how they got into the business, a person can easily become a professional photographer.

How difficult is it to become a wedding photographer?

Wedding photography is one of the hottest types of photographers in demand today. Weddings are becoming larger and larger and the need to capture these special moments are in great need.

Anyone can take wedding pictures, but knowing how to accent with backgrounds, lights,and the right poses can make all the difference. Books and websites are a great place to start learning how to become an experience wedding photographer.

The most important thing when photographing a wedding is to remember to bring enough film and to plan in advance with the bride and groom which particular shots they want to include in their photo album. This planning can make all the difference and also can mean referrals which in turn means more money in the bank.

Which is better, the photography studio or location photography?

This depends on what is types of pictures are desired. A studio may have more equipment such as lights that can enhance the pictures better.

The location will more than likely not be able to accommodate all the equipment a photographer wants, but the area may be all that is needed for the perfect picture. The client and the photographer will have to make that choice together.

How hard is it to print my own pictures?

If a person has a camera with a compatible printer, all that is needed is a USB cable to hook the camera up to the computer. All major retail stores offer photo paper in various sizes to print the pictures on.

And, the pictures will be printed quickly and will look very professional at a fraction of the cost of a photo lab. To ensure quality printing, make sure your ink cartridges are fresh. Old ink cartridges can distort the natural colors of the photograph.

101 Ways To Start Your Own Digital Photographic Business! (71 To 80)

Want to make money with digital photography? Want your own photographic business? Its not just wedding photography, read on to find out 101 other ways to make money and start your own business in the exciting world of Photography! Here is a list of the eighth 10, with an outline of the type of business that can be made.

Your own digital, photography based, home business could start here...

* PET BOWLS. You could stick the photo onto the bowl on the outside with a transfer, or you can get bowls that come apart for the insertion of a photograph. Pet accessories are a huge market along with toys,food and training. Millions is being spent daily. You only need a very small share of that market to make a good living, or even a life changing income. Apart from personalised bowls, how about general cute photos, or promotions for individual pet shop owners, pet toy and food manufacturers. The company who make these bowls did not go into it lightly, they made sure there was a market. Use their research to grab yourself a slice. Don't go to the market with a sieve,go with a personalised pet bowl!

* WINDOW ADVERTISING. How many windows can you see if you, ahem, look out of your window? Quite a few I bet, not only in buildings, but vehicles too. How many are in commercial buildings or vehicles? Still quite a few isn't it? Well with reverse cling film you can put photographs and sales messages on these windows. Window replacement companies, estate agents, politicians (they might be reluctant in case you see through them!), Try Yellow Pages, how many companies in there would look into this kind of advertising? Must stop here I am becoming a pane, no that wasn't me I was framed.

* BANNERS. Personalised banners with photographs on are much better than just the words 'happy birthday'. How about street parties. local events, tractor pulls, conker contests, garden fetes, Search out event diaries in your local press and contact them to see if they want a photographic banner with the organisers on, rather than that tired, tatty old one that can hardly be read anymore.

* SECURITY HOLOGRAMS. The security business is huge, holographs are easy to do now, put the two together and you are an innovative 21st century security company. Search security holograms on the internet and let that show you what others are doing and what they are charging. Then go to my blog and see companies that can help you.

* CERTIFICATES. Sports, academic, lots of certificates being printed out in schools, organisations, pre-schools, companies, training colleges every day. Get your certificate in front of the buyer with a school photo, appropriately engineered, or samples of what you can do.

* FUZZY PRINTS. This is a relatively new media to print on and will go into any standard inkjet printer. Obvious markets include animals (the ones with fur), landscapes with foliage, promotional postcards for material manufacturers. Maybe even a seaside postcard, I know water is'nt furry, but it moves. As I say, this is new and I haven't tried out all the possibilities yet, but you can!

* AUTO SHADES. Functional auto sun shades. Advertising for car lots, holiday destinations, sun cream, sports like golf and tennis, humour, political statements 'the sun always shines with our party'. Very good advertising media, try local tradesmen who leave their vehicle all day.

* PLAQUES/TROPHIES. So many organisations and businesses that present plaques and trophies to their outstanding members or people. Have a look at whats on offer, where can it be improved? Fuzzy plaque for this years top suede shoe seller!

* BINDERS. Lots of these being carried around by students and business people. Colleges and companies may benefit with their own binders. Personalised binders, sports or music themed, promotional items for sports or music companies.

* MEMO BOARDS. Go into any business presentation and you will most likely see bland memo boards. Offer something new with the company photograph and mission emblazoned on it. Don't forget memo boards for home.

This is just to get your creative juices going and your brain storming with ideas! The internet has opened up a never ending need for images, of anything and everything. Stock photography has changed, gone are the highly professional, large format shots of models and beaches, that had to be technically perfect, well they are not gone, but they are not the only opportunities for aspiring photographers who want to make a living with their hobby, their passion. Images that you wouldn't believe started life as a photograph end up everywhere these days and the ability to transform these images is available to everyone, and in the comfort of their own home.

Don't forget a lot of well known high street businesses started life on a kitchen table, why not yours?

Megapixels Explained

Pixels are what makes up every digital image we see, they can be described simply as a single block or square of colour, every block of colour is known as 1 pixel.

Photography Techniques, Megapixel or MP is simply a shorthand way of saying one million pixels, therefore a 6 megapixel image is made up of six millions pixels, or six millions different blocks of colour. The average digital camera today takes pictures of 5-8 Megapixels although cheaper cameras, such as mobile phones cameras are only 1-5 megapixels, more expensive cameras have 8+ megapixels, of the cameras that are currently on sale right now, the king of the megapixel world is the Canon EOS 1DS Mark III, as it has a whopping 21 Megapixel sensor, so images taken with this camera will contain 21,000,000 pixels.

Now onto file size, generally pictures with more pixels are bigger in file size, for instance the average picture taken with a 6 megapixel camera will be approximately 3 megabytes, whereas the same image taken with a 12 megapixel camera will be approximately 6 megabytes, because it contains twice as many pixels. Although the file size of your photograph will differ between photographs depending on how much varying detail is in the image, for example if I take a picture of a busy city scene with lots of people and buildings with a 12 megapixel camera it will be approximately 7 megabytes whereas if you take a picture of a blank wall with the same camera on the same setting it will probably be around 4 megapixels.

Higher megapixel photographs means bigger prints, for instance, the max print size you can get from a 6 megapixel image is approximately A4 whereas a 12 megapixel photograph will look good printed up to A3 size. If you are considering selling photographs or become a professional photographer it is advisable that you spend money on getting a 10+ megapixel Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera, as this will give you the flexibility to create reasonably large, good quality prints.

The Importance of a Degree

As the job market has opened up, filling open positions has become a more selective process, with managers being hired for their college degree and specific experience. With the IT industry dominating the job market, it is important for candidates to continuously update their skills and knowledge, coupled with experience that is specific to the position.

The Case For Obtaining A Degree

To distinguish yourself from the other candidates in the industry, it is important to have a well-balanced approach. The days of graduating and walking into a job with a hefty pay and benefits package are over. These days, managers who seek jobs in IT companies need to be knowledgeable candidates with specific experience, who can work on a team and have the ability to communicate across divisional lines within the organization in order to achieve goals.

Lifetime earnings are greater for people with higher levels of education. A Bachelor's Degree holder can expect to earn about 73 percent more in a 40-year working life span than a high school graduate earns over the same period. The average lifetime earnings for individuals with associate degrees are almost 25 percent higher than that of high school graduates. Education is what broadens our perspective and enhances our abilities to perform our mission in life. To get into the job market with a higher position, a person can continue working, simultaneously study and get a degree through online education.

Experience vs. Education

In the past, some parents felt that a college education was a waste of time and money, and they wanted their children to work early and gain experience. However, these days, they understand the importance of a degree and what their children will gain by acquiring it. Larger numbers of African-Americans have become more concerned about both the access to education and its necessity. Although the patterns in each class of society differ, the overall direction is clear, and people understand the importance of a college degree these days.

Today, getting a higher education has become an aspiration, as much as owning a home or feeling secure after retirement. People now realize that getting a college degree, or at least some form of education after high school, is the surest way to enter into the middle class strata of society. According to surveys, most people say that attending college and acquiring a degree is a necessity to keep pace with the competition in the workforce, and statistics show that an investment in post-secondary education pays off in higher earnings.

Access To Education

Previously, getting an education was a privilege reserved for the rich and upper middle class, but now it is open to everyone. The field of higher education includes both the intense competition for students to get into private universities, and low cost community colleges that take in all students with an open enrollment policy. Specialized trade schools, state universities and corporate training centers are all offering education these days. A generation ago, many colleges turned away students based on gender, race or religion. That has now changed, with court rulings and social changes leading to an increasingly diverse student population. Women now account for more than half of the college students, and in 1999, minorities accounted for 28 percent of the college enrollments.

Though income is still a deciding factor, federal grants, states and universities are increasingly helping students from lower income backgrounds to get a degree. Many colleges are dedicating an increasing percentage of aid to students based on academic merit, sports ability, or musical talent. In every respect, acquiring a degree will make the future better by raising the standards of living.

8 Important Elements in Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

Congratulations on your big day! Now, it's on to planning. This includes the venue, catering, dresses, and so on, and most importantly: your photographer.

As I am sure you have noticed there are a ton of wedding photographers out there ranging in all price ranges. In any wedding, of course, it is important to stay within a budget and photographers understand this.

In looking for the ideal photographer for your special day, there are a few elements that you and your significant other have to take in to consideration aside from budget (please, please, don't let this be your determining factor).

Here are the elements to consider:

• Chemistry- your wedding photographer will be around you more than anyone else so you have to make sure that there is the right chemistry and you are comfortable with the photographer. Communication is the key. I always think that it is essential to have an engagement session with the photographer to make sure your personalities mesh. Please make sure that this will be the actual photographer at your wedding.


• Skill set- one of the biggest misconceptions that we have is that if you went to school for photography, you should be a great photographer. This is not necessarily the case. A wedding photographer takes a special skill set, which is a blend portraiture and imagination, being able to think and react quickly to a situation. Also, make sure to find out how post production will be dealt with. You should find out if the photographer will do any editing, cropping, re-touching of the photos.


• Pricing- Expensive is not always better. Although there are truly talented wedding photographers out there, it doesn't necessarily have to cost you thousands of dollars. There are photographers out there who are looking to develop their portfolio, who won't charge as much, so be on the look out for that. Also, pay attention to the packages that are included. I always recommend, if you are looking to stay within a budget, have your photographer give you a CD with the photos and print them out yourself.


• Equipment- Ask about the following items: backup camera, backup batteries for the camera and flash, back up memory card. These are critical in covering a wedding. Also, you can find out if the photographer has additional equipment such as lighting, tripod.


• Poses vs. Photojournalistic- This will depend on your taste as far as photography styles go. Some people have a preference for the traditional shots and poses, while others prefer the candid moments. Most photographers will be able to blend the styles. If you do choose to have poses, I would recommend having some poses figured out during the engagement session.


• Sites- Once you know where you will have your ceremony and reception, I recommend going to the places with your photographer to think of different locations as a backdrop for photos (make sure it is around the same time that you will be taking photos i.e. Photos sessions will take place at 4:30 pm; make sure that you scout the place around the same time for lighting purposes.)


• Timing- Make sure to have factored in ahead of time when you would like to have your photo shots. Also, providing your photographer with a timeline will allow for him/her to cover everything to the best of their ability.


• Have fun- It's your big day! Have faith that you photographer will do his/her job!

Top 5 Tips on Making Money With Your Glamour Images

To those who ever dreamed of being paid for taking glamour shots, I devote this article - discover 5 efficient ways to start making money from your glamour photographer's skill.

Now I reveal 5 sure-fire techniques of turning your vocation to glamour photography into a lucrative business venture. Just read it and see for yourselves!

Ever thought, "if only I got $1 for every good picture I take..."? Well, here are 5 great ways to make your dream come true - in sums far greater than that!

A glamour photographer has a plenty of opportunities to monetize their hobby to bring in some decent income that can add some pleasant bonuses to monthly cash-ins or even replace a good full-time salary.

Already feeling excited? I haven't told you the best part - there are multiple ways of making money with your glamour images and your artist's skill! Let us have a quick insight in some of those effective techniques.

First

You can trade your skill as a glamour photographer. All you need is a DSLR, a studio (rented, owned, home-based, your friend's - there are many options), a little self-marketing and a HUGE desire to make money. There are many people who would pay nicely for a professional glamour shot; so if you can deliver it, why not earn some extra cash for doing what you do best?

Second

You could take private coaching for beginner glamour photographers. You may not be a pro, but having enough credibility and some fresh, out-of-the-box ideas could compensate the lack of renown. This is not an easy one; however, digital art schools being diploma mills as they are, the market is overcrowded with hungry learners. You only need to step into it and take a niche. There are always people who would pay for knowledge - even if you are not a guru; and there is always something one person could teach another. So why can't it be glamour photography?

Third

Stock photography is a great opportunity to earn residual income from your glamour images. Resources like iStockphoto, Fotolia and many others would handle all the commercial issues for you, while you enjoy the revenue, getting anywhere from $3 to $5000 per one picture purchased. Saturating a photo bank with quality shots is a time-consuming process, but it can bring a lot of cash to you.

Fourth

If you are knowledgeable about the subject, you could always compile your knowledge into a good e-book and sell it, and sell it, and sell it... Glamour photography is no exception - you can trade your expertise in the form of informational products. This market is smoking-hot, while quality e-books are not a frequent catch. If you manage to produce good content and market it, people would buy, and buy, and buy...

Fifth

There are always magazines out there actively hiring prospective artists. This has much to do with trading your skill and time, but you don't need a studio - just your camera and inspiration. The employer will take care of everything else. If the very idea of having a boss to work for doesn't make you shudder, this is the option worth considering.

As you can see, there are literally hundreds of opportunities and resources to make your hobby turn into a little golden stream, which will eventually become a river. Like any other business, it can be successful and lucrative - provided that you are professional, sensible and, most importantly, dedicated!

Digital Photography Tips - Creating a Routine

Digital photography tips will help you become a better photographer. Creating a routine will help you to make fewer mistakes and to be prepared to make photographs anytime.

As a professional photographer I am often asked for advise on digital photography tips. A great tip is to create a routine.

Almost every great photographer has one and you should, too. World-class athletes use visualization to achieve greater records and to do their very best every time they compete. It is similar with just about anything including photography.

Here is my routine:

Make sure you have fresh batteries and spare ones, too!

No batteries means no camera. Which translates into no photos! That is bad! Especially when you have a chance to photograph Big Foot or Elvis or the space aliens that keep landing in the north forty.

Always have a clean card.

Your camera may use a compact flash card, an SD card or even a memory stick, whatever the format, make sure you have enough room to take and store your new photos. And again have a spare one just in case. Elvis is waiting...

Check your ISO setting.

This is how you tell your camera what type of lighting you are shooting in. Bright or dim, outside or indoors. Try 100-400 outside and 800-1600 indoors.

Shoot on automatic.

For most of your adventures as a beginning photographer, automatic will be fine. Cameras are so sophisticated; let's let them do the heavy lifting for us. As you progress, you can venture into the world of manual and aperture priority and shutter priority, but that's another article.

Border Patrol.

Call it whatever you want; you need to look around the edges of your Live View or viewfinder to see if there are any distracting elements, which could distract from your subject. For example, have you ever taken a photograph of something or somebody only to look at it later and say, "I didn't see that," yes, we are all guilty of tunnel vision. Then our images of Aunt Sally won't include a large plant or tree that looks like it is sprouting from the back of her head! Learn to look around the edges and it will train you to stop having tunnel vision and really look at your image.

Do this routine or a variation of it every time you pick up your camera and you will make far fewer mistakes and your camera will always have power, have space to write photos and you will be aware of what is in the viewfinder/LCD. Do this digital photography tip and you will begin to see and think like a professional.

What's the Difference Between: A Lawyer, Solicitor, Advocate, Barrister, Counselor, and an Attorney?

Have you ever wondered where all these somewhat confusing terms came from? Well the answer is they are all types of Lawyers originated from various legal systems. Some of the terms are from the English legal system, some are from Scotland and some from the American legal system.

An Attorney is somebody legally empowered to represent another person, or act on their behalf.

A Lawyer is somebody who can give legal advice and has been trained in the law.

Are Attorney and Lawyer are synonyms? Basically yes, but they are not necessarily Interchangeable terms, you cannot for instance say I give you the Power of a Lawyer, but you definitely might say I give you the power of Attorney...

Look again at the above definitions, does it now make any sense? Off course it does.

An attorney in fact is an agent who conducts business under authority that is controlled and limited by a written document called a letter, or power, of attorney granted by the principal. An attorney at law is an officer of a court of law authorized to represent the person employing him (the client) in legal proceedings.

A Solicitor- One that solicits, especially one that seeks trade or contributions. The chief law officer of a city, town, or government department but does not act as an advocate in court, as opposed to the Attorney who pleads in court. (English Law).

A Barrister(Called Advocate in Scotland) presents the case in court. Most senior and distinguished barristers are designated King's (Queen's) counsel.

A Counselor at law- In the past at least in some U.S states there was a distinction between the term A Counselor at Law who argued the case in court and an attorney who prepared the case but didn't argue it.

Nowadays an attorney at law is authorized to exercise all the functions of a practicing lawyer. All of them must, however, like the ordinary attorney, be admitted to the bar. The term attorney is also used for county, state, and federal prosecuting officers, as county attorney, district attorney, and attorney general.

Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients concerning their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters. Although all lawyers are licensed to represent parties in court, some appear in court more frequently than others. Trial lawyers, who specialize in trial work, must be able to think quickly and speak with ease and authority. In addition, familiarity with courtroom rules and strategy is particularly important in trial work. Still, trial lawyers spend the majority of their time outside the courtroom, conducting research, interviewing clients and witnesses, and handling other details in preparation for trial.

Lawyers types:

The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our society, from buying a home to crossing the street. Lawyers hold positions of great responsibility and are obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics.

The more detailed aspects of a lawyer's job depend upon his or her field of specialization and position. Although all lawyers are licensed to represent parties in court, some appear in court more frequently than others.

Lawyers may specialize in a number of different areas, such as bankruptcy, probate, international, or elder law. Those specializing in environmental law, for example, may represent public-interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other Federal and State agencies. These lawyers help clients prepare and file for licenses and applications for approval before certain activities may occur. In addition, they represent clients' interests in administrative adjudications.

Some lawyers concentrate in the growing field of intellectual property, helping to protect clients' claims to copyrights, artwork under contract, product designs, and computer programs. Still other lawyers advise insurance companies about the legality of insurance transactions, writing insurance policies to conform with the law and to protect companies from unwarranted claims.

Most lawyers are found in private practice, where they concentrate on criminal or civil law. In criminal law, lawyers represent individuals who have been charged with crimes and argue their cases in courts of law. Attorneys dealing with civil law assist clients with litigation, wills, trusts, contracts, mortgages, titles, and leases. Other lawyers handle only public-interest cases--civil or criminal--which may have an impact extending well beyond the individual client.

These issues might involve patents, government regulations, and contracts with other companies, property interests, or collective-bargaining agreements with unions.

Other lawyers work for legal-aid societies--private, nonprofit organizations established to serve disadvantaged people. These lawyers generally handle civil, rather than criminal, cases. A relatively small number of trained attorneys work in law schools.

The real life situations have created "specialties" according to business profitability. This is how terms like Vioxx Lawyer, DUI Lawyer, Lemon Law Lawyer , Structured Settlements Lawyer and others came about.

Additional Information:

www.Lawyers-Best-Infoweb.com

Before Buying Photos on Canvas Prints Online

In the past, getting a portrait of yourself by hiring an artist was something that only the select classes could afford - it was costly and time consuming at the same time, not mentioning the long hours spent seating in front of a painter without being able to move. Nowadays you can take hundreds of digital pictures, select which one you like the most, the position, the color, the background, even an effect, store it in your mobile or digital camera and order a canvas print from it online. Quite easy, fast and affordable, but there are several factors to consider when ordering these type of prints.

Below is some background on techniques used when printing canvas prints from pictures: The most popular type of canvas prints is called 'inkjet art' and involves using large format inkjet printers that use pigment archival inks for printing the picture on canvas materials. The resolution of the resulting prints can be remarkable, the maximum being 2880x1440DPI (dots per inch) at the time of writing this article. The pigment is a specific type of ink that ensures both stable color gamut representation and resistance for UV rays and other external factors like dust and moisture.

Cotton or Poly-Cotton Canvas?

The canvas may be either pure cotton or a mix between cotton and polyester, most canvas suppliers state on their websites which type of canvas they use. Generally the pure cotton canvas prints are more expensive. The pure cotton canvas gives the print a more natural look, the texture appears closer to the traditional painting, whereas the poly-cotton mix gives the picture more plastic or linen look appearance. Once the picture is printed, the material is varnished and stretched on a stretcher frame, this is a specific type of wooden timber frame that has wedges in each corner which allows you to re-tension ( re-stretch) the canvas material at anytime by pushing these wedges towards the frame's corners. My advice is that you shouldn't buy a canvas print that is just sticked on a wooden panel, having it properly framed the traditional way that involves stretching on the wedged timber frame ensures durability of the print, as the canvas may appear a bit loose after some time and you need those wedges to be able to re-stretch it again.

What photos are suitable for printing on canvas?

Photo Resolution: The quality of the canvas print is directly proportional with the resolution of your photo. Generally you shouldn't submit a photo that has less than 250KB, as it may appear 'pixelated', even on a 10x10cm print. When choosing an online canvas shop make sure that their website has a photo checking tool, once you upload your photo the tool tells you whether the resolution of your photo is suitable for the canvas size you selected. If you know the dimensions of your photo (most Mac and Windows systems show this info in the photo properties box) you can determine the resulting print resolution by dividing the number of pixels your photo has by the number of inches the canvas print size selected by you has. For example if your photo has 5000 pixels horizontally, and you want a print that has a width of 50 centimeters, the resulting print will have around 5000pixels/20inches=250DPI horizontal resolution. The same calculation applies to vertical resolution. A print that has at least 250DPI, on canvas, is a fairly good looking print. The calculation above represents the true resolution, however the professional printers using various software can 'enreach' photos that have lower resolution, there are several algorithms that actually enlarge a photo and increase the resolution at the same time by artificially creating pixels, the resulting print however may present patterns like minor squares or circles.

Cropping or Resizing?

A good online canvas print shop should present you the layout of the resulting canvas before you buy. Because there are several aspect ratios that photos have (4:3, 3:2 for example - the aspect ratio is number of pixels horizontally divided by number of pixels vertically), your photo may need some cropping and without seeing what the designer is going to crop from your photo you obviously run the risk of getting the print that you don't want. If your photo has an aspect ratio of 3:2 and you select for example an 40x30cm canvas, the photo will be either cropped or resized to that dimension. As mentioned before, when you order the website should give you the control and allow you to crop or resize the photo the way you want it to see on the canvas.

Who takes the risk?

Canvas prints made from your photos are classified as personalized goods, you should check the seller's terms and conditions referring to returns and cancellations. Not all sellers will reprint your canvas unless is damaged. Unlike with other items purchased online, where you have a specific time period during with you can test the item and return it if you don't like it, with the personalized items the situation is different. The pure fact that you don't like the print doesn't give you immediately the right to return it, so read carefully the terms and conditions of the seller. Even if they provide a return or refund in case the print arrives faulty, make sure that they describe exactly what a faulty item is. For example if your picture is cropped in a different way than you expected- you would consider the print faulty, however the printer may argue and not recognize this as a fault.

Career in the Television Broadcasting and Production

The world of broadcasting and production may look glamorous, but behind that role like anchoring or performing role like radio or video disc jockey there are many people that make things possible to be seen on the television or hear on the radio. Even if on-camera or on-air positions are the most familiar terms that are broadly used in broadcasting, however the majority of employment opportunities are involved behind the scenes. Although, the rewards are very shinning, but this television broadcasting and production is actually very competitive industry and its working hours can be very demanding. Consequently, it demands a good training and education, which you can have from a good art and design school.

These days, most degree programs in television broadcasting and production are offered at technical institutes and some art and design colleges and universities. The major benefit of completing a degree program in Radio and Television Broadcasting is that it helps you in developing the understanding of the conventions, technology and practices of the broadcast and production industry. Adding to this, it even helps you in understanding various subjects like video editing, radio studio techniques, digital photography and field production. Once you complete the program, you can hold a degree in Television Broadcasting and Production, that in can help you make career and hold positions in different fields of television production and broadcasting, such as:

Assistant Producers - The Assistant Producer is one of the decisive job profiles that keep the engine in running mode by attending to many of the functions when the Executive Producer does not have time to do. Therefore, working as an Assistant Producer, you could be the key professional providing support and background research along with assisting the preparation of written and visual materials and time productions.

Television Broadcast Technician- As a Television Broadcast Technician your responsibilities may revolve around providing the most favorable television broadcasts to audiences by amending signal strength, and ensuring a better transition between programs and segments. Besides this, you may even require to operate, keep and perform maintenance of the equipment used in television studios.

Recording Engineer - Recording Engineer is yet another important job profile. Working as a recording engineer you must be very efficient in setting, operating and maintaining the equipment that is primarily used in recording. You could be the very important person in the studio responsible for producing sound effects and finally dubbing them into tracks. Moreover, you might even be accountable for mixing different elements, like music recordings, into one track.

Television Camera Operator- Television Camera Operators are professionals that make use of knowledge of television conventions and cameras in order to shoot footage for news segments, documentaries and other television broadcasts. At times, Television Camera Operator is also called as Studio Operator, and may require to work in studios, or as the part of news team to capture the live footage of various events. However, it is important to note that if you are working as a Television Camera Operator, you need to have a good knowledge of not just filming but even a through understanding of different editing techniques, specially news segments that required to be aired right away.

Program Director - The Program Director is answerable for on-air programming in radio and television stations. Now, working as a Program Director, you may be the right authorized personnel to make decision on what type of music or program can be played and may even administer on-air personnel.

Adding to this, Broadcast News Analyst, Producer, News Director is among other possibilities. No matter what role you play, you could be the very important professional working in the production of various television shows and broadcasting, or as an employee working in advertising, sales, promotions, and marketing.

Today if we talk in context of scope or prospect then it seems to be very promising. In the last few years, broadcasting has been one of the few industries in the United States that provided about 316,000 wage and salary jobs. Moreover, as per the recent studies made by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for broadcasting and production positions is also anticipated to grow at gradual pace. Certainly, today a career in Television Broadcasting & Production is well-paid, and actually holds more respect in comparison to any other profession.

A Guide for Casual Travelers Visiting Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal is known for trekking and expeditions in the Himalayan Mountains, including trips to Everest Base Camp. It is a great place for nature lovers who want to rough it and get away from the urban jungle. For those interested in seeing snow-capped mountains directly in front of their face, and stepping out of the comfort zone of the Western world, there are few places on this planet that will offer as much as Nepal.

But a visitor does not need to have the full inventory of mountain gear, three weeks of vacation for going deep into the mountains, or the constitution for alpine sports in order to enjoy Nepal. It is easy to visit for just a few days, take a lot of great photographs, experience the culture, and do some great shopping. This brief guide will tell you how you can enjoy yourself in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley in four or five days.

Places to Visit and Things to Do

Devote your first two days to seeing the city of Kathmandu. Lonely Planet and other guides provide walking tours, and these are useful for hitting some of the highlights without needing to hire a tour guide or wander around aimlessly. You will notice is that Nepalis live and work around ancient sites, so you will see children playing and people leaning on sixth century monuments. Historic temples and monuments are a part of their everyday lives, and are not cordoned off as they are in many other countries.

Durbar Square is the heart of historic Kathmandu, and this is where the ancient kings ruled from. Many Nepalis now trade and spend time lounging on the steps of the temples. There are a number of caf矇s and restaurants on rooftops around the edges that will give visitors panoramic views of the square, so having a cup of traditional Nepali tea at one of these spots is recommended. There are a number of temples and Buddhist and Hindu historic sites to the north and northeast of the square, and most of these can be seen within a three or four hour window. As you travel between these sites you will be able to peer into shop windows and see how many urban Nepalis spend their days.

A visit to Kathmandu is not complete without seeing the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. You can walk to the Monkey Temple in about forty minutes from the Thamel neighborhood, or you can take a taxi. Traveling from the base of the temple grounds up to the temple itself is half the journey, as there are over a hundred steps to climb, and as you move up, you will have to fend off hordes of monkeys and touts offering all kinds of goods for sale. The sellers are not very aggressive so this is not a problem, but steering clear of the monkeys is more difficult. They have gotten used to tourists and people, but keep your belongings-especially food and cameras-close to your chest as the monkeys are known to snatch them away from visitors. The colorful temple stands in the middle, with devotees making their ritual clockwise circumnavigation and offering prayers.

When you're finished at the Monkey Temple, head over to Thamel, which is the heart of the shopping scene in Kathmandu. It is very touristy, but most of the better restaurants and shops are in the three or four long streets that make up Thamel. Many of the hotels and hostels are also in this area. If you are looking for a traditional Nepali snack or meal, look for a place that serves momos, which are dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and served with a curry dip. The buffalo momos are particularly good.

Exploring the areas outside of Kathmandu is definitely worth the effort if time permits. You don't have to venture far to see some interesting sites. Hire a car and driver for a day for about US$40 (either through your hotel or one of the many travel agencies in Thamel) and see the surrounding towns of Patan, Bhaktapur, and Bodhnath, with the former two towns having their own unique durbar squares (durbar square essentially means the central square, so there are many durbar squares in Nepal). Similar to Kathmandu, be prepared to pay for a ticket to enter and wander around the square's monuments. Prices will vary, with Bhaktapur being the most expensive at US$10 per person. Patan has the best durbar square in all of Nepal with its variety of temples and architecture. Bhaktapur is the best preserved historic town, so wandering through the streets here will be time well spent. Finally, Bodhnath is a beautiful temple that is a must see if you want to see pilgrims doing their devotionals, and want to take some great photos of probably the most eye-catching stupa. These three towns are about an hour apart by car, and no more than two hours outside of Kathmandu. You can take a taxi to and between all of these sites, but availability is not consistent and the few dollars you will save by not hiring a car and driver is probably not worth the trouble.

You can spend the fourth day doing an easy hike around the Kathmandu valley. One popular trekking route is to Nagarkot, which offers some stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range if the weather, mist, and clouds work in your favor and give you a clear day. The Hotel View Point is the closest to the mountain range with a good view from the roof. You can visit the restaurant for a meal and take the stairs up to the roof for a view, so you don't necessarily have to spend the night there. The best times are typically during sunrise or sunset, but there are no guarantees. This is a popular place for a one-night stop or a day trip to see the mountain range, as there is not much else to do in Nagarkot. An organized trek through a travel agency will consist of a short one-hour drive to Changu Narayan (a temple and town), and then a three hour hike with a guide to Nagarkot. Afterwards your guide and a driver will drive you back to Kathmandu. It can all be done in a day if you start early.

Shopping

Every major temple and durbar square is surrounded by vendors selling all types of paraphernalia that appeal to tourists like scarves, brass figurines, artwork such as Thangka paintings, and handmade clothing, all for low prices by Western standards. However, be prepared to bargain if you want an even better deal, as the prices vendors will initially tell you are highly inflated. A savvy shopper willing to bargain can usually get about a third off the initial price. Just be mindful of the fact that a couple of dollars will mean much more to a Nepali than it will to you.

Thamel offers the most shops in one neighborhood. In addition to the Nepali artwork and handmade clothing, you can also find all of the maps, books, trekking gear, and knockoff Western winter clothing you need in Thamel.

Getting Around

Be prepared for combat walking in Kathmandu. There are few sidewalks, so you will have to literally jostle with motorcycles, cars, tractors, pedestrians, and carts as you walk down every street. However, walking is really the best way to see and experience Kathmandu, so regardless of the danger, it is still recommended. Another option is to flag down a taxi. These are small Suzuki Maruti white hatchbacks. They have meters but drivers don't like to use them, so settle on a price before you get moving. Usually a hundred rupees (a little more than a US dollar) is enough for a single trip within Kathmandu, if you bargain. Whether you are walking or taking a taxi, be patient and give yourself more time than you think you need for getting from one point to another.

Work For High School Dropouts - No Experience Needed!

Are you a high school drop out or know someone who's having a hard time finding a great income? The great thing is that you can start now and to find a job online that will suit your financial and even psychological needs!

What are some online jobs for high school drop outs? Depending on your regular skill level, there may be jobs perfectly suitable. The internet is a different type of world. It's not about all of your educational accomplishments, but what you have done.

Do you have an artistic talent? There may be people on the internet looking for drawings of specific things or good logo design. Do you like photography? There are people willing to pay for regular pictures of everyday objects - people are currently making money taking pictures of regular everyday objects.

Maybe you have the ability to type extremely fast. The great thing is that there are data entry jobs on the internet where you simply type and enter data - people on the internet definitely make tons of money through data entry and it can help your income dramatically!

Paid Surveys

Paid surveys are one of the oldest and most legitimate opportunities on the internet to begin making money online. There are people increasing their full-time income dramatically with this opportunity, so why not start now and try to make as much money from paid surveys?

They are also very easy to fill out, people are not needed to have any professional skills or advanced education, it's as easy as clicking a bubble, repeating, and submitting it for cash! So you can make money - you just have to make sure that you are starting today!

Starting A 3D Foam Carving Business

The world of carving and sculpting has always been viewed as the domain of the artist - and rightly so. Working with only their imagination and hands, there's no doubt that many who plied the trade were highly skilled artisans. The work could be time consuming and sometimes tedious, but like any artistic endeavor it was a labor of love. Unfortunately, that's all it could have been given the productive limitations of manual methods. From a business perspective, the nature of carving and sculpting by hand created limited opportunities for mass commercialization and expansion. Digital technology, however, is quickly transforming the world of carving and sculpting - and it's opening doors for those who want to bring creative carving and sculpting to the masses.

ENTER TECHNOLOGY

The impact of technology on creative arts is nothing new. From photography to music to design, technology has revolutionized artistic fields, in terms of both creativity and production. While traditionalists may turn up their noses, the new breed of artist uses technology to improve their art, and the results have been groundbreaking. Carving and sculpture is experiencing this shift.

On the creative side, digital design and sculpting software has advanced in leaps and bounds, giving users the ability to translate their ideas directly into digital format. Meanwhile, 3D scanning technology has created the ability to quickly and accurately bring physical objects into the digital realm for editing, duplication and enlargement.

While creative sculpting processes move forward with technology, so too do the related production processes. Most obviously perhaps, automated 3D foam carving technologies have created a distinct shift in how creative ideas are turned into stunning carved and sculpted products. These technologies allow for the creation of incredible sculptural creations without the limitations of conventional hand carving. The end result is serious business opportunity.

3D FOAM CARVING

What is 3D foam carving? For starters, and not surprisingly, 3D foam carving's medium is foam, of either the EPS or polyurethane variety. Foam is not only lightweight and easy to sculpt, but once appropriately coated and finished it's also an extremely durable product that can be made to look like any type of material. Automated foam carving equipment transforms this foam into sculptures of any shape or size with the power of CNC (computer numerical controlled) technology. This technology takes the digital files generated through digital design software or via 3D scanning and automatically replicates or enlarges them with perfect accuracy and repeatability. While CNC hot wire cutting machines make short work of linear designs, 3D CNC foam routers can tackle any kind of 3D object. Once cut out of raw foam, protective coating along with various finishing and painting techniques round out the process - and the results are outstanding.

3D foam carving technology is not only able to reproduce the work that was once the sole domain of the artisan, but it can do it in a much more accurate and efficient manner. Highly creative pieces can be created in a fraction of the time and can be duplicated en masse with perfect accuracy. Thanks to constantly evolving technology and ongoing improvements to the related production processes, the possibilities, in terms of size, detail and realism, have essentially become endless. As a result, custom projects are no longer constrained by the speed at which an artisan can work, which introduces a range of new commercial possibilities.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Automated 3D foam carving makes it possible to build a thriving business around custom carving and sculpting. Whether it's an existing business looking to expand their capabilities or an entrepreneur looking for a new venture, this technology allows a foam carving business to bring artistry and creativity to a range of different applications, including:

-Themed environments
-Displays and exhibits
-Signage
-Props
-Sculptural enlargement and replication
-Architectural foam

While these are some of the most common applications, they are by no means the only ones. With the ability to recreate anything that can be imagined, 3D foam carving is constantly expanding into new territory. With the flexibility of today's automated foam carving systems, a business has the option of either specializing in a particular area or taking a general approach to meet the needs of a variety of clients.

THE TABLE STAKES

While the opportunity is there, starting a foam carving business requires the same forethought, planning and smooth execution that's required of any business. Regardless of the application that a business focuses on, there are a number of critical requirements for getting started:

Effective planning- For any kind of business, a plan is absolutely essential. It's not just about creating a document to show to the bank, but it's about thinking through your markets and your products, and then figuring out how they fit together to create your unique business opportunity. Given the number of directions that a foam carving business can go, it's critical that you have a clear understanding of which area you will focus on and how you will get where you want to go.

The right equipment for the job- Having the right tools is critical for any business, and in the world of foam carving it's no different. CNC equipment is essential for foam carving, and it's important to understand what kind of CNC equipment works best for foam-related applications. There seems to be an endless number of CNC machine suppliers selling into a countless number of industries. You need to find a supplier who specifically focuses on foam carving and who can offer you the full range of equipment required for 3D foam carving.

Capable people and processes- Having the right equipment is one thing, but without the right processes and people in place, the equipment can quickly turn into an anchor. You need to have a full understanding of the production processes related to 3D foam carving and then find the right combination of artistic and technical people to make them happen.

A sample showroom- Having a place, both physical and virtual, to show off your products is a key piece of the puzzle. This is especially true given that many people don't fully understand the capabilities and possibilities of 3D foam carving. By showing them exactly what's possible, you'll be able to win over folks that would typically be skeptical. This is critical for opening doors and convincing potential clients that your business is capable.

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT STUFF?

If you are new to the game, the range of requirements may look somewhat overwhelming - but don't fear. While tracking down the required knowledge, equipment and processes may seem daunting, it's precisely where an integrated foam carving system supplier can help. Where old school CNC equipment suppliers focus on selling individual machine components, an integrated system supplier like Streamline Automation provides a full end-to-end system that provides everything required for automated 3D foam carving. Rather than trying to piece together a number of potentially incompatible components, an integrated supplier offers a one-stop-shop without the hassles and complications of working with a multitude of suppliers. This integration creates a smooth transition for businesses looking to get up and running as painlessly as possible.

What's more, where conventional equipment suppliers just sell equipment, an integrated supplier strictly focused on foam carving can provide support, knowledge and assistance at every stage of the process. Going beyond the equipment, this kind of supplier understands the entire production process and can provide guidance where your typical equipment-focused company can't. From applications and processes to equipment and business support, this kind of assistance can put a complete foam carving rookie on the path to success.

With the help of an integrated foam carving supplier, the unique opportunities that automated 3D foam carving provides are within reach of any business. Whether you're looking for a business opportunity to start from scratch or for a way to expand your existing business, foam carving is an ideal solution that combines artistry, technology and opportunity.

Free Digital Photography Courses Online

Digital cameras have taken over the world of photography, finding a new 35mm camera is difficult these days. Secondhand 35mm cameras however are very cheap and you can buy the best of this type of cameras for almost nothing at e-bay or secondhand stores online. New digital cameras can be bought everywhere these days, and it seems that everyone has one. You can buy them everywhere from local gas stations to online mega stores. There are even disposable digital cameras nowadays. But having a digital camera is not the same as being a good photographer. For that you need take at least some proper courses.

If you are planning to become a professional photographer I would not advise any of the photography courses you can find online currently,. Still, there are some good articles that you can learn a lot from. However it takes more then reading a few articles to become a professional even if you own a great digital camera. If you are an amateur photographer and you would like to learn some good tips we can absolutely recommend a free digital photography course. You will learn the foundation you need to understand digital photography and such a course can give you some good tips about the possibilities of taking a good picture.

Take a free course before you buy a camera

Because there a so many types of digital cameras on the market today, there are a few free photography courses that will teach you about the different camera types available.

- Point and shoot camera (this will allow you to just take a picture of whatever you can see through the viewfinder)
- Mid-range cameras (zoom in and take movie clips as well as pictures)
- High-end cameras are the digital SLR cameras. (very similar to the 35mm cameras and allow you the ability to manually manipulate the images similar to 35 mm cameras)

There are people who find it nice to have different types of digital cameras. What they use depends on the situation. They buy a point and shoot or mid-range camera for everyday shots and a digital SLR to make even better pictures and manipulate the image with software. To guide you in your choice a free digital photography course is a good help in doing so.

Free Photography Courses For Photography Basics

Most courses for digital photographers will start with the basics of photography. And if you are a beginning photographer you need to learn the basics of photography in general and the basic of digital photography in particular. The basics of photography will range from composition, light, how to use your camera, to the many different types of photography.

After you understand the basics, you need to understand at least the basics of how your digital camera works because without that knowledge you won't be able to take advantage of all the features it offers. A proper free photography course will allow you to follow some lessons before you purchase the full course. Most free courses for digital photography will go over the basics of their program and will offer one or more paid courses on how to use some of the more advanced features of photography and digital camera use. Whatever the camera you have or are planning to buy, taking a free digital photography course will give you at least the basic knowledge.

Photography Training Online - Tips to Take Awesome Photographs

Do you find it hard to snap perfect digital photos? Many individuals can take digital photos for years while not capturing the beautiful image they desired. I myself have been accountable for ruining photographs of significant instances like my boy's baseball tournament or my own daughter's graduating. There isn't any worse feeling in the world other than whenever a photograph of an immensely important event is horrible.

This brings you to the dilemma of how do you exactly snap a great picture? Whilst there exists a little bit of trial and error involved, there exists a very simple solution. An awesome photograph begins with you after which extends through the photographic camera. Ponder over it, each and every photo commences within your mind, not necessarily the camera lens. A super photo is usually taken by the standard point-and-click camera basically as easy as the priciest SLR.

Take time to go over these tips about taking digital photographs and use them the very next time you get the chance. In no time at all, you could end up a pro.

1. Have an understanding of Your Photographic camera. I know this appears elementary, but just how many of you are guilty of investing in a device simply to never once go through the handbook included? If you are going in making the investment in a new camera, take on the time to learn about each one of its functions. The guidebook is there to be your guide to the many possibilities your camera contains. Discover ways to deal with the exposure, what the actual different camera modes do and also the easy points such as the flash. You could find yourself astonished at simply how much your digital camera can do that you might have never known simply by only fiddling with the product. The data you will get will certainly prove itself important while behind the zoom lens.

2. Taking care of the Flash. Just about the most imperative things you have to be familiar with within photography is how to handle your flash. Do not slide into the practice of always relying on the internal automated flash in your photographic camera. In many cases, you could need to turn the actual flash off as well as on.

For instance, when taking out of doors photographs, it's occasionally good to switch on your flash in order to provide light for the actual subject, particularly when he / she is within the shade. However, you could decide to switch off the actual flash any time capturing interior shots. Sometimes, while using flash indoors will result in abnormal skin color and also extreme glare in the photographs.

3. Play with the Macro Function. Virtually all digital camera today have a macro function. This mode is actually well suited for snapping close up photos of subjects such as plants or even birds. With my Canon PowerShot S500, it is represented by way of a floral symbol. What we should do is to pick a subject matter, switch on macro mode, next get as near to it as your photographic camera will allow. Ensure you allow the camera to really focus properly before depressing the shutter switch totally.

4. Maintain the Photographic camera Level. Holding the photographic camera level is actually a basic guideline in photography. Because so many digital camera models have a Liquid crystal display, it is possible to utilize this to be able to properly frame the photos. Next time you're capturing a photo, look for the horizontal lines and use them as a guide. An illustration could be to work with the horizon while capturing a photograph of the sunset.

5. Make use of Your Tripod. No matter what amount of proficiency your digital photography ability is at, tripods are crucial within your digital photography. Just how might a person know the moment to use the tripod? It can be helpful if capturing photographs within low-light situations or perhaps when wanting to shoot quickly moving objects. I myself work with a tripod whenever shooting certain nature pictures for example wildlife flying. Try to find a tripod that's convenient to carry along with you. Regarding your personal use just about all you will probably require is an easy compact tripod that will be easily portable and you'll stay away from the hassle of a larger, heavier tripod.

6. Try out your ISO Setting. I have found the ISO function within electronic digital dslr cameras very helpful. The actual ISO setting of a digital camera basically deals with your camera's sensitivity to brightness. Work with a minimal ISO function if you're snapping a photograph of any still subject, such as a rose. This allows for an extended shutter speed and additionally produces a cleaner photo. A larger ISO mode of four hundred is going to be ideal whilst taking a photo of any moving subject such as a toddler in a swing. Remember that an increased ISO setting results in a speedier shutter rate and requires a lesser amount of illumination

I hope I have managed to give you a few beneficial tips about capturing awesome digital photographs. Remember what I said - whilst the most recent digital cameras have awesome abilities, you'll still need an experienced digital photographer to take attractive photos. Use all these photography training online tips to your day-to-day picture taking and educate yourself to be a far better photographer.

Seven Tips to Put Your Photography Clients at Ease

There are a lot of things that make for a great photographer. Understanding composition, light and the technique required to make a great picture are only part of the puzzle. One of the most important aspects to being a really great photographer is being able to make your clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. Some people have a natural gift for this, but some don't come by this gift so easily. Here's just a few things you can do to help your clients feel at ease in front of your lens.

Be Relaxed
If you, yourself, are tense... odds are your clients are going to feel that. The easiest way to help others to relax is to relax yourself. Stand up straight, talk with them if you portray yourself as confident in your craft - this will also help your clients to feel comfortable.

Choose Your Words Wisely
The way you speak can have an impact on how your clients perceive you. Saying Ummm, Like, and Uh can give the impression that you don't really know what you're doing. You also never want to say "whoops", "uh oh", or "that doesn't look good". You will never imbue confidence into your clients if they catch you muttering dissatisfaction to the LCD screen on your camera.

Give Guidance
Most people are not comfortable in front of the camera. They don't know how to pose themselves or what to do with their hands. You are the expert. You are the professional. Take control and help guide them into poses that are going to be flattering. The more you take control and help them the more relaxed and natural they will feel able to be.

Be Yourself
People are more like to be comfortable and act natural in front of your camera if you are yourself. Don't try to be anything you're not. Be yourself. If someone hires you it's because they like you and your work. So be yourself so your clients can be themselves.

Be Ready to Shoot
The least professional thing you can do is show up to your shoot without the equipment you need, batteries not charged, memory cards full. The best way to approach a shoot is to have already talked to your clients about their expectations, to know the location, and to be prepped and ready to go. Nothing looks more professional than a photographer is not on time and ready to go.

Be Aware of Boundaries
It is good to know that not everyone is comfortable being touched. Always ask permission before brushing someone's hair out of their face or adjusting their hand. You never know what a person might be uncomfortable with so avoiding this by asking permission first is your best option.

Show Them A Few of the Pictures
Not everyone agrees with this sentiment, but I often find that if my client is nervous or doesn't think they look good, showing them a couple pictures on the back of my camera gives them an immediate confidence boost. Just make sure whichever pictures you show them are good pictures and ones you'll be presenting them in the finished product.

So whether you naturally make a person feel at ease or if you struggle with it, you can see how these simple tips can help your clients feel more comfortable. Remember to be relaxed and confident and to always be yourself. Don't forget to give your clients guidance and encouragement along the way and you are bound to see your clients relax and feel at ease in front of your lens.

Useful Tips For Good Digital Photography

Taking a digital photograph has its moments. You do have to understand how to get the best photograph whenever you have the camera ready in your hand. Well, you do need to practice and check out a couple of times before you finally master the art of clicking photos with digital photography.

Handling and Holding of the camera - you do need to learn to handle and hold the digital camera in the most suitable manner. When you are handling the camera, your spare fingers should not move or shake. The camera straps could be safely entangled within your fingers so that they do not hinder with your photo shooting process. The optical view finder should be in level to your eye, thus ensuring you get to capture the best view of your subject and a stable photograph.

Focusing - Do remember that most digital cameras do take extra time to focus. To begin with you do have to half click the shutter button, till a focus bracket is visible and then proceed with clicking the photograph with a full click on the shutter button. In most normal conditions a slight shake of your hands will be taken care of by the digital camera. In case of low light wherein you need to use a long zoom lens along with a slow shutter speed, you need to make use of a tripod which works best in reducing the hand shakiness and blurring of the image.

Preview - The definite advantage you enjoy over a film camera is availing the preview feature which is incorporated in the digital cameras. With almost instantaneous view of image on the camera screen, you can review it and re-shoot it if you are not happy with the final image. Thus, each time you click, you can always review and re do the shoot till you get the best shot for yourself.

Storing - You have clicked near perfect pictures but make sure you transfer them on to a CD or a hard disk before you clear the memory card. In case of loss or spoilage of the memory card, you will find extremely hard to retrieve these images. Also you by transferring these images to another storage space, you can reuse the card a couple of times over. It pays to keep an alternate memory card handy.

Batteries - Before you venture out on your photo session, it would be advisable to recharge your batteries well. A spare set of charged batteries should be always kept handy, for you never now when you could need them. In case you have access to electricity, you could always keep a battery charger with you which will allow you to charge them as frequently as you wish. Make sure you make just use of your digital cameras when on a photo shoot for you do need to complete the photo shoot rather than exhaust your batteries half way leaving you in a lurch amidst the photo shoot.

It would be great if you prepare for your photo session well in advance, acquire basic knowledge of digital photography and keep trying till you finally master the art of digital photography.

A Beginner's Guide to Macro Photography

Macro photography is a technique which allows photographers to take close-up shots of subjects. Though it once referred exclusively to photography which rendered the subject in life-size on the negative, it has come to encompass almost all magnified photographic techniques. Macro photography differs in many ways from other types of photography: it often requires specialized equipment and it requires that the photographer make a number of special considerations when planning their shots. This brief guide will give you an overview of macro photography techniques.

Macro photography requires some specialized equipment. Most often, this includes macro lenses and extension tubes. The focal length of a macro lens determines the smallest size of the objects it can capture. Focal lengths in the range of 50-60 mm are most often used for product photography or small objects. 90-105 mm lenses are appropriate for insects and flowers. 150-200 mm lenses are most often used for small insect photography. Most of these lenses are 1:1, or 'standard' magnification.

Some macro lenses, however, can achieve up to 5:1 magnification. These are necessary for capturing detail in extremely small objects such as snowflakes and insect eyes. If you don't want to spend the money on a new macro lens, you can use a reversing ring. These rings allow lenses to be attached backwards by attaching to the filter threads on the front of a lens. This allows the lens to be used for macro photography. Oftentimes photos can be taken in up to 4:1 magnification with a reversing ring while still maintaining excellent image quality.

Extension tubes, or bellows, extend the distance between the camera lens and the film or the digital light sensor within the camera. This makes the focusing distance of the camera much shorter, allowing for higher degrees of magnification. This also has the effect of making the image darker for the same aperture settings, a fact which should not be overlooked by the photographer when they are planning their shot.

Another special consideration macro photographers must keep in mind is that the depth of field of macro photographs is very limited. This makes focusing a critical step, as the photographer must determine which element of the subject should be in central focus. Lighting is also a hurdle for new macro photographers to overcome. This is because macro photography setups often leave very little space between the lens and the subject. Telephoto macro lenses are a popular solution for this problem, as they leave considerably more space between the lens and subject. Ring flashes are another solution to this problem. As they attach to the outer edge of the lens, they require very little distance to the subject to properly light them.

High School Senior Portraits - A DIY Guide

A good high school senior portrait is a precious memory. Back in the late seventies when I was graduating high school everyone was forced to go to the contracted studio. All the guys wore the same style tux with a ruffled shirt and bow tie. All the gals wore a simple black dress and held a single rose.

These weren't senior portraits. They were mug shots.

Today's Progressive View

Today's high school senior portraits are much different. Schools may still have a contract photographer, but many allow more casual portraits to be submitted for inclusion in the yearbook. You can hire a professional photographer or shoot them yourself. If you're inclined to do it yourself read on.

You'll want to check with your child's school and get specific instructions for image submission. There will be certain rules on image size, posing, clothing allowed, or other restrictions. Be sure to get some details before you venture out to shoot your own portraits.

Please Talk to Your Kids First

The first thing you need to do is talk to your high school senior. They may have certain ideas about their picture. They may want that formal portrait only a professional studio can provide. Many local photographers will specialize in high school senior portraits.

If your senior is willing to let Mom or Dad do the portrait be sure to discuss every aspect with them. You may want to shoot a certain style of portrait, but make sure you shoot it their way too. Relaxed portraits with their guitar, sporting equipment, new car or other personal item makes for a memorable photo.

Location

Look around your house and yard. You may have the perfect spot for a portrait. Be sure to watch for clutter in the background. Move furniture or other items in order to create that perfect setting.

If your child has a favorite local park or garden consider going there. Don't go in the middle of the day when the light is harsh. Light from straight above causes dark 'raccoon eyes'. Early morning or late in the day is better. The light casts more pleasing shadows and gives a warmer more golden glow to your photos.

If midday is your only option you can place your child in the shade under a tree or building roof line. Change your White Balance setting to Shade or your photos will turn out too blue. Be sure to keep them toward the edge of the light and shadow. Using a simple reflector (white foam core board or commercially produced reflector) can help fill in shadows and make the colors pop.

Equipment

Generally speaking, a P&S camera won't give you the best results. A digital SLR with a slight telephoto lens and external flash will provide optimum results and give you the most flexibility. Using a telephoto between 70mm and 105mm will help separate your subject from the background.

A flash will help fill in shadows when shooting outdoors or potentially provide all the light if shooting indoors. Bounce the light from your flash off the ceiling or side wall for softer more pleasing light. This may take some experimentation if you've not tried it before.

Armed with the right equipment and techniques you can produce a great portrait of your high school senior. Of course, a happy smiling face will help too.

Neighborhood Study in DC - Stadium Armory and Brookland

If can be a great responsibility for a local government to plan neighborhoods. Very often they may try to do things to revitalize an area, but sometimes they backfire. Stadium Armory neighborhood appears to have had this type of result.

This neighborhood appears to have been lower middle class for a long time. The residences that still exist in the area are nice and quaint though pretty small. Many take good care of their small yards by landscaping and cleaning their area of sidewalk. In truth though most of the neighborhood is quite barren and free of buildings.... And people.

The National Guard Armory once stood central to this area, large and imposing. The metro comes up right beside this awesome structure. It is now falling a little on the dilapidated side, but still does have special activities. Many school busses were there on the Friday we visited. The comment by one of the students was interesting when they spoke of "those white boys" and three of us were the only ones that could have fit that description. The farmers market that was advertised on the website for the armory did not seem to exist but some school activity was going on there. There were signs though to a farmers market so we proceeded to walk.

The new focus of the mostly barren neighborhood stood next to the armory, RFK stadium, the city's hope for the renewal of the neighborhood. Once home to the Redskins as well as many more teams and still home of DC United, I am quite sure that on game day the neighborhood is teaming with individuals, but on a common weekday it is devoid of life. Following the signs towards a supposed farmers market we passed a very few people. We passed areas that were parks and the DC united practice field though street after street as we chased down the signs for the market, only to eventually give up when a few miles later, no market was found, and no more signs.

We did however come upon a little more lively area. There stood projects, devoid of people, two schools surrounded by high fences and gates. Nearby were a few liquor stores and a Popeye's. A tiny little public library was close to the projects. It looked more like a converted fast food restaurant. Though it appears that the city feels there is little need to properly fund a library in this area of the city, I was still pleasantly surprised that they bothered at all.

Brookland was quite different. Where projects and barrenness except on special occasions seemed to be the feel of Stadium Armory, Brookland looked like it was thriving in its own opulence. The Catholic University with its large spires and jewel of a dome on the cathedral was decorated with extravagance. Marble, stone, and expensive wood trimming predominated here. Carvings of the saints and scripture surrounded all that pass that way.

The supporting neighborhood had houses that were at least upper middle class and lower middle class apartments as well as the occasional large and spacious home for the well to do. A hospital was in easy reach in the middle of the community. Private schools were all around and a city sponsored recreation center complete with a large indoor pool and athletic fields. No need for the high fences and gates around the schools here. People were out walking dogs and washing their nice cars and applying carnauba wax to protect their shine. The whole area reminded me of a nice small college town where to beat the Jones gets everyone up in the morning.

We ate at a nice pub that had 6 large flat screen TVs around on the walls, each on a different sports channel except for one with sitcoms, after all you never know, your company might not be entertaining enough. The food was good though the service was slow and unconcerned as if there are all kinds of jobs around they didn't need to worry if they did that good of a job. Don't get me wrong, they were not unfriendly, but they sure weren't concerned that they needed the tip to make their rent that month. The shops seemed to cater to healthy living... well except for the liquor store that was next to the organic market. A large number of banks dominated the commercial area as well as a couple Irish pubs and a yoga studio.

People were slowly caring for their yards and the kids were playing soccer at the rec center. Dog were being walked and cars being washed. All of these seemed to point out their financial security in a way that would never be seen in a poor neighborhood. The contrast of the two neighborhoods was quite striking. Though we didn't see any obvious homeless in either neighborhood, I feel this is for a very different reason. One neighborhood wouldn't tolerate it, and the other is already stressed to the point they have nothing to offer. Back in Dupont circle there was plenty of it. Seems there is more to offer and people are more understanding of it.

Keeping The Mother-Son Relationship Healthy

Throughout the history of Mankind mother-son relationships have been considered special. Many women say that having a son gives them a sense of completeness. One woman affirmed, "It is as if through him I have found the missing part of me."

Patriarchal societies place greater value on sons. At times 'male child-centeredness' can become obsessive. In India, special rituals are held to invoke Divine intervention in granting a son. Sons are required to maintain lineage, to care for parents in their old age and ensure the salvation of souls after death. As such, boys receive preferential treatment, with best of food, health care, education and protection. This 'son- preference' has led to extensive female foeticide in several countries, resulting in a skewed sex ratio.

Researchers of Richmond University in Virginia found that women develop a set of 'maternal neurons' that operate like 'bad mother' or 'good mother' switches in the brain. These clusters of brain cells created during pregnancy and switched on after birth, are responsible for good or bad parenting. A certain number of neurons have to be switched on for 'good mothering' to take place.

A team at Yale University uses brain scans to study areas of the brain that drive good or bad mothering. Dr. James Swain says, "We have identified certain areas of the brain where there is a link between neuron activity and measure of 'adequate' or 'inadequate' parenting."

So far no one has come up with a scientific explanation why a mother loves her son more than her daughter. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his book "The Selfish Gene" suggests that this maternal devotion is a selfish strategy to ensure her genes live on. She knows that after a certain age, she cannot reproduce. So she protects her male offspring as he will eventually spread her gene pool.

When a mother has this protective love for her son she becomes fiercely protective of his life, crippling his emotional growth and tying him to her apron strings as 'Momma's Boy.' This tendency has been documented even from Biblical times in the story of Rebekah, who encouraged her favourite son Jacob to steal his brother's blessing through impersonation. But she had to suffer heartbreak as he was separated from her for many years, to protect him from Esau's fury.

The Greek mother Thetis dipped her son Achilles in the magical River Styx, to make him invulnerable. But of course she left him with an unprotected heel.

Just like mother-daughter relationships, close mother-son relationships are important in the early formative years. Infants begin to show distress when separated from their mothers. But every mother should bear in mind that this is only a temporary phase. Physical distancing should start early in the case of a boy because of the erotic potential of such a bond. Mollycoddling is harmful to the emotional health of both mother and son.

The Oedipus Complex is a well known phenomenon. It is based on the Greek myth in which Oedipus considers his father a rival for his mother's love. So he kills him and marries his mother Jocasta.

The period between 18 months and three years is when a child becomes aware of his own sexual identity. He develops a concept of himself by exploration of his own body. Between three to five years, libidinal and ego development takes place. This can well be defined as the Oedipus phase, when a child has the desire to possess his mother, and even begins to see his father as an opponent. This is a passing phase, and a wise mother will gradually wean him away from such feelings until he begins to identify with his father.

Reasons for a mother's abnormal feelings:
• When a mother has experienced abandonment from her father in her own childhood, she may be overprotective of her son, to compensate for those feelings of abandonment. She wants her son to remain in that oedipal phase for her own fulfillment. Sons cannot be surrogate husbands or fathers; neither are they playthings for her pleasure.

There are many great men who have suffered due to this over-protectiveness. Andrew Carnegie's mother made him promise that he would not marry until she died. It must have been a frustrating experience. He eventually married one year after her death, at the age of 52.
Dwight Eisenhower also had an obsessive mother. Once when he was quarantined for Scarlet Fever, she used a ladder to climb up and see her son daily through a window.

However, a mother who suffers abandonment from her father in childhood could also experience difficulty in bonding and become abusive to her son.

• If a wife's emotional needs are not fulfilled by her husband either because of his career, or his inconsiderate nature, or due to infidelity, she may turn to her male child. She may shower him with kisses or cuddles or verbal professions of love. This form of 'emotional incest' seeks to alienate the father from her son's love. Actual incest is not ruled out.

• Single parents either unmarried or widowed, may also show overindulgence and overprotection of their male children, to compensate for the lack of a father.

Destructive Effects of such Dysfunctional Relationships:

On the Child:
1. Over-dependence on mother leads to stunting of emotional and mental growth. He is unable to face life's challenges, has behavioural problems and is often considered a 'sissy.' The mother does not want her son to grow up and plans to keep their relationship exclusive.
2. Inability to maintain healthy relationships with others. This may even damage his sexuality and destroy his ability to have a happy partnership. He will avoid commitment. If he marries, it may end in divorce due to constant interference by his mother. He will not have the courage to stand up to her and protect his wife from constant bullying by his mother.
3. A manipulative seductive mother and a passive distant father can turn the boy into a homosexual.
4. Smother love can prove to be a dangerous emasculating attachment, rendering the son sexually dysfunctional.

On the Mother:
1. A woman who transfers her time and priority to her son will lose out on her husband. There will be a lack of intimacy and many sexual problems. Her husband will begin to look elsewhere for his fulfillment. He might become a workaholic or forge extramarital liaisons or indulge in drinking or gambling.
2. A mother whose life revolves around her son is lulled into a subconscious assurance that he will never leave her.
3. An incestuous relationship may develop. Inappropriate feelings for her son is a form of child abuse and can be demoralizing.

How to maintain a healthy mother-son relationship:
• Respect your son's personhood. Treat him with deep respect and help him develop his personality.
• Raise your son to be a well balanced human being mentally physically and spiritually. 'Smother love' kills. So don't hold on too tightly.
• Define healthy boundaries and know when to physically distance yourself.
• Parenting is a joint venture. Fathers must not be excluded from the relationship. They too should be allowed to bond with their sons. Parental responsibilities involve equipping them with strategies for living such as respect for elders, respect for the opposite sex, discipline, love and good example. The aim should be to foster maturity, independence and self reliance in adulthood.
• Do not neglect your husband. Take time off from mothering for 'togetherness' with him. Talk, care, and be intimate. Let your love for each other grow as you share responsibility for his rearing.
• Be a good and worthy role model. Let him learn from you how to respect and treat his wife when married.
• Always remember that the child is not your husband. So don't force adult responsibilities on him.
• Change your focus. Use some time to care for the needs of your other children. Find new activities to keep your mind off your son.
• Pray and ask God to give you the wisdom to handle your emotions with responsibility and self respect.

As the feminist Naomi Lewinsky said, "We shouldn't need our children. We shouldn't merge with them except when they are infants. We shouldn't let our messy feelings leak all over our children's development. We should raise them to become separate individuals."