Monday, June 10, 2013

Digital Photography Tricks - Capture the Motion of Moving Water!


The sun is shining, there's a blue sky and a gentle breeze as you stroll leisurely through your favourite countryside location. You perceive a faint trickle of moving water in the distance, and as you move closer, you notice a winding stream. The water is dancing across the stones lying in the shallow stream. You have your camera poised, realising this is a classic opportunity to take something really wonderful. But just how do you make moving water look amazing in a photograph? This article explains some digital photography tricks to employ to make the most of this, and similar situations.

To start with, to be truly creative you will need to move away from using your automatic camera settings. Whilst the camera will do it's best to capture what it thinks you want, it is possible that it will choose a fast shutter speed, in order to 'freeze' the movement. If that's what you want to depict, then OK. But the more dramatic pictures are those where water motion is evident, and the rest of the picture is still.

A slow shutter speed will need to be chosen to show the motion of the water. The slower your shutter speed the greater the motion captured. I suggest you experiment. After a shot immediately check the results on your LCD screen. Then adjust, to a slower or faster shutter speed, until you get the shot you want. To achieve optimum results will require a shutter speed of at least 1/15 of a second, or longer. Truly smooth water should be captured if you leave the shutter open for over a second.

Using a slow shutter speed will mean that your camera needs to be absolutely still to avoid camera shake ruining the picture. The best way to establish a stable platform is to use a tripod. Another digital photography trick to utilise is to add a shutter release cable, giving you the greatest chance of eliminating camera movement during your shot. Also, set your ISO to about 100, with a small aperture, of around f/22 or f/36. A small aperture results in the slowest possible shutter speed for the ISO and light conditions.

You could also try using a digital photography trick from this list: -

* Try to get fairly close to the water you want to shoot. The blurring effect of the moving water is more noticeable if you are close up
* Experiment by photographing different types of moving water scenes (waterfalls, rivers, streams etc.)
* Revisit locations at different times of year to capture how nature has changed the look of them
* If brightly-lit conditions affect the length of shutter speed you can use, consider the addition of a polarising or neutral density filter.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

The Origin of the Projector


Ever wonder how the projector was created? This core piece of audiovisual technology has evolved dramatically through the years - let's now take a look at its interesting historical beginnings.

The following is a timeline of the evolution of today's projector.

First came the camera obscura, dating as far back as the late first century, and essentially consisting of a box with a tiny hole on one side and an angled mirror on the other. As light was shone from an external scene through the hole, the image was reverted and projected onto paper. This was originally used for tracing and drawing purposes, but the invention later led to the development of photography.

Much later, in the mid-sixteenth century, came the magic lantern, an improvement over the camera obscura in that it could project images onto a screen. This invention was one of the predecessors to the invention of moving pictures.

Next came the opaque projector, the predecessor to today's overhead projector. This device would shine a bright light onto an opaque image, after which a system of mirrors, prisms and lenses would focus the image onto a larger viewing screen.

If you were born prior to last decade and you think back to your early school days, you may recall a device known as an overhead projector. This device was first used for police identification work. As World War II drew to a close, the U.S. Army began to use overhead projectors for training, and the device was manufactured by 3M for later use in schools and companies during the 1950s and 60s. Overhead projectors project transparent and translucent images.

Improvements emerged when Buhl Industries (founded in 1953) created a number of optical refinements, and in 1957, the Federal Aid to Education program caused a growth in overhead sales, which continued through the late 1990s.

During the 1980s, LCD technology entered the education scene, further improving the audiovisual result of overhead projection. What began as a monochromatic, black-and-white imagery soon improved to color and improved focus, brightness and clarity.

Next, the slide projector followed, which became wildly popular during the 1950s through 1970s. With this device, photographic slides could be projected onto any wall or smooth surface.

The movie projector is based on the idea that the human brain holds an image for a fraction of a second before processing the next image. The original film projectors used single images printed onto film, but the film was projected at a speed such that it tricked the human eye into seeing motion, where in reality, only still frames existed.

Today, we rely on LCD and DLP technology as the gold standards for projectors. One can only wonder where the future will take us next.

How to Become a Movie Stylist


Do you want to know how to become a movie stylist or celebrity fashion stylist? Just how does one get into this business? It isn't as cut and dry as many professions, like nurses and lawyers, where you know you just need to get the right education and training, put the time and effort in and the career field doors will open somehow. As a stylist, you need to be able to market yourself and make people who are celebrated for their fashion trust you to dress them for films, important events and even everyday life, depending on what kind of stylist you are. You don't even necessarily need an education-you either have what it takes or you don't!

It is possible to make this career happen, though, as difficult as it may sound. Here are a few tips to follow to get the ball rolling:

Tip #1: Develop a personal style. It is important to figure out what your style niche is so that you can stand out from the crowd. This personal style will become your "calling card" in the business.

Tip #2: Know the trends.

It's important to stay on top of what's going on in the fashion magazines and look out for trends in designers, accessories, styles, photography methods, hair and makeup and more.

Tip #3: Begin networking professionally.

The best ways to make professional contacts in the fashion industry are to apply for apprenticeships or internships and/or volunteer for an unpaid position in the fashion industry. Make sure to introduce yourself to everyone you meet, both on the job and personally, who works in the industry. This includes everyone from hair dressers to publicists. You never know who you'll need to know.

Tip #4: Get ready for the real world!

Do as many tear sheets and sample photo shoots as possible to use for your portfolio and inclusion with your resume. Start contacting celebrity representatives. Get agency representation, and get out there and start working!

Being a stylist is more than just picking out fabulous outfits and traveling for work. It isn't always glamorous. You will need to have experience as both a fashion stylist and a wardrobe stylist to make it big in this business. You need to be able to create more than just a look-you'll be creating an image to match with a persona. You need to be able to make connections and form tight relationships with movie stars, directors and other celebrities so that they will want to work with you again.

5 Simple Ideas For Fun Family Photos


When it comes to the dynamics of a family, nothing is ever "posed" and stiff! A day in the life usually involves chaos and craziness at every turn. Have you ever seen those family pictures where everyone matches, the background is a muddy shade of tie-dye blue, and the kids have gone bug-eyed from posing too long? I couldn't imagine looking at a picture of my family like this and thinking, "Wow, this picture really encapsulates who we are together." Um, I don't think so!

Families involve happy times, angry times, silly times, crazy times, and everything in between. The only way to get the real-ness of a family is to find a photographer that can catch those in between reactions and go on a fun (no, really!) family photo shoot with you.

1) Go OUTSIDE the box (Or studio, that is)

Sometimes being in a studio just creates that stuffy stifled atmosphere that suppresses the real interactions of a family. I believe that each family member gets nervous because it is an out-of-the-ordinary setting and one no one is used to. So, get out of there! Take the kids and go to a park. Visit the zoo or go get some ice cream. For fun family photos, take a trip somewhere to do something your family is used to doing together. Your family photos will look more real, your photographer will have an easier time of catching those moments that make your family unique, and everyone will be relaxed and at ease with each other. No nervousness allowed!

2) Matching Smatching

I don't know any families that wear matching clothing all of the time. If you want family photos that look real, look believable, and look like YOU, wouldn't it make sense to do the things you're used to doing every day? If you don't wear matching shirts every time you leave the house, don't wear them to the photo shoot! Wear things you are comfortable in and that make each of you feel good. Bright colors usually work the best for the camera and help each person to stand out from the background. My suggestion is to pick a color scheme and stick with it. Choose just a few colors for your family photos that everyone is comfortable with and looks attractive in. Blend - don't match.

3) Ignore the Camera....no, seriously

I have seen so many occasions where people get in front of the camera and automatically freeze. There is just something about that big glass lens that makes people stiffen up and become nervous! The BEST way to become comfortable in front of the camera is to act like it isn't even there. IGNORE IT. Tell the kids to ignore the camera like they ignore you when you tell them to clean their room. Yep, that should get the message across. The more you act like yourselves, the better your family pictures will turn out.

4) Photographer knows best

Moms, you may have to take a breather on this one. For your family photos, ask your family photographer for suggestions and tips on how to make your day more successful. For example, I would tell a client to make sure you scheduled your family photo session around your normal daily schedule. Be aware of naptimes, wake-up times, work-times, and any other time that you are used to during your daily routine. Also, be very aware of the time of day that you choose for your shoot. If you want to take a trip to the park for your family photos, don't plan on having the shoot at 1pm in the afternoon. The light will not work nearly as well as it would closer to evening or late afternoon. Squinty eyes can ruin a picture! Always ask your photographer for some helpful tips and ideas to you can plan your shoot accordingly. Remember: The photographer wants to work with you!

5) ALL Day is okay!

Here is a fun family photo idea that I often like to throw out there: why not book a family photographer for the entire DAY? Have the photographer get the real low-down on what your family is like on an hour-by-hour basis. Booking your family photographer for an entire day of shooting will get many moments of daily life you wouldn't capture otherwise. For the moms, you are usually the one taking the pictures, right? Or you dads? This way, you BOTH can be in the photos without having to set a timer and run to pose in front of the camera. These shoots produce photojournalistic style photos - ones that tell a story, moment to moment, emotion to emotion. Get the kids in their jammies eating breakfast, the family making dinner together, and the parents tucking the kids in bed. You could break apart the day any which way you like, just so long as you get the memories that you want to hold on to.

The biggest part of fun family photography is getting everyone to act in the normal way they do when together, without a strange camera in your face. When a family is real and comfortable with each other, the true spirit of the family dynamic comes across. Using these tips for better family photos, getting that spirit across to the photographer is what will give you lasting and memorable family photos for years to come.

National Geographic Magazine


If you want to travel to exotic and rarely visited places in the world, learn about cultures most people have never even heard about or take a step back into the history of the world and ancient civilizations without ever leaving your cozy seat by the fire then National Geographic can take you there. This award winning magazine has been around for 120 years, it's pages giving some rare and thoughtful insights into the world around us.

From King Tut's tomb, to the final resting place of the Titanic, to the race for space National Geographic has been there. The journalists for this magazine have traveled to the mountain tops in Tibet, to Oceans to study whales, to open air markets around the world, covering stories and given ordinary people an inside look at places we could have only imagined. They have done this with class and distinction and opened up a greater understanding and appreciation for cultures different than our own.

The magazine began as a society for academics and wealthy patrons in January of 1888. In October of that same year the society published its first magazine. It's first full time editor Gilbert Hovey Gosvenor, the son in law of Alexander Graham Bell (The societies second president) took up his position in 1899. He served as editor for 55 years until 1954. The magazine was originally published under the name of National Geographic magazine but has since been shortened to simply National Geographic.

This magazine with it's distinctive yellow border has a circulation of over 9 million worldwide. It has been the most read scientific and geographical magazine in the world. Published in 32 languages it covers articles on Geography, popular science, world history, culture and current events. It publishes 12 issues a year with 4 additional map supplements.

National geographic also publishes a special kids magazine that is often used in schools to help educate in the field of history and geography.

This magazine is known for it's extremely high quality photographs and is considered to contain the very best in photojournalist work.

Where does their readership come from?

Although there are people from all walks of life and all incomes levels who enjoy National Geographic, it's largest readership comes from middle aged college graduates. While the readership of this magazine is pretty evenly divided between men and women 66% of it's readers are college graduates with a income level of over $60,000 dollars per year.

Awards

Over the years National Geographic has won many prestigious awards including awards for it's written content and photography as well general excellence award.

Going Modern

Over the years National geographic has kept up with modern advances in technology by using television to features some of it's interesting and great stories and today people interested in reading or viewing the entire collection of National geographic can do so online.

While this magazine continues to have a huge following, the resale value of these magazines are next to nil. Attics and basements in this country and around the world are filled with back issues of this magazine that the readers found too precious and informative to throw away. Indeed, they are a treasure trove of unforgettable places and events in the history of the world.

Arranging a Boudoir Photo Shoot


Boudoir photography has become a popular trend with brides who want to offer their 'husbands-to-be' a wedding day present which will they never forget. Generally associated with a woman's bedroom, boudoir is a term which has been coined to describe a genre of glamor photography where nudity is implied by showing women in a state of undress or wearing alluring lingerie.

Of course, photographing women in a state of partial undress is hardly a new phenomenon, but the boudoir trend has brought an air of respectability to what used to be considered a rather daring and controversial area of glamour portrait photography.

Boudoir Photographers
No longer the preserve of the specialist, boudoir and glamor pin-up photography is widely available through many wedding photographers who have seen the trend as an opportunity to expand their businesses. Some have been so successful that they now dedicate most of their business to this form of portraiture.

When choosing a professional photographer it's a good idea to do as much research as you can beforehand. The internet should be your first port of call and this is where you'll get the most information with most providers of this serving having examples of their work on-line. Some will offer a wide selection of styles while others will be dedicated to a specific sub-genre such as Hollywood style glamor or pin-up photography.

Photo Shoot Location
No matter where you live there will be a boudoir photographer in your area. Many will have their own studio and there are some boudoir specialists who will arrange a shoot at a boutique hotel. This is particularly useful for those who don't want to travel and also has the advantage that many boutique hotel rooms offer a perfect backdrop which is difficult to create in a traditional photographic studio.

Photo Shoot Time Limits
Most budget photographers will have a strict time limit on photo-shoots, typically one or two hours, while higher-end photographers will be more flexible. Some will allow 3 or 4 hours and others will just say it will take as long as it takes. Obviously cost is a major factor and, generally, the more you are willing to pay then the more time you will be allowed. For some women time will not be so much of an issue but those who are a little nervous, or are unsure of the look they want to achieve, should opt for the most time they can afford.

Costs
Again, with most things in life, you'll often get what you pay for. Budget photographers will typically offer the best price but results and overall experience could be disappointing? It's not unknown either for some to pressure their clients into spending more on the day of the shoot. Often you will be better off paying a little more for a better experience overall, although this isn't an automatic guarantee of quality and you should still do your research.

What to Take with You
Many photographers will have a collection of outfits you can try, although it's advisable to take a couple of favourite lingerie pieces with you. Of course, you may be brave enough to not wear anything, though you are best taking something - just in case you get cold feet on the day?

Take some favorite make-up items with you but many photographers will have some form of hair and make-up service arranged. As always, the cost of the package will determine how good the make-over is but you'll probably be surprised at the standard offered?

At the End of the Boudoir Shoot
At the end of the photo shoot there will be a number of alternative shots to look through. Depending upon the format of photography used you may be offered a set of prints there and then or you may be given a password to a private on-line gallery which you can browse at your leisure later.

Typically, once you have selected the poses you want to keep they will be professionally printed and presented in either an album or in a frame. You'll also have the option of keeping the rest of your shots in the secure gallery with the ability to order further prints as when you wish.

Photo Retouching
Most people are familiar with the terms 'air-brushing' and 're-touching' and have a fair idea of what is involved. Most boudoir photographers will offer some level of basic image editing as standard. However, photo re-touching and air brushing is an art in itself, so, again, you may want to pay extra for a really professional finish?

Posing for a professional boudoir shoot can be a great experience and the results can be truly stunning. By researching the various styles on offer and finding the best photographer for you, you will have a great day and the result will be a set of images that will show you at your most attractive and certainly put a smile on your new husbands face.

Suggested Careers For Myers Briggs Test Personality Types


During times of a major economic downturn many people decide to change their career. Usually a major career change will require that you go back to school. Going back to school can be a tough decision especially if you have already started your career. To help decide which career type you should follow we have created a list of careers that are best suited for each of the 16 Myers Briggs personality types.

ESTJ
Military, business administrators, managers, police/detective work, judges, financial officers, teachers, sales representatives, government workers, insurance agents, underwriters, nursing administrators, trade and technical teachers, mafia dons. Natural leaders, they work best when they are in charge and enforcing the rules.

ISTJ
Business executives, administrators and managers, accountants, police, detectives, judges, lawyers, medical doctors, dentists, computer programmers, systems analysts, computer specialists, auditors, electricians, math teachers, mechanical engineers, steelworkers, technicians, militia members. Similar to the ESTJ, they have a knack for detail and memorization, but work more behind the scenes instead of up front as a leader.

ESFJ
Home economics, nursing, teaching, administrators, child care, family practice physician, clergy, office managers, counselers, social workers, bookkeeping, accounting, secretaries, organization
leaders, dental assistants, homemakers, radiological technologists, receptionists, religious educators, speech pathologists.. They do best in jobs where they can apply their natural warmth at building relationships with other people.

ISFJ
Interior decorators, designers, nurses, administrators, managers, secretaries, child care/early childhood development, social work, counselors, paralegals, clergy, office managers, shopkeepers,
bookkeepers, homemakers, gardeners, clerical supervisors, curators, family practice physicians, health service workers, librarians, medical technologists, typists. Tradition-oriented and down-to-earth, they do best in jobs where they can help people achieve their goals, or where structure is needed.

ESTP
Sales representatives, marketers, police, detectives, paramedics, medical technicians, computer technicians, computer technical support, entrepreneurs, comedians, agents, race car drivers,
firefighters, military, loan sharks, con men, auditors, carpenters, craft workers, farmers, laborers, service workers, transportation operatives. They have a gift for reacting to and solving immediate problems, and persuading other people.

ISTP
Police, detectives, forensic pathologists, computer programmers, system analysts, computer specialists, engineers, carpenters, mechanics, pilots, drivers, athletes, entrepreneurs, firefighters,
paramedics, construction workers, dental hygienists, electrical engineers, farmers, military, probation officers, steelworkers, transportation operatives, hit men. With the ability to stay calm
under pressure, they excel in any job which requires immediate action.

ESFP
Actors, painters, comedians, adult entertainers, sales representatives, teachers, counselors, social workers, child care, fashion designers, interior decorators, consultants, photographers,
musicians, human resources managers, clerical supervisors, coaches, factory supervisors, food service workers, receptionists, recreation workers, religious educators, respiratory therapists.. Optimistic and fun-loving, their enthusiasm is great for motivating others.

ISFP
Artists, musicians, composers, designers, child care workers, social workers, counselers, teachers, veterinarians, forest rangers, naturalists, bookkeepers, carpenters, personal service workers,
clerical supervisors, secretaries, dental and medical staffers, waiters and waitresses, chefs, nurses, mechanics, physical therapists, x-ray technicians. They tend to do well in the arts, as well as helping others and working with people.

ENFJ
Teachers, consultants, psychiatrists, social workers, counselers, clergy, sales representative, human resources, managers, events coordinators, politicians, diplomats, writers, actors, designers,
homemakers, musicians, religious workers, writers. They have a gift of encouraging others actualize themselves, and provide excellent leadership.

INFJ
Counselers, clergy, missionaries, teachers, medical doctors, dentists, chiropractors, psychologists, psychiatrists, writers, musicians, artists, psychics, photographers, child care workers, education consultants, librarians, marketeers, scientists, social workers.. Blessed with an idealistic vision, they do best when they seek to make that vision a reality.

ENFP
Actors, journalists, writers, musicians, painters, consultants, psychologists, psychiatrists, entrepreneurs, teachers, counselors, politicians, diplomats, television reporters, marketers,
scientists, sales representatives, artists, clergy, public relations, social scientists, social workers.. Very creative and fun-loving, they excel at careers which allow them to express their ideas and spontaneity.

INFP
Writers, artists, counselors, social workers, English teachers, fine arts teachers, child care workers, clergy, missionaries, psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, political activists, editors, education consultants, journalists, religious educators, social scientists.. Driven by a strong sense of personal values, they are also highly creative and can offer support from behind the scenes.

ENTJ
Business executives, CEOs, organization founders, business administrators, managers, entrepreneurs, judges, lawyers, computer consultants, university professors, politicians, credit investigators, labor relations worker, marketing department manager, mortgage banker, systems analysts, scientists. They are born to lead and can steer the organization towards their vision, using their excellent organizing and understanding of what needs to get done.

INTJ -
Scientists, engineers, professors, teachers, medical doctors, dentists, corporate strategists, organization founders, business administrators, managers, military, lawyers, judges, computer
programmers, system analysts, computer specialists, psychologists, photographers, research department managers, researchers, university instructors, chess players. They have a particular skill at grasping difficult, complex concepts and building strategies.

ENTP
Entrepreneurs, lawyers, psychologists, photographers, consultants, sales representatives, actors, engineers, scientists, inventors, marketers, computer programmers, comedians, computer analysts,
credit investigators, journalists, psychiatrists, public relations, designers, writers, artists, musicians, politicians. Very freedom-oriented, they need a career which allows them to act independent and express their creativity and insight.

INTP
Physicists, chemists, biologists, photographers, strategic planners, mathematicians, university professors, computer programmers, computer animators, technical writers, engineers, lawyers, forensic researchers, writers, artists, psychologists, social scientists, systems analysts, researchers, surveyors. Highly analytical, they can discover connections between two seemingly unrelated things, and work best when allowed to use their imagination and critical thinking.