Graduation Portraits

Graduation portraits are portraits that are taken by an external photographer inside a studio set-up with the student dressed, from head to toe, in their academic graduation gowns. If that sounded like a sentence with too many words, then try putting two and two together yourself. The first word is graduation, which is simple enough to understand, even if you are in primary school. The second word is portrait. Now this one could be tricky depending on your education level. A portrait is generally a rendition of a single person's upper body and particularly their face.

Portraits can be either paintings or photographs. Since we are living in the 21st century, we'll assume that by portrait we mean a photograph of a person's upper body. Alright, now let's put the two words together; what do we get? A photograph taken after graduation? Yes! You got it right! I knew the process of breakdown would work wonders. A graduation portrait is a picture that is taken with the student in his or her graduation gown and cap. They are not really required, per se, but it helps to have a visual proof of your academic credentials. After all, you never know.

Alright enough dark thoughts. Graduation portraits are a must if you wish to cherish the memory of your graduation day for the years to come. You will find yourself flipping through your photo album or gazing at your mom's wall and you will find your old graduation portrait and believe me, you will smile. Chances are you will only wear your academic gowns for graduation once and then never again. I certainly have never gotten the opportunity to wear my academicals after the convocation ceremony (alright, I did put them on once more for taking the graduation portrait). The same is true for my friends as well.

None of us have had much use for the academicals we were given ( the caps and gowns for high school graduation) after the ceremony was over. Most of my friends don't even remember where they have stored their academic dresses. That's the thing; we wear academic gowns for graduation alone, unless we attend a high profile university that expects students to strut around in their formals all the time. I certainly wasn't fortunate enough to go to such a place. The only other time that I wore my graduation cap and gown was when I got my graduation portrait taken, as I have mentioned previously. I went around town looking for the best studio I could afford with my limited budget. You will find that there are many places that are willing to work at your price and still provide some great shots. The important thing is to discuss with the photographer what you want and the possible ways to get it.

Graduation portraits are a great way to preserve memories. I had a real wild one taken and every time I look at it, I am forced to acknowledge what a wild little kid I really was back then.

Work at Home Jobs - How to Become an Online Graphic Designer

Everyone has their own passion which they want to be immersed with and at the same time be useful so that they could use it to make money. If you posses an artistic passion and want to make good use out of it you can apply to become a graphic designer online. These days there are many work at home jobs for graphic designers. To those who want to try their hand on becoming a graphic artist here are some things you need to follow so that you could be one.

The best step for any beginner is to be acquainted in what a graphic designer does. There are a variety of jobs like making website layouts, editing photos and printmaking that you could find a career in. Because of the number of jobs offered you should know what specific range of jobs you want to specialize. It is a good step to search information on the internet or find someone who could introduce you to the graphic design world.

Next, planning, analyzing and creating visual communication through the use of colors, font styles, photography, animation and the like can only be achieved through the right education. There is nothing better for a beginner than to find a place where you can receive official training about graphic artistry. This is needed because when applying for work at home jobs some employers give priority to applicants who already have a good background. If they already have experience or if they received training from a school then it would be a plus. To name a few, there are many online graphic design schools or programs in countries like Canada and USA. Being educated on the field will not only make you knowledgeable of it but it will increase your chances of success as well.

When you search in the internet, there are plenty of work at home jobs on the online market that want to hire graphic artists. Even if you are just a beginner you can apply for work as long as you have the skills needed to complete the tasks. However, it is also good for any newcomer to take some time to know their craft a little better and go the extra mile to gain vital experience whether big or small. As time passes by when your skill level increases bigger projects will be open to you. That is where you can earn big. Just follow these tips and you will be on your way to becoming a successful online graphic designer.

Video Careers - Camera Operators, Editing, & Film Production

Have you ever watched your favorite television program and thought about how the show was made? What you see on television or at the movies is the end result of many complex operations that take place behind the scenes.

Key elements in any media production are the photography (video or film) and editing. Camera operators and editors are in demand at television stations, news organizations, film production studios, advertising agencies, and even corporate video communications divisions. With the right career training, you could enter the exciting world of video or film production and enjoy a rewarding career. Here is a look at some dynamic media career choices and the training you might need to get started.

Camera operators capture the story on television, film, or video cameras. They work in film studios, on location, and for news organizations in the field. They may also work for corporations as in-house content producers. Some camera operators are self-employed and are hired to videotape special events including weddings and conference program sessions. Camera operators in television studios use large cameras on rolling mounts to videotape a program.

Producing a high-quality image requires having technical knowledge of digital camera systems, selecting the right equipment, and knowing how to set up a shot.

News camera operators work as part of a team with an on-air field reporter. The challenge is to get to the scene of a newsworthy event and get the story on video in time to be edited for the next news program. Occasionally, news teams including the camera operator are required to "camp out" at a location (such as at a lengthy trial or the scene of a missing-persons case) for days or even weeks.

Physical fitness is required to carry heavy equipment. Steadicam operators, who work for film production companies, wear a special harness that supports the camera. The harness and the camera are specially designed provide a smooth picture while the camera operator moves with the action. For some dramatic scenes the director may specify a hand-held camera that mimics what a real person might see.

Film and video editors take the "raw footage" that has been delivered on film or as a digital file and assemble the finished product. They select from many different shots and blend the edits together to tell the story seamlessly. Nowadays, most of the editing work is done on a computer. The editor works closely with the film or news director to create an effective visual narrative.

Education and Training

Production companies and news organizations seek camera operators and editors with creativity, imagination, and a thorough technical understanding of how cameras and editing equipment operate. Many people get their training at accredited vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes. For some positions a bachelor's degree may be required, particularly film and video editors.

Reputable career and broadcasting/media colleges offer many quality television production career training programs that could prepare you for exciting entry-level positions. Basic courses usually cover the use of video camera and editing equipment, digital processes, and editing techniques. Many programs provide training in computer technology. Film schools also may provide instruction on the artistic or aesthetic aspects of filmmaking, including the study of the history of film as an art form.

How Large Is the Industry?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS) Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition, in the United States about 47,000 jobs are held by camera operators and editors in television, video, and motion pictures. Video editors hold about 21,000 jobs, while about 27,000 are camera operators. Many are employed by local affiliate stations of television networks, while others work for independent television stations, cable and television networks, corporations, and smaller independent production companies.

Job Outlook

In the current decade from 2008 to 2018, the USBLS expects rapid expansion of the entertainment market, especially movie and television production, to spur demand for camera operators. Computer and Internet services are expected to provide new outlets for interactive productions.

Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average. Over the 2008-2018 decade, opportunities for camera operators and editors are expected to grow about sixteen percent, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Camera operators will be needed to film Internet broadcasts, including live music videos, sports features, digital movies, and entertainment programming.

If you dream about an exciting career behind the scenes at a television program, news organization, or film production company, the future could hold many opportunities. With the right training, you could be a part of the action and enjoy a rewarding career making television and video programs enjoyed by millions around the world.

Canon Underwater Camera Housing Tips, Tricks & Techniques

Have you ever considered taking your digital camera for a little undersea adventure? If your both a diver and an avid photographer, then I'm sure you have. Chances are you've done more then think about it, you've likely already taken the plunge . . . sorry ;) Underwater photography can be a very rewarding merging of two passionate hobbies. The resulting photographs can be beautiful. Additionally, it enables you to share your undersea adventures with family and friends that don't dive. If your just getting started though, you may want to consider a few things.

With the advent of some truly remarkable and sophisticated digital camera housings you can use the camera equipment you own are already familiar with. While there are waterproof housings for all camera makes, Canon is one of the more names that produces their own housings. There are also third party manufacturers that make camera housings for Canon cameras. If you've just purchased a waterproof case, or are in the market for one, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Doing a test run is essential to success in the field. While you may be very familiar with your camera, using one within a case in a marine environment can be a very different experience. So, spend some time in full dive gear, with your camera a housing to see how it feels. Checking for neutral buoyancy is important here. Some housing cases come with additional weights to help achieve a slightly negative buoyancy.

While good fully charged batteries are essential to any camera work, it's doubly true with underwater photography. I've yet to see a camera housing good enough to let you change batteries while underwater, without destroying your camera. Be sure to plan ahead.

I may be stating the obvious here. Especially on your first dive with your expensive Canon SLR and your brand new case. But, as soon as you enter the water, check the camera housing for leaks. Especially around any seals and O-rings.

Beware of bubbles in the lens port. Unless your going for that soft focus look ALL your photographs, it's better to clear any bubbles ahead of time.

Take the highest resolution pictures your camera and memory card can handle. Preferably in RAW format if possible. Since the marine world introduces it's own set of challenges for getting good pictures, the more pixels you start with, the better your odds are for successful editing of imperfections after the fact.

Error on the side of underexposing rather than overexposing in underwater photography. Generally speaking, it's easier to bring out colors from a darker photo with editing that one where all the color has been wiped out with too much light. While this is a good rule out of the water, it's worth mentioning here, since underwater photographers often have very strong strobe lighting at their disposal.

Starting a Home Based Career in Photography

In today's rapidly developing globalized economies, many business ventures are set up at a fast pace. Consequently, many opportunities are available for many young entrepreneurial individuals who intend to start a home based businesses. Most of these business opportunities require very little initial investment in terms of start up capital and manpower resources. For example, one could open a Photo printing and Desktop publishing shop at home easily and start running with minimum time and Low capital. There are many online tips and guidelines available for the young Entrepreneur on how to start a home based photographic business. One very good site is www. reshade.com which has valuable guidelines and tips on wide variety of home based businesses.

1. Equipment or Resources Needed

The basic equipment needed for a Photo Printing and Desktop Publishing Shop
are a personal computer, a good photo printer, scanner, digital camera, and other related consumables such as photo papers and ink. The personal computer to be used in this venture should have sufficient memory capacity and speed including the necessary software which is needed for photo editing and photo layout designs. For example, latest programs such as Photoshop, In Design, Gimp or Corral are a must for this type of business. Similarly, one must invest on a good digital camera either point and shoot or if he intends to expand the business in other areas of photography, he should invest on a good, high pixel or resolution, Digital SLR Camera.

However, if you do not have enough capital to invest on a costly DSL camera, starting with a point and shoot or a compact camera is advisable. When selecting a printer it is important to note the running cost in terms of ink and repair costs. There may be printers with low initial costs but in the long term the cost of running may be very costly due to high cost of repair and consumables. The printer should also turn out quality prints on photo, special papers and stickers.

Having a good scanner will also be handy for your business.

2.Business Focus and Opportunities

Once your photo printing and desktop publishing business is established, you can look for other opportunities to expand your business. In this sense, you can diversify your business into various areas. On the one hand, you can start printing photos on coffee mugs, shirts, pins, bags and tablets etc. On the other, you could concentrate on photo editing and storing. Depending on the customers needs, one could use his creativity to turn out wide variety of photos which customers prefer.

3. Know Your Customers Needs

One customer may prefer to have photos taken by you and some may want to give you the soft copies of photos or hard photos taken by them to print after editing. Irrespective of the type of photo given, you have the flexibility to change the photo settings using various photo editing software installed in your computer.For example, the contrast, angles, focus and depth of field, could be adjusted in photos at the beginning, so that any short comings in the images could be eliminated resulting in well turned out photos. Similarly, we can have very interesting backgrounds and settings super imposed in photos which the customers may like.

For instance, a customer may want himself photographed in front of Eiffel Tower or Niagara Falls or front of Grand Canyon. Similarly, Kids may prefer to be photographed alongside the cartoon figures such as Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny. This shows that running a home based business is really fun and exciting. More importantly your creativity and flexibility is integral to the growth and success of home based photographic business.

Getting Photography Work Experience

Work. Study. (And Play)

Homework and a full course load are no excuse for you to dismiss the idea of getting a photography job on the side. In fact, both work and study can be intertwined into a series of experiences that play off of and strengthen each other. Take your camera with you during your on campus job. You might get paid for taking photographs for a college dance group's spring show, become a photojournalist for the school newspaper, or work in the photography darkroom part-time after classes.

There are always opportunities for an aspiring photographer to gain workplace experience, especially in the highly specialized and welcoming environment of an art school. Perhaps classmates will be asking you to take pictures of their pieces for their portfolio, for example, or a photography instructor whom you inspect is looking for an assistant. In fact, many of the jobs that campus photographers are recruited for have hidden perks.

If a fraternity pays you to walk around taking pictures at their annual formal, for example, that means that you get a free invite and the chance to chat and eat in between snapping shots. Or if parties aren't your thing, what about pictures of a football game for the sports section of a local paper? Work, study, and play will never again be as compatible as they are during your years pursuing your photography degree, so grab your camera and take advantage of the fact!

Summer Shootin'

Summer is a time to do more than just laze around and take trips to the beach. Or at least if those trips are a necessity, bring your camera along! One great way to get work experience during a school vacation is to find a magazine looking to hire travel photographers for their upcoming summer issue. Photographs of exotic locales are always in demand and hold a special place in any photographer's portfolio.

For opportunities closer to home, begin your search by looking into your college's network for alumni and affiliated companies who might be hiring interns. Or simply scour online job-hunting websites and local classified for firms looking for a summer worker. If that search turns up no results, then take matters quite literally into your own hands. Nothing speaks more about your determination than actually visiting local photography studios and galleries on foot, with a resume and your portfolio on hand.

Do you seek more first-hand experience from your summer occupation, and chafe at the idea of working under another photographer? Then see how running a summer business works out for you: sell originals and prints at art conventions or in an online shop, or hire yourself out as a freelancer to an organization that might need a few good photos. Wherever your college vacations take you, bring your camera along with an eye for both a good angle and a good opportunity.

Never let up. Make sure that you continually polish your out-of-classroom photography skills during your college experience. Learn how to network, how to haggle with printers, pick up business do's and don'ts from more experienced photographers. Keep yourself exposed to the photography industry, and the transition from school to work will be all the easier for you upon graduation.

Good Decisions, Bad Decisions

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

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

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

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

Life changing decisions

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

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

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

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

Learning decisions

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

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

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

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

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

Moral decisions

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

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

Soul-searching decisions

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

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