Introduction To Me

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Hi, my name is Brian and I am addicted to photography.  You have stumbled on my photography obsession and I hope you will sit back and stay awhile.  Check out some of my favorite photos and read my articles about elements and style.  I have made it my mission to learn everything possible about photography and I am sharing it all here as I go.  If you are an amateur photographer or even a successful pro looking for inspiration, stick around while we talk cameras, lighting, and art forms related to my favorite hobby ever… photography!

 

Buying a House With a Hot Tub is Must!

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My husband and I have recently decided that we are going to move out of our apartment and start the hunt to buy our first home. We are very excited and can’t wait to be homeowners. But we are slowing finding out that it is very difficult to find a home that has all of the features that we are looking for in a property. Though it may seem silly to some, we really want to find a home that has a Leisure Concepts hot tub or a place to put a hot tub. We love spending time outside and are always using the hot tub at our apartment complex.

So when we first started looking at homes for sale, we were pretty disappointed that there weren’t any, at least where we were looking, that included a hot tub in the backyard or deck. I suppose that since we live in a climate where the weather changes every season that not everyone spends as much time outdoors as we do. The thing is that we did see lots of houses that have pools in the backyard. Personally, I would prefer a house with a hot tub to a pool, but that’s just me.

What we have now decided that as long as it is on the lower end of our price range and has room for a hot tub to be put in, we would be fine buying our own hot tub. Actually, it almost seems like a better idea because we can choose the type of hot tub we want and we can be the first people to use it. The search is on for the perfect house and I hope we find it soon, because we can’t wait to have friends over to help us celebrate buying a house and enjoy the hot tub as well.

There are so many benefits to having a hot tub that I really cannot believe that more people do not have them. For us, going to the hot tub weekly if not more often is a great way for us to relax. My husband and I both work very stressful jobs and this is the best way we have found to relax and forget about work or any other problems that we may be facing.

Our friends are also very excited about the prospect of coming over to help us put the hot tub to good use. They have already told us that we need to have weekly parties and invite them over so that we get our money out of the hot tub. Though we love having them all over, I don’t think we will need them to make good use of the tub. I can already see us sitting there night after night enjoying our new home and new hot tub.

If you are interested in walk in whirlpools at LeisureConcepts.net, there are many options to choose from. View bathtubs at Leisure Concepts or pick out one of the amazing saunas from Leisure Concepts at http://www.leisureconcepts.net/corner-whirlpool-tubs.aspx.

Get Started in Your Study of Photography

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We all have to start somewhere, and if you are new to photography you may need a few tips to help get you started in the right direction.

One of the best tips that you can utilize as a new photographer is to always move in closer than you think you need to, to get a good shot. You can always snap a shot from where you are so that you are sure to at least get a picture, but once you have that first picture always move in closer for a better look. Think of it as looking closer at your subject. You may find something you didn’t see the first time.

Another tip for beginning photographers is to be quick. If you are not quick enough you may in fact lose the shot you were trying to get simply by being too slow. Another quality tip for beginning photographers is to be selective with what you take pictures of. Keep it simple and only take the picture of what you are really interested in. Be sure to clear the background of anything that will take the focus off the main subject.

Be sure to watch the weather. This will become easier as you learn more about photography. You will know that best time of day to get the particular shot you are in search of is and will be able to plan accordingly.

Last but not least be sure to focus on your subject. This may sound silly but you would be surprised at just how many photographers do not do this, even seasoned photographers sometimes forget to do this.

How to Start a Photography Hobby

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The world of photographers is ever growing. Most people just a few years ago would think to be a photographer all you needed was a camera with a flash and a subject to shoot. If only that were it.

To get started in the vast world photography you do need a little more than that. To start you do need a great camera and a flash. Not just any camera and not just any flash. You need to do your research. Find out what type of photography you want to venture into. It could be studio portraits, outdoor portraits, wedding, nature, glamor, or commercial. Each one of these styles have different needs that your on camera functions can really help.

Make your list of equipment needed. You will need a camera first and most times, a back up camera as well. Doesn’t have to be the same camera but one you can depend on. Other equipment may be, flashes, lights, stands, back drops, props, memory cards, lenses, reflectors, soft boxes, weather protective devices, umbrellas, light meter, batteries… lots of batteries and travel cases, just to name a few.

Photography is an expensive hobby and career. Technology will almost force you to update your equipment every couple of years just to stay up with field. Know the business. Take a few classes as well. If possible take classes that specialize in the particular area you want to go into. Picking up a camera and taking a photograph does not make you a professional. You need knowledge, skill, talent and experience to claim your title as photographer.

Hit up some family or friends to help you gain the nessessary experience needed. Learning your camera, lighting, portrait composure are only a few of what an aspiring photography should know.

5 Best Photo Apps for the iPhone

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It seems that most of the pictures we take when we’re out and about are taken on our cell phones. As smart phone technology increases, so does the quality of picture that the phone produces. In the same respect, there are now lots of photo capturing and editing apps for the i-Phone that are fun and easy to use. Here are 5 that you should check out!

# Instagram – this free app is very popular due to it’s ease of use and it’s photo sharing feature. Look at any Facebook or Twitter news feed for very long and you’re bound to see an Instagram picture or two.

# Hipstamatic – this fun app is also easy to use, and brings back the feel of photos taken a generation ago. They look aged, antiqued, and a little bit retro, like the ones those plastic cameras we had as kids could take. However, it’s not a quick shot app, but does have some really neat features.

# PhotoArtista Oil – this is one of the lesser known apps, but is really cool – it creates an oil painting like image of your photos.

# Magic Shutter – this one is particularly good for i-Phone owners – since the i-Phone camera doesn’t work all that great in dark lighting situations. This app works with the i-Phone sensor to hang on to light as long as possible.

# Filterstorm – this is a photo editing app that has been compared to Photoshop Lightroom (a PC program) – it has all the basic editing features of a PC photo editing program, but nothing really unique. This app also works on the i-Pad, too.

Should You Add a Walkway to Your Lake Home?

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Lake homes are beautiful and usually have many upgrades and special features that regular homes do not. They are usually this way because they are seen from both sides. People driving by their home on the road see the front and people boating by on the lake see the back. It is a home that has to be pristine all the way around. Many of these homes have a dock pier that houses their boats and other dock accessories as well as provides a place for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Every lake home will need a walkway of some kind, whether it goes from the house to the dock or it goes straight into the water. Some people do not have walkways and have to decide if they want one. There are many pier companies that will build walkways pretty much any way you would like. You can even read a dock review online about any piers company to help you decide if it is a reputable company.

Adding a walkway to your existing boat tracks could help you have easy access to the lake. It would also help you not to mess up your yard or grass by walking back and forth, not to mention your feet getting muddy every time. A walkway would also increase the value of your home if you were to ever sell it. The two biggest things people are doing right now to their lake property is adding track systems for their boats, securing their pier foundation, and building walkways. These seem to be of the utmost importance right now to many of these homeowners. Walkways can be added in just a few short days depending on how detailed you want it or any added features you would like. Companies that build these have loads of pictures and idea books to help you see what you would like and the style that would fit your home.

Adding a walkway is a good investment and a great addition to your outside activities. A walkway can bring it all together and make everything look very put together and well balanced. Many people who add walkways are very satisfied with their decision and seem to enjoy having the added walking addition. The only thing that could hinder a decision to add a walkway would b cost. Many people do not want to put a lot of money into a walkway because they have no idea what it would add to their home. Walkways are perfect for a home on the lake and can make everything seem very clean and also can help with the upkeep of your grass through the warmer months. Adding a walkway is a good choice and it will leave you feeling a sense of pride about your home.

The Steps I Took to Save my Sanity and Career

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I train racehorses for a living and I also do freelance work as an equestrian photographer. You might think that this would be an easy job, but believe me, it is anything but. Predicting the winner of a race is a great deal easier than actually taking one of these million dollar babies and getting them into the starting gate or capturing a picture of them that isn’t a total blur. Race horses are very delicate animals, training them takes a great deal of time, patience, experience, and in no small part, luck.

On top of dealing with the horses and many employees, I also have to deal with owners. Trust me; the horses are far easier than the people who are paying the bills. At least I understand the horses! People are a whole different story. Between the horses and the people, it is perfectly easy to see why so many trainers develop vices. Many of them take up drinking and struggling with alcohol. While there are days when the idea of drowning my stress in booze holds a great deal of appeal, I don’t dare. My vice of choice is nicotine.

Cigarettes are one of the worst things you can have in a stable, so instead of real cigarettes, I keep a few V2 Cigs electronic cigarettes tucked into my pocket, read about them here. Instead of burning a mixture of tar and tobacco, I’m actually inhaling a smoky tasting vapor that is made out of water and propylene glycol. There is also nicotine mixed into the vapor juice that I use. One of the many things that I really like about the e cigarette is that the company I purchase my e-cigs from has vapor juice with four different levels of nicotine. On the rare easy day I encounter, I use a vapor juice that barely has any nicotine at all. One bad days, I make sure that I have a couple of cartridges of vapor juice with the maximum amount of nicotine possible tucked into my pocket.

The way that the South Beach Smoke electronic cigarettes are designed really is quite marvelous. The vaporizers are powered completely by lithium batteries. Another great thing about the e-cigs is that there is no open flame. The lack of flame means that I never have to worry that I’m about to inadvertently light a stray hay particle and set my entire stable on fire. According to electric cigarettes reviews, many people choose them because of fire safety benefits.

Without electronic cigarettes I have no idea how I would get through the day. The odds are pretty good that without my daily nicotine I would probably tell an owner what I really think of them and lose their business. If you’ve never tried e-cigs for yourself, take some time to learn about them online. Read the Blu Cigs Review and see what other people think of each brand and then try one for yourself.

Portrait of a Fun Online Game

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When most people think of the game Bingo, they visualize little old ladies sitting in church halls winning a couple of dollars, or maybe tickets for a quilt raffle. Today, this image couldn’t be further from reality. Today’s Bingo is played at the best online casino and it is a multi-billion dollar per year business. Bingo today is played worldwide for high stakes, and is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

In most countries WinnerCasino bingo is legal and a fun way to spend some time and possibly make a little money. In the United States, however, online bingo is in direct competition with casinos and Native American reservations. The Federal Government has passed laws against it. For US citizens, there are only a few sites available, and even fewer willing to take the risk of running afoul of US law. Whether you play Boom Brothers Slot of other gambling type games at Sky Vegas, you need to make sure you know the laws in your state and country.

Unlike the balls used in regular games, online bingo played at a 888 casino uses computer equipment that randomly generates numbers. This is supposed to prevent online cheating or manipulation of the numbers. A few sites assure their customers that no one on site has access to the random generator. In countries other than the US, a player signs up to the site pays a fee or a per-card charge, and then plays. Whoever gets the proper numbers wins. Any money won is forwarded to the customer’s account, where it may be used for more bingo, or paid out in cash through an electronic transfer to their bank.

These sites tend to be very social as well-most people IM each other during play and friendships develop among regular players. A majority of the players seem to be in England. There are no laws against it there and online play is very popular with all segments of the population.

In the US, Federal Laws have been enacted to prevent US citizens from participating in online bingo when money is exchanged. It falls under laws against gambling. Instead of trying to ban individual players, the US has gone a different route. It prohibits banks, credit cards, and sites like PayPal or Green Dot from paying out any money won. This has effectively stopped most of the activity in the US. Many of the sites online will not take US-based players because of this.

Some have found a way around this by opening off-shore accounts for customers that wish to gamble. This activity is illegal under current US laws. Many states have gone a step further and criminalized the act of playing on these sites. Participants are subject to arrest if caught. There are many free sites for people who want to play without the hassle or expense of the gambling sites. For example, Mr Green Casino has multiple bingo games that are free and completely legal.

A Photographer Makes a Positive Change

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Beyond my job as a professional photographer, I also spend my time working as an affiliate marketer for the best electronic cigarette company. I am definitely an advocate for smoking e-cigarettes. Whenever I tell people that I no longer smoke traditional cigarettes, people usually give me this funny book like there’s no replacement. However, I’ve come to find out that there are indeed alternatives to smoking traditional tobacco-based products. No, I’m not talking about those light cigarettes though supposedly a little bit better for your health. In all actuality, those cigarettes are no better than the traditional ones.

The only way you’re going to escape the effects of tobacco based smoking products is to simply stop using them. A combination of fear and loss of finances really made me think about my smoking habit. So I decided that I would give the Green Smoke electronic cigarette a try. Having done so, I am quite pleased with this new smoking device and I highly recommended it to both newbies and those that have been smoking for years.

One of the main questions people ask is whether the electronic cigarette is it like smoking a traditional cigarette? Well, yes it is! However, the cigarette itself is very different. Premium E Cigarettes operate off of battery power. Thus, there are no flames or lighters needed to begin using this device. There are also different types of electronic cigarettes. Some of the simpler brands are disposable and everything is within one simple cartridge. These particular types of electronic cigarettes are perfect for individuals that are just becoming acquainted with this type of smoking device. There are other types of electronic cigarettes they come into in three-piece kits. These particular types of electronic cigarettes allow the user to enter change cartridges. Thus, the electronic cigarettes are personable and can be purchased to suit the needs of the smoker.

After purchasing the simple electronic cigarettes, I actually really liked the way they operated. So, I decided to go ahead and purchase one of the more expensive electronic cigarette kits which will allow me to add my own flavor and nicotine cartridges if so desired. I’ll be honest; the electronic cigarette kit does cost some money up front. However, people have to remember that you only purchasing the cigarettes once as opposed to purchasing a new pack of cigarettes each day. The only other expense is simply paying for replacement cartridges as needed. I actually liked the fact that I could choose the brand and flavor of the cigarette I wanted to smoke. This is totally different than smoking traditional cigarettes where a different brand or flavor will cost you an extra $10 a pack. You can also save money on starter kits by using E Cigarette coupons which are available online.

Overall, I was in my experience with electronic cigarettes is been very positive and a highly recommended to anyone that is interested in leaving behind tobacco be smoking products.

Taking Great Low Light Photos

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A great picture taken at night is a memorable part of any photo collection.  Cityscapes and nighttime scenes seem to pull at viewers in a special way, since anyone who has ever tried to capture a nighttime scene recognizes that it is more than a notion.  In order to take great night shots you must have an understanding of how to adjust camera settings for low light.  The key to success is striking the perfect balance between capturing the ambiance of nighttime lighting while still making sure there is a enough light to make out the important elements of the photo.  There are three main areas you should focus on in order to take beautiful night shots.

  • Exposure – The exposure of a photo is controlled by a number of different settings.  Learning to adjust each individual setting to take advantage of the lighting conditions is key to successful night shots.  Aperture controls the amount of light being let in for the exposure. Shutter speed refers to how long the sensor on the camera is exposed to light.  The sensitivity setting determines how sensitive the sensor is to light.  Most cameras have automatic settings for all of these features, but the best night shots come from making adjustments to the individual settings based on the lighting.
  • Tripod – Professional photographers make extensive use of tripods for a reason.  If your subject is not moving a tripod offers an excellent opportunity to set the scene up.  Setting the aperture to a medium setting widens the field dept allowing you to get more into the photo.  There are a number of very reasonably priced camera tripods that our available for amateurs.  If you plan to make photography a hobby then a good tripod is well worth the investment.
  • Camera – Obviously the kind of digital camera that you use will do much in determining the end results of a low light or night time shot.  All cameras are not created equal when it comes to low-light photos.  The ISO settings play a large role in the quality if the final shot, and even though modern digital cameras do not use film it is worthwhile to consider whether your camera works better at high ISO settings or low ISO settings.  Full-frame sensors, which are available on the higher end digital cameras, provide the best results when it comes to low-light photos.

It may be a good idea to pull out the instruction manual for your camera if you are completely unfamiliar with any of these settings on your camera.  Once you have considered how your camera, tripod, and camera settings relate to low-light photos you are ready to choose a subject and start shooting.  Whether photography is a hobby or profession, the ability to take quality night and low-light photos can make a big difference in the quality of your photography portfolio.  While it may take some time to learn how to adjust your settings to make the most of low-light situations it is definitely well worth the effort.

Perfect Black & White Photos

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While a spectacular color photo can be moving, few forms of photography have the power of black and white photography.  In order to capture all the emotions that this form of photography inspires, it is essential to understand some of the key techniques involved in taking successful black and white photos.  One key to remember in black and white photography is that your subject is the most important thing.  Lighting plays a key role in the finished product and often one of the most striking aspects of a black and white photo is the lighting.  The following are some key points to keep in mind when attempting black and white photography.

  • Point of View – One important thing that beginning photographers often forget is the importance of planning a photo.  Before you even pick up a camera you need to know exactly what you want to take a picture of and how you want to present it.  There are a number of shooting angles for any given subject, so it is a good idea to keep your options in mind and take multiple shots.
  • Lighting – As was pointed out earlier the lighting, especially in black and white photos, is often one of the most striking element.  In order to achieve this effect you need to first ensure that you have enough lighting to take the photo.  Unlike color photos where the colors allow the viewer to differentiate objects, in black and white photos this task is left to the lighting.  The source of the light in the photo will determine to a large degree the angle at which a photo is shot as well as the use of any flash or artificial lighting that may be involved.  It is also important to have knowledge of how light plays of different surfaces and the affect that that will have on the final photo.
  • Shape/Tone – The lack of color in black and white photos means that shapes boil down to light and dark patches on the canvas, so this fact should be considered as you determine how you want to present the shapes in the photograph.  Tones can be used to convey a variety of emotions in a photograph.  Make use of this fact to evoke a particular ambiance with regards to a photo.
  • Texture/Patterns – Clearly defined texture can add greatly to the realism of a photo.  On the other hand blurred details tend to give a picture a mystical or fantastic element.  Again, these facts can be used to create a certain atmosphere in a photo.

Black and white photography provides an excellent opportunity to take a more thoughtful approach to the art.  By removing the element of color, the photographer is able to focus on all of the other elements that make for a memorable photo.  If you are a novice photographer consider spending some time developing your black and white photography skills.  It will help you to improve your overall quality as a photographer.