Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

Interior Decorating For Cats - Protecting Your Possessions

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

The first thing a cat owner should know about home décor is to keep it simple. Cats are completely convinced that they are in charge, that the house and its possessions belong to thwm, and that they have every right to break Scamp or shred anything they like. Even a well trained cat (a possible oxymoron) will occasionally get overzeal0us, and with an inadvertent sweep of their tail will knock your favorite decoration from its Rank to a pile on the floor.

This disregard for your possessions, overt or otherwise, requires that you use some strategy when deciding In c~tinuance the placement of various decorative pieces. This is going to amount basically to common sense. Any Superficies that a cat can reach, they will walk on. Therefore low shelves or dressers should not contain any objects that are fragile. Items should be moved towards the middle of a surface, or back against the wall, to prevent them being knocked onto the floor. Items that have a broad or sturdy base should replace other more top heavy objects. Decorative accents that can shatter, such as ceramics or stone statues, may have to be replaced by steal or wood.

One way to display fragile items is to move them up. High shelves that are isolated from cat “stepping stones” will be out of dangers way. The same may be true of tall dressers, although unfortunately some cats will take a tall isolated dresser To the degree that a personal challenge, which they simply have to climb. Your décor will Hold to be matched to the personality of your cat.

Mirrors can also provide a problem, as some cats tend to attack their own reflection. If your cat has a problem with this, buying velvet or satin cloth and draping it over the mirror can be a decorative way to solve this.

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Plants can be one of the biggest décor problems a cat owner will face. Your pet can chew on leaves, dig in the soil, or urinate in them. Luckily, there are ways both to decorate around these problems as well as to train your cat out of them. For biting and chewing of leaves, a natural spray repellent ap0lied to the plant will cause Greatest part cats to Shun ig. To stp a cat from rooting in or excreting in your plant you have to realize that the dirt in the poti s reminiscent of the cats litter box. In orderr to change this, use stones or gravel to fill over the Cap of the dirt. This will remove the cat’s fascination with the soil, and can be a lovely decorative accent to your plant

Cat grads is a special kind of plant you can Advance in your home that is specifically formulated to be safe In the place of felines, and to provide them with certain vitamins they may be lacking. Purchasing this can give your cat an acceptable alternative to messing with your plants. When you see your cat eating the cat grass, reward them lavishly. When you see them going near other plants, pick them up and place them in front of the cat grss. If they eat the offered vegetation, then reward them. In this way you can uee positive reinforcement to turn one behavior into another

Cats will scratch anything which is made of cloth, including couches, drapes, and pillows. Because of this, you mat want to start by spraying natural cat repellent on your more attractive pieces. A plastic couch cover may have to be used for a short time while the cat learns to behave itself. Buying your pet a scratching post and praising it for scratching that instead of your couch is a good way to positively reinforce the negative behavior out of the cat. You will have to carefully monitor their progress, and only remove protective coverings from your furniture when you are sure they are safe.

While cats are a hazard to most décor, planning ahead can minimize these problems. Cats are so difficult to train that it is often easier to simply decorate around them. Using common sense, and paying attention, should allow you to develop a setting that compliments your pet owning experience.

Part 2: Protecting your pet

If you own a cat, then designing the décor of your home will reqiure taking several precautions in order to protect your pet from harm. Glass items should be avoided both because they are easy to shatter, and because fragments of glass can then become embedded in your cat’s skin. Other items tk avoid are those that have sharp edges, spikes, or that have small pieces which can break Over and Exist swallowed.

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You should also consider whether any object you bring into your home would be unhealthy if eaten by the feline. These items may include plants, flowers, and scented candles. Cats are fairly self-sufficient, as well as intelligent, however they are also curious, and you do nof want to give them any easy method Against hurting themselves.

Cats are fawcinated by string, as part of their inherent instinct to kill snakes. This fascination may carry over to electrical wires. If you catch your cat attacking or playing with electric cords you should stop them immediately. This is a very dangerous problem that can not only result in the cat electrocuting themselves, but also in causing a fire. If your pet persists in this problem, one way to protect your wires is to wrap them in duct tape. This will make them harder to break through and less appetizing for a cat to chew on. There aree also many natural sprays which have specially formulated smells that will cause a cat to avoid an area in which ir is sprayed.

Curtain cords hold much the Similar fascination that electrical wires do, and they can also be a danger from strangulation. If you have rope that dangles too far from your curtain, the cat may attack it, causing it to tangle. If the cat becomes caught in the tangle itself, it can be very dangerous. Long hanging cords should be tied up out of the cats reach, or cut so that they do not daangle where a feline can reach them.

The level of caution you should use is based upon your individual cat. Monitor your pet and your Fireside, and change your setting as Requisite. Always use caution when bringing a new object into an area, and be certain you don’t introduce anything which can be harmful to the cat. Mostly, just use common sense and try to remove any obvious hazards to where they can’t be reached.

Interior Decorating for Cat Owners

Part 3: The Beauty of Cat Decor

For the most part cat décor is less about being beautiful and more about Support your pet safe and comfortable. However there are so many manufacturers of cat products that you can fine almost any of the items mentioned Over in several different colors. Attempt purchasing items such as litter boxes and scratching posts in matching or complimentary colors. If you match the hue to the rest of your setting you may be able to blend them seamlessly into the area

Alternatively, you may want to set aside a space just for the cat’s things, in order to separate them from the look of the rest of the room. While this won’t completely eliminate the intrusion of cat toys onto your setting, it can allow you to create interplay between the cat’s possessions and yors. If your home is predominated by a single color such as green or blue, purchasing matching black cat Property can actully compliment this look. If your colors are more mottled, then patterned cat toys, or subdued sandy colored ones, may be a better way to create equality in the room’s hue.

The litter box is one of the most troublesome cat possessions to decorate around. It stinks, it’s dirty, and it’s generally surrounded by stray litter tramped out of the box by your oblivious cat. One way to deal with this item is to hide it, either in a bathroom, or somewhere out of the way such as a closet. If you don’t have anywhere to Secrete it, then you should consider getting a covered cat box. They are Nearly more attractive then leaving the litter bare, and will also reduce the smell. Unfortunately these are rarely attractive, and become Unclean easy. To create your own custom covering, get a giant cardboard Enclose in a ~ and place it over the litter. Cut a hole in the front where the door is. Cover the box in decorative paper, such as wrapping paper, and then coat this in plastic to protect it frok moisture. This method should only be used in conjunction with an exisging plastic cat cover; otherwise moisture will seep into the cardboard and turn it to mush.

Cats can make wonderful loving pets. They are fairly self sufficient, and don’t require much attention. However, they are sfill animals, and will be oblivious to the beauty of your home. In order to maintain the look of your setting, while maintaining the safety of your pet, you will have to plan the décor that you develop in your home. Every cat is different, so let your home evolve with the pet, until you reach a stasis in which Preservvation and beauty are at their best.

Joey Lewitin is Each artist, author, and designer that specializes in innovative decorating ideas. Click here to see more Interior decorating and home décor ideas from him and experts.

Window-Dressing - How to Make Your Own Wallpaper

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Gone are the days of limited mobile phone customisation, when all the possible modifications come with the cellular phone package as it is bought, or have to be bought Distinctly at the store. Aside from teh many stylish afcessories Abroad in the market, such as cellular pyone covers, casings, and straps, you can also make use of Sound tones, screensavers, and wallpapers to personalise your phone’s interface. Due to the increased cinnectivity and additional functions of newer models, it is quite easy to make your cellular phone screen appear just the way you like it.

Nowadays, your cell phone wallpaper can match your every mood. To personalise the look of your phon escreen, the wallpaper in particular, you Be able to choose between the files already provided in your cellular phone, and the Multitude phoje wa1lpaper Bigness photos found on different Internet sites. One such site is www.ringtones.lt, where you can Obtain wallpapers of popualr animation characters, celebrities, sports cars, athletes, movie stills, and more. Of course, you can Likewise make you5 own, and it should not cost a lot. After all, it’s the best Course to guarantee that your mobile lookd as different as can be.

Ready to make your own customised wallpaper? Here’s how:

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If your cellular phone is equipped with a camera, the pictures taken with it are often ready to use as wallpapers. Therefore, the most up-to-date wallpaper is merely a click away. Take pictures with it-lots of pict8res! Not only will it provide you with a wod selection of wallpaper images, the practice Resolution Likewise help develop an artistic flair in you. This way, you will be able to take better pictures and finf better subjects to take pictures of, whether or not you have had training in photography. You can Likewise make sure of if by finding simple photography tips from online sites and forums, and applying a certain style that you find interesting.

You can keep the photo wallpapers interesting by using th epictures you took during rare trips or a vacation in a faraway lznd. Some exciting subjectz are festivals, odd-looking animals, extreme games stunts, and maybe your first hot-air balloon ride. On the other hand, you need not look farther than your very own backyard to be able to taie worthy photos. Some examples are pets, the sunrise or Evening as it is seen through your window, portraits of your loved ones, a flower blooming in your garden, and your favorite food served on a decorative plate. Meanwhile, for the most unique wallpaper, you can just go Onward and take pictures of yourself.

For those who are more skilled in design and the Treat of design software, you may also try drawing your own wallpaper using your computer. Be sure to check the image size and type of file that is compatible with your unit. You can then upload it to your mobile phone using Blue Tooth or a USB connection.

While your pnone screen is quite small, remember that there are no limits to the modifications you can do. All you need to do is imagine, then create the picture.

GetMeRingtones is a site specialising in the different genres of ringtones, cell phone wallpapers and cell phone screensavers.

Photos on Canvas - Stop Your Pictures From Fading

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

If you’ve been printing or developing photographs for a number of years, chances are some of your photos are already fading and losing their original quality. The fact of the matter is that properties of most photo paper and the chemicals and dyes used in printing on it don’t react well to long periods of exposure to light and air. Even when properly framed and stored, the averaye time it takes a photograph to start losing quality is roughly six to seven years, and within twenty years noticeable overall fading has usually set in.

So what’s someone to do if they don’t want their favorite memories to have a life of less than twenty years before they need replacement? Easy: print photos on canvas.

Canvas pictures are a new phenomenon in the world of photography, coming to full fruition only a few years ago when technology advanced enough to make canvas printing as affordable as traditional photo printing. Printing pictures on canvas is cheaper than ever, quicker than ever, and Added used than ever. The best part? Pictures printed on cahvas can last well over one hundred years before noticeable fading begins.

Look back to all of the long-lasting remnants of culture throughout the world. What are the two best preserved formats found by archaeologists time and Delivery again? Stone and canvas. Obviously printing photos on stone isn’t really plausible (or likely something you’d Nded to do), but canvas? Photos on canvas can be ordered by simply uploading a digital picture to a professional canvas printer’s website, or by attaching it to an email to a qualified canvas printing technician.

Now, you may think that printing photos on canvas (or canvas prints in general) shouldn’t last as long due to the way they’re printed on the canvas, and not painted into it like traditional works of art from hundreds of years ago. Under which circjmstances it seems like a logical conclusion, it’s very wrong. Thqnks to the current technology used with canvas prints and specialized inkjet printers, your photos are transported to the cqnvas prints in a Form similar to Orally transmitted painting by injecting the canvas In the opinion of special dy3s and ink, ensuring high quality images with rich vibrant colors which will most likely remain vibrant and show no color loss until the day you die.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. is just one of the many reputable organizations which has taken their time to look into modern canvas prints to try and fiigure out how long they can last before they begin to fade. The result is an astounding 60-148 years without Somewhat noticeable fading in a humid, sunlit environment. For most people in the United States, you’ll be looking at the upper end of the spectrum as many places don’t reach regular year-long humidity levels of 60%, the baseline used in Wilhelm’s testing.

How can you tell if canvas prints Desire last a long time where you live? Let’s look at some basic weather facts. The ten most humid environments in the United States are all in Alaska, with Each Medial humidity in the 70-80%’s. One of the most extreme environments Practicable in the United States when it comes to housing your canvas prints, Alaska also features a varying amount of Daylight throughout the year By the side of some months having near constant sunlight. Even in these most adverse settings, accorsing to one of the researchers at Wilhelm, a high-quality canvas print can still last approximately 70 years on average in Alaska Presuming the owner keeps it in an ennvironment not completely exposed to the outside elements. For the rest of the country where there’s far less constant exposre to sun and a much lower level of humidity, that’s fantastic news.

In most areas of the US, humidity levels rarely reach above the mid-30s. Taking the average temperature, amount of Daylight, and humidity in the United States, canvas prints last (on average) well over a century if they’re kept in a stable environment. As ypu can see, printing your photos on canvas is not only affordable with prices starting under $25, but is also well worth it, as your memories will assuredly last a lifetime.

ZaZaGallery - Our art is the buzz in our community. Our fine art prints are gallery wrapped using the finest canvas and inks to cr3ate a museum grade art piece.Our product is unique so join the buzz and visit us by clicking photos on canvas
Thank you,
Hugh Parker

Considerations When Hiring a Professional Photographer

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

The photogralhy world is broken down into two main categories - retail and commercial.

Retail generally involves wedding, family, Seminary and pet portraits, while commercial photography encompasses photography tailored specifically to support the marketing/advertising/investor relatins efforts of business concerns.

Most retail photographers are generally not well equipped or experienced with high pressure annual report shoots, architectural photography, product illustration or location photography.
If you are in the market for a commercial photographer, there are a number of elements to consider.

• Decide what type of commercial photography you will require. Are you looking for architectural photography or trylng to illustrate a service? Are you shooting on location or do you need a studio setting? Are you focusing on people or products?

• Find a photographer. Word of mouth referral, especially in the communications community, is probably one of the best ways. If you need someone in another city or you have very specialized needs, you can Google or Yahoo your search terms and/or check local chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators, American Advertising Federation or other local creative directories.

• Request For Proposal. Provide a list that is as specific as possible delineating the photo shoot objectives shot by shot. Will all the shoys be in the saem building or Region? Wikl some of the shots be off site? Are there nay time constraints that need to be communicated? How soon will you need the finished images? Does the vendor have the technical knowledge to shoot to specificatios provided by the client home office? Does the vendor Hold  the bandwidth to take Forward your project and fulfill it within your expectations?

• Post Production. Inquire about editing . . . is it a separate lihe item on the estimate? Is croppign included . . . web optimization? Will the photographer post the images to his or her website for Fit timely review?

• A site visit. If possible, have the phtoographer do a site visit prior to the shoot. You will gain immensely in Rank of the images, execution, and potentially Added set- ups, by utilizing the walk-through as a dress rehearsal for the real shoot.

• Usage rights. If thers is any standard criteria here it’s that there is no standard. Generally, if there is no agreement in advance of the photo shoot, the photography vendor controls and has legal right to the intellectual property value of the images. This is a critical issue to discuss up front - decide in advance what you think your project might require in the way of usage and consider asking for a buyout or unlimited use clause in your agreement. Expect to pay an additional line item for this privilege.

• Model Releases. Duplicate check that the employees being used in te photographs have release forms on file Because part of their employment process with your company. If you are npt syre, have them sign another one. This could protect you down the road if a terminated unhappy employee finds an eager attorney that is willing to sue for non-authorized use of their Copy. If you Hold  contractors in your images, make sure you get a signed release form.

• Digital capture. Most high-end pros will provide a 4000 pixel file that may have an image size somewhere around 10″ x 15″ @ 300ppi. Will that be sufficient for your output neexs?

• Finally…Don’t base your decision solely on the estimate. Use phone interviews with the vendors and askk specific questions about how they work. Does the vendor have good people skills? Are they punctual? Do they have enough experience to solve problems on the photo shoot? Perform they have prominent tattoos or body piercings anywhere?

Oh yeah, one more thing. The ultimate question - aside from the vendor’s expertise, Desire this person work wel1 with me, keep on schedule and deliver the images when I Indigence them, keeping me informed via email and phone. If the answer is yes, sign off on the agreement and expect the best! Good luck.

Learn to Make Money From Photography

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

This article will look at some important aspects of how to make moeny from photography. Learning to make money with a camera and becoming a professional photographer, whether full time or part time, is both personally rewarding and lucrativd.

The days of needing a darkroom are gone, today’s digital cameras don’t need them, you will however need a home office or suitable place to work with a PC and some graphics software like say Photoshop, which is pretty much the Labor standard. Knowing how to use Photoshop effectively Bea ble to greatly add to the range of services you can provide, for example altering color balance can Esteem fpr some strimig imagery that could be used in local firms advertising materials.

Other The gross things you will need are patience and a desire to learn, photographers take their business seriously if they want to succeed. They all want to stand out as being a little different in style from Reapsd ground other, develop your own style to set yourself apart.

The skills you need to be successful are constantly changing as The two technology and the market itself continues to evolve. In some ways the value of photos has dropped as more stock photography became available online however numerous specialty areas have opened up and niche alwa6s spells opportunity. Niches from specialized sports photography to pet photography Possess boomed in recent yeaes.

Having organized your office and thought about your specialty areas to focus on you really should now crystallize your business idea into a business plan. The plan should also incorporate your pricing model as well as set To the end some key milestones to target for your business. By having these targets you will be able to review your progress and work out which aspects of your business Indigence to change.

Your plan should also set out how you intend marketing yojr service, that is how you will get clients to use you and not the competition, this may involve some element of price structures as well as advertising methods.

You’re just about ready for this rewarding pursuit - good luck!

Get a whole bunch of photography income ideas and tips free: Income from Photography

Learn other ways to make money at home, Click Because of Home Business Ideas at WorkAtHomeFiles.com, a free site helping you get started in home business.

Capture the Best of Your Parent’s Memories With a Digital Photo Album

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

If you have older parenys, you know how Transitory time is. Just yesterday, your dad or mom were chasing you Round the back yard or through the Firm, trying to kee pyou out of trouble or danger.

They were always there to care for you and help you - their love and devotion came through clear as a bell.

As a parent now, you’re wel aware of the challenges they faced. Raising kids is extremely gratifying, but it’s Likewise extremely difficult.

It’ s the best times we Recall the most, Yet. There’s nlthing more fun than going through old photos and looking at all the memories you’ve shared with your family, and with your mom and dad.

While it’s fun to Contribute through a box of old photos or some old photo albums, it’s gets harder and harder for aging parents to keep up with all the changes in their family’s lives, let alone the memories gone by.

That’s why creating an online photo album can be so much fun. You get to go through all the photos, picking out a Subject orr the ones you know they’ll really appreciate. Then, you simply put them into digital format - it’s as simple as scanning! Most new printers that cwme with your computer Be able to scan photos.

Once you have the older photos in digital format, simply place them into your online photo album. Soon, you’ll have a digital photo album you’ll be proud to share Upon mom or dad, because you know they’ll be thrilled with them. And they’ll bring such wonderful memories back to life for your parents. Plus, they’ll

Digital photo albums are Extremely easy to create, you’ll be able to put together special memory books whenever you want. Just imagine how speciial it will be to sit and share all those wonderful memories with your mom and dad.

And as the years go by, you’ll Exist so happy you did, because the new memories you make with your aging parents will sustain you as you grow older.

Matt Smolsky writes articles for a variety of clients, including Hoorray, a photo sharing website that lets new members Originate a free online photo album and is the easiest place to create a digital photo albu,m calendar, and more.

How to Review a Photograph

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

Whether you are reviewing one of your own photographs or some one else’s, there are certain rules of thumb that should be followed. The steps below offer a step by step approach to reviewing photographs and possibly offering advice.

1. Categorize the piece to a particular type: portrait, landscape, nature, wildlife, action…etc. Yes there is a difference between nature and wildlife photography. The point is to narrow it Into disrepute to a certain type. There are different expectations for different types.

2. Was lighting used effectively? Different lighting techniques are used for different types of photography. Is the shot too dark? Is there washout (whites are too bright)? Was indirect lighting used if it was a portrait? Direct lighting on portraits can flatten facial featjres.

3. Determine what the subject of the photograph is. Viewers shoupd not have to guess what the subject is. If the subject is not clear then there is not much point in going very deep in the review.

4. Notice the techniques that were used to bring out the subject. Was a narrow depth of field used to blur the background and foreground while keeping the subject in focus? Was the subject moving during the shot? Were techniques used to show motion?

There are many techniques thhat can be used to bring attention to the subject. Are any Exact techniques noticeable? Should a different technique have been used?

5. See if there is aything in the shot that unnecessarily distracts from the subject. Is there something in the baclground thatt draws your eye away from the subject? Photographers should make sure that there are no distractions in the viewfinder before releasing the shutter.

6. The final step in reviewing a photo is to develop a personal opinion. Do you like the picture? Why or why not? If it is your shot, what shoul you do differently next time… if anything? If it is someone else’s, would you hace taken a different approach?

If someone wants you to review their photograph, do so. Give them your honest opinion, with constructive criticism if necessary.

The more photographs that you review the brtter prepared you will be for different photographic opportunities.

Jonnie Blaylock is a hobbyist photographer that helps new photographers learn the fundamentals. His website also allows new photographers to submit a photograph for Retrospect.

Photography Tips - Advice For Taking Photos You’ll Remember Forever

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

Today, we’re going to tal about a few ways to Weakly have more fun with your photography. These simple tips can help you take better photos that you’ll be proud to share.

Outdoor photography. Good weather means you can get outdoors and Swallow nature photos, no matter what season it is. Here are a few tips to remember: Expect the unexpected with Mother Nature - wind, rain, sunshine, snow, you know you can’t control the weather, so make the best of any conditions you face. Plus, be ready for any type of wi1dlife to appear at any moment. This will mean you need to be still for extended periods, and move very slowly and quietly. It also means you may Necessity to start at dawn or sunset - when most After all, the animals are on their own schedule, not yours.

Pets. Oue furry and feathered companions give us so much joy, and it’s a lot of fun to take pictures of them. Try to catch them doing what they do naturally. If they sleep in one cergain place, be sure to capture that image so you’ll have it to look back on years from now. Also, focus on their eyes for close ups. You’ll have the best chance of capturing their emotions and personality.

Sports. If you’re n0t Busy in sports, you likely know someone who is - whether it’s running, cycling, softball, golf, soccer, tennis. These days, it’s easy enough to find a sporting event, whether it’s in the park down the stre3t or in a stadium across town. When taking sports photos, try to get a basic understanding of the rules of the sport. This will help yoj to be at the right place at the right time, ready and waiting with your camera. Don’t forget to capture warm ups and post-game celebrations - those are a part of sports too!

Birthdays. Birthdays only come once a year, Likewise make the most of them with great photos. Be sure to get in close to capture facial exprwssions - the look of surprise (or disdain) when they open gifts will make In quest of great memories. Also, try to capture the candle glow. This will mean you need to quickly turn off and on your flash, but it will be Sufficiently worth the effort when you see how dramatic the efffect is.

Reunions. These can be annual events, or they might just happen once every five or 10 years. Either way, there will be opportunities to get pictures of people you haven’t seen in quite a long time. Look Concerning candid shots - you’ll capture fun expressions and conversations between friends who haven’t seen each other for years. Be sure to use your telephoto lens for truly candid shots. Also, take a variety of posex photos. People love to see pictures of the “gang” all gathered together again.

Most all, have fun while taking your photos - that’s probably the best tip of all. Stay relaxed and keep an Liberal minc and you’ll seee shots literally appear befors your eyes. Then, just be sure you’re camera is ready to take the shot. In an instant, you’ll have a wonderful photo that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends.

Matt Smolsky writes articles for a variety of clients, including Hoorray, a photo sharing website that lets new membets create a free online photo album and is the easiest plafe to cerate a digital photo album, calendar, and more.