Beauty of Winter Photography

Posted on December 21, 2013 by savi0043

Winter Photography can be quite intimidating and you may think that it is just too complicated… Not so, come out and try it with us. You will be amazed of what you and your little camera can do!

Beauty of Winter Photography
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Gerber]Joanna Gerber

Gorgeous landscapes, early morning fog lifting off the frozen lake, the glistening icicles on the tree branches. Photography opportunities meet you at every corner.

When your winter vacation takes you to the secluded, covered in snow, corner of Ontario; and you just discovered that perfect winter paradise scene; now you want to get it on film, or store it for latter so you can plaster it all over your desk top… Or maybe your children build that perfect snowman and you need to make a digital record of it, so you can show it to their children someday…

There are countless reasons to take pictures in winter time. But heard the horror stories about the underexposed snow scenes, or foggy lenses…

If you are convinced that trying winter photography will only leave you with less then perfect prints, you don’t need to worry.

The art of winter photography is no longer reserved for the professional, you too can have exceptional results with your digital or 35mm camera.

First things first, if you plan to take spectacular winter landscape photographs, you will need to get yourself ready for the cold. As with dressing for any other winter outing, it is best to put on layers, as opposed to one bulky piece of clothing. You can always take off layers if the weather changes.

Wear appropriate winter walking shoes, ones that will grip the snow and ice and not slide on it. We don’t want you dancing on ice, sliding and slipping. You may not only fall, damage your camera but also become a suitable object for other photo enthusiasts out there. So lets get some good winter boots.

Other things that you need are warm hat and a pair of thin, warm gloves. It is so much easier to take pictures wearing a slim glove and not the fat, bulky one. If you wear thick gloves, it may be nearly impossible to operate your camera, especially if it is a manual focus one. You may need to take the gloves off, exposing your hands to the cold, winter air. Your hands will quickly become cold and stiff and the photo session will be over…

Since you are ready, now we have to take a look at your camera. First thing that will happen when you step outside, will be a fog on your lens. To overcome this, simply wait couple of minutes and let the optics adjust to the temperature. The fog will disappear with time. Please be patient and do not try to wipe it off. You may not only damage the lens, but also smudge it, so when it does adjust to the cold, the smudge will dry up and be impossible to remove on the spot.

Make sure that your camera is protected from snow and water. If the snowflake lands on your lens it will melt and smudges will form, just like described above. So keep your equipment well protected and covered, if it is snowing outside.

Winter photography requires an equipment that will stand up to freezing temperatures. The film cameras or SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras are better choice for outdoor, winter photography, because they have a much sturdier parts. The Digital Cameras may fail you in very cold conditions. You may avoid this by keeping the batteries warm or changing them for fresh, warm ones if needed. You can warm up the batteries by holding them in your hand, or in the car.

The winter landscape, beautiful as it may be, is quite tricky. It’s just like shooting the high-key studio portrait. Majority of the landscape is white, the background and foreground are bright and the camera’s exposure meter will tend to give you the wrong reading, resulting in underexposed shot. In order to avoid this problem it is a good idea to switch to the manual program and take the picture by overexposing it by one stop.

Sometimes the winter will serve up some gray skies and you may think that your pictures will look equally gray and sad. That may not be the case; you have several options in this case. The first would be to use the gray sky to your advantage, that moody color may add more character to your image. You will have a grater opportunity to showcase the full spectrum of the gray scale, visible in the winter sky. When you are finally tired of the gray, try to shoot from such an angle that the sky area is not as visible. Another option is to use a gradual coloring filter to visually change the sky color. Besides shooting the grey sky, you may consider other choices for your winter photography project.

If you have a dog, take it with you on your shooting trip. It may surprise you how playful dogs can be in the powdery snow. The picture of the friendly mutt’s face covered with the white fluffy stuff will make your heart melt.

If you lucky enough to be by the water somewhere, make sure to take some shots of the frozen surfaces if it’s a lake or maybe the spectacular frozen river scene with just a trickle of water coming through onto the cascading stones.

The country scene with a crooked, old barn surrounded by sparkly branches of low growing bushes covered with ice. Make sure that your scene composition is done in your viewfinder, so it is balanced and perfect, not on your computer.

With Digital cameras, and the flexibility of processing that they offer, you have the greater ability to choose the finished format of your photograph. The winter scenery may work well in the wide landscape format.

Other options for outdoor winter photography may include horses in the pasture, colorful birds at the feeder, wild animals in the forest.

Your children will provide the endless array of images that you can work with. Just remember to dress them in layers and let them have fun. Make sure to get down to their level, and get in close. If you are afraid to spoil their fun, or you know that they will be camera shy, step back, use a telephoto lens and a tripod for stability. The final results will be well worth the hassle.

If you are lost for choices in winter photography themes, you can always try the close-up shots. The beauty of the frozen patch of grass, sparkling in the sun on the background of glistening snow, may be discovered only through the viewfinder of your camera.

So be brave, dress warmly, get out there and shoot, the world of winter photography awaits you!

Polish born-Canadian, Joanna Gerber is a professional photographer, alpine skiing enthusiast and editor of [http://www.winter-vacations-ontario.com/winter-photography.html]http://www.winter-vacations-ontario.com, comprehensive guide to Winter travel, resorts and family oriented activities in Ontario, Canada.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Beauty-of-Winter-Photography&id=379832] Beauty of Winter Photography

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Five Ways to Get More Work Done

Posted on December 16, 2013 by savi0043

You have deadlines hanging over your head and you’re buried up to your eyeballs in work. But no matter how hard you try; you can’t seem to make any headway. If trying to keep pace with your workload is wearing you down, use these tips to improve your scheduling and get more done.

Five Ways to Get More Work Done
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Heard]James Heard

You have deadlines hanging over your head and you’re buried up to your eyeballs in work. But no matter how hard you try; you can’t seem to make any headway. If trying to keep pace with your workload is wearing you down, use these tips to improve your scheduling and get more done.

Make a priority list. At the end of each workday, create a list of the most important things you need to do the next day. This will give you a sense of direction and help keep you on track. As you scratch things off your list, you’ll feel more motivated to reach the finish line.

Do the hard stuff first. Since harder projects take more energy to complete, it’s best to get them out of the way first. If you wait around, you’ll be too drained to do them properly. When you put them off the thought of having to tackle these task will be negative on your task at hand and will prohibit you from being prepared to work on when scheduled.

Break projects up into sections. When projects are large, they can make you feel overwhelmed. Breaking large tasks up into smaller chunks will make them easier to manage so you can get them done faster. Progress will be easily seen and will provide motivation.

Ditch the multitasking. Although some people swear by multitasking, research suggests that doing more than one task at a time reduces productivity. You will get more work done if you carve out blocks of time and give your full attention to one project at a time. Quality will improve and sense of accomplishment will be felt.

Learn to meditate. Taking time out of your busy schedule to meditate may seem counterproductive, but a few minutes of quiet time can help recharge your batteries. You can do simple stretching and deep breathing exercises at your desk. It is important to take care of you as you take care of your work. Try to implement this into your routine and feel the benefits immediately.

Fitting all of your workday deadlines into your schedule can seem impossible at times. When you set priorities, get the hard stuff out of the way, break your projects into small bites, avoid multitasking and learn to relax, you will boost your productivity and increase the amount of work you get done. These tips and mind sets take time to develop and will sure to make a difference in your life and life style in the future. [http://www.docurated.com]Docurated is developing a cloud based application to help knowledge workers surface, organize, reuse and share their most powerful content, regardless of information location or format.

James Heard is a technology writer with a focus on time saving applications and easy to use tools. [http://www.docurated.com/]Content search his current focal point.

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Two tasty fudge recipes.

Posted on December 11, 2013 by savi0043

Two tasty fudge recipes.

Fudge Recipes
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Juliana_Montgomery]Juliana Montgomery

This is one of those fudge recipes that my mom has made ever since I can remember. When I was lucky and none of my other siblings were around, she would let me eat the bits of chocolate left in the bowl. We always used to call it “licking the bowl” at my house. Always one of the best parts of being able to bake with mom. I have had a lot of fudge and none of it has ever compared to this fudge recipe that my mom always made. I do not know if it is because mom made it or because it is a good fudge recipe. Perhaps a bit of both. I hope you get to share it with someone special.

Fudge

2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine butter, milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. (Start timing when mixture starts to bubble around the edges of the pan.) Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, chocolate, vanilla, and nuts. Stir vigorously for 1 minute. Pour into an 8-inch square buttered pan. Cool in the refrigerator. Cut into squares.

This fudge recipe is for the peanut butter lover in your house. It is a recipe that is also pretty easy to make.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

1 cup peanut butter chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put foil in an 8-inch square pan. In a microwave safe bowl, put the peanut butter chips, 2/3 cup of the sweetened condensed milk, and all of the butter. In another microwave safe bowl, put in the chocolate chips and the rest of the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the peanut butter mixture on high for one minute or until the mixture is smooth when stirred. Then add in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to that mixture. Pour the mixture into the pan. Put the chocolate chip mixture in the microwave for one minute on high heat or until the mixture is smooth when stirred. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to that mixture and pour it over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate and cut into squares when firm.

Jill Seader shares her favorite [http://www.yourbakingstory.com]candy recipes and other baking recipes along with her stories at http://www.YourBakingStory.com She also invites you to share your own baking recipes and stories. Happy Baking!

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Emergency Preparedness Tips For Winter Storms

Posted on December 6, 2013 by savi0043

When you want to make sure that you are ready for harsh winter conditions, you’ll find that there are a few things that you need keep in mind. Being unprepared for winter weather can result in everything from severe injuries to sickness, even to death, and if you want to make sure that you and your family are going to be okay, remember that you should prepare as thoroughly as possible.

Emergency Preparedness Tips For Winter Storms
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_P_Perry]Chris P Perry

When you want to make sure that you are ready for harsh winter conditions, you’ll find that there are a few things that you need keep in mind. Being unprepared for winter weather can result in everything from severe injuries to sickness, even to death, and if you want to make sure that you and your family are going to be okay, remember that you should prepare as thoroughly as possible.

Your Home

Your home is going to be the first thing that you need to look at. You and your family might be trapped there for days or even weeks if the storms are very bad, so make sure that you have all of the essentials that you need. How well are you currently prepared and what can you do to really be safe? The things that you need are very simple, but unless you take them into account, you may suffer in the time that it takes for rescue to come.

First, do you have a heat source? Even if your furnace is running fine, remember that you should setup a backup heating source on top of it. Space heaters are one way to deal with it, as is keeping enough wood around for your fireplace. Also make sure that you have a good method to create the fire if necessary.

Also make sure that all your pipes are insulated. In the case of a sudden temperature drop, you may find that the water in the pipe expands. This can cause the pipe to burst, but it can also stop up your water supply.

Know what you are going to do if a fire breaks out. Are your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in working order? Does everyone know how to use them? You’ll find that good fire safety precautions are essential when you want to make sure that your family stays safe.

Is there enough food, water and medicine in your winter storm emergency backpack? What first aid supplies do you have at your disposal? You may need to get by for a few days without being able to get to the store.

Make sure that you keep at least one cell phone with two charged batteries on hand in case your telephone service shuts down. This can help you call for emergency assistance should the need arise.

The Essentials

When you have the above taken care of, you’ll find that you are in pretty good shape for winter storm preparedness. Also make sure that you consider the following. They are also quite important and can be found in a number of different ways.

When you have important objects like flashlights, radios and weather radios, also make sure that you have the new batteries that go along with it. Test both items and batteries regularly to make sure that they still work.

Blankets are another thing that you need to think about. Winter storms are cold, and making sure that everyone has at least two to three blankets is important. This can keep everyone comfortable if the heat is interrupted.

What do you have that will help you remove snow, ice and sleet? Windshield scrapers, hoes, brooms and even shovels should be kept where you can reach them. Make sure that you keep things like rock salt, road salt and sand on hand to break through frozen surfaces. It is important to keep these items handy as well.

If you are worried about getting help, look into emergency flares and other types of lighting.

Conclusion

Remember that survival is your primary goal in the event of a winter storm situation. Make sure that your home is ready for everything the weather can throw at it, and that you and your family can survive for as long as it takes. The steps above can help improve your chances for survival by a wide margin.

Chris Perry has been in the emergency preparedness field for several years. He hopes to help families all over the world avoid heartache by helping them be prepared in a disaster situation. He also writes for the site [http://www.ntemergencysurvivalsupplies.com/] which offers emergency backpacks [http://www.ntemergencysurvivalsupplies.com/emergency-backpack] emergency food and water, first-aid, and other preparedness goods.

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Puppy Imprinting

Posted on December 1, 2013 by savi0043

Puppy Imprinting
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Booth]Wayne Booth

Most people have heard the term “imprinting” but they may not be aware that puppies can learn imprinting behavior. However, it’s probable that we owe the modern dog’s domestication to the fact that puppies are able to be imprinted.

Puppy imprinting is the period during which a puppy forms a personal bond or relationship and “imprints” on someone or something. This is the period when animals start to really recognize other animals outside themselves. It’s also the time when communication really begins. Baby chicks do this when they hatch. They will follow the first person or thing they see and recognize it as their “mother.” With puppies the process is a little more complicated due to the fact that puppies are born blind and deaf. Puppies rely on their olfactory sense – their sense of smell, and to some degree their sense of touch. And the process occurs between the time they are three and eight weeks old.

Because of the dog’s special circumstances, the puppy imprinting stage can occur when the puppy is still with the mother but it also occurs at a time when the puppy is usually surrounded by humans, or at least one human who is taking care of the puppy’s needs. As a result, puppies can imprint on a human. In extreme cases, puppies can recognize humans as their family instead of dogs. For the puppy, the human will be “mother” instead of its canine mother. If a puppy only interacts with one human during this time, it is possible that the puppy will only be able to identify one person as a friendly human and not understand that other humans are also friendly. The puppy won’t be able to generalize about all humans.

Fortunately, even if a puppy grows up only imprinting on humans, he will still be able to recognize other dogs as similar to himself. However, he will most likely lack the canine communication skills to be able to interact with the other dogs, at least at first. He will have to try and learn how to communicate with other dogs.

On the other hand, if a puppy grows up only with dogs and does not imprint on humans, he won’t be able to connect with humans properly. Even with later socialization the puppy will not be able to “recognize” humans as friendly or have a close bond with them.

Of course, in most cases, puppies grow up learning that they have both canine and human “families.” They imprint on both their canine mother and on the humans surrounding them and they are able to form close bonds in both worlds.

If dogs did not have the ability to imprint on humans and form close bonds in the human world, it seems unlikely that humans would have been able to domesticate them tens of thousands of years ago.

If you are raising a litter of puppies then you should try to spend as much time as possible with your puppies between the ages of three and eight weeks. Pet them, play with them, talk to them. Make sure you hold your puppies so they have plenty of opportunities to smell you. You can also introduce them to visitors if they are very careful to take precautions against bringing germs to the puppy area. Encourage your puppies to imprint on you and other members of your family. You’ll be giving your puppies a great advantage with their puppy imprinting.

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists in Nashville, TN where he helps people train and solve problems of all types with their dogs. Wayne has also been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network. Please visit the websites at http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com or the trainer school at http://www.K9-university.com

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