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Gizmo Girl
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With 10.1 megapixel image resolution, a 12x optical zoom that reaches 420 mm, built-in image stabilization and top class optics, it's no wonder Leica's V-Lux 1 caught my eye when I went looking for a high-quality, all-in-one SLR alternative. No, it's not pocket-sized, but those compacts don't boast a sophisticated 35 - 420mm zoom that can handle everything from delicate macro shots, to wide-angle views and super telephoto nature shots. Better yet, you can compose through a full-sized viewfinder and use the swivelling LCD display for unusual or awkward perspectives. Throw in the convenience of a pop-up flash, 16 custom functions for special shooting situations including video recording, a choice of automatic and manual focus, exposure and white balance settings and its easy to understand its popularity. Add to that, the ability to record RAW images, as well as the usual JPEGs, and I couldn't resist travel-testing one on a recent adventure yacht cruise. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 22 August 2008 20:02 )
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Ellen Barone
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Here's a travel tip for those of you who'd like to pack a little karma on your next adventure...
Let's say you've decided to go trekking in Timbuktu, touring the wine country in South Africa, or celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Great! Now, before you go, leave a little room in your rucksack (or designer suitcase...if that's more your style) and visit StuffYourRucksack.com. The site lists crucial items (e.g. boy’s clothing for a youth organization in Rawanda) needed by non-profits across the globe. Simply enter your destination in the search engine, then pick up a few things to deliver in person.
“How many times have you been travelling and visited a school or community or local charity that you would love to help? The school needs books, or a map or pencils; an orphanage needs children's clothes or toys. All things that, if only you'd known, you could've stuffed in your rucksack. But once you get home you forget, or you've lost the address, or worry that whatever you send will be stolen before it even gets there...” That's why we've set up StuffYourRucksack.com - Kate Humble.
Hummm? With the name Humble, it sounds like there's more than a little karma behind Kate's passion. Thank you Kate!
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 August 2008 14:41 )
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BrokeGirl
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 Phil Collins and third wife Orianne Cevey, 22 years his junior, are officially parting ways and the British rocker is expected to have paid out $46.68 million. This outdoes even Heather Mills' settlement of $45 million from Paul McCartney earlier in the year.
By now, Collins must know that a broken heart can break the bank. Of his estimated $280 million fortune, $84 million has gone to ex wives. He broke up with second wife Jill Tavelman by fax in 1994 and paid out $34 million.
Full article at Yahoo! Music.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 August 2008 12:54 )
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Ellen Barone
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 Would you like to improve your people pictures? Do you want to learn to tell a story with your images or discover simple techniques that will bring your subjects to life?
As a professional travel photographer, photo tour leader and workshop teacher, I'm often asked by participants how they can improve their people pictures. One of my favorite resources to direct them to is Erin Manning's book Portrait and Candid Photography Photo Workshop (John Wiley & Sons, $29.99)
"Taking great people pictures isn't a matter of luck," writes Manning. "The secret is in observing your subjects and connecting with them, and then using your camera to its best advantage." I couldn't agree more!
In the book, Manning, professional photographer, digital photography expert and host of the Telly Award winning how-to series The Whole Picture, uses hundreds of full-color images and step-by-step instructions to help you create people pics with personality including assignments at the end of each chapter so you can build hands on experience. Later you can upload your photos to Photoworkshop.com and get feedback from other readers. How cool is that.
Before you dive headlong into the book, here are 5 simple tips from Manning to help get you started.
- Experiment and take a lot of photographs. Even after you think the picture taking is over, you never know when that magical moment will happen. Be prepared to capture unexpected moments.
- Fill the frame with your image. Look at the background and get rid of any distracting elements. Seeing people up close provides immediate impact and a feeling of intimacy.
- Include a natural frame in your photographs. Using an overhanging tree branch, doorway, or archway in the foreground creates more visual interest.
- Place your subject off-center. A face right in the center of an image is great for a driver's license or passport photo, but when it comes to artfully composing a shot, consider the Rule of Thirds. Think of your entire scene as a tic-tac-toe board, and place something of interest at one or more of those intersections.
- Share a laugh. An authentic personality is easy to catch if you and your subject can share a laugh. When you're shooting the pictures, keep talking and give them feedback about how they look and direction on what to do. Encouraging comments and direction really help loosen up subjects in front of the camera.
Now, go on, dust off your camera, apply these techniques and watch your subjects come to life!
* Portrait and Candid Photography Photo Workshop by Erin Manning is part of John Wiley & Sons' Photo Workshop series, a co-publishing partnership with Photoworkshop.com. Other titles in the book series include Photographing Children, Composition, Photos That Inspire, Canon EOS Digital Photography, Lighting, Macro Photography, and Rick Sammon's Canon EOS Digital Rebel Personal Training. Click here to learn more.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 September 2008 21:19 )
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Gizmo Girl
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Not too long ago a friend sent me a OTTO wireless mp3 headset player to celebrate my recent commitment to get back in shape. “You’ll love it for jogging and tuning out the chatter at the gym!” she wrote in her accompanying gift note. I’d never heard of OTTO, let alone its player, but I’ve worn it practically non-stop ever since it arrived – at the gym, around the house, on the fitness trail, you name it. I actually look forward to hitting the road for an afternoon run simply because I know that listening to the new Mama Mia soundtrack I recently uploaded to the headset is going to jump start a huge feel-good endorphin rush after a morning on the computer. No tangle of cords. Nothing to hold onto. No sweaty arm straps. Just wireless surround-sound blasting out a hitlist of my most energizing tunes. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 18 August 2008 19:33 )
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