When you buy a single lens reflex (SLR) camera such as the Olympus E-410, you're locked into the Olympus line of lenses, or off brand lenses that fit the Olympus mount. If you have a lens of another brand, you're usually out of luck. But if you have an older Minolta lens, you can use that on an Olympus E-410 camera, assuming you have the correct adapter. Even better, that adapter is fairly affordable, and can be found online or in camera stores.
Instructions
1. Remove the dust cap on the backside of the Minolta lens. Twist the lens mount adapter onto the back of the minolta lens.
2. Place the Olympus E-410 down on a work surface so that the lens is pointed up and you can read the word "Olympus" on the top of the camera. Push the lens release button on the right side of the camera and twist the lens counter clockwise. Then pull the pens off of the camera.
3. Set the Minolta lens onto the camera, then twist it clockwise until it clicks into place on the camera.
TracFone provides prepaid cellular service to those customers who either cannot get a contract cellular phone or do not want the high bills and contracts. This program also works well for those customers who do not use a cellular phone very often and do not need many minutes. Users of the TracFone services can activate prepaid cellular cards online, providing fast and easy access to the purchased minutes.
Instructions
1. Go to the "TracFone" activation website (see Resources).
2. Click "Go" located below "Add Airtime Online."
3. Enter the "Airtime PIN." This PIN is located under the silver stripe on the back of the airtime card. Scratch off the silver portion to reveal the PIN.
4. Enter the TracFone phone number the airtime should be added to and press "Submit." The next page is the checkout page. Verify the information is correct and press "Submit." A confirmation page now appears and the additional minutes will show up on the TracFone within 10 minutes.
Tags: cellular phone, prepaid cellular, press Submit, those customers
Proper lighting is a critical component of a successful glamour photograph.
Glamour photography is a complicated mixture of makeup, lighting effects and either on-camera filters or post-production filtration in Adobe Photoshop. However, several simple studio lighting techniques can help create a glamorous photograph that will require less digital darkroom work and post processing than when using less careful lighting.
Butterfly Lighting
A good way to create flat, even lighting that is conducive to on-camera filtration and post-photo-shoot filtration in Photoshop is a technique called butterfly lighting. With this technique, a light is placed directly in front of and above the subject. An equally strong light is used as a fill light from below to remove shadows under the eyes and create a flat, even illumination. With some butterfly lighting setups, a reflector is used in place of a second light below the subject.
Dual Side Lighting
Another popular way to create flattering light is to set a light to the right and left of the subject, often bounced from umbrellas. If desired, a light can be added below the subject to even out the shadows created from above. In some configurations, a reflector is used in place of a third light to reflect light upwards to remove unwanted shadows below the nose, eyes and lips.
Dramatic Lighting Effects
For some glamour shots, dramatic effects can be achieved by using a single light on one side of the subject, and either no light or a single reflector as fill on the other side. Experiment with moving the light for different looks. If you have access to an old theatrical Fresnel lens you can experiment with creating single light glamour. Many classic glamour photographs from the 1940s and 1950s were captured with a single Fresnel and a reflector.
Effects of Reflector Color on Glamour Photography
The overall feel of a glamour photograph can be dramatically changed by changing the color of reflectors. These rules also apply to umbrellas, too. White tends to be very neutral and does little to change the feel of the light. Silver tends to reflect more light, but with a cooler feel. Pure gold reflectors warm up the light but reflect less than white or silver reflectors. There are a number of contemporary reflectors that combine gold and silver and give the effect of more light reflection and a warmer feel than pure silver.
The Magellan 4250 is a dashboard-mountable, touchscreen GPS unit. The device features voice command support, hands-free calling via a Bluetooth-enabled phone and live traffic updates. Using traffic updates, the GPS unit determines current conditions and calculates the quickest route to your destination. To access traffic information, however, you must activate the traffic subscription code that came with the device.
Instructions
1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Magellan products webpage at www.magellangps.com/products/.
2. Click on "Traffic Service" on the left side of the page.
3. Click on "Redeem a Subscription with a Pre-paid Card" under the Traffic Service Subscriptions heading.
4. Choose the Magellan 4250 as the device that you wish to activate.
5. Log in to your Magellan account. If you do not have an account, click on "create your profile" and create an account. You must enter your e-mail and street addresses.
6. Register your Magellan device. Enter the device serial number, as well as date and place of purchase.
7. Enter the activation code from your traffic subscription to add traffic service to your device.
Tags: Magellan 4250, Traffic Service, traffic updates, your Magellan
A Ford CD changer is a CD changer that is installed into a Ford vehicle and allows you to switch among multiple music CDs without having to take one CD out and insert a second one. Operation is simple and resembles using a home CD player. You may play your CDs, interchange your CDs, play other CDs while one is playing, and switch among radio, CD and cassette settings.
Instructions
1. Click the eject button on your CD changer to have the CD-changing device pop out. You now have access to insert the CDs you want into the CD changer.
2. Insert a CD into each slot of the Ford CD changer. Tug on one CD holder and pull it out, place a CD in the slot and push it back in. Do this again and again, until you have selected enough CDs so that the CD changer is full. Push the Ford CD changer holder back into the CD-changing device.
3. Push the play button on your Ford CD changer or Ford CD player. You might need to push the button corresponding to the slot your CD is in. For example, if you have a CD in slot one, you may need to push the slot one button and push play again.
4. Push the play button on a different CD slot to play a different CD.
5. Tap the up and down volume buttons on your CD changer to make the music louder or softer.
6. Turn the Ford CD player off by pushing the power button. If you wish to just use the radio or a cassette player, you can turn the CD changer off. However, some Ford CD changers have a radio or cassette setting. If it does, it should switch settings when you push the button. If it doesn't, turn the CD changer off and you'll be able to listen to the radio.
Tags: Ford changer, radio cassette, button your, CD-changing device, changer holder
The installation of telephone poles usually go unnoticed by most of us. One day there is an empty field the next crews have installed telephone poles. Kids will notice the new big trucks digging or lifted the pole and watch until the light turns red. Many cities with new growth are now laying cables of all kinds underground as it is more aesthetically pleasing.
Instructions
1. Check with the power, gas and water companies in your area to have them come survey if any lines are underground that you may need to work around.
2. Apply for all permits you may need in your area to erect your very own telephone pole.
3. Find a pole either from a distributor or find out from the electric or telephone companies where they may taking one down. In some areas, the crew removing the pole may deliver it to you for a small fee.
4. Dig a hole at least one fifth of the length of the pole and a foot larger than the diameter of it. For example for a 40 foot pole you will need to dig an eight foot hole. Drilling companies can do this for you or, if you feel competent, rent a drilling machine, an auger, from the local hardware store.
5. Erect the pole with a derrick or a whole lot of friends. These poles are long, wide and solid and unless you have some huge machinery of you're your own, you will need something to lift and guide the pole into the ground and help it while the concrete cures.
6. Hire a cement truck to come and pour the cement around the pole. Be sure to ask what the cure time is for the different kinds of cement mixtures they have.
Firmware is software that is embedded in a hardware device, such as the control menu in an iPod. Locating firmware updates can be a tricky process if you don't know where to look. If you desire to upgrade your firmware for any number of reasons, this article can help you find the firmware updates you need.
Instructions
1. Determine what kind of update you are looking for. Upgrades and fixes may be found in different places, depending on the firmware you are trying to upgrade or patch.
2. Know the brand name of your product. Also locate the model and serial numbers, as you will need these for any official upgrades or patches.
3. Search the Internet for available firmware updates. The first place you should look is the Web site of the brand of your product. If this is not successful, visit your favorite search engine and type "firmware updates for" and then the name and model number of your product.
4. Read your owner's manual to determine if there is any included information about firmware updates. Locate the customer service phone number and call the company and ask if there are any updates available and get them.
5. Visit consumer electronics stores. Many of these stores have employees that are specially trained and could lead you in the right direction.
The Navigon 7100 GPS unit is made for automobile navigation. The device provides turn-by-turn instructions between addresses and has a memory saving ability to store, retrieve and share routes. A SD memory card slot is included in the device and is used to store saved routes, maps, points of interest and addresses. Sharing routes between Navigon devices is as easy as saving the route to the SD card. Route sharing allows you to use the same directions between multiple units.
Instructions
1. Insert the SD card into the slot on the right top-side of the device. Turn the power on.
2. Tap the Options icon on the Navigon screen. Tap the "Route Planning" icon and choose the routes you wish to share.
3. Save the routes and name them when highlighted. Tap the name via the touchscreen keyboard and tap save. Drag the routes to be shared onto the SD card icon. Wait for the data transfer to finish. Eject the SD card and insert into another Navigon based device.
4. Tap the "Options" button. Tap the "Routes" icon and highlight the route you wish to share. Drag it to the hard drive on the Navigon and wait for the data transfer to finish.
Tags: data transfer, data transfer finish, Navigon 7100, transfer finish, wish share
The Polaroid PoGo is a portable, wireless printer from Polaroid. This compact printer fits in your pocket, and can print 2x3-inch borderless, color photos in less than a minute. The PoGo instant printer uses the ZINK Zero Ink printing technology to create smudge, water and tear-proof photos straight from your cell phone or digital camera. This printer features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows users to print up to 15 photos on one charge. The PoGo instant printer comes with an AC adapter, 10-pack of ZINK photo paper and is simple to use.
Instructions
Installing the Battery and ZINK Photo Paper
1. Turn the portable printer over. Press the battery cover and pull it down to remove it.
2. Insert the battery according to the guide inside the battery compartment. Replace the battery cover.
3. Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter input on the side of the printer. Plug the end of the adapter into an electrical outlet. Allow the battery to charge for at least 2 1/2 hours.
4. Press and release the paper door latch at the bottom of the printer and open the paper tray door. Open the ZINK photo paper.
5. Turn the ZINK photo paper over so that the Smart Sheet is face-down. Insert the 10-pack of paper into the printer. Close the printer tray door. The Smart Sheet will automatically eject, indicating the paper is installed correctly.
6. Press and hold the "Power" button on the side of the printer to turn it on.
Printing From a Digital Camera
7. Connect your digital camera to the portable printer by using your camera's USB cord. Wait for a printer icon or print option to appear on your camera screen.
8. Select "Menu" if the print option does not show up. Navigate through the settings and make sure that "PictBridge" is enabled. If "USB" is displayed then "PictBridge" is disabled and you will need to change the setting.
9. Select the image you want to print. Follow the on-screen instructions to print the picture.
Printing From a Camera Phone
10. Navigate to the "Stored Images" on your cell phone. Select the images you wish to print.
11. Select the "Options" menu, then click to "Send Via Bluetooth." Search for devices and select the "Polaroid Printer" to begin printing.
12. Exit out of your stored images if you are not able to send via Bluetooth. Select the "Settings" or "Tools" menu, then click "Connectivity" or "Bluetooth." Search for devices and select "Polaroid Printer."
13. Return to your stored images and select the photos you wish to print. Select the "Options" menu, then select "Beam," "Send via Bluetooth" or "Print via Bluetooth." Select "Polaroid Printer" to begin printing your photos.
Tags: menu then, photo paper, Polaroid Printer, ZINK photo paper, battery cover, begin printing, Bluetooth Search
The red-dot finder is a zero-magnification pointing tool that allows you to get a sharper image whenever you view objects through your telescope. Before using it, however, you must align the finder with the main scope. Here's how.
Instructions
1. Open the battery cover on the finder. If you recently have purchased the telescope, remove the plastic shipping cover from the battery.
2. Rotate the brightness-control dial (on rear-left of the viewer) until it clicks. You've just turned on the finder. Adjust the brightness.
3. Place a low-powered eyepiece into the telescope's focuser.
4. Turn the telescope toward a bright object until the object appears in the center of the field of view.
5. Look through the sight tube. If the red dot is positioned directly over the object, the finder is aligned. If not, proceed to the next step.
6. Use the azimuth-control dial (to the left of the sight tube) and the altitude-control dial (on the underside of the finder) to move the red dot until it aligns with your object.
You can purchase some CD cases, also called jewel cases, unassembled, leaving you to do the assembling. In fact, if you need the cases for CDs or DVDs containing software or music you've created, working with unassembled CD cases is best. That way you can add an information card or booklet to a case without the added step of opening it first. Whatever your situation, assembling CD cases is relatively simple.
Instructions
1. Connect the two halves of the CD case by carefully inserting the raised plastic joints on the left-hand half of the case into the sockets on the right-hand half of the case. You should hear a snap when the hinges come together if you do it correctly.
2. Decide which half of the CD case is going to be the bottom of the case. Place any back cover for the CD, such as a card listing the album tracks, on the bottom of the case facing outward.
3. Place any additional information for the CD, such as a card with the album title or a booklet with instructions for the software on the disc, on the top half of the CD holder. Position the card or booklet so you can read the front without needing to open the CD case once it's closed.
4. Place the plastic tray that holds the CD on top of the bottom half of the CD case, and then gently snap it into the case.
5. Close the CD case.
Tags: half case, bottom case, card booklet, such card
Cat3 wire, also called cat3 Ethernet cable, is commonly used for telephone line cabling and computer networking at dial-up speed. Cat3 cables must meet the minimum guidelines set forth by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) for cable performance and capability.
What Is Cat3?
Category 3 Ethernet is part of a family of copper cabling standards put forth by both the EIA and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).
Physical Characteristics
Ethernet cables utilize Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) technology. Cat3 uses two of the four pairs present in the cabling.
Uses
Whereas Cat3 was the fastest cabling available for computer networking in the early 1990s, it has been replaced by newer Ethernet cables. Cat3 is still an industry standard for telephone wiring, as well as in computer networking at dial-up speeds.
Bandwidth
Category 3 Ethernet cable has a bandwidth capability of 16 megahertz, or 16 million cycles per second. Attempting to use Cat3 wires at higher speeds will result in data integrity problems and data packet loss.
Data Transfer Rates
Cat3 cables have a data transfer rate of 10 megabytes per second. This is also referred to as 10Base-T, which refers to the use of twisted pairs in the cable.
Disposable cameras are a great item to recycle. Currently, 70 percent of the total cameras purchased in the United States are recycled, making them the most recycled item today. Find out do your part to save our environment.
Instructions
1. Find a development/processing site that recycles disposable cameras. Ask them specifically if they recycle disposable cameras after the processing is finished.
2. Drop the film off at the chosen retail site for normal processing. The staff member removes the film and the silver it contains in the photosensitive emulsion. They send the silver to a silver recovery center ready for recycle.
3. Note that film-manufacturing companies reload the empty cameras with fresh film before labeling and packaging them to sell again. This can happen three times before the camera outlives its usefulness.
4. Think outside the box. You can recycle your own disposable cameras if you have them. Contact Independent Photo Tech Service. They will send you a postage paid box in which to return several camera bodies. In addition, they will pay you 25 cents a pound for your trouble.
5. Accept used disposable cameras from any photo processing retail site that does not bother with recycling them. Their loss is your gain. Just discuss with the manager on duty what you need to do to pick them up. You can send your new treasure off to get the recycling money.
Tags: disposable cameras, Disposable Cameras, Recycle Disposable Cameras, retail site, site that
Like its cable counterparts, DirecTV offers Internet access packages along with TV. Not only can using your DirecTV subscription to get Internet save you time by putting both services on one bill, it can also give you better Internet service and free up your phone system by avoiding the hassles of phone line transmission. DirecTV doesn't actually provide the Internet service but is partnered with several big providers. A phone call or two and one Ethernet connection is all it will take to get you running.
Instructions
1. Check the back of your DirecTV receiver box. It needs to have an Ethrnet port for you to receive Internet service. Most current satellite receiver boxes should have one.
2. Locate an Internet provider that is partnered with DirecTV for providing satellite Internet service. There are numerous major companies available, like AT&T, Verizon, Earthlink and Qwest. Some may be available in your area, some may not. Qwest is mainly located in the western U.S.
3. Call DirecTV at 800-531-5000 to get information on adding Internet to your satellite service through a DSL line, or 866-319-9838 for a high speed line. Or contact any of the above Internet providers directly to inquire about the packages they offer and will attach to your DirecTV bill. Decide which is the best connection (high speed, DSL, etc...) and subscribe to the package that works best for you.
4. Connect your computer to your DirecTV receiver box using a standard Ethernet cable. The receiver's internal modem should automatically configure to transmit to your computer for Internet access.
Tags: Internet service, your DirecTV, DirecTV receiver, high speed, Internet access, partnered with, your computer
Spotting scopes and rifle scopes share many of the same characteristics. However, they have two distinctly separate purposes: spotting scopes are designed for observation and rifle scopes are designed for target acquisition and rifle aiming. Spotting scopes and rifle scopes are also mounted differently. Spotting scopes are typically mounted on a tripod and rifle scopes are attached directly to the gun.
Scope Power
The magnification power of a scope is stated in the first two numbers of the scope's description. If a rifle scope is a 3 -9 x 40mm, that means you'll be able to adjust the scope to see your target 3 to 9 times closer than you would with the naked eye. The exact same rule applies for spotting scopes. However, the power of spotting scopes generally extends to far greater ranges.
Scope Field of View
A scope's field of view (FOV) is the amount of area visible as seen through the scope (measured at 1,000 yards). The FOV of a rifle scope is generally much narrower than a spotting scope.
Scope Objective Lens
The objective lens is located at the front of the rifle or spotting scope and provides the necessary light to view the object. Generally, the quality of the scope picture increases proportionate to the amount of available light. By design, spotting scopes typically have larger objective lens than rifle scopes, providing superior pictures.
Scope Exit Pupil
The scope exit pupil refers to the size of the column of light coming from the scope to the eye. Rifle scopes have much larger exit pupils then spotting scopes.
Scope Eye Relief
A scope's eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope lens required to see a full image. Rifle scopes typically have an eye relief of three to four inches. The eye relief on a spotting scope can vary. Many people appreciate extended eye relief on a spotting scope because it reduces eyestrain and accommodates those wearing glasses.
The Nikon D200 was released in 2005. This 10.2 megapixel camera sells new for $1,400 (as of October 2010) and is compatible with Nikon F-mount lenses. Used cameras are available for much less.
User manual included
Nikon cameras always come with a user manual packaged in the box. If, for whatever reason, your newly purchased camera is missing its manual (or has been accompanied by a manual in the wrong language), you can contact Nikon through the company website and ask for a hard-copy replacement.
Downloadable manual
If you purchased a used camera and it didn't include the user manual, you can download it from Nikon.com. With some newer manuals, Nikon charges users to download the full user guide for printing, but the D200's manual is available free of charge.
Ken Rockwell's guide
Professional photographer Ken Rockwell has created his own guide to the Nikon D200. His guide steps you through the use of the D200 in a less formal and more instructive way than the official user's manual, with emphasis on mastering the camera for great photos. To print or save the PDF version of the manual, which is available online for free, the creator asks for a $5 donation through PayPal (see Reference two).
If you solder electronic components, you will find a need from time to time to replace items on a circuit board. A desoldering pump aids in the removal of the liquid solder. Typically a "one shot" device, the pump is operated by a spring-loaded vacuum pump and controlled by a simple trigger. By following a basic process, you can remove solder from most electronic circuit boards.
Instructions
1. Plug the soldering iron into the wall outlet and allow the iron to come up to temperature.
2. Use the small pair of wire cutters to cut the component from the board. If the component is bad, it is better to sacrifice the small device instead of ruining the board. With the item removed, it will be easier to suck up the solder. Then you can replace the component.
3. Actuate the desoldering pump by pulling the spring lever to the rear of the pump. You will hear a click as the trigger holds the spring. Place the desoldering pump in one hand and the soldering iron in the other. This is a two-handed operation since you must quickly suck up the molten solder.
4. Touch the tip of the heated iron to the solder joint. Allow the solder to become fully liquid. Move the tip of the pump next to the molten solder. Move the iron out of the way and immediately cover the liquid solder puddle with the pump's tip. Pull the trigger.
5. Reheat the solder again, and repeat Step 4 until the solder is fully removed and the hole on the circuit board is exposed. It may take a few times of heating and sucking to fully remove the solder.
Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) utilize electrons in place of light beams to achieve both higher magnification and greater clarity and depth of field over traditional microscopes. Preparing a sample of examination by an SEM is a complicated process. First, the sample must be dehydrated because it will be placed in a vacuum chamber. If it is a non-metal, it must then be covered with a thin conductive covering to prevent "charging" by the electrons, usually gold foil. This process is called "sputter coating."
Electron Beam
A beam of electrons is produced from the "electron gun" located at the top of the SEM. These electrons are usually produced by the heating of a metallic filament like tungsten. The electron beam from the "gun" follows a path down through the microscope past electromagnetic lenses which focus the beam towards the sample. When the beam hits the sample, other electrons are dispersed or ejected from the sample. These electrons are called back scattered or secondary electrons.
Producing the Image
Specialized detectors placed in the SEM collect the ejected electrons and convert them to a signal sent to a viewing screen. The screen assembles the signal into an image. SEM images can be controlled to a magnitude of x250,000 with a resolution around 10nm.
Tags: Does Microscope, Does Microscope Work, electrons usually, Microscope Work, These electrons
If you are designing a picture shoot in a studio, it is important to control all aspects of the light. Light that is too bright or too intense can quickly ruin an excellent image. With lighting, you can control it from the sides, the back and the front of the lighting source. Taking the extra time to control every aspect of the light allows your image to reap the benefits of a well-designed photograph.
Instructions
1. Position the light source where you would like it to be. Place objects in front of the light to either reduce the intensity of the light or soften it. Wire mesh reduces the light. If you are using studio lighting, purchase wired mesh that takes down the light in measured increments. Frosted paper gels soften the light, which is good for self portraits and glass subject matter.
2. Use items to block the light from escaping around the sides of the light. With studio lighting, there are barn doors capable of doing this. Barn doors are black metal flaps that attach to the side of the lights. They can be moved and adjusted to focus the light on a specific area. This is important when you want to light a portion of your image. If you do not have barn doors, you can use any object that works well in heat and does not reflect light.
3. Cover up the rear of the light. If you have studio lighting, you do not need to worry about this. However, if you are using a lamp you may want to place foil in the back of the light. This blocks the light from escaping in the back and reflects it back toward the object you want lit.
Tags: studio lighting, barn doors, from escaping, light from escaping, your image
Use a combination of extension tubes and close-up lenses for macro photography.
Macro photography is the study and photographing of small items. Whether you subjects are flowers, insects or other items of similar size, photographing objects this small requires some specialized equipment, including extension tubes and close-up, or macro, lenses. When used together, these accessories will significantly magnify the small subject you are photographing, providing an enhanced view of it. You should also use a tripod, not because these accessories are too heavy for hand-held shots but because you want to eliminate as much camera shake as possible.
Instructions
1. Attach your camera to a tripod and remove the lens from the front of the camera. Attach an extension tube to your camera's lens mount. Position the extension tube so the guide dot on the outside of the tube lines up with the guide dot on the camera's mounting ring. Rotate the tube until it clicks into place.
2. Attach the lens you removed from the camera to the front of the extension tube. Modern extension tubes have the same electrical contacts that lenses have, enabling data and power transmission between the camera and the lens. This ensures your lens will work as it did when attached to the camera.
3. Attach a close-up lens to the front of the standard lens. The close-up lens will screw onto the front of the standard lens.
4. Turn the camera on, look through the viewfinder and press the shutter release half way down to activate the metering and auto-focus systems.
5. Position the tripod, move it closer or farther away from the subject until you have obtained the composition you want for your picture.
6. Press the shutter release the entire way down to take the picture.
Tags: extension tube, extension tubes, camera Attach, camera lens, close-up lens, extension tubes close-up
There are many other tools besides a camera you will need for doing professional photography.
Professional photography tools are categorized in to two divisions: studio photography equipment and location photography equipment. Most of these tools are specifically designed for either location photography purposes or studio photography purposes, but some can be used for both. These tools consists of the camera itself, several types of lens, stands, light meters, strobe lights, umbrellas, light boxes and other photography accessories.
Camera Lenses
The two types of camera lenses are the prime lens --- also called a fixed focal lens --- and the zoom lens. The prime lens has a single focal length. The zoom lenses have a wide range of different focal lengths that are all available in a single lens. Shooting with a zoom lens enables the photographer to shoot both longer and wider focal lengths. The zoom lenses are convenient since the photographer does not need to switch lenses during a shoot. Different kinds of these two types of lenses include wide angle, macro and telephoto lens.
Photographic Lighting Sources
Photographers use lighting sources because the amount of light will determine the resolution and the quality of the pictures. The four types of lighting sources are natural light, also called direct light; reflected light; diffused light; and artificial light. Artificial light includes lighting that comes from the camera's flash.
In professional photography, the different lighting sources come from strobe lights and flash tools. Bare bulbs, small reflectors, wide angle reflectors, large reflectors, umbrellas, light boxes, grid spots, trip and ring lights, optical spots, and pencil lights are some of the lighting tools used in professional photography.
Century Stand
Century, or "C," stands are lighting stands used to hold up different light controlling devices including clamps, scrims, flags, mirrors and reflectors. The C stand can also be used as a holding device for lights. One advantage of C stands over other lighting stands is their ability to be placed beside each other in a small space. This is due to the different height positions of the stand's legs. The photographer can place several C stands right beside each other.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas create softer and warmer lighting for a subject. Umbrellas also allow the photographer to have more control over the lighting. Umbrellas are somewhat inexpensive, and they come in different types that are most commonly used in professional portrait photography. The classic umbrella is built with a reflective inner lining used to create a diffused light effect. The translucent umbrella either allows some light through or it reflects the light.
Light Boxes
Light boxes are mounted on light heads and come in rectangular boxes with their heads pointing directly towards the front. The insides of these boxes are generally white including an inner panel as well as a front panel for light diffusion. Once the light passes through the box, it bounces around the interior and is then diffused by the inner panel. Once diffused by the inner panel, the light will bounce around again and will be again diffused by the front baffle; this causes the light to come out soft.
Tags: inner panel, also called, beside each, beside each other, diffused inner, diffused inner panel
In 2008, 20 percent of U.S. households had no land line phone service. In urban areas that figure was even higher. With cell phone companies offering low-cost plans that include long distance and other features, many people are considering the advantages of terminating land line service and using their cell phone as a home phone.
Instructions
1. Update all of your records to reflect your cell phone number in place of your home number. This would include bills, subscriptions, work documents and medical contacts such as your physician.
2. Temporarily place a message on your land line answering machine informing people that your number will change. This will alert anyone who calls your home number that they will soon need to dial your cell phone to reach you.
3. Examine your current cell phone plan. Think about how much time you normally spend on your home phone and decide whether or not you should increase your monthly allotment of cellular phone minutes.
4. Check with your local 911 dispatch office as to whether or not cell phone tracking in your area is available for emergency calls. If not, you may consider keeping a land line as an emergency only phone in the event that you need to dial 911.
5. Purchase a spare battery for your cell phone. Keep the spare battery charged and ready to go in the event of power outages or other situations where you may not be able to recharge your cell phone.
6. Cancel your land line phone service by calling your phone company and informing them that you wish to terminate service. You will be responsible for paying any unpaid balance on your account.
Tags: cell phone, land line, your cell, your cell phone, your home, home number, home phone
Read up on how your camera's flash works before taking a portrait.
Understanding lighting is an important part of portrait photography. In bad lighting conditions, your subject's face may be obscured by shadows. Or, you may get awkward shadows behind your subject that distract the viewer or make your portraits look amateurish. To avoid such shadows, learn to control the light, either by using the features of your digital camera's flash, by redirecting the light in a more flattering direction or by moving your subject to a better angle.
Instructions
1. Don't point the flash directly at the person when shooting portraits indoors. Instead, bounce the flash off a nearby wall or the ceiling. This will create softer light and help minimize shadows. To bounce the light from a built-in flash on a compact camera, use an index card to direct the light. For example, if you want to bounce the light off the ceiling, position the index card so it's perpendicular to the camera and just below the flash.
2. Position your subject so the main light source is coming from about a 45-degree angle to one side of your camera. This is the basic lighting configuration preferred by professional portrait photographers.
3. Move the subject at least a few feet away from a wall or backdrop. This minimizes the subject's shadow in the background of the picture.
4. Avoid taking outdoor portraits at lunchtime. At noon, the sun is pointing straight down, which will create harsh shadows across the person's face. If you need to take the portrait at this time, move your subject into a shady area.
5. Use your fill flash to add light and negate shadows from the sun. Most compact digital cameras have a fill-flash mode, which tones down the intensity of the camera's built-in flash. Many external flashes also have a fill-flash option. Check your user's manual for details on set either.
6. Find a reflector to bounce the sunlight toward your subject's face. Anything white, such as a blank piece of paper or a white T-shirt, will work.
Tags: your subject, bounce light, built-in flash, camera flash, have fill-flash
The Nikon F5 has a few more buttons and a few new tricks, but loading film into it is as easy as ever. Similar to many other camera models and designs, the Nikon has made the process even easier with custom settings and film advancement options. The only thing to possibly confuse the loader is the necessity to tell the camera what type of film is being loaded, before it's being loaded.
Instructions
Opening and Inserting Film
1. Make sure the rear LCD panel shows "DX" under the ISO option if using DX coded film. If not, manually advance the Main-Command Dial while pressing the ISO button until "DX" shows up. If not using DX coded film, manually advance the ISO speed in the same way to the desired speed of the film being used.
2. Lift the film rewind knob, while simultaneously sliding back the camera lock release. This will open the back panel of the camera, allowing for insertion of film.
3. Holding the film in the left hand, point its knob down, with the unexposed tab, or leader, of film protruding from the canister pointing to the right. Insert the film canister into the left depression within the body of the now-open camera, making sure to not bend or fold the unsheltered film leader.
4. Pull the film leader to the right of the camera until it reaches the red film index mark on the right-side spool. The small, red, triangular mark can be found at the bottom of the spool, near the side with the hinge to the camera back.
5. Check if the film is loaded properly by holding the film leader with your finger and fully depress shutter release button. If loaded properly, the film will wind around the film spool. If loaded incorrectly, readjust the film slightly and try again. Make sure the film is flush and even before moving on.
6. Carefully close the camera back, making sure not to snag or fold the film. The back will snap into place.
7. Depress the shutter release button completely. This will advance the film to frame #1: you are now ready to take a picture.
Tags: film leader, being loaded, camera back, coded film, coded film manually
A Digital Single Lens Reflex camera works much like a digital "point-and-shoot" camera with exception to the picture quality and certain technical features that require manual adjustments. Although digital is more convenient than film SLRs, DSLR cameras require more maintenance due to their advanced internal components and expensive lenses. Knowing take care of your DSLR can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and maintain the overall value of your camera.
Instructions
1. Place the lens cap on your DSLR camera or apply a UV filter to protect your lens from scratches and dust. Not only are DSLR lenses expensive, a scratched lens or dust accumulation can also appear on your photographs as spots. When not in use, placing the camera lens back on the lens can also prevent damage from drops and mishandling. Since the lens cap acts as a buffer, the lens does not come in direct contact with another object or the ground when dropped.
2. Purchase a hard or soft case for your DSLR camera. If you are traveling with your camera on your back, soft bags are light and can protect your camera from the different elements, such as dust, heat and rain. However, hard cases can withstand more abuse and can sustain impacts from accidental drops and other collisions. Make sure the hard case is padded with foam padding and your camera is securely fastened within the foam padding mold.
3. Keep your DSLR camera out of intense heat or humid weather. Heat and moisture can cause damage to any electronic device, not only DSLR cameras. The heat will cause the camera lens to break and cause damage to internal components. If you do not have an air-sealed hard case, moisture can maneuver inside your camera and ruin the internal components.
4. Take your DSLR camera to a professional cleaning service to have the camera body cleaned. Depending on how frequently you use your camera, having it cleaned once a year or every few months can preserve its condition. The camera service representative can also tell you if anything is wrong with your camera so you can fix it before the damage becomes worse or permanent.
Tags: your camera, your DSLR, DSLR camera, your DSLR camera, internal components
A high-end compact digital camera, the Canon Powershot G9 features 12.1 megapixel picture quality, a 6X optical zoom, image stabilization, and much more. The high user ratings for the G9 attest to many satisfied customers who have called G9 a "nearly perfect point and shoot." Follow the steps below to set up and use the main features of the Canon Powershot G9.
Instructions
1. To prepare the G9 for use, insert the battery into the charger and plug the charger into the wall. Remove the battery from the charger when it's fully charged (the light will turn green). Insert the charged battery and the memory card into the appropriate slots on the camera (see User Guide for images).
2. Power on the camera and use the arrow buttons and set key to set the time/date and display image. Insert the Canon Digital Camera Disk into the CD Drive of your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
3. To take pictures, power on the G9 and turn the mode dial to the "AUTO" setting. The mode dial is located to the right of center on the top of the camera.
4. Use the viewfinder or the LCD screen to aim the camera at your subject. Use the Zoom Lever located on the shutter button to zoom in and out for desired detail on your subject.
5. Press the shutter button halfway down to focus and once focused, press all the way to take the picture. Check the display after shooting to review the picture, which is shown for 2 seconds after taking the picture.
6. Press the "Playback" button to see all pictures on the camera. Use the arrows to move forward and backward.
7. Transfer pictures from the Powershot G9 to your computer. Using the USB cable that was included with your camera, connect the camera to the computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to upload and categorize images from your camera.
Tags: Canon Powershot, camera Canon, camera Canon Powershot, computer Follow, computer Follow on-screen, Follow on-screen, Follow on-screen instructions
are a great addition to any photographer's studio equipment. Studio photo shoots require more lighting than outdoor or location shoots and studio flashes serve to replicate the natural light that's missing in a studio environment.
Instructions
1. Look around the studio for any natural light that might lend some assistance in the photo shoot. Natural light gives a more natural effect than studio flashes can.
2. Paint the studio for a photo shoot. Lighter colors reflect more light whereas darker colors can produce photos with odd colorcasts on the subject. White walls are always acceptable. Check your camera's white balance when using white walls.
3. Set the studio flash in front of the subject and slightly to the side to avoid harsh shadows. Move the flash head up or down for the best fill light.
4. Manipulate the studio flashes controls for the best exposure values. Many units incorporate control dials or digital arrays to enter flash values.
5. Move the flash so that it bounces the light onto the walls or ceiling. This method effectively cuts the value of the studio flash by half.
6. Keep the subject away from the backdrop or wall to prevent harsh shadows. Move the subject at least six feet from anything that reflects large amounts of light.
7. Use a studio flash rail system to better move lights into position. Rail systems are a common studio installation that offer a great deal of ease and variety of lighting possibilities.
Tags: studio flashes, harsh shadows, harsh shadows Move, light that, Move flash, natural light that
If your JVC camcorder turns on but won't display a digital image on the screen, chances are you need to replace the CCD. That stands for Charge-Coupled Device. This unit converts light into a digital signal inside your camcorder. Without it, your camcorder screen will not display an image, nor will it store a digital signal. But its failure does not mean you have to buy a new camcorder. You can replace the CCD.
Instructions
1. Verify that your camcorder is deactivated. Remove the battery pack cover and detach the battery pack.
2. Locate the inner panel that the battery pack rested against. Trace your fingers along the seams to locate the screws. Unscrew the inner panel and remove it. Your model might be further secured with adhesive. If this is the case, pull upward gently but firmly until the panel comes loose.
3. Locate the CCD on the circuit board. Use a magnifying glass to read the label, as the print is very small. The CCD is small and rectangular. It often has a reflective surface.
4. Remove the old CCD from the circuit board. Be gentle. Avoid damaging nearby components or the circuit board itself.
5. Install the new CCD in the same slot. Line up the pins with their conjoining connectors. Carefully push the pins into their connectors.
6. Clean the circuit board by using compressed air to remove any particles that may have been scattered on it. Trigger the compressed air at a safe distance so that the impact does not bruise the circuit board.
7. Replace the inner panel. Screw it back into place.
8. Replace the battery pack and battery pack cover. Turn the device on to test whether the repair was successful.
Tags: battery pack, circuit board, your camcorder, inner panel, battery pack cover, digital signal
A manual flash often adds the "professional" look to a photo.
Canon EOS DSLRs range from mid-level to professional-level digital cameras. Nearly all of the models can be used with an external manual flash unit by utilizing the hot shoe attachment. Once attached, the camera can be used like normal, and the flash unit will automatically be activated as you take pictures. Check your camera's manual before attaching a flash unit to it. An incompatible flash voltage can damage both the flash unit and the camera.
Instructions
1. Turn off the camera and the external flash unit.
2. Slide the flash into the hot shoe attachment by lining up the pins with the metal contacts on the camera. Once attached, tighten the flash to the camera (usually a rotating ring).
3. Turn on the flash and the camera. Set the flash to automatic mode. Consult your flash manual for the exact process.
4. Take a picture to test the flash connection. The camera will automatically fire the flash unless it is in the No Flash shooting mode.
5. Operate the camera as normal, while adjusting the flash settings on the external unit.
Tags: flash unit, flash camera, Once attached, shoe attachment, will automatically
Microsoft's MS-DOS is an operating system developed for the PC in 1980. Originally designed to run on 8088-architecture computers with less than 640KB of available RAM, the operating system went through many iterations over the years. Today, a modified version serves as the Command Line Prompt inside Windows operating systems, and it can still perform many of the same basic functions as the original release of MS-DOS.
Navigation
One of the aspects of MS-DOS that still survives in Windows is the drive and directory system. The OS uses letters to identify drives, and directories and subdirectories with eight-character names denoted by a backslash character. "C:\GAMES" represents one level down from root, while "C:\GAMES\CARDS" is one further subdirectory level down. You can move through these directory levels using the CD or "change directory" command, using "CD .." to return to a higher level. The "mkdir" or MD command creates directories, while the "rmdir" or RD command deletes them. Since most tasks in MS-DOS take place in the current subdirectory, navigation is an important function of the operating system.
File Manipulation
Files in MS-DOS use an "8.3" naming system, eight characters for the file name and three characters for an identifying suffix that tells the operating system what type of file it is. Wildcards are available for file manipulation, with "?" representing a single character and "*" representing any number of characters. For instance, the command "COPY *.* C:\GAMES" will copy all files in the current directory into the C:\GAMES directory. To move files from one folder to another in early versions of DOS, you would first copy them into the target directory and then delete the originals, as the "Move" command did not exist until DOS 6.0.
Running Programs
Running programs under MS-DOS simply requires you to enter the eight-character name of the program, if the file is a type that the operating system understands as an executable. Files with the .exe and .com suffixes are binary executables, while .bat files are text scripts that can trigger multiple programs in succession. These programs often allow you to perform more complex operations than MS-DOS would allow, as well as take advantage of more installed memory. Early versions of Windows required you to boot into MS-DOS and run WIN.EXE to load the graphic user interface.
Drive Utilities
MS-DOS also contains a number of utilities for disk and drive management. If a drive begins began showing symptoms of structural problems, the CHKDSK or "checkdisk" command scans for errors and, if possible, corrects them. The FDISK command allows you to "low-level format" a drive, altering its partition structure, while FORMAT wipes any disk and prepares it for re-use. In modern Windows operating systems, however, a set of more user-friendly tools replace these functions, helping prevent accidental data loss.
Tags: operating system, level down, operating systems, Windows operating, Windows operating systems
A Memory Stick Pro, also called a memory card, is a data storage device that inserts into an electronic portable device such as a camera, mobile telephone or video game system. The Memory Stick Pro holds different amounts of memory--512MB (megabyte) or 1GB (gigabyte), for example. The Memory Stick Pro is versatile--you can save, delete and rewrite files to the memory card and access saved files from another device.
Instructions
1. Understand how a Memory Stick Pro works. The small card saves information from a portable device. You can save, delete and rewrite to the card as many times as you want. You can also remove the card and insert it into another device. For example, you can save photos from a camera, then insert the memory card into your laptop to view or download the images.
2. Make sure you buy a memory card that matches the demands of your electronic device. The cards have different saving speeds and data-holding capacities. Generally speaking, the more data the card can hold and the faster its speed, the more expensive the memory card. Check your electronic device's product information for recommendations on the best type and size of memory card.
3. Insert the Memory Stick Pro into the electronic device. Most devices have a small flap or cover on its side that holds the card. The memory card slides into a slot under the flap. Gently push in the card and close the flap.
4. Save to the memory card. Once the card is installed, many devices know to save new data to the card. In some cases, however, you may need to specify where to save files, either to a built-in hard drive or to the memory card.
5. To remove the card, open the flap and gently press the card in. The card should then pop out of the slot for easy removal. The card can now be inserted into another device.
Tags: memory card, Memory Stick, another device, electronic device, data card, delete rewrite
A light box allows items to be photographed with a neutral white or colored background.
A photo light box, also known as a light tent, is a small, enclosed set with a neutral background that allows soft light to shine in from multiple directions. Commercial light boxes are available for purchase in a variety of sizes and styles, but it is possible to make your own light box largely out of household materials. A homemade light box allows for lighting on three sides, giving you control over shadows and illumination, and permitting you to create professional-quality pictures with a range of light and shadow options.
Instructions
1. Cut the flaps off one end of a cardboard box, leaving four sides and the opposite end of the box intact. For best results, you should use a square box, although boxes of different shapes can be used as well.
2. Draw a line approximately 2 inches from each edge on one of the box's remaining sides, creating a square "window" on the side of the box. Cut out this square. Repeat on two of the three other sides so that only one side and one end of the box are uncut.
3. Cut strips of white poster board or Bristol board to the length and width of each "window." Glue the strips on the inside of the light box, trimming as necessary so that they create a white lining around the three "windows" in the box. Do not glue anything to the uncut side or end of the box.
4. Trim a sheet of poster board or Bristol board to the width of the box, making sure it is longer than the box is tall. Set the box upright and insert the sheet so it touches the edge where the middle "window" meets the uncut end. Press down gently so the poster board lies along the uncut end and curves up toward the open end, but don't crease or fold. The uncut side should be covered in the process. Tape into place at the open end of the box.
5. Place tracing paper, tissue paper or white cloth over the open end of the box and the two facing, side "windows," leaving the "window" opening to the poster board or Bristol board uncovered. Tape the paper or cloth into place, making sure no wrinkles appear, as these could cause shadows.
6. Place an object in the box so it is positioned on the poster board or Bristol board at the uncut end on the box. Turn on one or more lights so they shine through the paper or cloth covering the openings. You may now take close-range pictures of an object and only the neutral background of the poster board will appear.
Tags: poster board, board Bristol, board Bristol board, Bristol board, poster board Bristol, into place
The Canon 40D digital camera is a semi-pro camera body that many advanced amateurs and professionals use on a daily basis. The Canon 16-35mm f2.8L lens is a wide-angle zoom lens from Canon's professional series lenses. When coupled with the Canon 40D camera, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L lens provides a 25.6-56mm 35mm equivalent zoom because of the 1.6 crop factor of the Canon 40D camera. This is very close to the "normal" focal length seen on 35mm film cameras in the past.
Instructions
1. Align the red dot on the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L lens with the red dot on the Canon 40D camera body. Turn the lens clockwise until the lens locks into the camera body.
2. Turn the camera on. Look through the viewfinder and set up the picture. Adjust the ISO and aperture depending on the shot you are taking. The bigger the aperture, the more light will be let into the camera. In dark settings, a higher aperture requires a longer shutter speed. The longer the shutter speed, the steadier the camera has to be, which may require a tripod.
3. Adjust the zoom by turning the zoom ring on the 16-35mm f2.8L lens until you have the frame in the viewfinder that you want for your picture. Adjust the focus by turning the focus ring on the 16-35mm f2.8L lens until the picture is in focus in the viewfinder.
4. Press the shutter button to take the picture. The picture will briefly show up in the LCD screen as a preview to show you what was just captured. You can adjust the settings in case you need to take the shot again.
Tags: 16-35mm lens, Canon 16-35mm, Canon 16-35mm lens, camera body, Canon camera, 16-35mm lens until
FinePix software comes with all FinePix Fujifilm cameras. This software allows the user to download pictures to their computer. Several problems can occur and you can take several troubleshooting actions to get the software up and running again. Fujifilm provides several different drivers and software downloads online if you should lose your CD disk. Always ensure that the software you are using is compatible for your camera. Take the appropriate steps to fix the software and be able to view and manage your photos.
Instructions
Troubleshooting FinePix Software
1. Go through your computer to upload photos if the software is not automatically starting or will not let you upload photos. Ensure that the camera is set to the correct mode. The camera needs to be on the DSC USB mode to upload pictures.
2. Upload photos by accessing them through your computer and not the FinePix software. This is another option for uploading photos. If the "Save Image to PC" button is grayed out and cannot be selected, then open "My Computer." Select the camera. This may be labeled as a removable device. Open up the DCIM folder and then the photo folder. Drag and drop the photos to a new folder in your computer.
3. Uninstall the current version of the FinePix software. Locate the latest version of the software for your camera on the Fujifilm website. Download and install the latest version. Many errors can occur because you are not using the proper version of the software. In order to import photos in the Fuji RAW format, the FinePix software must be used or Photoshop.
4. Add the RAW file plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS in order to read the FinePix RAW files.
5. Add the Fuji website and FinePix software as a trusted program in your security software. Some errors will occur because the security software thinks FinePix is a virus.
6. Use a card reader to access and upload the photos from the camera. Remove the photo card from the camera and insert it into the card reader. The card reader will access the photos from the camera.
Tags: FinePix software, card reader, from camera, your computer, latest version
Brother Industries Ltd. is a company that sells Brother brand printers and other household products. One unique feature of Brother printers is that some of the components are self-cleaning. For example, if you're having trouble with the color images printed by your Brother printer, the printer can be set to self-cleaning mode to clean the print head nozzle, and the problem should be resolved.
Instructions
1. Find the "Ink" key on your Brother printer. This key also may be labeled "Ink/Reports," "Ink Management/Reports" or "Ink Management." Press the key to bring up the menu on the LCD display.
2. Select the "Cleaning" option by using the up and down navigation key. Press "Menu/Set."
3. Find the color on the displayed list that's not printing on your Brother printer by using the navigation key. If more than one color isn't printing, select the "All" option. Press "Menu/Set."
4. Wait for the printer to complete the cleaning cycle, which involves cleaning the print head nozzle. During this time, the LCD will display the words "Cleaning" and "Please Wait." The date and time will return to the LCD display when the printer is done cleaning.
Tags: your Brother printer, Brother printer, your Brother, Brother Print, Brother Print Head
A breathalyzer is a device that measures the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. It is used by law enforcement to determine whether a driver is intoxicated and by individuals as an indicator of whether it is legal and safe to operate a vehicle. It operates by the individual blowing into the unit, which will then register and display the blood alcohol content (BAC).
Instructions
1. Turn on the breathalyzer and allow a few moments for it to warm up. During this time, the device's sensor will calibrate to the proper temperature to ensure an accurate reading.
2. Wait for the device to indicate it is ready for use. Depending on the model, this could be shown by a "ready" signal or a beeping sound.
3. Blow into the device, maintaining a long, sharp, steady breath. If a reading does not register, repeat the process with a harder, sharper breath.
4. Wait a few moments while the breathalyzer calculates a reading. The length of processing time will vary depending on the type of model used.
5. When finished calculating, the device will display a reading of your blood alcohol content. It is important to know the legal BAC limit allowable in your state to determine if driving a vehicle is permissible.
Digital cameras are rated by the maximum resolution they can achieve.
If you're looking to buy or upgrade your digital camera, you've no doubt heard of megapixels. Just what is a megapixel? Find out what a megapixel really is and how you can accurately determine just what sort of pictures you'll get with a new digital camera.
Megapixels Explained
Put simply, a megapixel is roughly a million pixels. More accurately, it is a count of the total pixels---or single points of color---contained in a digital image. A camera that takes 1,280 pixel by 960 pixel images is considered a 1 megapixel camera (1280 x 960 = 1,228,800 -- just over 1 million, or 1 megapixel).
Maximum Resolution
Digital cameras are rated by the maximum resolution they can achieve. For instance, a 5 megapixel camera can typically capture images at 5, 4, 3 or even below 1 megapixel. Cameras can always capture clear images at less-than-optimal resolution for the optical sensor, but they cannot capture more. Cameras that claim to exceed the maximum resolution of the optical sensor use "interpolation", or a "best guess" at the colors in-between, but the resulting photos tend to be fuzzy and/or blurry when viewed at full size.
Calculating Megapixels
The formula is pretty simple; multiply width times height in pixels and round to the nearest million. If your camera takes pictures at 2,560 pixels by 1,920 pixels, then it's a 5 Megapixel camera (2,560 x 1,920 = 4,915,200 -- roughly 5 million). It may be more accurate to put a decimal point for hundreds-of-thousands, but camera manufacturers still tend to rate their cameras by whole megapixels, even when they have to round up to the nearest million.
Tags: cameras rated, cameras rated maximum, digital camera, Digital cameras, Digital cameras rated, maximum resolution
Preserving your images in hard copy is easy to do.
It's easy with a digital camera to leave all your photographs on the computer, on a disk or on a memory stick.These images are great if you are sitting at your computer, but prints of photographs that you can hold in your hand and share with family and friends really are precious. Make sure that you look after your prints to preserve your memories.
Instructions
Making An Album
1. Photographic prints that you intend to keep should be printed on high quality paper.
Print your photographs out on high quality photographic paper. The best paper to use is archival printing paper. If you go to the store to have your images printed make sure you ask about the paper quality and how long your prints should last.
2. A photograph album will protect your prints.
Place your images in a photograph album that has film or plastic that can be placed over the images to protect them. Ensure that the plastic is placed flat without wrinkles over the photographs.
3. Store your photograph album away from direct sunlight. A cool dry drawer or shelf should keep the prints in good condition.
Laminate
4. Place your print inside the plastic laminating pouch. Lamination is a great way to protect prints that are going to be handled frequently. It's great for teachers who use images as resources or businesses who use images repeatedly.
5. Feed the lamination pouch through the laminator. Make sure the laminator is on a flat surface and there is enough room to lay your prints flat on either side of the laminating device.
6. Cut off any excess plastic around the edges. It is usually best to leave a small border, but it doesn't have to be very wide. Your prints are now ready to use. When they are not in use it is best to store them in a box away from direct sunlight.
Tags: photograph album, your images, your prints, away from, away from direct, direct sunlight
Open your film canister to begin developing your negatives.
Once you get past the snapshot phase of photography and want to improve your photographic work, you may want to learn to develop your own film. Developing 35mm film isn't the difficult alchemy that you may have imagined. Many people develop their own negatives at home using only small hand-held equipment. The first step in developing is to get the film out of the canister and into the developing tank, where you can safely turn it into negatives to print out or take to a professional to print.
Instructions
1. Rewind your film in your camera until the leader has been wound onto the spool. Many cameras have an automatic winding mechanism that employs as soon as the last shot is taken, but do it yourself if you have a manual camera. You can tell when the spool is completely filled as the winding will get suddenly easier as the leader end releases from the camera and comes loose.
2. Place your developing tank, spool, film canister and bottle opener into a light bag or on a handy counter in your darkroom. Make sure that all the equipment is exactly where you can reach it easily without turning on any lights.
3. Grasp the film canister in your left hand with the flat, smooth end facing downward. Use the bottle opener to remove the top of the canister, exactly the same way you would remove the metal top from a bottle of soda.
4. Tip the canister over gently until the film slides out. Set down the bottle opener and grasp the film in your right hand, handling only the edges of the film.
5. Slide the leader edge of the film into the slit in the center of the developing tank reel. Wind the reel around and around in your hand, making sure that the film winds itself onto the spiral opening at the top and bottom of the reel. Make sure that there is only one layer of film in each layer of the reel and that the film doesn't touch itself at any point.
6. Set the loaded reel into the developing tank and screw or snap on the light-proof top. Feel around the edges to make sure that the top is securely in place all around. Remove the tank from the light bag or turn on the lights in your darkroom
Tags: developing tank, film canister, sure that, bottle opener, your film, film your
Stop-motion photography doesn't necessarily have to be done with a camcorder. You can achieve similar results with any digital camera. If you're just starting out making stop-motion videos, you may want to spend extra time coming up with a storyboard. The shorter the period of time you're documenting, the closer together in time your action shots will have to be; meanwhile, pictures in a stop-motion video over a long period of time can be taken as far apart as 24 hours.
Instructions
1. Decide in advance what you wish to record over time, and create a kind of storyboard or list of shots you wish to create.
2. Set up your first shot. For example, if you wish to record 24 hours in your day, your first shot may be of you sleeping.
3. Take your first picture, and think of what your action would be just a few seconds later. You want your photo to be somewhat different from your last one to get the sense of movement. If recording the beginning of your day, your next shot may be you sitting up in bed or on your way to get up, not just bringing your head up from your pillow.
4. Continue taking pictures of your action a few seconds apart, so that you have noticeable movement, but don't take the viewer out of the scene.
5. Once you have taken all of your pictures, import them onto your computer and open up a video editing program, such as Avid Xpress Pro, Final Cut Pro or even iMovie.
6. Insert your pictures in order into your movie's timeline. do this will vary based on your editing software. Keep each photo on screen for at least half a second.
7. Layer audio over your entire movie. Music or narration would be a good choice.
Tags: your action, your first, first shot, from your, period time, wish record, your first shot
Before you could use computers to edit digital photos, you needed to develop film and make prints. This process was tedious because you had to experiment in the exposure and development process. You also only got one shot at anything. If you made a mistake, the film was lost. Litho film was used to copy negatives or slides - only in black and white - and to create more "arty" prints. Litho provides high contrast with little in the mid-tone range. It is also far less light-sensitive than normal film, so you can use a safelight and increase development time if you do not get the results you want at first.
Instructions
1. Mix your chemicals. You will need film developer, stop bath and fixer. Virtually any brand and type of these chemicals will work. You can use photographic paper developer, rather than film developer for litho film. Mix them and store them in the brown plastic bottles to avoid exposure to light that will shorten the useful life of the chemicals.
2. Place the litho film inside the changing bag along with the film reel and the film tank. Wind the film into the reel and place the reel into the tank. Close the lid of the tank. Remove the tank from the changing bag.
3. Pour in the film developer and immediately agitate the tank for 30 seconds. Agitate for 10 seconds, every 30 seconds of development time. Start with a development time of two minutes. You may need to increase this later. Pour out the developer.
4. Pour in the stop bath and agitate for 30 seconds, and then pour it back out. Pour the fixer into the tank, agitate for 30 seconds, and agitate again for 10 seconds every minute for five minutes. Pour out the fixer.
5. Take a look at the film. If it is the way you want it to look, wash the film for at least 10 minutes with running water in the tank. Hang it to dry. If the film is not correct, redevelop it for another two minutes and use the stop bath and fixer. Take another look. You can continue this process until you get the negatives you want.
Tags: development time, film developer, stop bath, agitate seconds, bath fixer, chemicals will
Connect your digital camera to your LCD TV with an RCA video cable.
One of the best reasons for taking pictures is to share them with your friends and family. Pictures can be shared easily from the larger LCD TV screen in your house by connecting one cable from your digital camera to your TV set. Displaying pictures from your digital camera to your TV allows you a way to produce your own slide show.
Instructions
1. Insert fresh batteries into your digital camera. This ensures that you do not have to replace the batteries in the middle of the slide show.
2. Plug one end of the yellow RCA video cable into the yellow "Video Out" port of the digital camera; plug the other end of the yellow RCA cable into the RCA "Video In" port of the LCD TV set.
3. Turn on both the digital camera and the LCD TV. Switch the TV to "Video" mode to display the pictures from the digital camera. "Video" mode displays anything connected to the RCA video port of the TV. Use the TV's remote control to enter "Video" mode. The "Video" mode command will be labeled as one of the three options: "Video," "TV/Video" and "Input." Use the buttons on the digital camera to change pictures.
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A wide variety of evidence is admissible in court.
Generally, the equipment with which the evidence is collected is irrelevant in determining whether it is admissible in a court of law. Other considerations, such as relevance, will primarily determine admissibility.
Relevance
As a general rule, all evidence that is relevant to the alleged misconduct or crime is admissible in a court of law. If the proposed evidence can aid in determining whether the alleged act has been conducted, it is admissible.
Equipment
There is almost no piece of technical equipment whose results are categorically inadmissible in a court. The polygraph is the only technical equipment whose results the law explicitly prohibits from being used in court.
Infrared Camera
As the law does not make specific mention of infrared cameras, the general rules of admissibility apply to infrared cameras. If the evidence collected by the equipment is relevant to the case, reliable and collected legally, it can be used in court.
Privacy
It is possible that the evidence collected by an infrared camera was obtained illegally, which would make it inadmissible in court. Illegally entering a residence to install an infrared camera, for example, would constitute invasion of privacy and disqualify the evidence. However, the same would be true if a voice recorder or conventional camera had been used in the same manner.
Subjective Determination
In the end, each legal case is different and only the judge can make a subjective determination as to whether a piece of evidence is admissible in his or her court.
The most important choice you make when choosing a subwoofer is what amplifier you will use to power it. A good subwoofer is not nearly important as a good amplifier. There are a few main considerations that will make choosing an amplifier an easier process. After making certain that you know what you need in an amp, the rest of the decision will come down to personal preference. If you choose an amp to properly power your subwoofer you can even make a lackluster sub sound surprisingly good.
Instructions
1. Determine your amplifier needs. Since you are powering one subwoofer, you do not want a four channel amplifier. While a mono channel amplifier may seem like the best idea, include two channel amplifiers in your search. Two channel amplifiers are typically less expensive and, when bridged, can offer similar power to a mono amp.
2. Understand the ohm load you are going to place on the amplifier. For most individual subwoofers, the ohm load is going to range from two to eight ohms, depending on voice coils and how you wire the sub. If you have a single voice coil subwoofer, it will only list the ohms load that the subwoofer runs at. If you have a dual voice coil subwoofer, it will list the various ohms it can function at. If you are using a single voice coil sub, purchase an amplifier that is rated safe at whatever ohms load the subwoofer requires.
3. For a dual voice coil subwoofer, you will normally want to wire in parallel, which will lower the ohms to the lowest rating for the subwoofer. This means you need an amplifier, typically, safe down to 2 ohms. In some cases you will need to be safe at one ohm. If this is the case, you will almost always want to purchase a mono amp. You can also choose to run each voice coil to its own channel on a two channel amplifier. This option somewhat less common but allows the sub to run at a higher ohm level. Remember when checking an amp that it needs to be rated at the same ohm level or lower than the subwoofer requires.
4. Once you have decided how many channels your amplifier is going to be, decide how much power you need. You will generally find two power ratings. The first will be the RMS, or constant power rating. This is how much power the subwoofer receives throughout use. The other rating will be the peak power rating. If you do not find the peak power rating, you can estimate double the RMS rating. You will also notice that these ratings are different at different ohms. You need to find the power rating that fits the ohm load you are going to wire your subwoofer for. Using the RMS is a much better way to determine an amplifier's ability than the peak power. You need to make sure that your amplifier has enough power to properly push the subwoofer. If you underpower the subwoofer too much, your amplifier may overheat as it struggles to perform or can damage the subwoofer. While you also don't want too much power going to your subwoofer, underpowering is more dangerous.
5. Now that you have narrowed down your choices by using the two most important criteria--impedance and power-- you should examine distortion level. THD is a standard term used to refer to distortion. While many amplifiers boast 1 percent THD, this is actually a poor rating. Instead, you want to look for a THD as close to .01% as possible. That is the percentage at which distortion is not noticeable. Anything larger than that may cause your ears to pick up on sound problems. While you may not want to pay the price of a minimal distortion amplifier, you need to be aware of what you are buying.
6. Finally look for the features you want. Most amplifiers will come with built in filters to adjust what music makes it to your subwoofer. These are helpful in tuning the subwoofer to sound its best. You will also want to see if bass boost knobs are included. These little perks allow for greater control of the sound your subwoofer produces.
7. While there are many other ratings that have been applied to amplifiers, your preferences will guide your decision. Whether or not the amplifier has lighting, if the brand is reputable or if the amplifier fits conveniently on the back of your subwoofer enclosure will all help make your final decision.
Tags: your subwoofer, voice coil, power rating, your amplifier, channel amplifier, coil subwoofer, coil subwoofer will