Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
How To Choose The Right Furniture For You
Long gone are the days when office furniture meant a simple computer desk and a filing cabinet. In this day and age, we have all sorts of technology to accommodate for. There are photocopiers, drafting tables, large networks of workstations, and much more to take into account.
Getting the best deal on this excess in office furniture can be tough. And the question arises as to whether not the extra money is worth it in the first place- so what is a business to do?
Discount Office Furniture Vs Brand Name Office Furniture
There is a certain place for budget cuts, and then certain places for excess spending. Office furniture is one of the categories that floats somewhere in the middle between the two.
Some claim that brand name furniture that specializes in new-age design and comfort is worth the money. The reasoning behind this claim is simple: happy and comfortable workers are more efficient than uninspired and unhappy workers.
One good example of this is Google, who is a company that specializes in employee satisfaction. Google remains to be one of the best places to work for- and if you've seen their office furniture, you can guess it wasn't the discount brand at the handy shop. Google claims that the extra style inspires creativity- and we can't disagree.
But discount furniture is what most businesses side with. After all, how much more money can one spend before trying to make employees more inspired? For most businesses, the return on investment just isn't anywhere near what they'd like. The result: you'll likely stick with discount office furniture long before splurging on new-age furniture.
Arguments for Work Safety and Tax Write-offs
One of the leading problems in workplace safety is carpal tunnel syndrome. This affliction is caused by poor posture in the workplace- something many brand name products fix. Some could argue that the company would be less responsible for injuries with these ergonomic brands of office furniture. In many respects, they are right- carpal tunnel is indeed a very real threat.
To help justify the cause, some argue that the tax write-offs that are available for office furniture makes the price of ergonomic designs much easier to stomach. This will put many office products in reach for businesses- but careful spending is still needed. There are limits to the tax write-offs, and even then, the tax breaks only come once a year.
One clever strategy many businesses engage in is last-minute shopping. That way they can get a return on their money much sooner, so waiting the year out isn't a problem (whereas the money could be better used in reinvesting into the business).
When Money Isn't an Option
If money wasn't an option, what should you splurge on? First and foremost, safety should be addressed. Chairs with supportive backs are a must. Keyboards and mice with ergonomic designs that counteract carpal tunnel are also worthy of a purchase.
Only after safety is addressed should one consider style and brand name options. It's nice to have a decorated office space to inspire and give a positive attitude. When money isn't an option, this will indeed benefit those who use the office. (Studies show interesting colours and styles do, in fact, inspire creativity and help overall efficiency on average.)
In the end, it's good to have an accountant nearby for tax advice, safety in mind, and a strong will to get the best office furniture for your company
Getting the best deal on this excess in office furniture can be tough. And the question arises as to whether not the extra money is worth it in the first place- so what is a business to do?
Discount Office Furniture Vs Brand Name Office Furniture
There is a certain place for budget cuts, and then certain places for excess spending. Office furniture is one of the categories that floats somewhere in the middle between the two.
Some claim that brand name furniture that specializes in new-age design and comfort is worth the money. The reasoning behind this claim is simple: happy and comfortable workers are more efficient than uninspired and unhappy workers.
One good example of this is Google, who is a company that specializes in employee satisfaction. Google remains to be one of the best places to work for- and if you've seen their office furniture, you can guess it wasn't the discount brand at the handy shop. Google claims that the extra style inspires creativity- and we can't disagree.
But discount furniture is what most businesses side with. After all, how much more money can one spend before trying to make employees more inspired? For most businesses, the return on investment just isn't anywhere near what they'd like. The result: you'll likely stick with discount office furniture long before splurging on new-age furniture.
Arguments for Work Safety and Tax Write-offs
One of the leading problems in workplace safety is carpal tunnel syndrome. This affliction is caused by poor posture in the workplace- something many brand name products fix. Some could argue that the company would be less responsible for injuries with these ergonomic brands of office furniture. In many respects, they are right- carpal tunnel is indeed a very real threat.
To help justify the cause, some argue that the tax write-offs that are available for office furniture makes the price of ergonomic designs much easier to stomach. This will put many office products in reach for businesses- but careful spending is still needed. There are limits to the tax write-offs, and even then, the tax breaks only come once a year.
One clever strategy many businesses engage in is last-minute shopping. That way they can get a return on their money much sooner, so waiting the year out isn't a problem (whereas the money could be better used in reinvesting into the business).
When Money Isn't an Option
If money wasn't an option, what should you splurge on? First and foremost, safety should be addressed. Chairs with supportive backs are a must. Keyboards and mice with ergonomic designs that counteract carpal tunnel are also worthy of a purchase.
Only after safety is addressed should one consider style and brand name options. It's nice to have a decorated office space to inspire and give a positive attitude. When money isn't an option, this will indeed benefit those who use the office. (Studies show interesting colours and styles do, in fact, inspire creativity and help overall efficiency on average.)
In the end, it's good to have an accountant nearby for tax advice, safety in mind, and a strong will to get the best office furniture for your company
Add Class and Style to Your Room with Chesterfield Furniture
When attempting to bring class and style into your home, leather furniture is the way to go. While there are several different kinds of leather and companies to choose from, there is nothing quite like leather chesterfields. Chesterfield furniture has been around for quite some time and continues to bring wonderful furniture into people's homes worldwide. Adding Chesterfield furniture to your home gives you rich and world class feel to the living room. No longer do you have to settle for a mediocre sofa that disappears in the room. You can make a Chesterfield sofa the highlight of the room with the magnificent leather and beautiful colour.
While this furniture used to be out of the price range for many, it has gradually become more affordable for everyone. But the status quo remains the same as this is high class furniture that can brighten up the room and bring your office or living room to another level.
There is nothing better than being able to show off a fine piece of furniture to family and friends like Chesterfield furniture. Guests will have the luxury of sitting on pure, soft, and comfortable leather sofa. And unlike many sofas that require attention after a couple of years, you will have your Chesterfield sofa for years to come because of the high-class durability.
Placing this luxury furniture in the living room is ideal to show it off, but it can also make for a fine piece of furniture in the office. There is nothing that says class and wealth in an office better than furniture like this. It will imply prosperity to those who enter your office and give your office a true working atmosphere.
Although you may not be aware of it at the time, but image can mean everything in a home. Replacing ragged sofas with a Chesterfield sofa can do wonders for your home. It will liven the room up, give it character, and present wealth in a new manner. And because of the style, you can put virtually anything around the sofa and create a beautifully crafted room.
It is hard to believe that one sofa could have such an impact on a room, but that is exactly what you are getting with leather chesterfields. It is the finest furniture around and can be purchased at a reasonable price. And with the durability it is built with, you can enjoy the comfort of fine leather for years to come.
While this furniture used to be out of the price range for many, it has gradually become more affordable for everyone. But the status quo remains the same as this is high class furniture that can brighten up the room and bring your office or living room to another level.
There is nothing better than being able to show off a fine piece of furniture to family and friends like Chesterfield furniture. Guests will have the luxury of sitting on pure, soft, and comfortable leather sofa. And unlike many sofas that require attention after a couple of years, you will have your Chesterfield sofa for years to come because of the high-class durability.
Placing this luxury furniture in the living room is ideal to show it off, but it can also make for a fine piece of furniture in the office. There is nothing that says class and wealth in an office better than furniture like this. It will imply prosperity to those who enter your office and give your office a true working atmosphere.
Although you may not be aware of it at the time, but image can mean everything in a home. Replacing ragged sofas with a Chesterfield sofa can do wonders for your home. It will liven the room up, give it character, and present wealth in a new manner. And because of the style, you can put virtually anything around the sofa and create a beautifully crafted room.
It is hard to believe that one sofa could have such an impact on a room, but that is exactly what you are getting with leather chesterfields. It is the finest furniture around and can be purchased at a reasonable price. And with the durability it is built with, you can enjoy the comfort of fine leather for years to come.
Paint Brushes are an Investment
Brushes are the most important painter's tools. Buying brushes is not just a random decision, but one that should be made carefully. Selection of brushes is personal and is based upon needs and level of investment desired. Because a brush will only last as well as it is cared for, proper cleaning and storage of brushes is probably even more important than the decision of what brush to buy. Because no matter how wonderful a brush is, if it is abused it will quickly be discarded.
Types of Brushes
The hair of the brush is what primarily denotes what type of brush it is and it's purpose. Although natural hair brushes usually cost more, they do not all create the same results. Sable hair brushes are probably the most popular brushes. They are soft haired brushes that move the paint easily and keep their point. Sable brushes are great for watercolor. Hog hair is also used to make brushes, but has a very different effect with media. Hog hair brushes are stiff brushes for heavy paint and will leave brush strokes behind. They have spilt ends and hold more paint and are used in oil painting. Synthetic brushes are also common for artists to use. These are generally less expensive, but still produce quality work. Paint brushes are an artist tools and several different types are needed depending on the project and desired result sought. More expensive brushes keep their shape after a stroke and do not fishtail or bend when paint is applied to paper or canvas and therefore have a more professional result. Less expensive brushes may be suited for some jobs, especially when used in crafts and with products like glue. The other factor identifying a brush is the handle. Traditionally long handled brushes are used for oil painting because the artist is standing at an easel. Shorter handled brushes are for watercolor and acrylics because the artist is sitting and painting in greater detail.
Cleaning and Care for Brushes
Because how well a brush is cared for effects how long the brush will last, extra effort put in to properly care for these important tools will be well worth the time. All brushes will eventually wear out and will then need to be replaced, but lengthening the span of time before that is necessary will help the budget. Cleaning is crucial to extending the life of a brush. Each brush should be cleaned immediately after use. Use a mild soap and clean in the palm of the hand. Rinse thoroughly and when water runs clear, lay the brush flat to dry. It should not be left vertical to dry as this will cause water to be pulled into the handle and will ultimately cause the handle to loosen and the brush will no longer be usable. Paint brushes should never be left sitting in a glass of water. Other than the effect it will have on the handle, it will crush the bristles. If the brushes are soaked, use a brush container that will suspend them and only fill the water to soak the bristles and not the ferrule or handle. After the paint brush is cleaned and dried it may be stored upright, or in a flat brush holder. Cleaning brushes is not only done at the end of a painting session, but should be done as needed. As a person is painting, effort should be made to keep paint away from the ferrule of the brush, but inevitably will naturally be drawn up the brush. As the paint gets close to the ferrule, it should then be cleaned. This is to prevent the paint from getting under the ferrule and drying there. Natural hair brushes also need to be conditioned on a regular basis. There are paint brush soaps that come with conditioners in them, or conditioner can be bought separately.
Make the investment of brushes one that will be used wisely. The results that a good paint brush produces are worth the initial cost, but only if the effort is made to care for them and extend the value of the investment.
Types of Brushes
The hair of the brush is what primarily denotes what type of brush it is and it's purpose. Although natural hair brushes usually cost more, they do not all create the same results. Sable hair brushes are probably the most popular brushes. They are soft haired brushes that move the paint easily and keep their point. Sable brushes are great for watercolor. Hog hair is also used to make brushes, but has a very different effect with media. Hog hair brushes are stiff brushes for heavy paint and will leave brush strokes behind. They have spilt ends and hold more paint and are used in oil painting. Synthetic brushes are also common for artists to use. These are generally less expensive, but still produce quality work. Paint brushes are an artist tools and several different types are needed depending on the project and desired result sought. More expensive brushes keep their shape after a stroke and do not fishtail or bend when paint is applied to paper or canvas and therefore have a more professional result. Less expensive brushes may be suited for some jobs, especially when used in crafts and with products like glue. The other factor identifying a brush is the handle. Traditionally long handled brushes are used for oil painting because the artist is standing at an easel. Shorter handled brushes are for watercolor and acrylics because the artist is sitting and painting in greater detail.
Cleaning and Care for Brushes
Because how well a brush is cared for effects how long the brush will last, extra effort put in to properly care for these important tools will be well worth the time. All brushes will eventually wear out and will then need to be replaced, but lengthening the span of time before that is necessary will help the budget. Cleaning is crucial to extending the life of a brush. Each brush should be cleaned immediately after use. Use a mild soap and clean in the palm of the hand. Rinse thoroughly and when water runs clear, lay the brush flat to dry. It should not be left vertical to dry as this will cause water to be pulled into the handle and will ultimately cause the handle to loosen and the brush will no longer be usable. Paint brushes should never be left sitting in a glass of water. Other than the effect it will have on the handle, it will crush the bristles. If the brushes are soaked, use a brush container that will suspend them and only fill the water to soak the bristles and not the ferrule or handle. After the paint brush is cleaned and dried it may be stored upright, or in a flat brush holder. Cleaning brushes is not only done at the end of a painting session, but should be done as needed. As a person is painting, effort should be made to keep paint away from the ferrule of the brush, but inevitably will naturally be drawn up the brush. As the paint gets close to the ferrule, it should then be cleaned. This is to prevent the paint from getting under the ferrule and drying there. Natural hair brushes also need to be conditioned on a regular basis. There are paint brush soaps that come with conditioners in them, or conditioner can be bought separately.
Make the investment of brushes one that will be used wisely. The results that a good paint brush produces are worth the initial cost, but only if the effort is made to care for them and extend the value of the investment.
8 Tips for Selecting the Right Greenhouse!
You may be asking yourself, with so many hobby greenhouse kits to choose from, how do I select a greenhouse kit? At the Greenhouse Catalog, we want you to get the most out of your investment. Owning a greenhouse is a rewarding experience that will enhance your life with color and serenity. With so many greenhouses to select from on the market today, finding the right greenhouse may seem like a daunting task. At the Greenhouse Catalog, we have nearly 20 years of experience in helping customers find the greenhouse of their dreams. We believe that the greenhouse you purchase should bring you many years of pleasure. This article will highlight the important features to look for in a greenhouse and help you select the greenhouse kit for your plants and your lifestyle.
1. Find a greenhouse that works
Performance is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a greenhouse. Your greenhouse should make growing your favorite plants as easy as possible and give you outstanding results. Whether you’re looking to simply start some plants in the spring or if you want to heat your greenhouse for year-round growing, you should carefully select a greenhouse that will perform well in your situation.
With so many choices in greenhouses today it can be difficult to find the greenhouse that is truly ideal for your personal needs. The tips below will point out the most important features to look for when selecting a greenhouse. When you understand what makes a greenhouse perform well, you can be sure that you will get the results you expect.
2. Select a greenhouse that provides the right amount of light for your plants
Everyone knows that sunlight is important for plant growth. It may surprise you to know, however, that natural sunlight is not the best light for plants. In fact, direct light may even damage plants. The same harsh rays that cause sunburns in people also can burn your favorite foliage. Studies show that diffused light, the same light provided by Solexx greenhouse panels, is the best light for growing. Growth rates increase 20 to 30 percent under diffused light when compared to plants grown under more direct light.
Diffused light reaches your plants from all angles and produces fewer shade spots. That means plants don’t have to strain to reach towards available light. As a result, the plants develop healthy, compact growth in your greenhouse.
Light diffusion of greenhouse coverings differs greatly. Glass and most single-walled greenhouse covering materials provide minimal, if any, diffusion. Polycarbonate greenhouse covering provides more diffusion than glass, but far less than Solexx. Solexx greenhouse panels provide the best diffused light available. Even on a cloudy day, a Solexx greenhouse is bright inside. Unlike other greenhouse covering materials, Solexx greenhouse covering reflects the light throughout the entire greenhouse structure.
Too much light causes excessive heat in the greenhouse. As a consequence, plants waste energy through transpiration, much like sweating. This stresses plants and reduces photosynthetic rates. More plants actually die in a greenhouse from overheating than from the cold.
You wouldn’t send your children or grandchildren outside to play without sunscreen, and you wouldn’t lock them inside a hot car. Treat your plants with the same care and give them the healthiest start you can. Using Solexx greenhouse panels is the best way to protect your plants.
3. Select a greenhouse that will extend the growing season
A good greenhouse should allow you to grow throughout the entire year. In order to do this, select a greenhouse that is well-insulated and has adequate ventilation. The greenhouse covering should hold heat in your greenhouse, naturally keeping it warm when cold weather hits and allowing you to heat your greenhouse inexpensively if desired. In warmer months, it's important to keep your greenhouse cool. A greenhouse design that allows you to add exhaust fans, additional base vents and solar powered louvers is important to prevent your greenhouse from overheating in the spring and summer months. Light diffusion also keeps temperatures down. Solexx greenhouses are excellent in the cold and in the heat, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hobby all year.
4. Select a greenhouse that is adaptable
Greenhouse gardening is addictive! As your greenhouse hobby develops, it is likely that your needs will change as you discover the many ways that you can fully utilize your greenhouse. A good greenhouse should offer versatility and be customizable to fit your own desires as well as your climate. Whether it is adding extra accessories to enhance productivity in your greenhouse or adding an extension kit to give you even more growing space, when you select a greenhouse make sure you can customize it easily. With the right greenhouse, you can grow everything from succulents to tropicals and herbs to flowers – in the same greenhouse!
5. Select a greenhouse for strength and durabillity
A good greenhouse should be able to stand up to daily living and harsh weather without any problems. Falling tree branches, rocks thrown from lawn mowers and stray baseballs can all be hazards to greenhouses. Severe weather such as wind, snow and hail can also pose a challenge to greenhouses with poor construction.
Look for greenhouses with low-maintenance frames. Ideally, you should have something that is easy to clean, such as the strong composite frame found on Solexx greenhouses. This ensures that you can wipe out any disease or pests that enter your greenhouse.
The greenhouse paneling should be equally durable. It should be scratch-resistant and also offer excellent impact strength. If you live in an area with lots of snow or other harsh weather, it’s important that the greenhouse covering be strong enough to support the extra weight.
6. Select a greenhouse with good ultra-violet protection
Your greenhouse should be hassle-free. That means that you shouldn’t waste your time recovering the greenhouse time after time. Greenhouses have to stand up to the harsh direct sun, so they should be designed to last. For maximum life expectancy, the greenhouse framework and glazing should be UV-treated. Look for greenhouse that are UV-certified. Also check warranty periods and find out how much it would cost to buy replacement parts.
7. Select a greenhouse with room to grow
Your perfect greenhouse should fit both your available space and your plants. When choosing a greenhouse kit, keep in mind that no matter what size greenhouse you buy now, you will likely fill it up within a year. You will want to make sure that you start out with plenty of growing room.
The size of the greenhouse you need is dependent upon the available growing space as well. With Solexx greenhouses, built-in bench frames allow you to get the maximum use of your space. Hanging rods are another important feature, allowing you room to winter over all of your beautiful hanging baskets.
8. Select a greenhouse that is easy to maintain
Cleaning and maintaining your greenhouse should be simple. Look for greenhouse materials, that do not scratch, mold or mildew, or water etch. Also, remember that some greenhouse coverings have a UV coating on the outside and you have to be careful not to damage the outer coating. Find out what is involved in upkeep of the greenhouse. You want to have your greenhouse for many years, so make sure it will keep looking good and working good for years to come.
1. Find a greenhouse that works
Performance is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a greenhouse. Your greenhouse should make growing your favorite plants as easy as possible and give you outstanding results. Whether you’re looking to simply start some plants in the spring or if you want to heat your greenhouse for year-round growing, you should carefully select a greenhouse that will perform well in your situation.
With so many choices in greenhouses today it can be difficult to find the greenhouse that is truly ideal for your personal needs. The tips below will point out the most important features to look for when selecting a greenhouse. When you understand what makes a greenhouse perform well, you can be sure that you will get the results you expect.
2. Select a greenhouse that provides the right amount of light for your plants
Everyone knows that sunlight is important for plant growth. It may surprise you to know, however, that natural sunlight is not the best light for plants. In fact, direct light may even damage plants. The same harsh rays that cause sunburns in people also can burn your favorite foliage. Studies show that diffused light, the same light provided by Solexx greenhouse panels, is the best light for growing. Growth rates increase 20 to 30 percent under diffused light when compared to plants grown under more direct light.
Diffused light reaches your plants from all angles and produces fewer shade spots. That means plants don’t have to strain to reach towards available light. As a result, the plants develop healthy, compact growth in your greenhouse.
Light diffusion of greenhouse coverings differs greatly. Glass and most single-walled greenhouse covering materials provide minimal, if any, diffusion. Polycarbonate greenhouse covering provides more diffusion than glass, but far less than Solexx. Solexx greenhouse panels provide the best diffused light available. Even on a cloudy day, a Solexx greenhouse is bright inside. Unlike other greenhouse covering materials, Solexx greenhouse covering reflects the light throughout the entire greenhouse structure.
Too much light causes excessive heat in the greenhouse. As a consequence, plants waste energy through transpiration, much like sweating. This stresses plants and reduces photosynthetic rates. More plants actually die in a greenhouse from overheating than from the cold.
You wouldn’t send your children or grandchildren outside to play without sunscreen, and you wouldn’t lock them inside a hot car. Treat your plants with the same care and give them the healthiest start you can. Using Solexx greenhouse panels is the best way to protect your plants.
3. Select a greenhouse that will extend the growing season
A good greenhouse should allow you to grow throughout the entire year. In order to do this, select a greenhouse that is well-insulated and has adequate ventilation. The greenhouse covering should hold heat in your greenhouse, naturally keeping it warm when cold weather hits and allowing you to heat your greenhouse inexpensively if desired. In warmer months, it's important to keep your greenhouse cool. A greenhouse design that allows you to add exhaust fans, additional base vents and solar powered louvers is important to prevent your greenhouse from overheating in the spring and summer months. Light diffusion also keeps temperatures down. Solexx greenhouses are excellent in the cold and in the heat, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hobby all year.
4. Select a greenhouse that is adaptable
Greenhouse gardening is addictive! As your greenhouse hobby develops, it is likely that your needs will change as you discover the many ways that you can fully utilize your greenhouse. A good greenhouse should offer versatility and be customizable to fit your own desires as well as your climate. Whether it is adding extra accessories to enhance productivity in your greenhouse or adding an extension kit to give you even more growing space, when you select a greenhouse make sure you can customize it easily. With the right greenhouse, you can grow everything from succulents to tropicals and herbs to flowers – in the same greenhouse!
5. Select a greenhouse for strength and durabillity
A good greenhouse should be able to stand up to daily living and harsh weather without any problems. Falling tree branches, rocks thrown from lawn mowers and stray baseballs can all be hazards to greenhouses. Severe weather such as wind, snow and hail can also pose a challenge to greenhouses with poor construction.
Look for greenhouses with low-maintenance frames. Ideally, you should have something that is easy to clean, such as the strong composite frame found on Solexx greenhouses. This ensures that you can wipe out any disease or pests that enter your greenhouse.
The greenhouse paneling should be equally durable. It should be scratch-resistant and also offer excellent impact strength. If you live in an area with lots of snow or other harsh weather, it’s important that the greenhouse covering be strong enough to support the extra weight.
6. Select a greenhouse with good ultra-violet protection
Your greenhouse should be hassle-free. That means that you shouldn’t waste your time recovering the greenhouse time after time. Greenhouses have to stand up to the harsh direct sun, so they should be designed to last. For maximum life expectancy, the greenhouse framework and glazing should be UV-treated. Look for greenhouse that are UV-certified. Also check warranty periods and find out how much it would cost to buy replacement parts.
7. Select a greenhouse with room to grow
Your perfect greenhouse should fit both your available space and your plants. When choosing a greenhouse kit, keep in mind that no matter what size greenhouse you buy now, you will likely fill it up within a year. You will want to make sure that you start out with plenty of growing room.
The size of the greenhouse you need is dependent upon the available growing space as well. With Solexx greenhouses, built-in bench frames allow you to get the maximum use of your space. Hanging rods are another important feature, allowing you room to winter over all of your beautiful hanging baskets.
8. Select a greenhouse that is easy to maintain
Cleaning and maintaining your greenhouse should be simple. Look for greenhouse materials, that do not scratch, mold or mildew, or water etch. Also, remember that some greenhouse coverings have a UV coating on the outside and you have to be careful not to damage the outer coating. Find out what is involved in upkeep of the greenhouse. You want to have your greenhouse for many years, so make sure it will keep looking good and working good for years to come.
DPI and Why - Resolution Does Matter
When I started on the internet I was a photographer and a science fiction fan. Since I had no science fiction photos of my own, I started surfing the web. After several months of looking through many Sci-Fi web sites, I realized that most of those sites used small thumb nail size prints (usually 1 inch x 1 ¼ inch or smaller). This was back in the days that a 28.8 modem was considered high speed.
The reason these thumb nails were so small was that it took so much time for the pictures to come up on the page. When you clicked on an individual thumb nail; a larger version of the picture came up (usually 4x6 or bigger), but it would take a very long time to do so.
Searching all the big images I could find; I saved the ones I liked, and brought them into Photoshop where I could compress them. I made my own site with images that measured a whopping 2 inch x 2 ½ inches, which was better than the small thumb nails I saw every where else. I quickly found that over 90% of their images were saved at 72dpi; so that’s what I did. For several years, I saved all my photos at 2 inch x 2 ½ inches and at 72dpi.
As my interest in photography continued to grow; I realized that a Sci-Fi web site might be cool but it made me no money. I needed to put up a web site of my own photos. By now I was using a 56k modem and decided my pictures needed to be bigger. When I scanned in my pictures I usually did them at 100% at 72dpi; so that all my images on line where now 4x6 in size.
After a few years my lab started offering pictures on CD. They were also 72dpi so I didn’t have to scan them in anymore. Life was good; but they used file sizes like 44 inches x 56 inches which at the time I really couldn’t figure out. I didn’t know anyone who ever printed something that big; so again I took those images and compressed them back down to 4x6 inch size.
Eventually, I started doing the same thing but saving them as 5x7 inch size. My new site (betterphototips.com) looked impressive and actually loaded very quickly. Yes, I also eventually stepped up to real high speed (1.5mbs per sec.) Life was good again; until I went back and started pursuing one of my other great loves (writing). I figured rather than just using this site as a gigantic portfolio; why didn’t I offer something for sale as well. You know the old adage “write about what you know best”? To me it made perfect sense that I should start writing about photography “how to” tips. That’s when things started to get complicated.
When I looking around at self publishing and print on demand publishing, I found that they all wanted pictures to be 300dpi or greater. This was a total shock to me. I had thousands of images ready to use, but they were all saved at 72dpi. I thought that Photoshop could save me again, so I started converting them to 300dpi but something didn’t look right. My 300dpi images looked worse than my 72dpi images. I was at a loss. Then I went back and did my research.
The reason the images on a CD from the lab are so huge (in measurement) is so you can use the images in either format. 72dpi is exactly 25% of 300dpi. If you want your 300dpi images to look as razor sharp as your 72dpi images do on line, the print has to be 75% smaller. In other words, an image that measures 44 inch x 56 inch at 72dpi would be the same quality as an image that measures 11 inch x 14 inch at 300dpi.
If you take an image that was originally 5x7 inches at 72dpi and try to convert it directly to 300dpi, it is not a pretty picture. Similar to the equivalent of the right f-stop and the right shutter speed, you have to take both factors into account! DPI and Size are forever tied together. You can not change one without affecting the other. It is much easier to make something smaller that looks good, than to try to enlarge something after the fact and try to make it look even close to the original. That being said, the best photo tip I can give new beginners today is: ALWAYS save your images larger than you expect to use. Do not waste 15 years of your life and thousands upon thousands of images that can only be used in one way. Always save large!!
The reason these thumb nails were so small was that it took so much time for the pictures to come up on the page. When you clicked on an individual thumb nail; a larger version of the picture came up (usually 4x6 or bigger), but it would take a very long time to do so.
Searching all the big images I could find; I saved the ones I liked, and brought them into Photoshop where I could compress them. I made my own site with images that measured a whopping 2 inch x 2 ½ inches, which was better than the small thumb nails I saw every where else. I quickly found that over 90% of their images were saved at 72dpi; so that’s what I did. For several years, I saved all my photos at 2 inch x 2 ½ inches and at 72dpi.
As my interest in photography continued to grow; I realized that a Sci-Fi web site might be cool but it made me no money. I needed to put up a web site of my own photos. By now I was using a 56k modem and decided my pictures needed to be bigger. When I scanned in my pictures I usually did them at 100% at 72dpi; so that all my images on line where now 4x6 in size.
After a few years my lab started offering pictures on CD. They were also 72dpi so I didn’t have to scan them in anymore. Life was good; but they used file sizes like 44 inches x 56 inches which at the time I really couldn’t figure out. I didn’t know anyone who ever printed something that big; so again I took those images and compressed them back down to 4x6 inch size.
Eventually, I started doing the same thing but saving them as 5x7 inch size. My new site (betterphototips.com) looked impressive and actually loaded very quickly. Yes, I also eventually stepped up to real high speed (1.5mbs per sec.) Life was good again; until I went back and started pursuing one of my other great loves (writing). I figured rather than just using this site as a gigantic portfolio; why didn’t I offer something for sale as well. You know the old adage “write about what you know best”? To me it made perfect sense that I should start writing about photography “how to” tips. That’s when things started to get complicated.
When I looking around at self publishing and print on demand publishing, I found that they all wanted pictures to be 300dpi or greater. This was a total shock to me. I had thousands of images ready to use, but they were all saved at 72dpi. I thought that Photoshop could save me again, so I started converting them to 300dpi but something didn’t look right. My 300dpi images looked worse than my 72dpi images. I was at a loss. Then I went back and did my research.
The reason the images on a CD from the lab are so huge (in measurement) is so you can use the images in either format. 72dpi is exactly 25% of 300dpi. If you want your 300dpi images to look as razor sharp as your 72dpi images do on line, the print has to be 75% smaller. In other words, an image that measures 44 inch x 56 inch at 72dpi would be the same quality as an image that measures 11 inch x 14 inch at 300dpi.
If you take an image that was originally 5x7 inches at 72dpi and try to convert it directly to 300dpi, it is not a pretty picture. Similar to the equivalent of the right f-stop and the right shutter speed, you have to take both factors into account! DPI and Size are forever tied together. You can not change one without affecting the other. It is much easier to make something smaller that looks good, than to try to enlarge something after the fact and try to make it look even close to the original. That being said, the best photo tip I can give new beginners today is: ALWAYS save your images larger than you expect to use. Do not waste 15 years of your life and thousands upon thousands of images that can only be used in one way. Always save large!!
Photographing the Human Body
The human form has been the subject of art for thousands of years. Drawings inside cave walls depicting man and woman as stick type figures were early examples of such art. No matter how bizarre the interpretation of the male and female form appears, it's almost always identifiable. They could be drawn round, thin, short, tall, standing up or laying down, with or without faces, with or without limbs and they're still almost always distinguishable as the human body.
Art classes featuring nude models teach students how the body's connected, so that they can begin to sketch and paint it accurately. Students volunteer to pose nude in college art classes all over the country, where they sit motionless for extended periods of time while students attempt to simulate the angles and shadows created by the model's limbs. Models of all different sizes, male and female, are available and provide an opportunity for students to observe and practice a variety of lines, shapes, shadows and contours. Some classes may be sketching, some may be drawing, some may be painting, where they would learn how to mix the flesh colored paint for their subjects.
Now we've gone from the cave wall, to the canvas, to the camera. The human form is one of the most photographed subjects in advertising. It's photographed fully clothed, partially clothed and fully nude. There are pictures of models in magazines, on billboards, on posters, on book covers, on CD cases and a myriad of other items. The fully and partially nude images can be found in adult magazines, calendars, and adult movie publications.
There's not much needed to take quality, tasteful nude or semi-nude photographs. You need to load your camera case with your camera and accessories and find a private place, with good lighting, where you both will be comfortable. Have some white sheeting to use for backdrops and to spread on the floor, so there'll be no distractions from the beauty of the model. Keep the location at a warm temperature, for the model's comfort. Most important to the end result is your lighting. Just as the sketch artist uses the pencil to add shading, use your lighting to add shadows to accentuate the model's natural curves. If you're using natural sunlight, consider filtering it with something to produce a soft, subtle image.
As with many areas of photography, there can be a good income to be made freelancing in nude or partially nude photography. Research the market to find out what kind of pictures are in demand. And, who you might be able to market your product to. Keep your camera bag stocked and ready and have a couple of models, if possible, available for photographing. Then just start shooting from all angles. You'll be sure to get some priceless, marketable shots.
Art classes featuring nude models teach students how the body's connected, so that they can begin to sketch and paint it accurately. Students volunteer to pose nude in college art classes all over the country, where they sit motionless for extended periods of time while students attempt to simulate the angles and shadows created by the model's limbs. Models of all different sizes, male and female, are available and provide an opportunity for students to observe and practice a variety of lines, shapes, shadows and contours. Some classes may be sketching, some may be drawing, some may be painting, where they would learn how to mix the flesh colored paint for their subjects.
Now we've gone from the cave wall, to the canvas, to the camera. The human form is one of the most photographed subjects in advertising. It's photographed fully clothed, partially clothed and fully nude. There are pictures of models in magazines, on billboards, on posters, on book covers, on CD cases and a myriad of other items. The fully and partially nude images can be found in adult magazines, calendars, and adult movie publications.
There's not much needed to take quality, tasteful nude or semi-nude photographs. You need to load your camera case with your camera and accessories and find a private place, with good lighting, where you both will be comfortable. Have some white sheeting to use for backdrops and to spread on the floor, so there'll be no distractions from the beauty of the model. Keep the location at a warm temperature, for the model's comfort. Most important to the end result is your lighting. Just as the sketch artist uses the pencil to add shading, use your lighting to add shadows to accentuate the model's natural curves. If you're using natural sunlight, consider filtering it with something to produce a soft, subtle image.
As with many areas of photography, there can be a good income to be made freelancing in nude or partially nude photography. Research the market to find out what kind of pictures are in demand. And, who you might be able to market your product to. Keep your camera bag stocked and ready and have a couple of models, if possible, available for photographing. Then just start shooting from all angles. You'll be sure to get some priceless, marketable shots.
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