Friday, March 30, 2007

Digital Camera toss technique

I have always been into photography, but was never into it too seriously. Due to my upcoming nuptials, we decided to go the route of purchasing a prosumer (professional camera for consumers) camera instead of hiring a wedding photographer. This way once the wedding is done, we are left behind with a little more than just a wedding album of precious moments.

I did a lot of research into buying this camera as I have more than just a vested interest, but want my wedding photos to be perfect, but in addition I want to have the best I can afford for now. As such, I narrow it down to Nikon. This brand offered the best bang for my buck in term of pixels, features, quality and comfort. It came down to the Nikon D200 or the D80. After posting in several forums, asking friends, etc., it came down to feel. Both cameras offered very similar features and the same mega pixels, however the D200 is much more heavier as it's meant for the rugged environment. I'm not going to be exposing my $1K plus toy to any danger as such I decided on the Nikon D80.

I have nothing but great things to say about this camera. I have been reading several books on digital cameras, in particular DSLR, and have to say that if you are an amateur like me, this camera will make you look like a professional once you get the whole aperture and shutter thing down.

I have also joined a couple of forums, but in particular recommend ride foto. I have learned a lot of new techniques from a lot of great guys thanks to this site.

The latest technique I tested was the toss technique. This is where you take your camera somewhere dark, with an interesting light source, set your shutter to stay open for a couple of seconds and toss your camera up in the air and see what comes out. I have to say, as someone in this forum posted I was concerned with the catch the camera technique, but after I got over my fear and took my fiance's advise and threw the camera over the bed (for landing in a safe spot) I got some pretty cool shots like this one here.

You can check out some of my other photos from this experiment here.

I also experimenting with a feature from the D80 where the shutter remains open for as long as you hold down the trigger. This featured is only available in manual mode and is called "bulb." This allowed me to get the effect, but without having to toss the camera, but instead move the camera by hand.

The bottom line is that in life if you are going to do something don't do it half ass. Dive in full force and you will obtain the best results. My motto is to always try something at least once. If your reaction is to be afraid then you will miss out in a lot. If others are doing it and they are still around to tell about it, then chances are you will too. What are you waiting for, go try something new and exciting right now!

Labels: d80, digital photography, nikon, techniques

Monday, March 26, 2007

Google personalize page

This past week Google prove once agin that they are the master of design and usuability. Google upgraded their personalized page service to now include six themes.

These themes are composed of six different headers an user can select. Each header is designed to showcase the time of day and temperature outside once a US city and state or zip code is provided.

I found the feature to be quite unusual and distinct from anything I seen before as not only the sun follows the correct time of day, but also the headers for each of my "buckets" changes in color and shading base on time of day.

The bottom line is that Google is master of initiatives. They know how to keep their users happy and coming back. I been quite pleased with my personalize page as it gives me the one spot destination for all things i'm interested in. Google, your service Rock, but your search engine is going down the crapper so you best start getting inventive there too. This is not your fault, but that of many gamers and scammers who have mastered your algorithm.

Labels: Google, inginuity, initiative

Friday, March 16, 2007

Snow and Tranquiliy

I recently visited Newport, RI as this is going to be the site for our wedding coming up soon.

Today is snowing here in Connecticut and made me realize how peaceful and tranquil it is to see the snow falling. This made me think of the picture here, how nature is designed to be relaxing for us.

Whether it is snow, rain, or just a nice sunny day, it is always important to take the time and acknoledge the beauty that surrounds us. I think there is so much uglinesses int his world created by man, that it is always nice to enjoy the landscape designed for us.

The bottom line is that nature is beatiful by design, until we get our hands on it. Enjoy it while is here.

Labels: Connecticut, Newport, Snow

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Cry baby Viacom is not part of the cure

Viacom, the parent company of MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, among others big networks, today place suit against Google after repeatedly asking youTube to remove unauthorized posting of video clips from programs from the aforementioned networks.

Google, which has already eliminated close to 100,000 clips from the you Tube library after the last Viacom incident, is facing a difficult time keeping copyrighted materials from the youTube.com site.

I think this is a frivolous lawsuit as Google itself is not the source of the copyright violations, and neither is youTube for that matter, but the blame lies on the users who post this clips. youTube is a victim of its own success. The site is successful because visitors can find clips of entertainment that they like where these networks web sites do not.

The bottom line is that in today's marketing jargon everyone talks about wanting to be viral. If Viacom and its network of sites wants to increase their page views, they can easily do so by opening their sites to allow visitors to upload their own network video clips. Better yet, they can put up a show in its entirety on their sites and allow users to select a particular segment to be saved so that those users can send to their friends. They can generate a lot of advertising revenue and fix the problem. In today's world most people are part of the problem as most people have become complainers instead of taking the approach of how do we fix problem. I have decided not to complain, but instead to offer solutions.

Labels: Google, lawsuits, marketing, Viacom

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Web Design Price Guide

One of the many questions you will encounter when dealing with clients on a Web design and development project is pricing. This is always a sensitive point as it affects you and the client.

Your price will determine whether you get the job or not. However, you don't want to sacrifice your cost, your time, and undermine your efforts by charging a low price. You will find that sometimes you may not get the job if you cut your charges too low as the client will ask themselves "why is this person's cost so low?", "is this person capable or competent?", is this designer truly professional, if so, why is he/she charging so little?"

I recently came across this article that addresses this very question, how much should you charge for a Web Project? This article breaks it down to four basic steps to help you determine what is a fair price to charge for all your Web Design and Web development projects when working as a Web Freelancer or Small Web Design Firm.

The steps are:
1. Determining Your Hourly Wage
2. Develop Base Prices For Different Project Types
3. Develop Prices For Any Additional Requirements
4. Develop Prices For Outsourced Work

The bottom line is that in this world money is everything. Some will tell you that money doesn't buy happiness, but the reality is that although money doesn't buy happiness it surely helps and makes it easier for you get it. This article is very good and will definitely help you obtained your fair share next time a Web job or freelance gig lands on our lap.

Design Challenges