Jumat, 29 Mei 2009

Digital Photography: Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority Modes.

Aperture and shutter speed settings can seem confusing for a new photographer. Luckily your semi-automatic settings, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority, make them a little easier to understand. Do you know how to use them?

Earlier SLR cameras (film) were fully manual. A photographer needed to understand aperture and shutter speed settings and know how to use them. Then came automatic modes, which let the camera do the thinking for you. This was (and still is) a fairly reliable way of getting a well-exposed picture, but it took creativity out of the hands of the photographer. As time went by, few people learned the manual skills. So as camera technology improved, the quality of most photos actually got worse.

Today we have the best of both worlds. All DSLR cameras and most compact digital cameras have manual and automatic modes, but they also offer semi-automatic modes. That means you can be a little creative, and still allow the camera to control the exposure for you.

If you have Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority on your camera, but never quite understood what they were for, this article is for you.

First up, what are Aperture and Shutter Speed? These are the two mechanisms for controlling the level of exposure in your photos; whether your photo will be overexposed, underexposed, or just right. To explain them properly would take a much more in-depth article, so here is just a quick run-down.

Aperture is the size of the hole that lets the light in on your photo. Think of it like the iris in your eye - as the light gets lower, you open the aperture to let more light in. Aperture also controls depth of field, which affects how much of your picture is in focus. When you have a small aperture, you have a large depth of field, so your subject and the surroundings may be in focus. When your aperture is wide, the depth of field is much smaller, so there is much less area around the subject that will be in focus.

Shutter speed is the duration of the exposure. The shutter must be open to allow the light in; therefore the longer it is open, the brighter the exposure will be. Shutter speed also controls how you capture movement in a photo. If you want to freeze a moving subject, you need to use a fast shutter speed.

The trick is to combine your aperture and shutter speed settings for the best result. If you get the balance right, your photo will be perfectly exposed, and you will have creative control over the look of the image.

Of course, this is easier said than done. To help you manage the challenge, you now have the option of Aperture and Shutter Priority. These semi-automatic modes allow you to take control of one setting, and the camera sets the other automatically. This lets you have some creative input, with the safety net of knowing the camera will take care of the level exposure. You decide how you want your photo to look, and the camera will make sure it is correctly exposed.

So which do you choose: Shutter Priority or Aperture Priority? Well, it's all a matter of...priorities.

Remember that aperture controls depth of field. So if the range of focus is the critical element in your photo, choose aperture priority. You can set a small aperture to maximise the depth of field, or a large aperture to concentrate the focus on the subject. Either way, the camera will adjust the shutter speed to give you the best exposure.

Shutter speed controls movement in a photo. If controlling a moving subject is the critical aspect of your picture, choose shutter priority. This will allow you to set a fast shutter speed to freeze the moving subject, or a slow shutter speed to capture blurred motion. Whichever shutter speed you choose, the camera will take care of the aperture so your photo is correctly exposed.

So your choice of Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority depends on the type of subject you are shooting, and how you want it to look in the final photograph. It really is an ideal marriage of art and technology, allowing you to concentrate on your creative choice rather than on technical issues.

There is so much to be learned on this topic, a short article like this is just a starting point. However if you have been reading your camera manual and scratching your head (like many people do) this quick introduction in layman's terms should help you to make some sense of Aperture and Shutter Priority.

Selasa, 26 Mei 2009

Cellar Conversion Ideas

If you own a home with a cellar or basement, you could gain a lot of extra living space with a cellar conversion. A cellar or basement conversion is just another term for a remodel, except for the fact that you are not just updating or changing the look; you are converting your basement or cellar to be used for something different.

The only real problem that you may come across with a cellar conversion is the dampness that is found in below ground rooms. This is easily fixed with cellar tanking, so why not make the most of your cellar or basement and convert it to additional living space.

With a cellar conversion the possibilities are endless; you could convert the space into a wine cellar, extra bedrooms, an office area or family room. Even commercial buildings with below ground space could make the most of the area by using that space as additional retail area, or storage.

Some great cellar conversion ideas include,


  • Additional bedrooms: This is a good idea if you find that you are in need of additional sleeping space. If you have a large family, and find that the children sharing rooms isn’t working out so well, you can always convert your cellar or basement into additional bedrooms.
  • Separate living space: You could easily turn your basement into a separate living area. A small apartment is a good way to give a college aged child some independence, or possibly you may have parents who need to live with you, but also need a measure of independence. Aside from these uses, converting your basement into an apartment could be a means of extra income for your family if you rent it out.
  • A home theater room: That unused basement space could make the ideal theater room where you can enjoy the latest in high tech entertainment.
  • A hobby or workroom: Just about any hobby can benefit from a workroom. You can convert your basement or cellar into a photography studio, a place where you can getaway to do your scrap booking, painting, or whatever it is that you love to do. That unused room in your basement is the perfect place to create a haven for your hobby.
  • A fitness room: Why not take all the unused room in your basement and create a spa and fitness center right in your own home. Use part of your basement for gym equipment; plus enclose an area for a steam room and hot tub.
  • A game room: Many people opt to turn their cellar or basement into a game room where friends and family can get together to play some pool, video games, etc. Add a bar to one end of your basement and fill the rest with some great home games.
  • Wine cellar: If you are a lover of fine wines, you may want to do a cellar conversion to create a wine cellar. Basement tanking is important with wine cellars, as you have to ensure that the cellar does not become damp; aside from this you will also want to control the temperature of the wine cellar.
  • Office space: If you run a home based business, the basement area is a great place to convert to office space. In most cases the basement is at least partially separate from the rest of the home, which provides a peaceful working environment. In the case of office space, where computer equipment may be placed in the area, cellar tanking is extremely important. A damp or wet basement can ruin electronics and computer equipment.
  • Food Storage: If you need extra room for food storage, a cellar conversion that includes basement tanking is a great idea for added food storage space. As long as you can keep the room dry, you can store canned goods, as well as dried goods in your cellar.




    With a basement conversion there are many things you may have to take into consideration that you wouldn’t for a basic remodel. Some factors that you may have to think about when doing a cellar or basement conversion include, plumbing, electrical wiring, heating and cooling, telephone, cable TV, and lighting.

    For many basements or cellars there is another important factor to converting the area to living space, and that is dampness. Below ground rooms often tend to have a problem with dampness, which is why you should consider waterproofing your cellar if you would like to convert it to living space. Cellar tanking will ensure that your new living space remains dry and free from water damage, or possible mold.

    There are a couple different methods of basement tanking, or waterproofing your cellar. One of the best methods of basement tanking is tanking slurry. When you use a multi coat tanking treatments, you can rest easy that your basement or cellar will remain dry, as this is the perfect solution to waterproofing below ground rooms. Another advantage of the tanking slurry method of waterproofing is that it is useful in situations where damp proof course treatment may not be possible.

    Slurry tanking treatments are composed of a mixture that provides great water resistance, flexibility, salt resistance, and good adhesion. Tanking slurry is easy to use; all that is necessary is adding water to the mixture and a brush to apply to the surface you wish to waterproof.



    If you are in need of extra living or storage space, there is no need to purchase another house, all you have to do is make use of the space you already have available to you with a cellar conversion, but don’t forget to protect your investment with basement tanking to keep everything nice and dry.

Jumat, 22 Mei 2009

"Four Awe Some Ways To Spend Time With Your Digital Camera"

Have you got a digital camera?

Have you got time?

Well, you have come to the right place. Below are four awesome ways to spend time with your digital camera. If you do not have a digital camera but like what you see, then splash out with a purchase. Better still suggest someone give one to you for your next birthday or christmas.

Senin, 18 Mei 2009

Quick and Easy Sydney Travel Guide

Sydney is perhaps the most beautiful city in the southern hemisphere of the globe. Splendor, glamour, glitz, urbanity are the defining traits of this city which is located towards the extreme south of Australia. Situated beside the sea it happens to be the capital of the Australian province of New South Wales.

No one will ever argue that this cosmopolitan city is one of the most beautiful places on earth and abounds in gardens, parks, museums, beaches, a harbor, and a spectacular bridge. The landscape of Sydney has become synonymous with the modern architectural wonder - the world renowned Sydney OPERA HOUSE - built like a half furled lotus blossom.

The moment you utter the name of this city, a vision of the OPERA HOUSE is conjured up before the eyes of people. Every year millions of tourists are attracted to Sydney because of the bountiful gifts it has to offer starting from lovely silvery beaches and scenic locales to aquatic wonders and various kinds of water sports facilities.

The best time to visit Sydney is from March to October, that is, during the autumn and winter season. It is better to avoid Sydney in summer because of the troublesome rain.

Sydney was originally the home of aboriginal tribes of Australia and they resided there for a long time. They have left behind the evidence of their existence in the rock carvings and cave paintings in and around Sydney. The floodgates of oppression on the aborigines were opened in the 16th century when Britain colonized Australia. Sydney happened to be the first place where the imperialists set up their first colony.

At the helm was Arthur Philip who established the colony in and around Sydney cove in 1788. From then on the aboriginal tribes were pushed back into the interiors of the country and the whole of the region, now referred to as Sydney, became the abode of white skinned dwellers from Britain.

Sydney, during its genesis, used to be the dumping ground of convicts deported from Britain and poor people trying to seek a fortune on foreign shores. But that was long back. Sydney is at present one of the top ultra modern cities of the world and has progressed both economically and culturally, in leaps and bounds.

This cosmopolitan city is all poised to take on the world and compete with the superpowers and heavyweights of the western hemisphere. The focus of the whole world was shifted to this city when it hosted the Olympics a few years ago.

Sydney has a host of attractive sights and places of interest to offer to its visitors. They include THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, POWERHOUSE MUSEUM, AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, TARONGA ZOO, THE OPERA HOUSE, SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE, PYLON LOOKOUT, SYDNEY AQUARIUM, ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, LUNA PARK, BONDI BEACH, AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, KINGS CROSS, DARLING HARBOUR, THE ROCKS, FORT DENISON, SYDNEY TOWER, CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP, and cruise trips on WATSONS BAY.

Jumat, 15 Mei 2009

Use White For Good Website Design

You should choose an escorts web designer who understands and appreciates your business needs, so that you can reap the best results. The SEO experts will help you to choose a suitable choice of adult web design for your dream website. You can choose one to three columns for your adult website design. Your choice of web design depends upon the amount of adult content that you wish to show. While deciding about the layout you should ensure that the header is not too large in size, as a large header may push the content down the web page. After finding the site, your user will first focus on the heading of the web page. To win more web traffic, you should combine imagery and content with an effective company logo.

Color plays an important role in an escort web design. The color in the spectrum determines the appearance of the website and the browsing replies. You can favor the colors of the adult website design by understanding their psychological impact on the users. Appropriate use of the colors and images will stir up the happiness and grab the quick attention of the users. Using better software, you can now create your own favorite adult web pages according to your taste and will and update the escort agency without having any basic programming skills. Whether you are an escort agency or an independent, you can always avail the opportunities to create beautiful custom adult web design at affordable prices.

Rabu, 13 Mei 2009

Photo Sharing: Online Photo Gallery For Online Users

Have you ever spared a thought like what is actually the main purpose or intention of photography? In the truest sense, photographs trap memories in the physical manner. Likewise, some people mostly photographers believe that photographing people in colour just offers glamour and beauty to the photographs. However, the aforementioned statement has been contradicted by stating, when you photograph people in black and white colour you succeed to photograph their souls. Apart from all these photographic statements even an amateur would have experienced certain irritating moments in his or her lifetime, when he or she has lamented why a camera is not with him/her.

Moreover, cases such as while traveling with a camera, we witness that the sun has just slipped over the horizon and we become late to expose the film. To wipe off such irritating issues the arena of photography these days has become totally digitised. With the introduction of the digital technology the photographs started getting captured in high and unbelievable quality. But whatever, digital or analogue photographs in their physical form fail to last long. After certain period of time the photographs tend to become sticky and rashes further make the images worse. But to wipe of all these concerns the Internet has come to our rescue.