Remote Software

Remote access programs are useful and efficient in so many ways. The main focus of this technology is to basically make the office accessible from anywhere that has an internet connection.

These days the line between work and home are being blurred with employees working over 50 hours a week in some cases. This is where remote software comes in. It allows employees to work from as if they were in the office.
You may want to transfer files between your laptop and office PC. You might need to access a file left behind on your desktop computer. Or perhaps you need to access company resources on a local area network. Remote Access Programs are the solution to your queries and problems.

Remote Access Programs like file transfer utilities, remote-node servers and remote-control software are specially designed for those people who need remote access to the office network and resources. File transfer utilities, such as LapLink for Windows 95, are inexpensive, easy-to-use packages that allow local or remote users to move files between PCs via a modem or cable.

Remote-node server products, such as NetRider and LANgate, are designed for small branch offices searching for an affordable, simple remote access solution. Remote-node systems contain file transfer utilities that allow you to transfer files directly to and from any networked PC's hard drive. This saves you the time and hassle of going to the remote user's location to make configuration changes.

Remote-control software, such as GoToMyPC allow the user to control the computer thats sitting in the office as if they were sitting in front of it. It opens up a browser window that displays the desktop screen of the host computer.

Using remote software makes life a lot easier when outside the office. One main drawback of remote software is the security issue. Good remote software will allow full control to the authorized user but at the same time make sure un-authorized users do not have access.

For more great technology related articles and reviews please visit the links below:
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The Dreaded Red Lights on Your Xbox 360 - Is There Any Permanent Way to Repair It?

If you have the dreaded red lights flashing on your Xbox 360 then unfortunately it looks that you will have to find some way to repair the system. Nearly all of the red light problems are caused by the Xbox 360's motherboard taking too much heat and what happens is the main chips called the GPU and the CPU basically burn out. On top of this the soldering that connects the two chips snaps off due to the heat and that is normally why you get the red light problem.

So Is There Any Permanent Way To Repair Your Xbox 360?

Well the most obvious way is to ring up Microsoft customer support and tell them the problem. They will then ask you a bunch of questions and tell you that your Xbox has a general hardware error, then they will ship you a box to put your Xbox in and someone from you UPS will come round and pick it up for you and you will have to wait up to six weeks to get a replacement.

Of course this is the best way if you don't mind waiting and if you have the three red light error. If you have any other problem with your Xbox 360 then you will have to pay $140 to get it repaired which is fairly steep seeing as you have already invested in a console that should not go wrong.

If you are outside your warranty, or even if you just can't stand to wait that long then you can repair the Xbox 360 yourself and all you need to do is find the guide that will tell you how to stop all the heat getting to the two main chips inside it.

There are a few of these Xbox 360 repair guides that you must do you're searching about as some of them are just full of links to forums that discuss the towel trick which will damage your Xbox!

However there are some of these guides that the real deal and will have you up and running just make sure you get videos included with the guide and also a preview of the actual video. I've seen some of these guides claiming to give you video that they will not offer you a preview, so you really have no idea what you're getting. Lastly you should not go wrong if you also make sure that you have a full guarantee.

I hope this article has told you how you can get your Xbox 360 permanently fixed and you can get back to your games fast!

For A FAST, GUARANTEED and EASY way to perform Xbox 360 Repair and get back to your games today then click the link below and download the best Xbox 360 Repair guide with step by step videos: Xbox 360 Repair

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Rock Band And Novelty In Gaming

This game is a landmark. In years to come, we will look back at this game and see that this, along with Wii Fit, became the point where it all changed.
But for the life of me, I can't see what these changes are, positive or negative.

I have no doubt in my mind that both Rock Band and Wii Fit are fun. Let's not confuse my writing with that of a negative review of these games. For me these games are the catalyst for something much more.

For anyone who doesn't know, Rock Band has the same basic music concept as Guitar Hero. Coloured bars fall from the top of the screen in time with the music, and you have to hit the corresponding colour while strumming your guitar. Except Rock Back have also added a drum kit peripheral, and a singing part, which works much the same as Sing Star for the PS2. And Wii Fit is a series of mini games, all using the Balance Board peripheral, a flat quadrangle split into four pressure sensitive areas. This is all dressed up into a miracle fitness regime, in which you can have fun and lose weight.

I'm not entirely sure why these games cause such an unsettling feeling in my stomach, but they do.

For a minor history lesson, I can tell you firstly that these types of games have been around for a very long time. The guitar peripheral concept has been around in a franchise called Guitar Mania, and so too has the idea of a drum peripheral, in Drum Mania. These are not the only, and probably not the first examples, but they are the most well known after Guitar Hero. These games were limited mostly to arcades. Western arcades have all but died, whereas in Japan these machines still prevail (there's one being used in Lost in Translation), but that's another rant for another time. The Wii Balance Board is a relatively new idea, but having its roots in the Joyboard, a peripheral released in 1982. The peripherals on offer are not a new thing, so no, it's not that that's bothering me.

Large peripherals for controlling games have been around as long as games themselves. Nintendo's Robotic Operating Buddy for example. They have always had the major problem of costing an absolute bomb, especially in the light of regular priced games. 70 on Wii Fit, or 40 on GTA IV? A full Rock Band setup is going to set you back in the region of 150. That's a heavy hit for a video game, but you can buy the different parts separately, making your wallet take a slightly less insulting blow, but a blow nonetheless. But gamers do have a large disposable income, so I don't doubt for a minute that people will pay this price, even if it leaves a slightly bitter taste in their mouths, so no, it's not that that's bothering me, either.

I think, and this is a concept very deeply rooted within my brain, like a psychiatric disorder, that these games signal the next wave of novelty gaming (pejorative). I'm not sure I see myself as a "hard-core" gamer. I don't feel the need to play games' expert modes, for example. But I will strive for 100% completion, and I will attempt to play the best possible game of Halo/Super Smash Bros./Ikaruga/Guitar Hero that I can possibly play, ever motivated towards perfection. And what I see these novelty games as, is an influx of the casual gamer. We've already had a huge influx of the casual gamer in the DS and Wii, and we can already see the repercussions of that. Shelf after shelf of movie and TV tie-in games; poorly produced bilge in the attempt to make a quick buck out of the nave and gullible.

People had fun playing Wii Sports and Wii Play, so 3rd parties produce more compilations of sports and mini games. People enjoyed brain training, and so we have a catalogue of third party brain training software.

OK granted, it's going to be fairly hard for a third party company to create a clone of Rock Band that people will actually be stupid enough to buy; this game seems pretty contained in itself. But it will still bring a lot of new gamers to the fold, and these new gamers are eventually going to get bored of Rock Band and want another game. Off they pop down to Game (...don't get me started on Game) to buy another game, and what are they more likely to walk out with? The Orange Box? Bio Shock? No, Iron Man, or the Lost video game, because as a new gamer, the only concepts they have in their mind are from other media, and they feel more comfortable spending their cash on a concept they are aware of, than the "unheard of" Crackdown.

But I think more than this, the thing that is getting me the most exasperated, is that for video games to finally get the world-wide recognition that they have been denied for so long, we have had to rely on novelty: The Wii and DS, and games with crazy peripherals. Like a circus clown with a trumpet running up to you in the street, shouting "Video games are fun! You see, look! Su Doku!"

From the mouth of Fenton Bailey. Find his blog at http://fentonbailey.blogspot.com

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Show of Many Art Forms

If you are an art aficionado and have the enthusiasm to collect more information about art then visit an art fair. Art fairs are festivals that highlight many forms of art to the public with the aim to teach and entertain in a virtuous manner. Additionally, it is also a favorable time to come in touch with artists and have a clear insight of their work and their perception. The works of art are made by working on different mediums; free-styles including the blend of several techniques are to be seen in these art fairs.

Art and artist find art fairs as an imperative platform to reach to the public. Art fair is also an attempt to enrich both art and artist with the new ideas and changing taste. However, it is also interpreted that the prime objective of such exhibitions are to impart about the recent developments of arts in different vicinity. This ultimatum effort is supported by hundreds of artist by contributing in art fairs. Many art exhibitions set eligibility principles where they are asked to submit work so that judges can evaluate the worthy works and display it to art lovers.

Art fairs are held annually or at irregular period where artist of both local and international admiration meet together to share their interest related to art. Art galleries also exhibit works of various artists in these fairs concerned to modern and contemporary art. For persons craving to taste something new in art will find such fairs exciting. All information pertaining to such fairs can be collected or are provided on websites or art fair calendar.

The fairs also act as a spring board for debut artist and encourage them to express their skills. The art fairs gives priority to the presentation of artist's work and vision that directly leads to long-term positive results.

Art fairs are also held to collect revenues and funds for noble causes like supporting the young talented artist by offering them scholarships. Thus, in society the role of art fairs are significant.

To know and collect more information about art and its various forms, click art fairs. Here you can find various works of many artists and collect information as per your requirement.

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University Logo Designs Play a Very Inspirational Role

A University logo design plays a very inspirational role. A symbol used in the design traditionally reflects the history of the institution. A good logo apart from having a symbol also displays the name of the institution with clarity.

For marketing purposes colleges or universities distribute a large variation of promotional stuff such as pens and pencils, tee shirts, sweatshirts, notebooks, and license plate frames. Your University logo design has to be scaleable to suit all your promotional needs. The logo design has to look good on a business card, on a pencil, and on the billboard at the football arena, for instance. While creating a logo design a designer has to keep these requirements in mind. Special tools are used to ensure that the logo will give third parties no resolution problems in printing. A lot of the printers are not able to open logo files. This is because the designers have not cared enough to provide the appropriate file formats. So always ask for file formats both for print and for electronic media. Get your logo developed in vector if you want a scalable one.

Certain universities use crests and coat of arms that give off a feeling of inspiration for prospective students. Most of these logos use various colors and styles to convey their name to the viewers in an innovative manner. Our designs create a solid visual impact and leave a permanent impression on the viewer's mind.

Universities also use a logo design to communicate their areas of specialization. The various departments of the University can have specialized designs to spell the area of study in an impressive manner. Learn more about your logos at:

http://www.logodesignguru.com/A/Education_Logos.asp

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3D Animation Is Not Just About Animation

I have said this many times and I will continue to say it - most people study 3D animation to do animation and there cannot be a worse reason for coming into the industry. I say this because they come in for the wrong reason, and will leave for the wrong reason.

The first time most people are exposed to 3D animation they are usually exposed to animated cartoon features like Toy Story, Shrek, Finding Nemo, Incredibles and the like. Inevitably many people are drawn to the industry with the aspiration to work on such grand productions. And inevitably animating characters becomes the main reason why most people join the animation industry.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that most CG artists end up doing something other than character animation. Notice I use the word 'CG artist' - which is computer graphics artists for short - instead of the word 'animator'. This is because strictly speaking, an 'animator' is somebody whose profession is just to animate. In reality, somebody who studied 3D animation could end up with a job doing something other than 'animation'. These alternative prospects include texturing, modeling, rigging, lighting or even rendering.

These translate into jobs as a texturing artist, a 3D modeler, a rigger, a lighting artist or a render wrangler. Below I will briefly explain the various job scopes, including that of an animator.

Texturing Artist - Somebody who paints and creates the textures to wrap onto a 3D model. His job is to create the 'skin' for a 3D model so that it looks exactly like how it's supposed to look.

3D Modeler - Somebody who creates the 3D models necessary to populate a scene in the 3D environment. This process is called modeling where the artist manipulates a mesh to create a coherent structure, which can be further manipulated to become a recognizable object in the 3D environment.

Rigger - Somebody who creates the bones system required to fit a 3D model and then bind the two together so that the animator can ultimately animate the 3D model by manipulating the bones system.

Animator - Somebody whose sole responsibility is to animate. The subject matter might not always be a character. It may be a special effect, a camera movement, a mechanical action, a germ mutation...etc. In short, an animator is required to animate anything that moves.

Lighting Artist - Somebody who specializes in setting up the lights for a particular 3D environment in a particular scene. It is his job to ensure that the environment looks exactly like how it's supposed to look and feel exactly like how it's supposed to feel.

Render Wrangler - Somebody who is in-charge of a render farm and makes sure that each frame of 3D image is generated properly by the computers.

The above are the various aspects of a typical 3D production, and thus the various job scopes CG artists may end up in. Seats for the animator job are the hottest and the most competitive. Most companies want only the most talented animators. If you aren't good enough you just have to do something else.

This is when reality strikes the animator-hopeful. The strong ones stay to battle it out and finally get what they want if they are talented enough. The weaker ones leave with a broken heart without a good word to say about the industry.

Running a 3D animation company, I have interviewed many good young CG artists who came in for an job. Very often, I set the record straight from the start that Mediafreaks does everything from cartoon series to documentary animation to medical animation. And if they are coming in hoping to do only character animation then they are in the wrong place. I lose some potential good talent as a result. But setting their expectations wrong from the start can do more detriment than good in the long run.

I do urge CG artist hopefuls to take this into consideration when they approach a 3D profession. If they just want to be character animators, then they have to be prepared for the fact that very few companies in the world have such full-time positions. This means they really have to be very very good as seats are limited.

I hope that this article gives you a good understanding of the various jobscopes within the 3D animation industry, and clears up the general perception of a CG artist wannabe who might think that 3D animation involves just animation. This cannot be further from the truth.

If you wish to learn more about the animation industry, click here to receive a free report describing how some businesses are using 3D animation to sell their products cum services and increase their revenue!

This article was contributed by Aldric Chang - a creative businessman who is active in music composing and production, internet marketing, casual games production, animation production, cartoon production and character licensing. He's currently intent on growing his already successful animation business - Mediafreaks - into a behemoth entertainment company.

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3 Simple Tips on Buying Wireless Speakers - Home Theater Products

If you are planning to purchase wireless speakers home theater, try to learn everything that you have to know about it so that the product you'll take home is exactly the one you need. These speakers have different price tags. Some are priced too much for regular home use. So for you to get the right devices, consider the following tips:

1. Simple setup
Homeowners would love to get rid of all the speaker wires in their living room in an instant. A strong suggestion is for you to get the one that works out-of-the-box. If you're a newbie to this technology, consider the ease of setup the product offers. To be sure, ask the sales person to show you how things are connected so that you'll have a fair idea of how things work. The lesser time spent reading the manual, the better.

2. Superior power output
The intensity of the sound produced by the speaker is determined by its power output. Check the wattage and the frequency of the wireless speakers. Compare them with your needs. Then get the one that perfectly matches your requirements.

3. Sleek Style
Always consider the elegance and overall appeal of the wireless speakers home theater that you're going to buy. While this doesn't directly affect its performance, it can do so much to improve the looks of your home theater system greatly. Sleek and sexy styles are the most popular today. The metallic finish of these devices adds so much to its appearance.

The quality of sound comes first. This should be applied to all kinds of speakers, wireless or otherwise. When buying these devices, scrutinize the sound that is coming out of the system. The pleasing they are to your ears, the better. Don't prioritize looks over quality at any time.

Find the latest information about wireless speakers home theater and how to find the best rated wireless speakers on the market for your home at outdoor wireless speakers.

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How to Produce For Cartoons If You Only Write and Not Animate Or Draw

Recently somebody asked me a question. The question was short but simple and straight to the point.

'Please I need help in producing a cartoon. I can write but cant draw. How do I start?'.

I thought that it was a question whose answer should be shared, and therefore instead of answering directly on the article I thought I would make it an article instead. So here it is. If you can write, but cannot draw or animate, what can you do to embark upon the path of cartoon production?

Well, believe it or not, a writer's chances of producing a cartoon is even better than an animator's!

Not convinced? Heard of the saying - "it's all in the plot"?

75% of a cartoon's success is dependent on a good concept and storyline, not how good the cast is or how good the animation is! Look at South Park! Do you call that good animation? But has the ridiculously simple flash animation stopped South Park from making families across the world roar with laughter and the producers from making obscene amounts of money? No! Yet South Park would just be a piece of crappy animation without the magic of the scripts! Incidentally, the producers are also the writers in most, if not all, of the scripts.

On the other hand, an artist is an artist is an artist. An animator is an animator is an animator. They usually just draw or animate. But please don't get me wrong. There are some multi-talented animators and artists who can think of great concepts and ideas too. Just that the specialization is somewhat different and if you start off as a writer, you are more in tune with the top line aspects of producing a cartoon.

Now, if you are convinced you can really write, you may like to follow the steps below to embark on your journey to produce a cartoon.

1. Come up with a strong story concept and think of all the characters that would be in the story.

2. Work with an artist either through a partnership or through outsourcing to create a character bible.

3. Look around for an animation that has a history of producing their own intellectual properties (IP). There are plenty of such studios around, so all you have to do is scout around for a suitable studio that has a history of producing cartoons similar to your genre of writing.

Here, you can (a) pitch your cartoon character bible to them (b) offer to write a few sample synopsis and a sample episode for one of their ongoing cartoon series.

You would be very very very lucky if a studio options your cartoon concept and decides to produce it! It usually doesn't happen for newbies because they don't like to take chances with newbies, but most likely it's because new writers just don't have the 'ooomph' factor in their ideas yet.

Either way, if you are really good at your writing, it opens up the opportunity for them to consider you for a writing contract. If you fail to get an assignment, politely ask the studio for the reason. If it's because they think you aren't good enough, it probably means you aren't good enough. You can go back to hone your skills some more or you can carry on trying. If more than 3 studios tell you the same thing it usually means you really aren't good enough yet. But practice makes perfect. If you keep trying you would probably get your first assignment,

4. Once you get your first assignment, cherish it like gold! Be flexible about everything (including payment) and cherish the opportunity. Don't do anything to destroy this silver bullet and do it like it's your first and last chance! Nobody likes to work with people who are too straight laced and the truth is - after you carve a name for yourself in the industry - companies will scramble for your services even if you are expensive. Don't be prima donna when you are just a newbie. In fact, my advice to you is never to be a prima donna.

5. Try to be involved in as many parts of the production as possible. Ask to be involved in checking out the storyboards and offering your 2 cents on how you think the camera angles should play out. Ask to see the animatics so that you can give your opinion on the pacing and also the animation. You get the idea. Don't ask for extra fees because most studios would rather do without your help in these areas then. But you can gently request for some credits for offering your creative input. That at an early stage in your career is worth more than money! But don't be too pushy because studios rarely want to give producer or creative credits to a newbie, no matter how good you think you may be. The idea here is to get you as much experience as possible on other parts of the production pipeline.

6. As you get more experience working on such projects, you can begin negotiating for larger roles besides being just the writer. And the best part is, you can start pitching your ideas to TV networks and studios and you can bet some good moolah that they would want to listen to what you have to say!

You can visit the Mediafreaks blog to pick up more tips on design and animation.

This article was contributed by Aldric Chang - a creative businessman who is active in music composing and production, internet marketing, casual games production, animation production, cartoon production and character licensing. His 3d animation studio - Mediafreaks - is focused on producing high-end animation work for documentary producers, advertising houses and cartoon animated series - with projects ranging from the animation of dinosaurs to the visualization of natural disasters and something as chic as 3d jewelry animations.

You can also visit the Mediafreaks Animation Showcase Site for an extravaganza of the coolest and funniest free animations on the net.

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Cost Factors of Forensic Animations

In the past, many companies were quoting animations based on a dollar per second rate for finished footage and there appears to be a trend away from this method of pricing. Part of the reason is that the amount of work involved in producing one second of animation can vary enormously depending on what is required and the level of realism. The advances in computer visualization technology available today are mainly responsible for the widening gap between what was possible and what is possible today.

The best thing one can do is educate themselves on what parts of the animation process are the most time intensive and where they can expect to pay the most (or least) for the requirements.

Below is a breakdown of several cost factors that are "tangible". As with any outsourced service, you also pay for reputation, experience and overhead costs, but these are more difficult to quantify. The greatest cost in a forensic animation is the number of man-hours required to prepare, assemble, edit and finalize the animation. Since vehicle collisions are the most common forensic animations, most of the examples used below will reflect this particular example, however, the process and cost factors are more or less the same regardless if the animation being produced is of a crime scene, personal injury case, or medical procedure.

1. Information Gathering and Preparation

During the initial stages of a forensic animation, it is imperative that the animator be brought up to speed on the details of the case. This often means that all photos, video, drawings and reports must be provided to the animator and they must subsequently go through all the materials of the case. Initially, it is helpful to bring the animator into the initial discussions about the trial strategy and what is the objective of the animation. Further, it is useful to have the animator contact the accident Reconstructionist as applicable to go over details of the accident report and if there will be any transfer of other data such as a digital site survey or simulation data.

Where applicable, the animator may be required to travel to the location of where an accident or crime may have occurred. This is to obtain subsequent images and information that may not have been obtained or was not available in the existing scene materials or reports.

2. 3D Models - Recreating the scene assets.

Normally, it is very rare that a forensic animator can reuse the main 3D models in a scene. In the case of an automobile collision, there could be some "standard" 3D models reused such as a stop sign, traffic lights or electrical poles, but there are often times when even these smaller objects must also be built from scratch in order to obtain the highest level of realism.

There are typically three types of 3D models in a forensics animation. These are classified by their level of importance, accuracy and necessary level of detail. Primary objects are those that are directly involved in the animation. Think of them as your primary characters. Secondary objects are those which may not be directly involved, but their movement or relative position plays some part in making the animation accurate or credible. Tertiary objects are those which are strictly for the benefit of visualization and do not play a direct role in the animation. An example could be a tree off in the distance which would not affect the animation if it were removed except for the level of realism.

Creating accurate and realistic primary 3D models is still a time intensive task which has not changed very much over the years. The quality of the models and options associated with the level of realism are greater and therefore, there is an equivalent amount of time required to create the models. Where possible, it may be possible to purchase an existing 3D model and tailor it to suit the needs of the animation. This should only be done when the accuracy of the model is not a requirement and it may be a secondary or tertiary object in the scene.

In the case of a vehicle collision, the ground terrain is a good example of a large scale model which is required to be accurate and a true likeness of the actually area where the collision occurred.

Often, modeling may come from other sources such as CAD files, 3d scanning or photogrammetry. In each case, the model normally requires subsequent work to get the correct look or to adjust the surface topology of the object.

3. Mapping - Preparing and adjusting images

Although this could be classified as part of modeling, it is in fact a separate part of the 3D modeling process which involves the use of photo imaging software. If you were to consider a simple example of a stop sign, there is the geometrical portion of the model and there is the "textured" or "mapped" portion of the object. The red colour of the sign with the letters S-T-O-P is normally not modeled but need to be mapped. Mapping can be accomplished by taking an existing photo of the stop sign and extracting only the portion of the image that relates to the sign itself and not the background. In some cases, photos need not be used at all and the entire image map of the stop sign could be made with a program like Photoshop.

Since photos are often taken at various angles and depth of fields, the image needs to be rectified (i.e. any depth removed such that the image becomes orthographic or "flat") so that it can be pasted like a sticker onto the model.

However, in each case, there is a considerable amount of time committed to the process of editing photo images to extract usable maps for models and the more accurate, and realistic one wants their models to look, the more it will cost.

4. Assembling the Scene

Once all the scene objects have been created, there comes the task of assembling them accurately in the scene. Since accuracy is the single most differentiating point between any animation and a forensic animation, there is a considerable emphasis on the placement of objects and positioning of all the scene elements. In some cases, there are automated utilities to help the animator reduce the amount of time to place objects, but unfortunately, since each forensic animation is different, this is normally done through manual means. Hence, if there are many objects to be accurately placed in a scene, the amount of labour involved increases.

5. Animating the Scene

There are two ways to animate a scene. One is through the import of simulation data and the other is through keyframing. Keyframing is a manual technique where an object is fixed at a certain location at a certain time of the animation. At each point in the animation where the object is "fixed", this is called a keyframe. The 3D animation software interpolates between keyframes to distribute the motion.

A complex scene involving 5 or 6 vehicles would be more involved than a simple animation of 2 vehicles crashing since there are many more vehicles and positions to keep track of. Since there are many clients who request different collision scenarios, there may be several iterations or versions of the animation.

6. Lighting and Special Effects

Once the entire scene has been animated, this is normally the time to adjust the lighting and prepare any effects which might be required in the animation. When trying to replicate the exact lighting of a scene based on reference photos it can often be very difficult to achieve. Consider the range of lighting and weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow or night scenes.

When appropriate, it may be necessary to show breaking glass or skid marks. Creating accurate looking effects is a time consuming process. Normally, it is difficult to quantify something as "accurate" unless it is verified by an expert. For this reason, there could be several iterations of the lighting and special effects in order to match the expert's report/testimony.

7. Rendering

The act of rendering is how the 3D animation software converts the entire scene into a set of images which run (typically) at 30 frames per second. Depending on the complexity of the scene (i.e. complexity of items 1-6 above), a computer can render a single image at anywhere from a few seconds to an hour or more for each frame. Considering that a 1 minute animation has 1,800 frames, the time involved can be as little as 5 hours to 60 hours on a single computer.

Additionally, if there are 5 or 6 different views to be rendered and not taking any edits into account, the rendering portion can take a considerable amount of time.

Fortunately, many animators make use of either render farms (i.e. network of computers strung together that divide the work of rendering) or invest in high powered workstations. There are firms which specialize in providing rendering resources to animators and when a quick turnaround is required, this is an additional expense which is normally translated to the client.

Normally, rendering only makes up less than ten percent of the total cost of an animation. The actual time is dependent on the type of hardware used and this is part of the reason why companies have been moving away from quoting animations based on their length or dollar per second of completed footage.

8. Video Editing and Final Packaging

As the animation approaches the final stages of completion, the last few steps are the editing and compositing of the animation. The addition of any text, title screens, overlaying images and making any adjustments to the colour take additional time which is normally associated with how the animation is to be packaged and presented.

Most people today are finding that downloads and CD's are quite useful for viewing on a computer, however, if a client requests a self running DVD with menus and sound then this is obviously another involved step.

9. Changes and Edits

One of the most overlooked parts of creating a quality animation and avoiding constant changes is to ensure that clear objectives are understood by all parties up front.

Changing the animation half way through a project can substantially affect the total cost and may delay the delivery considerably. Knowing exactly what needs to be shown and limiting the number of edits keeps things on track and limits the risk of cost overruns.

The basic rule of thumb for the cost of a forensic animation is that as the level of detail, realism, accuracy and number of scenarios increases , so does the cost. A complex animation with many details means more preparation, production and verification hours for the animator.

A forensic animation can range widely from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on each of the factors explained above. There are no hard rules to pin down the price of an animation since each one is "custom built".

Be sure to get a clear idea of the costs by providing the initial case information to the animator. Most reputable forensic animators will supply an initial consultation at no cost in order to provide an accurate quotation or to tell you if an animation is even feasible. Also, ensure that clear objectives are set prior to embarking on a forensic animation. This will avoid unnecessary changes, increased cost and will keep projects on track.

Eugene Liscio is the owner of AI2- 3D Animations which specializes in forensic animations for litigation support. AI2 actively promotes the use of Forensic Animations, 3D Virtual Models, photogrammetry and other visual strategies for the courtroom. Eugene is a registered engineer in the province of Ontario, Canada.

http://www.ai2-3d.com

Forums: http://www.ai2-3d.com/Forums

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Composing For Impact

In digital photography, how you compose photos controls how much impact they have on your viewers.Use the following tips to create the maximum viewer response.

Rule of Thirds

Ancient Greek painters discovered the rule of thirds, also known as the golden grid.The rule says to mentally divide the scene in your viewfinder into thirds both horizontally and vertically,like a tic-tac-toe grid. If your main point of interest in your digital camera's viewfinder is a static spot, place it on one of the intersecting points.Forlong horizontal subjects, such as a road or fence line, place it along one of the horizontal lines. Place long vertical subjects, such as a tree, along one of the vertical lines.

Just using this technique by itself gives your photos more impact, but try these other compositional considerations for even more impact:

Framing
Depth
Focus
Viewpoint
Lightness
Color

Framing

Framing draws the eyes of your viewersinto the photo and right to your subject. Once you start looking for items to use as frames, you will see them all around you. Frames can be natural or man-made. Tree branches, doorways, and windows are three popular ones. When first using framing, many photographers place their subject too far away from the frame. When this happens, the subject appears too small inside the frame thereby losing the impact of the framing.

Depth

The illusion of depth occurs when there is a noticeable distance between the foreground and background. Depth draws your viewers into the photo. When two items of the same approximate size appear to be different in size, the eye interprets the smaller one as being farther away from the larger one. Atmospheric haze or light fog between the larger and smaller objects contributes to the illusion by making the smaller object appear further away.

Focus

The eyes of your viewersgo naturally to the object in focus in a photo and you can use this phenomenon to your advantage by using selective focusing. Making your subject appear in focus and the rest of your photo slightly out-of-focus occurs by using a small f-stop number such as f4 or f2.8.

Viewpoint

Viewpoint is the perspective or the physical placement of your camera at the time a photo is taken. Before taking a picture, look around and try other viewpoints through your viewfinder. Try shooting from a position higher than the subject, a position lower and finally, from a different lateral or side-to-side position. See how these perspectives change the way your subject appears in the viewfinder. Digital cameras are great for experimenting with different perspectives as you can take photos from several different perspectives and instantly see the photos. Then you can keep the one(s) you like and delete the others.

Lightness

The lightness of a photo greatly contributes to the feeling of that photo. A photo having a very light tonal range, known as high-key, conveys a feeling of youth, hope, beauty, or softness. Often, you will see a beautiful young girl or a flower portrayed in a high key setting. Conversely, low-key photos imply seriousness, sobriety, age or impending danger.A photo of an impending storm conveys the feeling of danger.

Color

In a photo, color serves two purposes. It sets the mood of the photo and enables us to distinguish the different elements in a photo.The more a color of an object contrasts with its surroundings, the more likely that object will become the subject of the photo. Location photographers use very colorful props when photographing people as it identifies the people as the subject and separates them from the rest of the photo. Conversely, a photo with a uniform or non-contrasting color conveys a different mood. A photo having a bluish cast conveys a feeling of coldness while a reddish color conveys the feeling of hotness, endangerment or adventure.

Experiment with these compositional factors the next time you shoot photos with your digital camera. The more visually aware you become of these factors when composing photos, the more impact your photos will have on your viewers.

If you liked this article, visit our website at http://www.SunlightMedia.net/sunlightmediatravelwritingandphotography/ for more tips and techniques.

Ron

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How To Look For Economical Paintings

Dont we all love to buy a Virtruvian man by Da Vinci and hang it over the fireplace so our friends can come and ogle at the painting and say that what a fine master piece it is and that you have a definite eye and class for paintings of such high quality? Unfortunately such a painting not only costs millions but the real ones just hang in museums.

So what exactly is the solution to buying such quality art work at dirt cheap price? So every man could boast of owning a cryptically smiling Mona Lisa. The answer is simple and right in front of you. Just with a few click of the mouse you could be the owner of Whistlers mother staring at the wall in front of her. In all the divine glory of last supper displayed over you lobby is a reality.

Well how is it really possible that too at a price less than a hundred bucks? Believe me it is. There are hordes of talented artists who could replicate these high quality designs for you, make you the proud owner of stunning portraits and landscapes you could only dream of.

Now there are all sorts of sites advertising for such paintings, but most of them dont sell cheap. Far from it they are even priced at thousands of dollars. Now why would a sane person, would want to buy an art work which would punch a huge hole in their pocket? So next question is where is that place where you could get such a painting and that too at throw away price.

The answer is sites that owned by artist from countries where the dollar amounts to a lot more than that of the west. So the simple equation is, there are real high quality artists if not better but on par with the western artists. For whom the income in dollars if less still would amount to more than what they could bargain for. The result: amazing art work at awesome tags.

So which country has such proficient artists to boast of? Look to the Far East, china even traditionally boasts of artists as early as early 16th century. Amazing art work with pigments, which last even today Buddha who is portrayed in various art forms has been the hallmark of Oil paints from Far East. The art is not restricted the eastern form. The artist have adapted to the demand of the western world they can do any art ranging from abstract, cubism to even customized portraits.

Here is a list of tips to watch out for when on the look out for Quality Oil paintings:

1. Look for previous art work, a catalog perhaps.

2. See if the site provides what you are looking for, if not do they provide custom work.

3. Look for paintings that fall under a economy section.

4. Check to see if there is any quality compromise based on the reduction in cost.

Finally check to see if they provide a safe transaction (Discussed in the next article How safe it is to buy art from an offshore internet shop?).

About the author
Travis Jones recommends Canvaz (http://www.canvaz.com/) for genuine work of art in Oil paint and frames to go with it.

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"Too Human" Review - Xbox 360

Too Human could very well be the poster child for the negative effects of over-hyping a video game. Too often we gamers and the people who supply us with information become so obsessed with the possibilities a game represents that we lose sight of reality. An exciting and eagerly awaited game is built up to impossibly high standards that only a few games in a hundred manage to meet. We want so badly for a game to be everything we hoped that we lose sight of what it is, which in this case is a very decent title with its share of issues; nothing more, nothing less.

The unusually long game development time for Too Human has created its share of difficulties concerning both the over-hyping of the title as well as the core of the game itself. Originally scheduled for release on the original Playstation, the title found its way to the GameCube following a partnership between Silicon Knights and Nintendo, and finally ended its long journey on Microsoft's Xbox 360. The time allotted to the development of an average game is typically more than enough to allow for the over-hyping of said game, but in this case I believe the incredibly long development time as well as the multiple platform changes for the title attributed to this game's hyper-hyping. The game simply sat too long in the imaginations of gamers worldwide.

I personally cannot blame those who wanted this title to be great; the game has some really interesting concepts. The dual-analog melee combat has incredible potential for those willing to take time to learn its particulars. Once well-equipped and versed in the particulars of the game's combat system, a player can truly begin to feel godly while facing his foes. Though at first unsure of the depth of combat I found in the game's opening, this gamer was soon sliding gracefully from enemy to enemy swords-a-blur. Few things about this title are as satisfying as wading confidently into a group of twenty enemies and emerging practically untouched with some cool new items to check out.

The game offers some reasonably fun character progression featuring a wealth of class and spec combinations which lead to many different play styles. The loot drops are frequent and satisfying, and despite the fact that you will pick up some items that you cannot use on your character, they can always be traded to a friend for something you want in the game's online co-op multiplayer. Furthermore, you are given the option of breaking down items that you do not need anywhere in the game into hard currency which you will then use to buy or craft new items. The gear is really quite satisfying to collect and craft, and this is one of the game's strong points.

The game is, of course, not without its problems. As earlier stated, the game was originally planned for development on the Playstation, and in some ways it shows. The character models are somewhat blocky-looking (especially the faces), and some of the game's environments are somewhat bland. The story attempts an interesting mixture of futuristic technology (including cybernetics), and Norse mythology. While this may sound cool to some, the theme seems somewhat forced. While the story itself is thankfully fairly simple, some of the ideas and statements made me cringe, such as AI-controlled human allies saying things like "where in the Helheim are we?" The game is also sadly somewhat short, but despite playing through the main story twice in my four days with the game, I was eager to play again.

There are a few other small compliments and gripes which could be bestowed upon this title, but I think we all get the picture: What we have here is a fun game that is more than adequate entertainment. It has issues, yes, but what game doesn't? My recommendation is to give this game a fair shake. Even the most remote areas of the country have access to game rentals these days, so you need not invest a full $60 just to find out if the game suits you. Who knows? You may really enjoy it.

My score: 7.5/10

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Setup Nintendo Wii - Setting Up Your Wii Made Easy

So you've just excitedly rushed home from the shop with your new Nintendo Wii, opened the box and then stopped dead in your tracks - because it's just occurred to you that you haven't the faintest idea how to setup Nintendo Wii. This article is here to help you with this process; it's easier than it looks, so don't worry!

Starting to Setup Wii -

First you'll need to determine how you want the orientation of your Nintendo Wii. The Wii can sit either vertically or horizontally. If you want to place your unit vertically, place the Wii in the control plate which will be included in the box. What you need to consider here is the space available in your entertainment center and the best way to orient your Wii to ensure that it has sufficient air flow to remain cool.

Plug in Wii -

After this, you need to plug in your Wii to both your outlet and to the television set. Check the back or perhaps the front of your TV to see what manner of A/V connections is present. Once you've found these, plug the correct cord from the Wii into the corresponding plug on your television.

The next step is to plug the AC adapter included with your Wii into the wall outlet and then into the back of your Nintendo Wii console. If you are in, or plan to travel to Europe, remember to use the proper AC adapter - using the wrong type can damage your Wii.

After you setup Nintendo Wii to be connected to your television and to your power, the next thing to do is to plug in the sensor bar to your unit. Find the sensor bar jack on your Wii and plug in the cord there. You must then find a spot to place the sensor bar where the controllers can properly orient themselves to it. The sensor bar has infrared light emitters which the controllers need to receive so you will need an unobstructed sight line between the two. Ideally, you will place your sensor bar in the middle of your TV, which will make it easy for the controllers to align themselves.

The next thing to do to setup Nintendo Wii is to get the controllers up and running. Each controller uses two AA batteries. Install these in the controllers, put a game in your Wii console and then turn on the unit. Make sure that your television set is tuned to channel 3 and you should be ready to go. Follow the instructions which will appear on your screen to finish controller setup and you're off!

If you are unsure about any step to setup Nintendo WIi in your home, just consult the helpful list below:

• Place Your Wii properly - decide whether to place your Wii vertically or horizontally depending on your available space and air flow for the console.
• Plug your Wii in to your television and to a wall outlet using the adaptor included.
• Plug in your sensor bar and place it in a central location on top of your television set.
• Place AA batteries in your controllers and put a game in your Nintendo Wii unit.
• Turn on the console, turn your television to channel 3 and follow the instructions to complete setup.
• Have fun!

For more info, reviews and helpful tips on Nintendo Wii console and games, visit us at:
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Summer Fashion 2008

Well we're well in to Spring and headed for Summer despite the thermometer lately where I live. So it's time to get serious about what we're going to wear. Are hemlines going to point the way to the economy this year? Things are looking bleaker by the minute on the economic front but the hemlines are really giving little indication as to where we are headed.

Minis are still very much in evidence which is fine by me. Some of the clothes I've looked at are interesting like the boho stuff around and then some are absolutely stunning like some of the Helmut Langs Sunner's, Rachel Roy's and Jenni Kayne's I've spotted.

Summer means beach to me and pool parties and racy swim gear and great pants and shorts. Speaking of which, the move by the denim labels to white is a relief for summer weather.There are Summer weddings galore and graduations and then there are vacations and travel. Of course the dollar and gas prices limit the latter pretty severely but it's not going to stop me enjoying the summer, finding some great clothes and getting a heavenly tan to go with some very sexy party numbers.

The beach and pool arena seem a little static. I've seen little to excite me in the swimwear lines but then maybe I've not looked in the right places and I'll have to try to rectify that. Cover-ups and wraps and skirts to pop on over the bikini or monokini are a little better than the suits themselves. My suits from last year are all trash anyway so I'll have to do something about that anyway.

My nephew's graduation from Annapolis is close by so I'll need something scrumptious for that lovely event. Think we'll go down and spend a week in Maryland just prior.

I probably am going to the Preakness and up to Saratoga too so need more good looking stuff for those. Then there's a couple of Garden Parties that are very dressy and several that are informal and fun too. I'll need an array for them.

I know we'll spend time at the beach house and must get lots of casual stuff for down there. Swimsuits, pants, shorts, summer frocks.

Heavens, I'm forgetting shoes as well. And there are some really exciting high heeled evening sandals to acquire for the parties and weddings. I feel that shoes are really exciting right now, don't you?

So I guess I'm going to be busy! Want to start this week? Let's begin with Nordstrom's in Providence Place. I'll call you later in the week to set it up. Ciao!

Fiona McAlister covers the fashion industry and clothes of all kinds for her site http://www.fashionforsummer.com

Fashionforsummer
See what Fiona is planning next there.

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Media Arts and Animation Degree Online Program

What does Media Arts and Animation Degree Online Program have to Offer?

The presentation of any product is one of the key factors on which the sales ratio rely completely. Of course the product has to maintain the quality standards but other than that, to sell a product, it needs to be well presented. Apart from sales perspective, when it comes to entertainment, it's very important to make things look as real as possible on screen. For instance, a film is being shot and there is a stunt sequence in which the actor has to jump from a very tall building. Now in this sort of a scenario it's pretty likely that the actor will deny to shoot that scene (unless it's Tom Cruise) because of a lot of risks involved and the stunt sequence is also very necessary for the movie to progress. So instead of risking a human life, that stunt could be performed on a computer screen using a graphic designing software and thanks to so much of the hard work from the industry, its really not that hard to create stunts like that. Media Arts and Animation Design has traveled a long way. There were days when simple JPEGs and GIFs images were created on Corel Draw but now there are advance graphic designing software programs like 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photo-shop and Adobe Flash which creates high definition graphics. These software programs have unlimited possibilities and it all depends on the imagination and the creativity of the graphic designer that how he/she does that. The tools are there to create a perfect motion picture using nothing more than a computer system but it's very important to learn those tools first in order to be on the top of your game. For that matter, many top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges are offering Media Arts and Animation Degree Online program. Media Arts and Animation Degree Online module is basically a branch of Visual Communication Degree programs. If you choose to get into any of the top accredited online university or top accredited online colleges to learn the art of animation and design then this degree could be the best option for you.

To learn animation and design, a lot of tolerance and skills are required. You might have to wait for months or years to gain the perfection you are trying to achieve but one thing's for sure that you will create that perfection. And after all, one of the benefits of getting into top accredited online universities or top accredited online colleges is that you learn everything with perfection and are given ample amount of time to develop an understanding of all the given tools and software programs to achieve what you want. You will be working with software programs like Adobe Photo-shop, Adobe After Effects, and 3D Studio Max.

Course Outline

Some of the courses offered by top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges in Media Arts and Animation Degree Online program are:

2D Animation

3D Character Animation

Acting/Movement

Advanced 2D Animation

Advanced 3D Modeling

Advanced 3D Textures

Advanced Life Drawing/Gesture

Advanced Modeling/Animation Topics

Camera and Lighting Techniques

Character and Object Animation

Color Theory

Digital Composition

Digital Editing-- Video, Audio

Digital Imaging for Multimedia and Web

Digital Ink and Paint

Drawing and Anatomy

Fundamentals of Design

Intermediate 2D Animation

Introduction to Digital Composition

Life Drawing and Gesture

Portfolio Presentation for Animation

Pre-Portfolio Presentation for Animation

Pre-Production Team

Storyboard Rendering for Animation

Visual Indication

Web Animation

Career Opportunities and Salary Info

Once after completing Media Arts and Animation Degree Online program of top accredited online universities or top accredited online colleges, you would have to go for an internship after which you would be able to join a regular job. Internship could even be started before completing the degree program so this way you would be able to save some time. You could target jobs like Storyboard Artist, Texture Artist, Computer Modeler, Computer Generated Special Effects Artist, Creative Head, Media Consultant and a lot more. The salary depends on the sort of the job position you are on to and the experience. You would be able to earn around $80,000 or more per annum after successfully completing Media Arts and Animation Degree Online program from any of the top accredited online universities or top accredited online colleges.

For further information regarding top accredited online universities or top accredited online colleges offering Media Arts and Animation Degree Online program or any other Visual Communication Degrees, please visit: http://www.visualcommunicationdegrees.net/

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LCD and Plasma Televisions - A One on One Encounter!!

Despite both being flat screen televisions, LCD and plasma Televisions each encompass their own individual uniqueness. Furthermore, whatever is your special liking greatly influences your choice as to which television do you really desire to purchase. Such decision making is a lot akin to favoring an orange juice over an apple juice, or the other way around. Hence, the battle between Plasma and LCD is certainly an enthralling and intricate clash!

We might as well carry on a detailed discussion

Every pixel contained within a plasma TV is comprised of three phosphors, and they are one blue, one red, and one green. At the instance when beams of electrons hit the same, light is thereby produced. The amount of light which is produced is dependent upon the electron beams strength. Light is actually generated by the phosphors themselves and the same can be noticed on the screen of the plasma.

In contrast, millions of crystal is utilized in LCD TVs. These crystals are perched within a liquid that is inserted amid translucent panels. At the back of the said liquid crystal sandwich, you can find a vivid florescent light properly placed. The same crystals are directed to either permit the light to bypass or otherwise obstruct its passage. In addition, there are color filters which are employed to settle on color.

If we speak of size, it is an undeniable fact that the two above-mentioned televisions were always slim; hence, such issue is no longer a proper subject of argument. To exemplify, the variation amid 3"" and 5"" gives the impression that it is material in so far as particular models. However, if it concerns large-screen TV, the preceding fact turns out to be just about immaterial.

Nonetheless, in so far as the viewing area is concerned, plasma TVs have, at all times, been prominent because of their bigger sizes. This fact can be told to be true in general. To otherwise state the same fact, a consumer is given a greater diversity of Plasma TVs available in the market where one can freely select if what he or she prefers are large television versions. However, one fact that must be remembered is that that LCD Televisions are also progressively incurring development. Samsung LCD TVs now comes in different models. Same is true with Panasonic LCD TV, Sony LCD TV, Toshiba LCD TV and Sharp LCD TV.

The next fact worth discussing is the concern on cost. If we compare big-screen plasma and LCD TVs which are of similar size, usually, plasma TVs are tagged at a price lesser than LCD TVs. Nonetheless, LCD TVs prices began declining resulting to a great possibility that both televisions shall be placed on the same rank under the cheap LCD TV price list. Under the assumption that both are equally similar in all aspects, plasma is taking the lead in its battle against LCD TV battle. However, this does not seem to be permanent as the competition between them continues.

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3D Home Architect Coupons

3d home architect coupons enable you to get the best home design software packages in the market. 3d home architect has developed useful software for more than ten years and they have established themselves as leaders in the field. The software will make your work easier while you are considering remodeling, redesign, interior decorations and even gardens. You will find 3d home architect coupons and codes on their site and you have to know which product you need to get so that you can benefit from the coupons in the most convenient way. You need to keep in mind several factors before you use 3d home architect coupons and codes. The first thing will probably be to know how to use the coupons.

The 3d home architect coupons are very easy to use and you need to decide the coupon that is most suitable for you from the selection provided. Once you have spotted a good coupon you need to read on its specifications properly focusing on its expiry date. If you get an expired coupon, it will not go through because there will be an indication of invalidity. There are many codes that might have a misleading expiry date and, you do not have to be surprised when you come across them. The store will be responsible for this and you can report on the issue stating which coupons you used. It will be helpful if you go for coupons that are new because they might have a longer validity period.

If you wish to redeem the 3d home architect coupons, you must find out whether they are offering the service at that particular time. Therefore, you will discover that when it comes to 3d home architect coupons, and other coupons in general, you need to constantly have updated information so that you can choose the best coupons available. You need to use the coupons in the right way and for online shoppers, wrong codes will make the coupon invalid. Also when you do not follow the right steps to enter a coupon, you will also have problems when it comes to accessing your rebate. Therefore, take time and make sure you have the steps on your finger tips. There is nothing complicated about the coupons and coupon codes and you should not have a problem when using them.

The internet is filled with many tips on the 3d home architect coupons and you need to spare some time to read on the most important points you need to consider. Finally, make sure you go the extra mile to get coupons that will help you save some money. This is because there are people who do not find the reason to go for coupons available because they figure that the money they are saving is insignificant. When you save money using coupons for a period of time, you will realize that it was the best decision you ever made. You need to develop the habit of finding coupons so that you can get used to saving money and in turn, your life is bound to get better.

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Coupons for Years. For More Information on 3d Home Architect Coupons, Visit His Site at 3D HOME ARCHITECT COUPONS You Can Also Post Pour Views About 3d Home Architect Coupons On My Blog Here 3D HOME ARCHITECT COUPONS

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Photography Lighting Basics and Principles

There are three basic principles of relevant to all photographers, these are. Size of Light source, Types of reflection, Family of angles

One of the most important things of a good light source is its size. This determines what type of shadows you are going to have and also affects the type of reflection

Small light sources will produce a hard edged shadow, large light sources will produce a soft edged shadow.

Take as an example the most important light source in our life, the SUN. In a nice bright day with no clouds the sun will act as a small light source. On the other hand when it is a cloudy day the clouds will act as diffuser and the light source will not arrive from a direct single point but will be diffused through the clouds thus becoming a large light source and therefore producing soft edged shadows.

Types of reflection

Diffuse reflection

Direct reflection

Polarized Direct reflection

Diffuse reflection will have the same brightness irillevant from the direction you are observing the object. The light from the sources is reflected equally in all direction.

Direct reflection is the mirror image of a light source. This means that the light ray hits the object and then reflects back at an angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflectance.

Family of angles

A person looking at an object sees each point of that object at a slightly different angle. If we sum up all these angles we would have a family of angles. The family of angles is very important thing to master as a photographer because it determines where we can place or where we cannot place our lights. Ideally before you master the technique you should draw down the lighting diagram of a particular set to see if all the lights are properly set up to avoid unwanted reflections, glare etc.

The author runs Portrait Studio Lighting.com a portrait photography related website which features lots of resources and tips of the art of portrait photography which includes also video tutorial for the absolute beginners.

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Digital Cameras and Camcorders - Digital Zoom Vs Optical Zoom

The zoom lens of digital cameras and camcorders is the ability to vary focal length and, thus the angle of view. Both digital cameras and camcorders have zoom capability. For the consumer this can be confusing because there are two different types, known as digital zoom and optical zoom that is a much better function for the best quality and resolution of digital pictures and video.

Digital Zoom vs. Optical Zoom

The digital zoom enlarges images by magnifying the actual pixels. The finished image is thus affected and lacks clear definition. Simply put, this zoom function merely captures pixels and magnifies those and produces inferior photos, always go with optical zoom, which is a much better quality zoom capability.

Optical zoom actually utilizes the movement of the lens. The focal length is changed and the image that passes through the lens is captured with optical zoom. Simply put, it magnifies the size of an image by adjusting the lens. Unlike digital zoom, optical zoom enlarges the subject without sacrificing resolution.

Higher optical zoom ratings give better image quality. The ratings vary from 3PX to 20PX and the higher ratings give the best image quality. It gives you all the benefits of the cameras and camcorders maximum resolution, combined with the cameras ability to focus in tight on faraway action.

Often times an optical zoom is more important than resolution because it means you won't have to magnify your subject and then use software to crop the image and discard some of the resolution as a result.

Digital zoom has its place. It can be used if the only destination for your photos is to view them on your computer, and send them via email. Photos online can be a much lower quality in the camera and still appear acceptable when sent through e-mail or posted on a web gallery. But, if your goal is to print any of your photos you need a camera that has a high optical zoom rating and if your camcorder or camera also has a digital zoom function you should turn it off when taking those pictures. Your digital pictures will be much better in the end, even if they are not as close up.

Another important camcorder or digital camera shopping tip is to ignore digital zoom ratings within optical zoom. Some vendors tout a high total zoom that includes digital zoom, and it is not the true optical zoom rating.

Browse large selection of cheap digital cameras, camcorders and accessories at: Discount Digital Camcorders and learn Camcorder Batteries Care

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Digital Camera Care

Travelling

There are certain considerations for your digital camera while you are travelling. While it's only natural you would want to take your camera, you want to be sure you keep it safe on the journey. Most times, there is no conflict; however there are some things to think about. Here are a few things to consider:

Pack your camera

Pack your camera carefully and pad it securely in a carry on case. Be sure you have it in a convenient place in case airport security becomes an issue. Packing your camera in a carrying case means less chance that it will be knocked around. The FAA issued a rule that photography can be hand inspected if requested by the passenger. This prevents damage to the camera from the x-rays. However, not all airports honor this rule.

Also keep in mind that loose lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage. That is another reason to keep your camera in a carry on bag. Do the same with any other batteries you are taking.

Insure your camera

These days, just about every camera worth buying, is worth insuring. Airports normally assume no liability if your camera equipment is lost or stolen. Depending on what equipment you have, you may want to insure that as well. Camera equipment is not cheap to replace. Many times, a homeowner, or renters policy will cover these, but find out first what your policies conditions are. Insure your camera and equipment well, because you just never know.

Customs declaration

Only an issue if travelling to another country. If possible (and it may not be) bring all receipts of your camera and equipment with you. Declare all camera equipment with customs at the airport before you depart. That way, you won't have to prove ownership upon return. This saves a lot of time on the return trip and it is one more thing out of the way.

Electric plug adapters

Only an issue if you are travelling out of the country. Find out if you need an electric plug adapter so you can use your camera battery charger.

Although cameras are meant to be enjoyable, sometimes travel adds a little hitch. More often than not, this is no problem. A little extra time and planning is all that is needed. Airport security, of course, no one can predict. Most people are aware of how erroneous that can be! Be prepared, though, just in case you are stopped at security.

Other than that, you should be good to go. Millions of people carry cameras while they travel, and it has only been an issue on a few occasions. It is better to be safe than sorry, however. Be aware of safety issues, like not packing your extra lithium batteries right next to your camera. Find out the rules on hand inspection for your camera at your airport, pack carefully, and you should have little, if any problems.

MJ Johnston writes for a variety of websites, including Hoorray, a photo sharing site that offers the quickest and easiest way to order digital prints.

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