Archive for April, 2009
A Guide to Big Cat Photography Part One
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to give you some top tips for getting great pictures. Big cats have a personality all of their own and each breed is quite different. This will affect how you photograph each species of cat. For instance some are quick and move rapidly, others will sit and take a more leisurely approach. This guide is set out into sections so you can dip into the bits most relevant to you.
So what do we mean by Big Cats, lets start with the rarest cats in the world, The Russian Amur Leopard, around 150 in captivity and only 30 in the wild, then we have the Snow Leopard, now only found in the inaccessible mountains in Pakistan. On the Tiger front you have the Sumatran Tiger, then the Amur Tiger as it now know but better known as the Siberian Tiger. Then there are Lynx, Lion, Cheetah, Serval and Puma also known as the Mountain Lion or Cougar - they are all the same cat.
First of all don’t be fooled into thinking that you need a top of the range film or digital SLR camera and lenses to get great pictures. You don’t. Both compact and the intermediate bridge cameras are more than adequate of capturing great images. Many people that have come on Big Cat Photo Experience Day have started with a compact camera and found that they can get great images. They have returned and some have even found that they got so much more from photography than they ever thought they could. Others just come and enjoy the close contact with such magical animals.
This guide is based upon many years as a professional photographer capturing some of the rarest cats on the planet, all kept within a private collection for breeding purposes with the aim that they are returned to the wild, so long as the human race hasn’t destroyed the original habitat. For the Sumatran Tiger, that I fear is a rare hope, but with new cubs born late 2008 there is a glimmer of hope.
Compacts and Bridge Cameras
The real advantage of these cameras is their size. Being small and compact they fit through the wire of the cage so that’s one less thing to worry about. All you do need to do is watch what the cats are doing so they don’t take your camera off you! And trust me if they get hold of it they will win - no negotiation!
Captive animals are quite inquisitive so you will find they get too close. Key settings would be either close up / macro or a sports mode if you are using pre-set shooting modes. More advanced cameras have Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Full Manual. If you are more comfortable with these settings then please read the sections below Film and Digital SLRs as the same rules apply.
One main problem of these cameras is what is called “shutter lag”. This is the time the camera takes to fire the shutter and capture the image after you press the shutter button. On static subjects this won’t be so much of a problem, but on fast moving or erratic moving subjects this is where this will be noticed. You aim at the head and the camera takes a picture of the tail!
ISO - Film Speed or Sensor Sensitivity
The speed of your film or sensor sensitivity as it’s really called on a DSLR will affect the camera settings in a given light. A normal sunny day will let you shoot on ISO 100 or 200, being the base setting of your camera depending upon the make of camera or film you’re using. With a DSLR you have the ability to change your ISO or sensor sensitivity as the light changes, so you can go up and down from 100 to 200 or 400 (or more) as the light changes. With film you are fixed per roll. OK you can “bump it” up or down but only if your film processor knows what they are doing, automated developing just won’t hack it and will leave you with a ruined roll of film. As a commercial photographer I shoot digital and enjoy it - when all the technology works of course!
Using an additional body is an option if you can afford it as it gives you another lens to shoot from or another roll of film different from the first body. Lenses or course are interchangeable.
With speed or sensitivity comes a compromise - noise . The higher the ISO the more noise or grain there will be. But, and a big but, under exposure will create more noise than high ISO - so make sure the shot is exposed correctly. Being a commercial photographer amongst other things, I shoot using Nikon cameras and with these I have to shoot slightly over exposed to get the shot right - Nikon metering seems to be slightly on the safe side in my experience.
White Balance
This is not an easy function to explain but it comes down to the colour of light. What I hear you say, but all light looks the same to me, yes it will, the human eye and brain is very clever, it shows you a white subject as white in any light so you can’t actually see what your camera sees.
Until that is you take a picture indoors, ever had a picture on a digital or film camera come out orange? Light is measured as a temperature similar to that of heating a metal rod in a flame. The colour moves from orange to white and finally blue. Now this isn’t measured in degrees C or F but in the wider scientific range called Kelvin. Digital cameras use this Kelvin number to determine the colour of light.
For example Orange is at the lower end or 3400K the same as a household bulb with a tungsten filament, also known as incandescent- day light and studio flash is around 5200K to 5600K and fluorescent light is a real nightmare depending upon the type of tube and colour temperatures vary from 2700K up to 7200K - so pretty much the whole spectrum.
Tip - on a dull grey day use the pre set white balance of Flash - it gives a slightly warmer shot.
Tip - avoid Auto white balance for two reasons. While it might be fairly accurate light is not a fixed entity it changes all the time and so too will your cameras setting for White Balance when on Auto. Secondly if you then go on and edit your images you have the potential for having to manually correct each image if you’re not happy with the setting. And on a Big Cat Day guests regularly shoot 400 to 600 images - now that’s a lot of time chained to your computer.
Tip - pick a pre-set value, even if its wrong, some cameras allow fine tuning warmer or cooler. If then you want to edit the images at least you can batch process all the images in one go as the White Balance value will be the same - so too will be the adjustment. Just shoot RAW, then you can correct it, Jpeg gives you less control.
Tip - try taking a custom white balance measurement if your camera has this function.
Tip - remember a Snow leopard is Grey and White - it should not be cream.
Film and Digital SLRs
Camera bodies vary in design and my view is that megapixels aren’t the be all and end all of good images. As an example a 6 mega pixel camera will get a more than an acceptable image, in fact many press photographers still use a high quality, robust 4 mega pixel digital camera body. Why, because other functions are more important .
Whereas the norm for many companies is now, at the time of writing this Big Cats guide, is to offer 10 - 12 mega pixel camera bodies, other key features come into play.
Autofocus - General
AF-S , AF-C or Manual, Single point, Multipoint Dynamic or Closest Subject? AF-S will give you a setting that shoots only when the subject is in focus. AF-C gives you a continuous mode where by the AF systems tracks the subject adjusting focus all the time you have the shutter release pressed part way down and the focus point on the moving subject. This is good for fast / moving subjects, the shutter will however fire even if the shot is not in focus. 3D tracking found on Nikon cameras is good for some subjects as it tries to work out where the subject will be if it leaves the focus area or frame - try it and see how you get on, you may find you come back to a dynamic - movable - focus point chosen by the photographer - you!
Manual focus gives you more control but chasing a moving subject is difficult and takes time to practice.
Metering
Spot, centre weighted or matrix or average? The main difficulty with Matrix is that it takes an average setting across the whole frame so you can end up with a poorly exposed image especially if you catch some sky in the frame. This being brighter, normally, makes the camera close down the settings, leading to an under exposed subject.
For improved results with cats I find centre weighted works best as the camera metres from the centre of the frame and this is normally where the subject matter will be.
Spot metering would be best used for a close head shot where the cat is stationary being sat or lying down, as you’d find with the Lions in the afternoon after they are fed.
Part two continues with more settings and equipment discussions as well as common mistakes.
Cheap Airsoft Guns are Good forPest Control
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
There are many different uses for airsoft guns in the world today. For most people, the purpose of airsoft is to just host airsoft gun wars at a local park or a friend’s backyard, others are looking for uses for airsoft guns everyday. If you ask people why they got into airsoft, you’re sure to find many different answers. Of course you’ll find the answer that there was a particular style of gun that that person just had to buy and use because they loved the style. Others are looking to simply ad d to their collection, some use their airsoft guns for training or target practice. But some answers may surprise you. Many people who purchase airsoft guns are looking for a practical method of pest control in their houses. Here’s the story.
Pest Control and Airsoft Guns?
It may be replusive to some, but many people use their airsoft guns to help aid in pest control around their houses. Are there animals that dig through your trash cansmaking a mess? For others it’s that dog that wanders into your yard while your children are playing? Squirrels trying to chew their way into your roof or house? The answer for many people is simple, try and dissuade them from coming in with a low powered airsoft gun.
Spring airsoft guns, which shoot at lower speeds, should be the only way to go in this instance. It’s more humane than setting up traps, which can cause serious injury to an animal. Choose a low powered spring airsoft pistol so that if you accidentally hit the animal, it won’t hurt them. If you see the raccoons climbing into your trash can, take the airsoft gun and shoot the trash can a couple of times to scare the animal away, not to hit and hurt the animal. The point is to try and train the animal that coming into your yard or going through your trash cans isn’t okay.
Bird cannons work in much the same way trying to train the birds not to come and stay in a particular area. They don’t aim to hit and hurt the birds, but instead to scare them away. You can see how some low speed cheap airsoft guns can be a great tool for controlling the different pests in and around your house without having to hurt the animal. There are different kinds of airsoft guns which shoot pellets at a very high velocity, but you really don’t need something so strong when dealing with animals. Plus, if the animal is hit with a spring airsoft gun, it will only sting a little, to try and teach the animal not to continue in that particular action.
There are many different uses for airsoft guns besides the typical one that so many people are used to using. With a little bit of imagination, you can find other uses for airsoft guns.
Diabetics Using a Diabetic Diet Chart
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
Diabetics have to be really, awfully careful with the foods they eat. Most require to consume precise sorts of food at particular times of day, and the majority are on a set calorie diet as well. It’s impossible to maintain a tally of all of this information without utilising some kind of diabetic diet chart.
There are a different charts available, and you can simply find a copy of a diabetic diet chart by going online, in a publication from your local library, or from your doctor or nutritionist. Once you have a copy of a diabetic diet chart, you need to not to forget to always fill it out, especially when you first start dealing with the disease. Once you have gotten use to your new eating habits, you may be able to estimate your calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other intake, but when you first begin, you’ll want the chart. All you need to do is fill in the columns for the various types of food you consume and the various vitamins you bring into your body.
These diabetic diet charts are particularly significant if you are either eating way too many calories each day or not eating enough. You will be in a position to see precisely what it is you’re consuming and get an idea of precisely what amount of each meal fits into your overall diet. They are an useful tool, and you should not hesitate to start charting your diet right away.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it beused for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.
Tips on how to select a Hammock
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
Most everyone loves the idea of relaxing in their backyard or campsite on a hammock. But selecting the correct hammock for your use can be a bit challenging. Hammocks come in a wide variety of sizes, types and materials which are suited for different uses. For example, the material could be cotton, polyester or canvas. While the cotton hammock is most suited for indoor use and occasional outdoor use, the polyester hammock will stand up to almost any weather conditions with no problem. The cotton rope hammock is generally the most popular although the rope does not wear well over time if exposed to the constant outdoor environment. From personal use, I’ve always found the polyester hammocks can be bit warm during hot summer days. The rope hammocks allow a soft breeze to flow over your entire body.
Another consideration is the amount of space you have to dedicate to your new hammock. If planning for use on a deck or patio, you might consider the new hammock chairs or swings. Although the hammock chairs are not as comfortable as the standard rope hammocks, they offer the ease of hanging from a single rope and take up much less space. All true hammock chairs are made to be hung from an overhead support. Many times a porch roof beam or overhang will do the job. But as popularity has grown, some manufacturers have created stand-alone hanging systems which enable you to move your hammock chair into more open areas. They are also much more stable and might be a good option for use by children or the elderly.
If your deck is large enough, you might consider using a full size hammock installed in a hammock stand. Hammock stands might be made of wood or steel. The wood hammock stands offer a great durable and classy option and contributes to the overall appearance of your hammock. The drawback as you might expect is generally the wood hammock stand are a bit more expensive. It is easy to find package deals which includes hammock and stand. This of course makes the selection process a bit easier.
Tips To Put A Duvet In A Cover
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
Sometimes we tend to take things for granted especially when they don’t seem important. The other day I read a post about how someone was struggling with getting a freshly washed duvet cover back on the duvet. In my lifetime I have share a number of times about Pottery barn duvet covers and others and what have you but I have never really taken the time to write a post or review ( call it whatever you like) about this.
Allow me to share with you some of the easier way you can employ when doing this. Applying these tips will save you a lot of time and also damage to your white duvet cover that may be as a result of “violent” pulling and stretching.
I have met different people who do it differently but one who stood out is a woman who pratically crawls inside her king size flannel duvet cover to pull the ends of the comforter into the corners. In my opinion, this is too much work - apart from the fact that you may want to scrub the floor thoroughly first to avoid messing up your freshly washed cover this is just not right.
One easier way to do it effectively is to simply roll it up like a carpet. After you do that simply slip it into the cover and then unroll it. The next one is my favourite way of doing it. Turn the cover inside out and then line it up i.e. the corner of the quilt with the inside seam of the cover. While still holding on the corners flip it right side out and you’ll be done - just like that.
You can also buy some duvet clips. In order to use these, you need to do like above i.e. turn it inside out, line it up then put the clips at each corner at the seam. A metal clip is fine but try to find a soft foam one for best results. Once you’ve clipped them on then flip the cover back right side out.
Facing Teenage Obesity
Monday, April 27th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
There is nothing fun about it, teenage obesity is a big problem in this country and it seems to be one that is not going away any time soon. Mostly it seem that obesity in teenage girls is a bigger issue then weight problems in the boys. This, of course, is not to say that boys do not suffer from weight issues but it is just that girls seem to have much bigger problems with the excess weight gain. The thing is though; many people want to automatically blame the parents, or the food, or genetics, instead of looking at the picture as a whole.
Every person is different and there are different reasons for why teenage obesity is a problem for certain people. It really is a case-by-case issue that has to be addressed or the problem will never be solved. We cannot address the general public with the announcement that teenage obesity has gotten out of hand and tell everyone to eat better so it will all go away. It is not that simple because every person needs evaluated individually. If you know someone that is suffering from teenage obesity then you may want to help him or her but be careful about how you approach the situation.
How To Make A Difference
Each person needs to take responsibility for finding out just what it is exactly that is giving them troubles with teenage obesity. For each person, there may be different things that need to take place in order to turn the whole situation around. Some people may need to exercise more while others do plenty of that but they need to change their eating habits. For some people suffering from teenage obesity, it is more of an issue of their bodies being programmed to be a certain weight. There may be health issues that need addressed and then the teenage obesity would not longer be a problem.
If you feel that you are someone who would be considered someone suffering from teenage obesity then you need to sit down and think about your lifestyle. Simply think about the things in your life that you can make a positive change in and see where that takes you. If you are still suffering after making positive changes in your life then it may be time to speak with a health professional to see if there is not something else going on in your life that is causing you to have the weight problems that you are having.
Tour the Lake Carmi State Park and Vermont Attractions
Sunday, April 26th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
There are a lot of things to see and do while visiting Vermont! Now check out the new and exciting Vermont attractions when you travel in our vast state! Whatever you enjoy – cities, mountains, nature, or water, the State of Vermont provides exceptions variety of tourism attractions and activities. Everyone can find the perfect chance to slow down and getaway from the hectic schedule of life.
Tour Idea #1: Abenaki Tribal Museum - Swanton, Vermont. Come to Swanton and see the museum that shows the history of the Abenaki Tribe from centuries ago. The museum is located next to their tribal headquarters and welcomes visitors to learn about their culture and history. The tribal home for the Abenaki for thousands of years has centered on the Masipskiwibi (Missisquoi, “Crooked River”) River in Northwestern Vermont.
In addition to the traditional Vermont tourist attractions, there will be a variety of many exciting activities to see and enjoy. Do you enjoy camping when you were a child? You can camp and have an outdoor fun vacation. Situated within just a short drive, you can enjoy a variety of nature and natural beauty. Explore the natural wonders of the state and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it is riding the historical trails or boating or camping, there are experiences for everyone. These are just a few of the activities you will enjoy, for more ideas, watch this Vermont attractions video.
Tour Idea #2: Grand Isle State Park - Grand Isle, Vermont. Named after the largest island in Lake Champlain, Grand Isle is about 14 miles long and 3 miles wide. Known as the South Hero the island holds the Grand Isle state Park. Why the name Hero Island? Because it was named to commemorate early Vermonters who served in the American Revolution.
Balancing the entertaining attractions with the general historical attractions will organize a remarkable family vacation getaway. To make the most of your family vacation time, you may desire to consider one of the many vacation packages or tours. Most vacation packages include airfare, lodging, and auto rentals or provide a entertaining tour. Many packages include activity or theatre passes, so you can choose packages appropriate for everyone. If you are interested in antiques and heritage, there are various cultural and heritage attractions, along with museums of all types of themes.
You can save costs by visiting online tour guides. Many guides will summarize the various attractions. Quality guides will share more detail than just a short paragraph or sentence. Enjoy your adventure and explore excitement about your Vermont vacations. Experience your vacation escape and experience the chance to make family memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking for the right pet liability insurance company
Sunday, April 26th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
On the German assurance market there are different dog assurance providers. As a dog owner it is hard to find the right assurance company and plan for your special requirements. How are you able to find the right dog owner insurance at a good rate? The following web page gives a gratis comparison of German pet liability assurances: Hundehaftpflicht Versicherung Vergleich. There the client can obtain a personal dog owner assurance comparison quickly. The customer will find the right pet owner insurance quote from a great variety of insurance vendors.
Who should effect pet owner assurance? Every responsible pet owner should have a liability insurance against the possible damage. Because every pet once might cause injury. Here are a few important points which should be considered when looking for the right German pet owner assurance company online:
If your pet generates an accident or other injury, the injured party could charge you personally if you do not have a dog owner assurance. Then you will have to cover with your complete private assets for possible injury. It is not necessary to visit all the dog owner insurance suppliers by oneself when looking for a good solution. The customer can obtain an online comparison and even contract dog liability assurance on the following site: Hundehalterhaftpflicht Versicherung. Without having a pet owner assurance every dog owner carries a huge risk of liability when their furry companion once generates injury. When the pet crosses the street and generates a traffic accident, you can be held responsible for all harm to individuals and crash of autos.
Your pet owner assurance also covers the legal expenses of the injured person, which you had to pay by yourself when not having such coverance. With such insurance, the clerk of your assurance works for you on the claims made by the injured party. So you have a professional by your side to decide which claims are justified and which are not. Without having a pet liability assurance, you must deal by yourself with the demands of the injured party or you need to commission a lawyer to do so for you.
The favorable annual premium payment for a pet owner insurance protects you from a high financial risk. By arranging a cost sharing you can obtain nice savings concerning the premium payment. A pet liability assurance gives you the pleasant feeling of not being alone in case of damage and takes over a huge cost risk for you. With a liability insurance for your pet you can also get help if unauthorized demands are put on you as the owner.
Canada’s CPP Disability Benefits
Sunday, April 26th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
CPP, or Canada Pensions Plan, Disability Benefits, is a program that helps disabled people unable to work support themselves and their families. It is a very similar program to the US’s Social Security Disability Benefits program. Just like with SSI programs, in order for a person to qualify you must have worked and made enough contributions to the CPP through your weekly paycheck. It can take up to three months for your information to be approved. However, if you have a terminal condition, CPP employees will be sure that this process moves much quicker. For more information on CPP Disability Benefits, visit Service Canada’s website.
If you are receiving CPP Disability Benefits, you may have other qualifying members in your family. If you have a child under the age of 18 or a child ages 18 to 25 who is a full time student, they may also benefit from your pensions plan. To apply for such benefits, there is a special portion of your CPP application that must be filled out. Many people find that this program is much less flawed than the US’s Social Security programs, which sends the first disability check in six months. Canada’s CPP program sends the first payment within four months.
If you are applying for CPP disability benefits and you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you will have a different application process than other applicants. As a rule, the CPP and its employees will review your application within 48 hours or less. Such cases will be given priority and will be processed much quicker so that the individual can begin receiving their pensions as soon as possible. For those who qualify for CPP disability benefits in these instances, their families may be eligible for other programs such as survivor benefits, children’s benefits and death benefits.
What You Need To Know About Hearing Loss.
Saturday, April 25th, 2009 | Places | No Comments
The Colonial Center for hearing in Virginia specializing in Williamsburg audiologist offers:
The three basic types of hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This condition occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. Disease, birth injury, drugs or genetic syndromes can also be causes of Sensorineural hearing loss. Additional causes may include noise exposure, viruses, head trauma, aging and tumors.
A person suffering from this type of hearing loss may exhibit a lack of speech comprehension.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently to the middle ear, which may be caused by fluid, earwax, infection, foreign matter or malformation of the middle or outer ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Sometimes a person may suffer from conductive hearing loss combined with a Sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is known as mixed hearing loss.
A person can have a loss of hearing in one ear or in both ears. The degree of the severity of hearing loss in each ear may be equal or disparate. The loss of hearing can either occur suddenly or over a long period of time.
Some people suffer from hearing losses that fluctuate and their condition may worsen or improve erratically. This is usually caused by an ear infection causing conductive hearing loss.
The Hearing Resources in Michigan specializing in audiologists in Grand Rapids offers some signs that easily detect hearing loss.
It is difficult to understand words.
Often need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio.
You request others to speak more slowly, clearly or loudly.
You notice everyone sounds muffled.
If you suffer from any of the above, combined with a desire to withdraw from conversations or avoid social settings, it is highly likely that you are suffering from a loss of hearing.
Most hearing loss results from damage to the cochlea. This loss is usually a result of prolonged exposure to loud noises of 85 decibel or higher. A decibel is the unit used to measure degrees of loudness and is often abbreviated to dB.
Other common causes of hearing loss are:
Ear infections.
Abnormal bone growths.
Tumors of the outer or middle ear.
Ruptured ear drums.
Any signs of hearing loss should be addressed immediately by a audiologist in your area.