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Photographic Films

I was reading a blog entry about cow facts and one thing that was mentioned was that cow's gelatin is used in making photographic films. I got curious of course and I did a little searching and reading and here's what I found out: Photographic film is a sheet of plastic (polyester, nitrocellulose or cellulose acetate) coated with an emulsion containing light-sensitive silver halide salts (bonded by gelatin) with variable crystal sizes that determine the sensitivity, contrast and resolution of the film. Most of the gelatin in photographic film, which I assume is the one used to bond the silver halide salts, is from cattle bones. And here's another interesting fact, some layers in color films use gel made from pig skins.

Accessorize!

I've always been fascinated with jewelry. I just the different and unique designs that's available nowadays. One form of jewelry that I recently found out about are cufflinks. Cufflinks are jewelry that close the buttonholes of the cuff of a long-sleeved shirt. They are originally designed for men but are now also worn by ladies. I was amazed by the range of designs that are available, there's really something for everyone. And since I'm a freelance artist and don't usual wear business attire or formal wears, I'm thinking of buying some for collection. I mean, just look at these designs

Aren't they fun? So what are you waiting for, accessorize and make your usual formal or business wear simply stunning!

PhotoHunt 72: Happy

I just like to smile. Smiling's my favorite!
Buddy, "Elf" the movie
PhotoHunt

I love this photo of my nephew. I just love that grin! He looks like he's being tickled or like he trying to keep a secret and he's grinning about it! LOL! And I really love his dimples and chubby cheeks! Makes me want to squeeze his face!

Sydney and Melbourne

Planning a vacation in Australia? Why not visit Sydney and Melbourne?

Sydney is one of the world's easiest and most convenient place to visit. The city offers exciting events, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. There are tons of Sydney Hotels and Darling Harbour Hotels to choose from which are just a few minutes walk from the city center. What not to miss while there is the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour. Also, don't forget to check out Harbourside entertainment and dining for an unforgettable and unique experience.

If you have a passion for food and wine, great events and fabulous arts scene then you should visit Melbourne. It boasts of fashion stores, bars, cafés, gardens, galleries, theaters, sports stadiums, festivals... there's something for everyone in Melbourne. And if you're looking for a place to stay in the city, there are lots of Melbourne Hotels to choose from which are just minutes away from major tourism attractions. And here are what you shouldn't miss while you're in the city: Yarra River, Bourke Street, Melbourne Observation Deck, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precint.

Don't Forget Your Bandana

I like to travel and when I do I always bring my bandana with me. I usually use it as a head gear to keep my hair from my face, especially if I'm traveling on a non-airconditioned vehicle, and it also protects my hair from dust. Aside from this, bandanas has a number of other uses too, like one time I had a cut on my knee and I used the bandana to temporarily protect the cut and to stop the bleeding. It really is very practical to always bring one when traveling and here are other ways you can use it:

1. You can use it to clean your sunglasses and wipe off sweat

2. You can use it as a dask mask

3. It can be used to tie a ponytail

4. Tie a bandana to the back of your hat to keep the sun off your neck and prevent a sunburned neck.

5. When traveling by plane, tie a bandana on your luggage so you can easily identify it at the airport.

6. Very handy as first aid: bandage, tourniquet, sling, eye patch

7. When camping you can use it as a napkin, wash cloth, placemat, pot holder, to carry food, to tie food bag to tree, to cover food

8. When you're on a hot pace, you can soak it in water and use it to cool down or use it as an ice pack

9. Use it to as water or coffee filter

10. For fashion: sweat band, belt, neckerchief

These are a just a few was to use your bandana and there are hundreds more. Bandanas are very versatile so don't leave home without it when you're traveling.

Do-It-Yourself Lightbox

I've always wanted a lightbox but I thought that I might not really need it and just put my money to waste. But not anymore, I've found tons of tutorials on how to create your own lightbox. A lightbox, also called a light tent, is something you can use to distribute light when photographing a small object. There are lightboxes available at photography stores but it really is a very basic concept that you can create yourself one yourself at home. Here are a few DIY lightboxes with very simple instructions that I found on the net...

Do it yourself Project Lightbox

Studio Lighting Super Simple Light Tent

DIY Light Box

DIY Lightbox For Product Photography

Another DIY Lightbox

When I get some free time, I'll make one my own and I'll post some photos here. Hope this helps!

Reino de España

Planning a trip to Europe? Then head on to Spain.

Spain is a very beautiful country and it is generally cheaper to travel there than in most of Western Europe and Cities like Barcelona and Madrid are unforgettable. Both cities are full of sites and attractions like museums, incredible architectures, beautiful landscapes, and a really great nightlife. There are also numerous hotels in Barcelona (Hoteles en Barcelona) and hotels in Madrid (Hotels en Madrid) where you can check-in during your stay. And they have different price ranges that you're sure to find something that'll fit your budget. You can out CheaperThanHotels.co.uk for their list of hotels in Barcelona and Madrid. When traveling between Barcelona and Madrid, it is more practical to take a plane than a train, plus you will save a lot of time. Most flights are only a little over an hour while traveling by train takes about 5 and a half hours to nine hours, which is much longer than traveling by plane. Plus there are numerous stories of people having their stuff stolen and trains are always packed especially during peak season.

Some interesting sites to visit in Barcelona are the fountains of Montjuïc, Olympic Barcelona, El Poble Espanyol (Spanish Town), Parc de la Ciutadella, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the streets and squares of Barcelona, the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, L'Auditori de Barcelona, Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar, and La Mercè Basilica. In Madrid you can visit Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, Parque del Buen Retiro, Almudena Cathedral, Gran Via, ROyal Palace, Arco de la Victoria, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Cibeles, Templo de Debod, Prado Museum, Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, and Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Enjoy Spain!

Rainy Day Photo Opps

Rainy season has began and everything seems to be gray and gloomy. But don't let the rain drown your creativity and stop you from taking great photos. Here's an article I found with some tips on great photo opportunities during the rainy season.

How to Save a Rainy Day
Rain, rain, don't go away -- not when it means photos this good!
By Peter Kolonia

So, you've been planning a photo vacation for a year. Everything's set. Only problem? Now that the day has come and your plane's touched down, the weather's not cooperating: Rain, rain, rain. A disaster, right?

Not really. Step up and embrace the challenge. The photos you can capture in inclement conditions can be photos that are every bit as exciting as what you'd get from sunshine.

Read more here

Hope you'll find this article interesting and helpful. Happy shooting!