BestPhotoTip.com

Pleasant Hill Middle School in Oregon Featuring: Oliver!

2009 is the year where we will all be witnesses to the talents and showmanship of the youth in Pleasant Hill Middle School as they feature the musical Oliver! This timeless and famous musical garnered wide acclaims from theatre goers and crtiics worldwide.

The musical is loosely based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Oliver! is a British produciton and its music and lyrics are created by Lionel Bart. It was first seen in 1960 at London’s West End. The story is about a boy named Oliver who was first seen as an orphan, not knowing that his family is rich.

The theatre tells the story of how Oliver’s adventures on the streets ultimately lead him to the family he never knew existed. He managed to escaped the place after he got several beatings and ended up working as a slave to a cruel coffin maker and his equally cruel wife. He then escaped and got into a gang of pickpocketers. He was a lonely orphan before who was mistreated and half-starved by their cruel caretakers.

He met Nancy, the girlfriend of cruel Sikes and immediately kind-hearted Nancy developed a motherly affection for Oliver. They became friends together with Nancy’s sister Bet. When it was time for Oliver to practice his pickpocketing skills (he actually does not know that they are pickpocketing- he thought that they were doing handkerchief tricks), he got Mr. Browlow a wealthy old man as a victim. He got arrested but was released when found not guilty. At that time a locket was found from Oliver containing his mother’s picture (Mr. Browlow’s granddaughter) indicating that Oliver is sole heir ot the old man’s riches.

Nancy found out about the locket and set to bring Oliver to Mr. browlow but was waylaid and murdered by Sikes. The plot ended as Mr. Browlow was reunited with his long-lost grandson.

Tags: art, blogs, business, events, family, festivals, food, hobby, home, outdoors, Photographing Children, Photography, Travel Photography, women   Posted in Photography

Want to be a Model? Read First

The nude modeling industry can be cutthroat. However, with the right drive, determination, and natural gifts you can become a successful and profitable nude model. Here are a few guidelines and tips to help you break into the nude modeling industry.

One of the most important decisions you need to make is what kind of nude model you want to be. Each aspect has its own ups and downs. You could be an artistic nude model and pose for artists which is tasteful but not always as profitable.

The second kind of of modeling is lingerie and topless. This kind involves sexy poses but nothing pornographic. And the final type is pornographic. This means that you will be asked to do fake sexual acts while you are being photographed.

A nude modeling portfolio is one of the first and most important things that you will need. Versatility is key here, you also need to have a wide variety. You can get help from a professional or you can do it yourself, it is your choice. Including a wide range of different photos can make a huge difference. If you feel uncomfortable stop! Don’t be afraid to ask for the photographer’s credentials if you have a bad feeling.

Once you have a booked your first job show up prepared and be professional. Nude modeling is hard work. As with any job, be on time and ready to go. Many nude models feel they have to be drinking in order to do their best. Do not drink during the photo shoot or the night before. Your photos will not be your best and you will most likely not get asked to do more photo shoots. The most important tip for becoming a nude model is to practice. Spend an hour or two a day posing in front of a full length mirror. Practice different poses and find out what makes you look best. The better you know your body the better your photos will be.

Tags: A, ad's, art, art;entertainment, e, entertainment, h, hobbies, n, Nude Modeling, o, Photography, u   Posted in Photography

Cool Photography – Pinhole Cameras That Will Get Your Creativity Going

I am sure I’m not the only one with piles of film from my pre-digital days. I had half a fridge door full, and just couldn’t bring myself to throw it out. I needed a fun project to put it to good use.

Pinhole photography is both fun and creative, and since Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day falls on April 26 this year, now is a great time to give this technique a try.

Many of you probably made pinhole cameras in a class at some point – out of a box, a can (I used a coffee can), etc. And they work fine, but getting the film in and out in total darkness can really be a pain, and the shooting is of course total guesswork. If you’d rather load a roll of 35mm or 120 film while being able to see what you’re doing, check out these cameras:

Pinhole Blender Cameras The film cameras from Pinhole Blender look like cookie and tea tins (with 2 dials on top) and come in small, medium and large format (35mm, 120 and 4×5). The small and medium format cameras can be loaded in daylight, but the 4×5 has to be done in total darkness. The small and medium format cameras come in two configurations: with one or three pinholes and the large format with three or six. Fun, easy to use and inexpensive ($20-$80), these are great cameras for those who want to try their hand at pinhole photography.

Holga The plastic, inexpensive Holga cameras first saw the light of day in Hong Kong in 1982, and quickly gained an almost cult-like status among photographers all over the world. The Holga pinhole cameras come in two sizes: small and medium format (for 35mm and 120 film). The 35mm version has an aperture of f/175, the medium format f/192. Both have only one shutter speed – B – which stands for Bulb and means that the shutter stays open for however long you press the shutter. Thankfully, they have standard cable release and tripod threads and come with (optional) cable releases, both of which are essential to shooting with these cameras. You advance the film at your own whim – make panoramas, double (or triple) exposures, or shoot “normal” one-frame images – it’s up to you. The deluxe package, which includes either camera, 10 rolls of film and a cable release is $100.

Pinhole Resource’s Hexomniscope For a truly unique pinhole experience, check out the Hexomniscope from Pinhole Resource. This 6-pinhole, 6-shutter, round camera uses 120 film and produces 6 overlapping 60 degree images. The shutters are individually operated, but have a single release. At $1,590, it’s not cheap, but the results are stunning.

Digital Pinhole SLR All you need to use your digital SLR for pinhole photography is an extra lens cap and a drill. Find the exact center of the lens cap and drill, from inside the cap out, as tiny a hole as you possibly can. Use the lens cap instead of a lens and voila! Pinhole camera.

Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day This annual event takes place on the last Sunday of April and was started to encourage photographers all over the world to leave technology behind for a day and go out (or stay in) and take pinhole photos. Once you’ve got some shots you’re happy with, upload them to the official WPPD website for review. This isn’t a competition, and here are no prizes, but the best shots from they day, as selected by the “Coordinating Team”, are displayed online. There are tons of happenings surrounding this event both before and on April 26: workshops, exhibits, lectures and more, so if you need inspiration or want to share the day with like-minded photographers, check out the listings on the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day website.

Tags: art, camera, camera equipment, creative, digital pinhole, experimental, film, hexomniscope, holga, images, Photography, picture taking, Pinhole, worldwide pinhole photography day   Posted in Photography

Flea Market Finds for Decorating a Room

You can almost find anything in a flea market. From household items to clothing to garage equipments, the possibilities are endless. Flea markets are also the place where designers on Shabby Chic concept themes and budget friendly projects are to be seen. They are creative enough to scour for unique pieces and finds that could leave them to create a beautiful and fabulous space without spending for more.

Furniture pieces can have a new life by giving it a fresh layer of paint and providing embellishments that can also be seen on flea markets. Funky and chic wall paper can be wrapped on a piece of wood purchased from a flea market that should add character to a bedroom when used as a headboard. Hand painted knobs are great for dressing up an old armoire.

Create a focal point from your living room by reviving an old piece of door from a flea market. Coat it with fresh paint or wood stain. The door can be an excellent conversational piece and a good focal point when it is simply leaned on a living room wall. The natural wood color from the stain can blend well to the Asian theme youve been planning for your home. Accent with wicker furniture, lamps and other small accessories from the flea market and you can have a redecorated room with fewer expenses.

Springtime is a very good design concept for spaces nowadays. Pretty floral fabrics from flea market that had otherwise been labeled as outdated can make a charming comeback in your bed sheets. A small accent chair on the side can be an excellent addition in your already charming bedroom. Adorn your night table with fresh spring time flowers and crisp white translucent curtains for your windows. What a refreshing room to wake up with indeed!

At the Holiday Flea Market at Torns River, New Jersey, exciting finds are to be seen that can add function and flair to your home!

Tags: art, directory, events, fairs, family, festivals, flea markets, hobby, home, leisure, listings, new jersey, outdoors, Photography, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Moby Dick Exhibit

Moby Dick is an All-American Classic Tale. It was written in 1851 by an American novelist named Herman Melville. The story is about the battle between an angry ship captain named Ahab and a ferocious white sperm whale. Moby Dick is a story that was regarded the high value of being discussed in American schools as part of their curriculum. The tale has a curios history because it was not accepted by the mass at its release. It wasnt until 1930 when the book was republished with illustrations that it finally gained popularity.

American painter Frank Stella made several art works focusing on the concept of Moby Dick from 1985 to 1997. He created one artwork or two to each of the novels 165 chapters. The varying artworks altogether sum up to about 266 pieces of sculptures, metal relief, murals and prints. Stellas likeness and passion for the novel indeed bordered down to obsession for being able to create this massive collection. His works are currently considered as one of Americas priceless treasures.

An exhibition of the Moby Dick works by Frank Stella will happen at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Michigan. It will not feature all of the Moby Dick artworks but some 30 pieces including his acclaimed masterpiece The Fountain. The exhibit will be opened to the public and everyone is encouraged to see it on January 23 up to May 3, 2009. The event is a great time for families to enjoy and for parents to bond with their kids.

Moby Dick is a literary piece that marked itself in American History. It was a popular tale and a classic favorite. One interesting fact about the story is its inclusion of a character named “Starbuck” that is the main inspiration of the famous coffee chain. Starbuck is the young mate of Captain Ahabs ship who is the sole person who contradicts Ahabs plan to fight and kill the whale. His character was of a gentle and possibly coward nature who longs to go back home to his young wife and son.

Catch a glimpse of the exhibit. Be inspired at the talent of an all-around American artist.

Tags: art, directory, events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, michigan, moby dick, outdoors, Photography, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Handmade Crafts and Their Advantages

Handmade crafts are becoming more popular as days pass because of its unusual charm and beauty. Handmade crafts are special pieces of items because they are created with care and devotion by the crafter. Hand made crafts are usually cheap because raw materials that are used for these are safe and economical. Some people say that handmade crafts are done by housewives or hands-on moms who want to earn income at home. They are simple people who were able to turn their hobbies to money making opportunities.

Transforming the hobby of crafting to business is a piece of cake especially for people born with creativity. Creativity comes naturally and well, it runs in her blood. Creativity alone however could not make a thriving business because you need to be financial literate also to make your business last. This means that creativity and great ideas alone could not make your business thrive. Try to attend seminars and financial workshops that would make you learn more about money and how it works.

There are many handmade things that can be done like handmade soaps, handmade candles, clothes, baby diaper wipes, toys, etc. Be thrifty and make your own version of baby diaper wipes by cutting small pieces of second-hand or used cotton/ flannel fabrics. Place them in a container. Mix water with a few drops of oil and alcohol, put in empty spray. Remember that water is still the best and safest to use for wiping your babys bottoms!

Handcrafted toys are also very popular buys among craft fairs because of their charming and nostalgic appeal. It can be done simply by carving through a piece of very pliable wood. Give the wood a fresh coat of paint or perhaps, create hand painted patterns on it. Top off with a nice glaze or topcoat to give it a fresh, new look.

It is time to check out your local neighborhood crafts fair listings now to get a glimpse of crafts fairs schedules.

Tags: A, art, c, crafts, d, Destinations, directory, e, events, f, fairs, family, festivals, h, hobby, home, i, k, l, leisure, listings, o, oklahoma, outdoors, p, Photography, r, t, travel & leisure, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Want Fame & Glory? Try Your Luck In These 6 Annual Photo Contests

It’s not always easy to come up with new, creative ideas for your photos. Sometimes you need to give yourself an assignment to snap out of the old way of doing things. Submitting your photos to contests not only gives you a specific goal to work towards, you also get feedback on your work from the pros. And if you’re lucky, a prize or two to boot.

These yearly contests will give you plenty of inspiration:

Leica’s Newcomer Award For the past 30 years, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (for pro photographers only) has honored outstanding photographers from all over the world as the winners of this prestigious contest. This year, they decided to add a new category, the ” Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award”, open to “prospective professional photographers” under the age of 26. To enter, submit a series of max 12 photos depicting “the interaction between man and the environment” on or before March 1. There is no entry fee, and the Newcomer Award is $2,500 Euros, and your work exhibited in Leica’s online gallery.

International Photography Awards You’re sure to find a category that suits your tastes in this contest: there are 8 main and 51 subcategories for amateurs, and 9 main and 63 subcategories for pros. The deadline is March 27, and the cost to enter is $25 for a single image, $50 for a series and $15 for each image after that (for amateurs). A jury picks 21 category winners, and prizes include cash ($10,000 and $5,000), exhibits of your work, Lucie statues, and the winner awarded the “Photographer of the Year” prize will also be featured in (and shoot part of) a Pilsner Urquell documercial in the Czech Republic!

Underwater Photo and Video Competition This competition is open to amateurs only, and if you enjoy diving and snorkeling, it’s definitely one to put on your “submit list”. There are 5 photo categories: Conservation, Majestic, Togetherness, Macro, and Wide Angle, and they are obviously looking for photos taken underwater. And check out the prizes: diving trips to the Solomon Islands, the Cayman Islands, Bonaire, Hawaii, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Honduras, hotel stays and dive packages in several different (exotic) locations, equipment, gift cards and much more. The entry fee is $10/image, and you can enter as many as you like. The Underwater Images competition is a non-profit corporation and all proceeds from this competition go to marine conservation, education, and scholarships, so this is money well spent. The deadline is April 1, but for an additional $5/image, you can enter as late as April 10.

2009 National Wildlife Contest This is the 39th annual photo contest held by National Wildlife Magazine, and they welcome pros, amateurs and youths (13-17). The categories are: Mammals, Birds, Other Wildlife, Backyard Habitats, Connecting People and Nature, Landscapes and Plant Life, and, new for 2009, Global Warming and Wildlife. It’s $15 to enter, and you may submit up to 20 photos before the July 20 deadline. The fee also includes a one-year membership to National Wildlife Federation AND six issues of the magazine, so it’s quite a bargain! Prizes include cash ($1,000 and $5,000), field guides, calendars, and your photo(s) online and in print.

World In Focus National Geographic’s annual competition welcomes both amateurs and professionals, and you can enter your photos (as many as you want) in the following categories: Travel Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place, Spontaneous Moments, and Photo Essay. The deadline is usually in August or September (the date has not been announced for 2009 yet), and the cost to enter is $12/photo for amateurs. Past prizes have included trips to Antarctica and Chile, a cruise aboard the Maine Windjammer, photo workshops in Mexico, cameras and gear. You also get your images displayed on the National Geographic website and a gallery exhibit. I have to admit that competition here is always really stiff, but don’t let that scare you – if you don’t enter, you can’t win!

Islands Magazine’s Annual Photo Contest For those who love to travel, entering this competition, where the best island photo wins, is a must. Not only will you have a great excuse to travel so you can get the shots you need to enter (unless you’re lucky enough to live in an island paradise already), the winners are awarded trips to fabulous locations. We just missed the deadline for 2009 (it was January 31), but that gives you almost a year to work on your submission for 2010. Keep an eye on their website for updates.

Tags: annual, art, award, competition, craft, Digital Photography, international, Photo contest, Photography, underwater, underwater photography, visual arts, wildlife, wildlife photography   Posted in Photography