5 Ways to Improve Your Pictures Today

Tired of taking fuzzy images? Do you always cut off someone’s head in the pictures you’re taking? Is your foreground always out of focus? Many people give up on photography and claim they’re simply no good. But, like all things taking good quality images takes practice. Photography is an art and you wouldn’t expect to sit down and recreate the Mona Lisa would you? Of course not! It would take many, many attempts and you still may not capture it. While you work on expanding your online photo galleries take these five ways to improve your images into consideration right away.

1. Read Your Manual and then Find More. How many of us actually read the instruction manual when we get something new? Not very many. But this is your best resource while you’re learning how to operate your camera. Read through it front to back and practice what it’s telling you. Make note of the things you don’t understand or remain unclear and then search for additional resources to learn from.

2. Take Pictures and Lots of Them. The only way you’re really going to get better is to take more pictures. You need to practice photographing many different things in different lighting and situations. Look for new angles; stand on a chair, lay on the ground, shoot through a window. Whatever you choose don’t just stick with what you know – challenge yourself!

3. Use a Tripod. This a small investment to make but can go a long way to taking better images. Tripods stabilize your camera and allow you to adjust the settings without moving the camera itself. Even a small movement can change the settings. Not an issue with the tripod.

4. Look for Natural Light. A photographer’s best friend is good light. The right natural light can really make for the best image possible. However you’re forced to work with the light you have. Use shade, shadows and even a low cost reflector to play with the light and frame your image. Learning how to use natural light will be very helpful should you decide to ever shoot in a photography studio.

5. Limit Yourself. Just like taking lots and lots of pictures will help you hone your skills limiting yourself can do the same. Why not give yourself a month long, photo a day project. Allow yourself to only take one image each day. You’ll need to really focus on getting the shot right because you’ve only got one! If you think you may cheat, why not revert back to a film camera for the experiment? That way you’ll really only be allowed one shot! This could be a really great project for a scrapbook or dedicated web photo album.

Having all the best photo equipment in the world makes no difference if you don’t have any idea how to use it. But taking small steps every day to improve your photography skills will have you on your way to becoming a talented photographer.

5 Tips to Take Better Family Portraits

If your family is preparing to take the annual family picture or you’re a photographer who wants to take more portraits there are some easy tips to incorporate into your style that will take your pictures from good to great and enhance your web photo albums.

Get Rid of the Matching Outfits

Not too long ago it was common to see family photographs that had each member of the family in an identical, or almost identical outfit. Please do yourself a favor and avoid this! There’s nothing wrong with monochromatic outfits, keeping with the same color scheme or finding similar looking outfits but let each person’s personality shine through in the images. You’re not posing for a clothing catalog!

Arrange People Naturally or Staggered

Also long gone is the standard staged studio shot. Make your appearance natural. Let the photo subjects spread out and act in a natural way. Some of the best pictures aren’t shot face on with everyone smiling. It might be a parent gazing at a child or children playing together and not even looking into the camera. If the family does want a more traditional portrait, don’t line them up. Instead put them at different angles and stagger their heads to create a natural looking picture. You could even have them all laying down and focus on just the faces. The options are endless.

Capture Expression and Interaction

Smiles are great but what if the children of the family are having a great time laughing and playing with each other. Avoid the staged smile and capture things as they naturally unfold. Your photo galleries will display a diverse range of emotions and images if you capture things as they happen. You may not even want to stage anything but simply follow around your subjects for a period of time, taking pictures as things happen.

Use Favorite Objects or Activities

Does the family love horseback riding? Are they board game enthusiasts? Let the personality of each person and the family itself come through in the pictures. Encourage them to do the things that they normally do and bring with them to the site those items they love. Capture dad and son tossing a baseball. Lay out a blanket for a picnic and take pictures of the event. Whatever it is that really speaks to them that’s what will make for a great photograph.

Have Fun!

This is the most important thing, especially when children are involved. No one wants to sit for an hour or more doing something they hate. You’ll never get the image you want if kids are tired or bored. Make the event fun and interesting. Move to different locations. You might even want to let kids be involved in choosing the places they want to be photographed. The easier you can make it the better the pictures will be!

Taking family portraits can be a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll be left with pictures that are beautiful and truly meaningful.

How Do You Share Your Photos?

Sometimes we can take so many photos especially in the summer as we travel, hit the beach and are having fun. But how do you share those photos with those you love? Sometimes the images lie stored on an SD card or on your phone and don’t get shared.

So how do you share yours? Many of today’s smartphones and even cameras are WIFI equipped making sharing simple across online platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Using Facebook or Instagram is an easy way to share your photos but sometimes not all of them get posted. So what do you do with all those photos?

Sharing is caring, especially where family members are concerned. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and even cousins love to share in the joy of your special moments so what are the best ways to share your photos?

There are several sites that offer an online website photo album. You can always store and share your photos from one of these. If a photo is worth a thousand words you really do want to be able to collect your photos are share them.

Synching your photos to an online photo album is now simple and easy and many of them allow you to email your photo album links to family and friends and some even allow for curating from already shared photos on Instagram and Facebook, and other social sharing sites.

There are lots of ways you can share your photos. Just make sure you upload them to your photo album. Did you know you once in an album it is easy to organize them. You can have one for a vacation, another for a back to school inspiration list, another for even your favorite recipes.

So what are some of your favorite ways to share your favorite photos?

EBooks: A Low-Maintenance Business that Can Deliver Big Profits

One profitable idea to make money online is through the sale of eBooks. They require very little cost upfront and can provide great revenue. You will need to invest time and energy to make it happen but once the book is written it can deliver income continuously with very little effort.

So, What are EBooks?

If you’re not familiar with EBooks, they are digital reading media that is easy to pass along to others. Many people are opting for electronic books over printed books for several reasons. EBooks can be long or short, and can be published by a publishing house or you could self-publish your own eBook. EBook files are stored on your computer or digital device and don’t take up physical space. You can have access to an eBook in seconds after purchase.

Do you like to write? Then this is right up your alley. But eBooks don’t have to be limited to the written word. Clear out your online photo galleries and set up a photography book. If you have a way with words or photographic talent for capturing readers, you can use eBooks to bring a profit to your blog or website.

You’re probably wondering what is this going to cost. The good news - the cost to you is negligible. If you already have a website, you have access to the Internet and likely the software that is needed to make an eBook. There are lots of websites and books online that can guide you through the process of writing, formatting, and publishing your eBook.

When it comes time to start thinking about pricing there are a few variables. You may be able to charge more for longer books or you may command a good price for shorter eBooks that provide very concise and valuable information. If your book is packed with high quality images and advice from your online photo galleries then people may be willing to pay more.

Selling EBooks

Now that you have gone through the hard work of writing and formatting your eBook you have to get it into the hands of people. Marketing your eBook follows the same lines as marketing your website or blog. Some ideas might include creating an article series for your website that are based around your eBook. You can also write guest posts for other websites or purchase advertising on other websites to get out the word. Don’t give away everything in your articles, give just enough information to have the reader wanting to know more. You want them to purchase the full book! So don’t forget to mention the eBook and link to your website in each article.

To make things easy for customers, link your eBooks with your checkout process. Once a payment is processed, they should receive a link via email to automatically download the product. It might seem daunting to tackle writing an eBook but start small and work your way up to larger projects.   

Technology Activities for Kids

Lots of of parents today are looking for ways to get their kids away from technology.  Everyone is so connected it is important to take a break. However technology can really aid with learning. Instead of completely eliminating technology activities consider allowing children set amounts of time for specific activities. This way you know what they're doing, how long it is for and can be sure it's of value as well. Educational games, research projects based around their interests and watching short, educational videos are a few technology based activities worth considering.

If you have an iPad or tablet, select and download the games you feel comfortable with. Don't allow any apps or games you wouldn't want them spending time on. When they are permitted technology time they can only choose from the items available to them.  What interests do they have? Let them do research and create a web photo album to document what they have discovered and learned or put together a slideshow to share. If you're planning a family vacation out each child in charge of researching a destination and present it to the family.

With a web photo album they can also track things they want to do with an online wish or bucket list.

Finally allow them a short amount of time to watch educational videos. You'll be able to find many on YouTube but be sure to supervise that that is the only thing they are watching. There are other video apps that only show educational videos as well. You might also consider free time where they are permitted to do as they choose for a specific time. Let them roll over their unused time to a large chunk if theres something they really want to do like play a long video game or watch a full length movie. You'll need to make adjustments to these suggestions based on your child's age and needs but setting good technology guidelines early will make things easier later on.

Planning a Picture Perfect Picnic

Do you want to pack a picnic worthy of the coveted cover shot for your web photo album? It's much easier than you might think. Taking a little time to plan and select items to complete  your delicious food will ensure a picture perfect event you won't soon forget.

First, decide how many people will be in attendance and what if any food and drink restrictions they may have. Create a list to keep on hand as you menu plan and shop so that you don't forget. Next make a menu plan. What you pick for food may depend on the time of day for your picnic and the time of year. Try to choose foods that can be kept at room temperature instead of items that must be kept cold or hot. It is difficult to regulate temperatures when you are outside and you don't want to deal with the hassle of keeping lots of ice at hand or finding electrical plugs to keep things hot. One other consideration is to choose foods that can be eaten with hands instead of needing utensils. This is not the time or place for fancy items! Sandwiches, food on sticks, cut up fruit and vegetables, and dips are good ideas.


After you have the menu set it's time to consider the presentation. For a traditional picnic gather plenty of blankets to lay on the ground. You may also want to first cover the ground with a tarp.  Nothing will ruin a picnic faster than a soggy bottom! Next find some cushions to lean or sit on. Outdoor dinnerware, cups, and utensils that coordinate are a nice touch. You may decide to arrange some low tables with pitchers and cups for drinks. A radio or MP3 player with some soft music is a nice touch. If the picnic will stretch into the evening, have some lights like candles or tiki torches to provide light and keep away insects.

If your picnic will be  held in a park pavilion or another structure, you can be a bit more inventive. You may have access to electrical outlets so that some more hot items can be included in your menu. If your guests have tables to sit at, the food choices can be a bit more creative and use more utensils.

During the picnic invite your attendees to take pictures with a digital camera you provide. You can always curate the photos taken and shared for your web photo album. Consider setting up an outdoor photo booth with props to dress up. You won't be stuck as the photographer throughout the event and will still have lots of pictures to remember the event.

When you're finished encourage everyone to help clean up by providing plenty of garbage and recycling receptacles. To thank them for a nice evening, send thank you cards with a link to your online photo galleries with pictures from the event. It may take a little more  planning and work to set up a picnic party in comparison to a house party but it's one sure way to have lots of unique memories.

A Cooking Adventure for Couples

Looking for date ideas to share with your partner? One idea is to plan a romantic cooking adventure. It will allow you both to learn different kinds of cuisines, give you a project to collaborate on, and it will be a lot of fun! Keep your camera close by because you’ll want to add these memories to your web photo album.

How to Set Up the Date

You will need a few days during the week to complete your adventure. Scheduling it for every Monday and Wednesday, or every Saturday puts it on your calendar and makes it something to look forward to. On that night, you'll learn together how to cook one or two dishes from a specific kind of cuisine. One night could be sushi rolling or another night could be making fresh pasta from scratch. The basic idea is to select new meals that neither of you know how to make and learn it together.

You’re sure to have a lot of good (or maybe not so good!) food, laughter, and fun. You can take pictures while you’re cooking and after to remember the night. Create a special web photo album to store all the images from these evenings. You may want to include links to or typed directions of the recipes you used.

Who’s The Boss? 

For each evening designate who will be the lead chef and who is the sous chef. This can create an interesting dynamic for couples. One day one person is in charge and the next, the tables are turned! Having this division also helps keep things moving along. The job of the lead chef is to make most of the decisions like choosing the recipes, deciding where and which ingredients to buy, and direction in the kitchen. While the sous chef assists the chef in every step along the way.

Getting Started 

Before embarking on this challenge make a list of the different dishes that you've both always loved but never thought you could learn how to cook. Maybe you’ve always loved French food but making sauces is just overwhelming. You may have cast aside the thought of ever learning!  Taking the time to learn together will show you what you’re capable of alone and as a couple.

If you’re feeling like you’re not ready to try making things alone, look for local cooking classes that you both can enroll in. There are also a lot of YouTube videos that can walk you through recipes. Most importantly don’t be afraid to try!

Open Your Doors and Your Table

After you’ve mastered a few recipes together and are confident with your skills why not invite over others to join the fun. Invite others to cook with you and turn the cooking nights into a small gathering with friends. Or you could simply invite friends or family over for a dinner party to showcase your new skills. This can be an even bigger challenge for you as a couple.

3 Cheap Summer Vacation Ideas

If you want to take a vacation this summer you don’t have to plan for a far flung getaway. There are many ideas that will cost much less and still guarantee you will have a lot of fun and a chance to escape your day to day life. Making long lasting memories to share and preserve in your online photo galleries is right around the corner!

Here are three ideas for the kinds of vacations you can take.

Camping

This is THE summer vacation isn’t it? All you need is a tent or two (or even borrow one from a friend or family member). Invest a little money in food, an expense you would have at home anyway, and rent a camping spot. Kids will love sleeping outside, cooking over the campfire and maybe even swimming in the lake. Who knows it might become a regular family activity!

Take a Road Trip

If you have a large family you know driving is cheaper, often much cheaper than flying. It also gives you the chance to enjoy the journey and see things you’d otherwise be flying over. Take lots of pictures along the way for your web photo album.

Try to make frequent stops. Kids can get a little antsy if they're asked to sit in a car for many hours at a time. If you can find fun things to do every few hours rather than drive for long distances at a time, that'll go a long way towards preserving your sanity.

Visit a Family Member

Today’s families are spread out all over the world. Get in touch with some of your family members and see if they would be open to a visit. Hopefully they’ll be willing to open their home and allow you to stay with them. Not only will you be able to have a nice visit, your kids will have the chance to get to know this part of their family and the place where they live.

10 Tips for Your New Pet

Getting a new pet is a big decision and a lot of responsibility. But, it is also a fun and rewarding experience for adults and children. Once you’ve made the decision and purchased a new pet consider some of these tips as you learn how to be a new pet parent!

1. Diet. It’s important that your new pet has the right nutrition through all stages of life. Do plenty of research online to discover what they need and be sure to talk with your veterinarian continuously as the animal grows so the right changes can be made.

2. Behavior. Some animals like lizards or birds require very little work when it comes to behavior. However if you have a new puppy or kitty there may be more effort involved. You may want to take your animal to behavior classes so that they can be trained how to act appropriately.

3. Medical Health. It’s very important that your animal receive the necessary care and attention it needs from a medical professional. Regular vaccinations and other treatments may be needed. Schedule these appointments as you would for a family member or child. It’s very important they happen regularly and on schedule.

4. Memories. Very quickly your animal will grow and you’ll forget what it was like. Create a special web photo album to save your pet memories. Begin taking pictures when they first became a part of your family and document their growth along the way! Soon your online photo galleries will be full of photos of your new pet.

5. Legal Documents. In many towns and cities animals are required to be registered. Be sure that you follow all local and state laws regarding which animals you can own and what documentation is needed for the animal.

6. Weather. Before you purchase a pet you should have done some research on the type of climate that animal lives in and whether they will be best suited to living where you do. For example a parrot may not be the best choice for someone that lives in Alaska. Even if your pet is a good fit for your climate it needs special attention when there are extremes like a heat wave or cold snap. Protect your animal from the elements as much as possible.

7. Poisons. Different animals react differently to foods and other elements. You should know what is dangerous for pet and take extra care to keep it out of the home and away from them.

8. Emergency Numbers. Just like with humans you need to know who to call in case there is an emergency. Be sure to have numbers to your veterinarian, animal hospital, and local animal shelter on hand. This way if your pet is sick or goes missing you immediately know who to call and won’t have to waste time searching for numbers.

9. Space. You’ll need to have enough space for your new pet. Some animals only take up a small space, like a cage. However others need a lot of space. Even animals of the same species have different needs so be sure you give them exactly what they need.

10. Love. Most of all give your pet the love and attention it needs!

6 Tips for Backyard Camping

Summer is here and that means lots of picnics, swimming, and vacations. If you find yourself a little strapped for cash this year, don’t fret. You can still enjoy the season without breaking the bank. One fun way to “take a vacation” is to set up a tent in your backyard and go camping! This is an inexpensive way to make memories to fill your online photo galleries, relax, and enjoy summer. Here are six ways to get started.

1. Set a Date. Yes this seems obvious but like all vacations if you fail to put it on the calendar chances are it simply won’t happen. Treat this just like a vacation where you’re headed out of town to ensure you have everything completed so you can enjoy your time. Take care to get everything out of storage ahead of the big campout. You may want to double check the weather too!

2. Meal Plan. What’s a campout without food? Sure you have your kitchen right inside but make this as real of a campout as possible. Set up a portable fire pit or use an in ground fire pit if you have one. Plan to cook your food over the fire just like you would if you were away cooking. Don’t forget to have plenty of marshmallows on hand for roasting.

3. Games. Shut down all of your technology and instead play games, sing songs, or share stories. This is a great time to disconnect and enjoy the people around you. What are some of your favorite outdoor games? Horseshoes, bean bag toss, and Frisbee are just a few ideas. You could create giant soap bubbles with your kids, build an obstacle course, take a photo walk and see who ends up with the best online photo gallery, or have relay races. The options are really endless.

4. Capture the Event. When you go somewhere on vacation you always make sure to bring your camera to capture the memories – well don’t forget your camera for a backyard campout! Sure you’re not somewhere exotic but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to remember this time. Create a new web photo album to share your summer at home. Who knows maybe you’ll inspire other family and friends to stay closer to home the next time they’re planning a vacation.

5. Don’t let the Fun Stop in the Dark. When night falls don’t crawl into the tents just yet! Spend some time star gazing or playing flashlight tag! Enforce a no bed time rule and let kids play until they fall asleep on their own. That’s what vacation is for right?

6. Rise and Shine. Good Morning! You made it through the night! Cook a hot breakfast over the coals or pack everyone up and head to your favorite breakfast restaurant to enjoy a hot meal. Even the cheapest vacation deserves a little bit of a splurge!

Now that your vacation is done have everyone help pick up the camp and pack it away until next time. Or, make a full weekend out of the backyard camping adventure. Just don’t forget to upload your pictures to your online photo galleries when it’s all said and done!

Creating an Online Time Capsule

When a major milestone occurs either in day to day life or according to the calendar, creating a time capsule is a good way to remember the event. How many traditional time capsules were buried in the year 2000? Or when a town celebrates 100 years of existence-or more? What about high school graduating classes that bury their memories for future generations to unearth.  Today there's no need to bury physical objects when online photo galleries can be created to do the same thing.

Instead of relying on physical objects photographs of important items need to be gathered. This can be done through a web search or by actually photographing the desired objects. Include a good variety of items. What was popular in music? Clothing? What did your city look like? What were people doing for work and for fun? What were some favorite foods? You may want to include recipes too. Think of what people 50 years ago would have eaten, chances are it has changed today. People in the future may want to try making your favorite foods! Don't forget to include highlights of items in the news both Iocal, national, and international.

You don't have to stop at images.  You can also include video. Maybe a short tour of the  local schools, parks, or hot spots would be interesting. Interview some prominent people in your community as well as the everyday “man on the street” to get their perspective. Have questions prepared ahead of time so that you are able to of get an interesting sample of similar questions. You're only limited by your imagination! When everything has been collected assemble it in your web photo album.  Leave directions with your local library or somewhere that it will be remembered and checked on regularly. Over the years updates may need to be made to save the information.

Tips to Capture Wedding Memories

It's one of the most memorable days of your life but the time goes by very quickly and without a good plan and an excellent photographer those memories may fade faster than you would like. Along with creating photo galleries after the event here are a few ideas to make sure your big day is documented and remembered for years to come.

1.Hire a Good Photographer. It is really true that in most cases you get what you pay for. Begin looking for a photographer well ahead of your big day and get to know them. Make sure they share your vision and you're clear on what they will do leading up to, on your wedding day, and deliver afterwards so there are no surprises. If you can't afford a professional photographer talk to friends who may be amateur photographers or get recommendations for photographers that might work for an exchange. If you have a skill or service to offer they may be willing to trade or give you a discount.

2.Encourage Guests to Take Pictures. Your photographer can't capture everything and some candid shots from your guests may end up being your favorites.  Create a web photo  album that has access for guests to upload their pictures after the event. This way you can have all of the images in one place.

3.Think Outside the Box. There are standard pictures that are taken at every wedding but if you want something different discuss this with your photographer and come up with some new ideas. Think of things that are important to you and your fiancé and what captures your personalities.

4.Take the Pictures. Even if you think you don't want the hassle of posing for pictures you may look back in a few years and wish you had spent more time documenting your wedding day. Parents and other loved ones may also want nice photos to remember.

5.For years ahead you will look back at your web photo album to see all the captured memories of your special day. 

Bedroom Organizing Ideas

Doesn’t it feel like when your bedroom is organized, your whole day starts out better?  Not only is it easier to rest, but you’ll feel more relaxed and peaceful when you come home. Let’s face it a room full of clutter is not comforting! It might seem daunting to tackle a disorganized and cluttered room but once you do, you’ll be much happier.

Toss the Trash

It should be so simple to toss the receipts and scraps of paper that quickly takeover the dresser but what if you’re saving them for tax time or need to return something? For those receipts you need, place them in a basket or box and regularly scan and upload them to an online web photo album. That way when it comes to be tax time you’ll have a digital record of your receipts. Regularly sort through your papers and toss out anything that you truly don’t need or have already been recorded. Keep a trashcan close by to make this task easy.

Have a barrage of photos laying around the bedroom? Why not create an online web photo album.

Revenge of the Clothing Piles

Dirty laundry should immediately go in the laundry basket and once it’s full don’t hesitate moving it to the laundry room. Once the laundry has been washed and dry fold it while taking it out of the dryer or place it on hangers. If you immediately put it away it will be out of sight and out of mind. Avoid the temptation to “do it later.” We all know that time rarely comes!

Closet Organizing 101

Are your dresser drawers cramped with clothes? Do you have a pile of shoes in the corner of your room or filling up the floor under your bed? Does your closet look more like a tornado came through than a cohesive space? If this is the case then you’re certainly not going to find a sense of peace in your room. Closets are a space to tuck everything away neatly so it’s not causing you unneeded stress. There are many different closet organizers available, just like there are lots of ways to set up your closet. Choose something that is simple and fits all of your needs. That way you’ll be most likely to use it properly! Not to mention that by hanging things up and keeping them tidy, clothes and other items will likely last longer.

Drop and Run

When you’re in a hurry it’s easy to toss things on the bed and run. How many times have you changed your shirt and left the first one at the end of the bed? Or last nights’ jeans sitting on the bedspread after you crawled under the covers? Take the extra minute to put things in the proper space to keep your living space nice and neat.
By keeping your room organized and clean you will be on your way to a more restful nights’ sleep. Not only that you may discover you enjoy spending time with your loved one in the bedroom or time alone relaxing in your room.

5 Great Mobile Photo Editing Apps

If you’re one of many who rely on their mobile phone to take images you’ve probably been searching for a mobile editing app to take your pictures from good to great. You want amazing pictures to upload to your web photo album! Some of our favorite mobile editing apps include;

Snapseed – To use Snapseed requires a little patience and a bit of learning curve but it’s capabilities are impressive for a mobile tool. Adjustments are made by swiping left to right or up and down. Once you have adjusted the appearance to what you like there are multiple options to save or upload the image to social sharing platforms, and from there it’s very easy to curate to a web photo album.

Filterstorm – This is a more high tech editing app allowing you to make changes to gradient, selecting opacity, and the ability to add up to five layers. Along with basic features like cropping and adjusting the ratio of the final image your pictures will be ready as soon as you upload them.

Pixlr-O-Matic – This app is more about adding to images than adjusting the actual quality. There are over 100 effects available and 200 border styles. You can easily export the images for social sharing.

Camera+ - Not only can you edit with Camera+ you can take pictures as well by using the included 6x zoom and gridlines to line up your images. Retouch, recolor, and apply filters to enhance images once they’ve been taken and easily share via the app.

Litely – This is one of the newest photo editing apps and is incredibly easy to use. The functions are basic but to make simple changes to pictures it’s all you will really need. You can start out with the free app and range of tools and purchase additional filter packs for $1.99 each.

Most of these apps work on both Apple and Android IOS.

Create a Grab and Go Emergency Pack

What do you do as soon as an emergency strikes? What if you only had a few minutes to get the most important things to you and leave the house? Most of us wouldn’t know where to start and would be grabbing at straws. Instead create a pack that is stocked and ready to go in case of an emergency or sudden evacuation happens. You can even prepare your documents ahead of time by creating dedicated online photo galleries where your important documents and photographs are scanned and saved. Here are some tips for things to remember when planning your own family's emergency packs.

Each member of your household should have his/her own pack with essentials, plus any specific items they need.  If you have children, prepare the essentials for their packs first and then talk with them to discuss any special items they would also like to include – items like a stuffed animal for comfort can be just as important as emergency survival gear.

Purchase or find a durable backpack for each survival pack. If you have small children you won’t want to over pack their bags. They won’t be able to carry as much weight as an adult. You may have to walk a distance, so it's important to plan for this comfort. Backpacks with lots of pockets are very handy to separate and store specific items.

Some of the items you should make sure to include are;

Water - FEMA recommends that each person have 1 gallon of drinking water per day. It’s important to be sure everyone stays properly hydrated. You may struggle to find clean drinking water. One gallon of water is 128 ounces, which is about 6 to 8 store-bought bottles depending on the size of the bottles. You can purchase portable small filters and water cleaning tablets which will take up less space.

Food - Pack nonperishable airtight packaged food. Things like granola, trail mix, snack and protein bars, beef jerky, nuts, dried fruit, or individually canned meat along with a manual can opener are good ideas. Plan enough to last several days.

Clothes – You’ll want to have a few options including plenty of clean socks, underwear, thin layers of shirts, a windproof and/or waterproof jacket, and a hat.  In a disaster situation you may have to walk for long distances, so, if your budget allows, pack an extra pair of good walking shoes.

Shelter - If you have a small pop up tent, this is the best solution. Include one small roll of plastic sheeting in each person's pack to form a waterproof layer on the ground for sitting and sleeping just in case you need to sleep outdoors.

What else should you pack? 

Besides water, food, and shelter, there are essentials that everyone should have access to when an emergency situation occurs. You’ll want to have a notebook with a list of all of your important passwords to things like your web photo album. If you’ve scanned your important documents you’ll need access to them.

Copies of identification, or any other important papers you may need, in a Ziploc plastic bag or waterproof containers can be very important. Write out and laminate one card for each person with important information.

Pack each bag carefully and mark with each person’s names. Regularly evaluate and update your packs. In the event of an emergency evacuation, each person can easily see which pack is theirs and will be able to grab it. You may never need to put these packs to the test, but isn't it better to know that they are ready if you do?

Craft Ideas Using Pictures

Your online photo galleries are overflowing with images that you have been taking over the years. Sure you open up the files and look at them from time to time and maybe even print some. But there are some fun crafts that you and your kids can do using these pictures!

Picture Puzzles
Let your kids pick out some of their favorite pictures and print them out in a large size. Place the picture onto a hard object like cardboard or even an old cereal box. Then cut out the shapes into a puzzle. Kids will have a blast putting the picture back together!

Family Coloring Book
Take some of your favorite pictures and resize them to a sheet of paper. Adjust the balance so that it displays as a sketch. You can do this on most photo editing programs. Print and color!

Magnets
Magnets are quick and easy to make. Simply purchase heavy duty magnets and hot glue. Select the images that you like and adjust the size. You will likely need to back them with something sturdy before cutting them out – like cardboard. Glue magnet to the back and you’ve got unique magnets!

Calendars 
Every year you might sink a big chunk of money into a new wall calendar. Use your own images to make them this year. This also makes a great gift. Pick a different picture for each month and have them printed at a copy shop or through an online company. You’ll typically be able to do this for less than purchasing a calendar and if you order several get a discount too.

So don’t let those web photo albums sit full of unused images! There are plenty of ways to make use of your pictures. Plus, you’ll enjoy them much more when you can see them

How to Select a Photographer for Your Family Portraits

You have to make a lot of choices every day, so when it comes time to pick who will take your family pictures it can seem easy to just choose the photographer with the lowest rates and run with it. You might luck out and get great pictures, or you could have sunk your money into a waste of time. To make your decision easier, here are some tips to find the best photographer to add to your web photo album.

What kind of credentials do they have?

There’s no official licensing that makes someone a professional photographer but there is training that photographers take. Does the person have a degree in photography? Have they taken any courses in photography? Some people are self-taught and naturally good. They should have a portfolio of work available and references you can contact. Do it if you’re unsure. Find out what the experience was like for that person and if their situation is similar to yours.

How long have they been working?

If the person is a relatively new photographer that is still building their photo galleries, then you may be able to get a better deal if you’re willing to take the chance. Maybe they did a different type of photography. If someone was a commercial product photographer they may have the technical skills to take photographs but that doesn’t mean they’ll be a great portrait photographer.

What is their Style?

You want to find a photographer that matches your style. Does the person shoot in a studio or do they prefer to work outdoors? Are they willing and able to shoot off the cuff or do they prefer to always use a tripod. Do they like kids or not? Do they prefer a natural feel or a more posed feel? Flipping through their portfolios will give you a good idea of their style and you should take the time to do this. Ask them lots of questions on their style as well as ideas they have for you and your family.

Are they invested?

Some photographers are very busy and crank through clients. While others may still be busy but take their time to get to know you and what you want. Chances are you’ll want the latter. They should spend time getting to know you and what you really want out of your photographs. This is a major investment and a good photographer recognizes this. They should want to form a relationship where you’ll come back for newborn portraits, special occasions like graduation and wedding photographs instead of just a one off opportunity.

Sometimes it will cost you more to get good quality. This is an investment and you should be prepared to pay a good photographer well for their time and expertise. Interview several different photographers that fit into your budget range and keep an eye out for any specials your photographer of choice may offer. You could get in on something great! 

Budget Dorm Decorating

Heading to college this year? It’s an unwritten rule that dorm rooms are boring. Typically the 12 x 12 boxes are plain with bad lighting and if you’re lucky you have a bed and a desk – oh and maybe a closet too. But think of it is a blank canvas to add your own touch to. Start by creating a web photo album now with ideas of styles you like. You can pull up the images while you’re shopping to get inspiration and find the right pieces for your room.

You won’t be able to paint your walls, but you can add reusable decals, posters, or other wall art. Add the items that speak to you – but don’t forget you may need to check with your room mate before you go overboard. If you want to make an investment your bed may be the place to do it. Dorm beds are not known for being comfortable. Buy some bedding that you love, throw pillows, and maybe an accent rug to dress things up.

Ask if you’re allowed to loft your bed. Make sure to include images in your online photo galleries that show rooms in this style. You’ll get a lot more room by raising your beds. Don’t forget storage is at a premium so buying organizers or a dresser is something to consider.

Floor lamps and mirrors are a few other pieces that can really make your dorm feel homier. Don’t forget to bring items which remind you of your family or life at home. Pictures and plants are a few things that may help you with homesickness but also make your dorm feel more like a home than a hotel room. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve these things. Watch sales during the summer and hit up thrift sales to find great deals.

Creating Books Using Your Images

Have loads of pictures taking up your online photo galleries? Why not turn them into a book? There are many services that will help you turn your digital pictures into a printable photo album but what I’m talking about is a little different. There are many ways to take web photo album to physical book. Here are some great ways.

Alphabet Board Book

If you have a little one you can create a unique board book that will not only help them learn their alphabet but also recognizing family members or other objects. Purchase a board book, they’re often sold at craft stores or can be purchased online. Then scale and print the images you’ll be using. Use craft seal to adhere them to each page. You can either hand write or print each alphabet letter onto the picture. Try to have them correlate to something in the picture. Let the book dry and you have a unique and wonderful book!

Picture Book

Have you looked at the cost of picture books lately? A hardcover book can easily cost $20+.  Instead why not make your own? Take a series of images, maybe it was your last trip to the zoo or vacation. Sequence them together and add text onto the pictures just as you would find in a picture book. Print and have it bound or do it yourself. Your child will have a truly unique book. If your children have names that aren’t often found in books this can be a great way to give them a story that has a character with the same name!

There are lots of other ways to turn your images into books. In fact you may be able to sell your creations to publishers or others looking for something similar! A great money making opportunity to consider. 

Be Prepared For an Emergency With The Proper Tools

When an emergency or disaster strikes, people often first think about the manual labor they’ll need to do to deal with the situation.  Clearing trees, branches, dirt, snow, ice, and debris from your yard or living area may be your first chore after a disaster.  It’s impossible to prepare for every emergency imaginable, but if you know the types of possible natural disasters that can happen, you can plan and prepare wisely for those events. This preparation includes having the right tools available. This includes preparing all your documents for an emergency by putting them somewhere like a web photo album.

You may have to move around to different locations to help yourself or others, so it’s a good idea to have some lightweight, multi-use tools on hand. You'll find many styles on the market that provide several functions in a single tool.  A basic list of tools for emergency use would include:

• Shovel
• Hammer
• Handsaw
• Utility knife
• Crowbar
• Wire Cutting Pliers
• Wrench
• Flashlights

You may have many of these tools already.  However, the problem with relying on tools that you use every day, is that they may not be with your emergency preparation gear when the time comes that you need them.

Instead of having them scattered all over your property, store your tools with your emergency disaster supplies. This may make the regular use of these tools a bit frustrating, so it may be worth the investment to buy an extra set of the items.

Consider purchasing emergency specific tools to avoid the headache. In the short term, this may seem like a waste of money.  You don’t have to go out and buy everything brand new. Look at garage or estate sales to buy second hand items that are in good condition. Most people do take some time to build up their safety “bank” because to do so overnight would be too much of a financial drain.  Be frugal and fit tools into your family budget by checking out the resale and thrift shops too.

Tools may not be first and foremost on your mind when thinking about planning for an emergency. But don’t limit yourself to tools for manual labor. You also need tools to manage your documents and other important materials. Online photo galleries are a great way to save precious items that can easily be destroyed by the elements. In the event of a natural disaster, you will have all of the tools in place to help remove debris or clear paths. You’ll also have the tools in place to recover important documents like your homeowners insurance policy. If you don’t like the idea of having these document online invest in a safety deposit box to keep everything safe.

As you can see, tools are very important to survival in the short term as well as in the long term. You may think it will never happen to you but it’s simply impossible to predict what will happen. 

Think Beyond Food and Water When Planning Your Emergency Kit

The first thing we often think of when it comes to preparing for an emergency is evacuating our homes without the usual comforts and where we’ll be able to find food and water. However, there are times when an emergency situation lasts longer than a day or two. In those cases other skills and needs emerge.  When you’re preparing for an emergency keep these things in mind.

Along with food and water, shelter is a basic need that should be put at the top of your list. It’s hard to know what kind of shelter you’ll need as you can’t be sure what the emergency is. Being prepared with a variety of materials and supplies that work in different situations is the way to go. Some things that may be helpful include; tarps, rope, nails, hammer, and a handsaw. If you have the means purchase a pop up tent or two for your family. Don’t forget you’ll also want documents related to your home.

Keep a hard copy in a waterproof folder or bag. You also can scan your home owner’s policy, rental documents, and anything else relating to your home to a web photo album. This will live online and be accessible wherever you end up.

Tools make life easier and when a disaster happens knowing you have these already on hand will make everything easier. Make sure to have plenty of things that will let you move debris and cut through materials that may have fallen on your home. Consider looking into purchasing lightweight, multi-use tools that can easily be taken in the case of an emergency evacuation.

Unless you’re facing a very short term evacuation or emergency you won’t be able to carry enough water with you. This is where a filtration system comes in handy. You don’t need a top of the line system but you will need something. A large pot can be your best friend by allowing you to boil water you’re able to acquire.

People often forget the little things that make day to day easier and more comfortable. While priority should be given to the items needed to survive having personal care products will make life in an emergency situation easier. Put together a kit with things such as toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, lotion, shampoo, a hairbrush, feminine care products, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. Even though they seem like basic everyday items it’s very easy to overlook adding them to a survival kit.

When thinking of personal effects saving your family photographs and important documents can be overlooked. Take the time to save everything to a web photo album before disaster strikes. While it may be sad to lose the original copies of heirloom photographs you can rest at ease knowing the photos aren’t lost forever and you can have new copies printed. The same is true for things like diplomas, certificates, and other paper artifacts that can easily be ruined in an emergency. 

Tips for Capturing Motion Shots

One of the most difficult images to catch is of people and things in motion. From sporting events to race car events and everything in between, no one wants to end up with photo galleries full of blurry images. It’s not a secret that you’ll need to practice to get the pictures you want but with some effort you’ll fill your album in no time.

1. Focus elsewhere. Don’t’ just focus on the action at hand. For example instead of focusing on the action of running, move your focus to the expression on the runner’s face, or a glimpse at another racer over the shoulder. Get creative and look for ways to capture the moment without needing to directly capture the motion at hand.
2. Shoot close. If you have a long lens it will be helpful in situations where you don’t have direct, close access. The closer you can get the better your images will be.
3. Rapid Shooting. Most cameras have settings that will take multiple pictures over a period of time. Set your camera on a tripod, and anticipate where the shot will go and set it to rapid shot. You won’t use all the images but you’ll have a better chance at capturing one!
4. Shoot wide. Just like shooting close brings emotion into the photograph, shooting wide expands the focus and brings in a different feel. Having a broad view can also help your viewers get a feel for the overall environment.
5. Angle. Adjust the angle you’re shooting from. Instead of straight on try shooting up or shooting down.

Not everyone will have a great web photo album full of action shots but when you work on some of these techniques and use a little creativity and innovation you’ll be on your way to live action success!