6 Tips for teaching Children about Digital Photography

Children interpret the world they see through a lens in a different way. There is level of fascination, curiosity and purity in their imagination. For most adults what they see though the lens is more of a subject. They get into the technicalities while children have a different perspective. Digital Photography is one of the most creative mediums to develop and express the creativity of your child. Here are some terrific tips for teaching children the fine points of digital photography. 

Hold the camera Straight:

The first step to teach your child is how to hold a camera. The images that are not straight may look off at times, but it is essential to teach them to check the framing before they press the shutter. It will take them some time to learn. Give kids a quick lesson on holding the camera. Advise them to use their finger not simply the tip while pressing the shutter. This will reduce camera shake. Once they get the basics, there will be a remarkable improvement in their photos.  

Simplify:

Most grownups like to get into the intricacies of the subject and complicate or overthink things. Teaching children digital photography needs a different mindset. Simplify things to the extent that they can easily understand the concepts well. This will help them to grasp the concept easily.  

Start with the Basics:

Start with the universally accepted concept that is the Rule of thirds and Fill the Frame. Explain these concepts to them in a single session but again don’t forget to simplify the concepts. Start with the “Fill the Frame” concept. Tell them that the subject should fill the frame. Show them shots you’ve taken to help them understand what filling the frame literally means. Make them practice until they are able to master the concept of removing the distractions, then go ahead and explain to them how the other elements can also support the main subject. 

Maintain Ratio of Theory & Practice:

It is a tedious task to keep children focused on anything for a prolonged time. The theory and practice section should be divided into a 30:70 ratio. The theory should be only 30 percent theory using lots of pictures. The rest of the time should be devoted to practice. They can be asked to take pictures of objects around them. Encourage them to come back for feedback.   Re-shooting the same object will
give them invaluable experience.

Repeat: Don’t be hesitant to ask the kids to repeat shooting the same subject until they get it right. Also ask them to repeat the phrases you have taught them.  Explain the phrases time to time in different ways, so that the kids can easily remember them.

Motivation:

Generally kids are always motivated. They like exploring new things, but most of them lose interest if they feel they are not getting things right. It is essential to motivate their creativity. Tell them gently the areas they can improve on rather than pointing out all the mistakes.

Make a fortune by selling Music

It is the dream of every musician that his creation should reach out to everyone across the globe. There is nothing more incredible if your passion helps you in make some good money along with fame and fans. If you are one of those upcoming music aspirants who wants to make money then you should consider selling music. 

Signing with a successful label is every artist’s dream. It is like getting a dream break. Big companies are constantly on the lookout for upcoming talents.  From time to time they hold music competitions and auditions to find extraordinary talent in the field of music. You can get information about the competition in the newspaper or go through the company’s official website. The prospect of making it through is tough, but if you can make it out then there is nothing like it. Once you have made the break then make sure to go through terms and conditions of the contract thoroughly. It will help you understand how they are going to market your music and what royalty you will be getting in return. The online distribution of music has become a trend, so it possible that you get a fair deal if the company plans to rollout CDs. 

Today, internet has emerged as the most powerful medium for businesses for reaching out to people. It offers an array of incredible options for making money. Choose the one you think will help you make the most profit. The next effective way to make money is to come out with an MP3 version of your composition. Most of the gadgets available in the market support this format whether it is mobiles, iPods, laptops, computers and tablets. In fact, there are exclusive MP3 players available on the market.   It is popular because it takes less space and is easily available for free download.   You can contact mp3 distribution stores; they charge a fee for distributing music on various music portals. It will give you ample time to focus on social networking sites. 

Another option is to for you to create your own website. It will give you individuality in the music world. You can put music related news on the website along with details about your upcoming album, and projects. This will make the fans comeback to your music portal looking for something fascinating every time. Incorporating an online music player on the site is an intelligent decision. It allows the visitors an opportunity to go through your composition. They can go ahead and place an order in case they like it. Use social networking sites for selling music. It is the easiest and the most effective way to reach out to the masses. Some of the sites you should consider using are Facebook, Orkut and twitter. Don’t forget to upload the video of your album on YouTube, this site gets the maximum hits for music. It will provide an ideal launch pad for your music. These are few of the proven online selling music techniques that can help you earn outstanding profits.

The Advantage of Music Therapy Especially For Kids with Learning Disability

When we think music, we hardly think of it as therapy but nowadays music therapy has become extremely popular in treating children with learning disabilities. These children have varied learning needs and music can be easily adapted to meet the need of child so they can gain benefit from it in some way. It helps to restore happiness and harmony in their life by assisting in the growth and overall development. Studies have proven that it helps in learning various essential life skills in an easy manner. Let us discuss step by step what therapy with music is and how it is beneficial.

What is music therapy?

It is an intervention used for kids having a problem in understanding some information that hinders their learning. This expressive therapy is an amalgamation of both science and an art. Research reveals that it has been used for centuries as an effective form of healing. The roots of therapy can be easily traced back to “Biblical times” where it was used for getting rid of evil. In some cultures, people use rhythms and chants as a medium of treating sick persons.

It should be remembered that the treatment is not for every kid with a learning disability because some of them might be sensitive to vibrations and sound. They may react adversely to the entire process.  In such a situation, the therapy may require to be modified. It needs to be quieter and gentle for children with any sensory processing disorders.

On a whole, it is observed that slow music has a calming effect while fast beats with no heavy sound uplifts and energizes the kid with a learning disorder. The children facing problem in learning things in a natural way find it exceptionally easy to be trained by singing while the music is played in the background. Studies have revealed that classical music is beneficial in learning mathematic and languages. It uplifts their moral; fill them with self-esteem and confidence. It also helps in unwinding and calming down, if needed it can be easily included in sensory breaks.

The children’s need should be analyzed before designing the module; needs to be tailor made in a way that it meets their specific requirement. These therapy sessions should be only conducted by qualified and experienced therapists as they can adjust the music to meet the requirement of the kid. The sessions may be carried out in individual basis or in a group setting based on what the therapist thinks can give better results.   

How is it conducted?

The therapist usually plays a guitar or piano in the background, children are then asked to free play instrument provided to them. The therapist time to time instructs them how to properly use the instrument in a group then instructing different subgroups playing together. Finally, everybody plays it collectively forming a large group as a form therapy.

This helps them to use parts of brain that they normally may not use. It enhances their mood, helps in getting rid of stress. The overall result is that it improves the learning curve, making them strong enough to face challenges of life.

Photographs: A beautiful way to look at the past

Photographs are taken for numerous reasons, ranging from personal to professional. This art form may be a family tradition, historical responsibility or a hobby. Similarly, photography can manifest in many different forms, including travel, seasonal, sports, and wedding photography.  One thing in common with all these photographs is the fact they keep us in touch with the events of the past. Most importantly, it keeps the coming generation up to date with news and events. In a way, this artistry takes the viewer to a journey that he/she has not actually witnessed.

The Art of Taking Pictures:

Taking great pictures is more than simply pointing the camera and clicking. In actuality, professional photographers must carefully study their subject; they also evaluate the light, angle and composition before taking the shot. Taking snaps this way will result in thoughtful and appealing photos.

Family Albums:

The word “family” itself means a world—it is a place where you will find every kind of emotion, from happiness to anger. There is nothing better than catching these different moods in frames. A look at them will again take you back at those enlightened moments. Photographs make perfect souvenirs for the coming generations.

Pictures as History and News:

We learned a lot about our past generation through photographs taken in that era. It gave us a glance into their lives and the historical events that took place at that time. Words alone can’t make the impact that photographs and words together make—that is why you often see news posted alongside photographs. For instance, the pictures of World War II or a recent hurricane, or the tsunami in Japan, instantly generate pathos.

Photographs to Document Facts:

Photographs play a vital role when it comes to verifying facts. They are a must when it comes to legal or insurance matters. In fact, they are also very crucial in solving crimes.  Often, you will see police or forensic experts taking photographs from different angles. They serve as crucial evidence and are helpful to solving a case. In such scenarios, it is a good idea to take pictures using traditional film, rather than a digital camera, because it is difficult to make any kind of alternation to the film negative.

Looking at Pictures Today

Today, photography is mostly digital–it is inexpensive, of superior quality and fast. Today, there are cameras available with advanced technology that will automatically adjust according to the subject, light and background. You can take great pictures without getting into the intricacies of traditional photography.

The time and technology have also changed the way that people take pictures, but what remains unchanged is how beautifully photography connects us to memories and events of the past.

Music News: Music heals Autism

Each day there are new advancements in the field of music. Music is known to have positive impacts on human beings. It has motivating, energizing and pacifying effects. It is also a great stress-buster. Because of these amazing effects it is also used for medical therapies. Music news indicates the remarkable results of such therapies. Recent news has highlighted the use of music for treating autism.

Autism is a medical condition characterized by abnormal neural development. The symptoms of this disorder become visible during infancy or childhood. This condition impairs communication and social interaction. The children suffering from this disorder exhibit repetitive behavior. Autism can prove to a nightmare for any parents. It detaches them from the child. The apprehensions about this disorder are further magnified because of lack of treatment. The medical community is yet to discover a lot about this problem. Thereby it has very few treatment options. The ones that are available are also very expensive and involve intensive training sessions.

Music therapy is beginning to show some hope for treating Autism. It not only serves as a soothing agent but also acts as an effective mode of communication.

Music therapy is very useful for autistic children as it is nonverbal and non-threatening. You do not have to give any commands to these kids. Music creates a conducive environment where such kids feel comfortable. The therapists design music activities that are tailored to meet the special needs of these kids.  Musical games such as passing an object or musical chair promote social interaction. The kids can also be encouraged to produce sound and do simple things. Musical shows or plays can be organized to create awareness about this disorder. Such programs can help in changing the mentality of society towards autistic children. Such kids need a lot of care and affection. The empathic behavior from the society can definitely help
.
The most impressive effects of music therapy have been in speech development of autistic children. Communication is one of the biggest challenges faced by these kids. They are unable to communicate properly. They do not speak. They merely grunt, shriek, cry or hum. Even the more advanced autistic children are just able to communicate in a monotonous way that lacks expression. The music classes encourage the interaction of such children. They promote them to articulate new sounds and bring emotion in their tone. The role of music teachers becomes very important here. The teachers promote positive reinforcement by rewarding children by playing their favorite music each time they perform well.

There are scientific evidences that prove that autistic children are highly sensitive towards music. Many a times, it has been observed that these children can master playing musical instruments. The objective of music therapy is to harness their interest in music and use it in improving their communication skills. Therapists can use songs with simple words and play them repeatedly to improve the vocabulary of these children.

You should stay informed about the latest music news to know whether any new techniques have been developed to treat autism.

A look at the Camera Accessories essential for Photography

People who are serious about photography need a variety of accessories to achieve eye catching photographs. The choice of accessories will mainly depend on the area you are concentrating. It can be wildlife, wedding, nature, underwater, landscape, sports, people or street photography. Let us look at the essential accessories for photography.

Tripod:

The professional camera tripod is crucial accessory for a photography enthusiast. It helps in taking sharp pictures in different situations. It is seen that many photographs were not of high quality because they were not clicked with the equipment on the tripod.  The slightest moment, when you are taking picture holding the equipment in hand, will have an effect on the outcome. It should be used especially when taking the picture with slow shutter speed. This will result in a steady shot being taken as the instrument is in a still position.  It gives stability to the shot you must use it when shooting portraits, night shots and landscapes, the pictures will appear sharper. The camera tripods are generally manufactured from Carbon fiber or aluminum that makes them light in weight, durable and easy to carry.  It is available in two types of head - one is the ball head, and the other is tilt head. The price of camera stands varies according to the quality.

Camera Bag:

One of the considerations of the photographer is to choose a bag to carry all camera accessories and equipments. There are various types of camera bags in different style, but the widely used are sling bags, backpacks and shoulder bags. 

Go with the shoulder bag if the equipments are less, and if they are more, choose backpacks or sling bags.  Once you have decided about the bag, think about the quality of the bag. They should be easy to use, comfortable to wear, durable and waterproof. The safety and security of the camera and gears are most important, so the professional camera bags play an essential role in every photographer’s life, looking at the utility cost should not be a matter of concern.

Filters:

They are pieces of glass when fitted in front of lenses, produce a variety of effects. Square and circular are the shapes that they are available. Square filters need additional holders to hold it in place. The circular filters have gears that easily fixes into the front of the lens.   Some photographers put clear glass filters to give maximum protection to the expensive lenses. Apart from protecting, they can enhance the result of any camera.

Remote Shutter Release:

They are very useful for while taking wildlife photographs, where the slightest sound or moment can spoil the pictures. The main objective of remote shutter release is to eliminate camera shakes, particularly when taking long shots. Wireless remote control has further made it easy to operate the shutter from a distance; with cable release distance was limited, but both gives “shake free” snaps.

Cleaning Kit:

Finally, always carry cleaning kit. You need to clean the digital camera time to time to prevent dirt and dust from getting into the device. The kit should contain small brush with soft bristles, lens pen, a bulb blower and a soft cloth.

How to take great nature photographs?

There is nothing more beautiful then catching the nature in vivid colors. Taking picture indoors and outdoors requires a different approach. A good click needs lots of things to be taken care of like light, wind, snow, rain, distance etcetera. If you are taking pictures of animals in their natural habitat, then it far more challenging, be prepared to face dangers, odors, noise and the movement. Shooting nature is mentally and physically demanding, but the reward is precious.

Understand the nature of nature.

The first and foremost thing you should understand is the nature of nature. Be prepared to work with the essentials of natural background, if you try to impose yourself then you won’t be able to get the desired result. Trees, grassland, bushes, vegetation all are associated with the natural world, and they act distinctively in different climatic conditions. If you are into commercial photography, then you need to study the climatic condition and the subject matter. I remember going for a shoot in the animal sanctuary, clicked pictures, but was constantly searching for something unique through my lens, turned around to walk back, and suddenly my eyes fell on a rare species of black squirrel just few meters from where I was shooting. Clicking this rare animal in woods was a thrilling experience, knew the sound of click or any sound will make it run. The pictures came out to be really well, seemed as the squirrel was looking straight into the camera. Till date it remains one of my best and popular shoots.

Be prepared:

Carefully study the area, you are capturing in reels, even if it is own backyard.  The light generally falls at different places at different period of time, and remember clouds may change the equation. The same applies if you are venturing into backwoods. Familiarize with the surroundings; talk to the locals and watch weather reports on television or internet.  Spend some quality time at the place, it will help you better know the place, and it is possible that you come across something really amazing at the location. 

Know your equipment:

Need to have a perfect knowledge about every aspect of the camera and for this practice is must. Take thousand of nature photographs from different angles, using different focus - auto and manual focus, lenses, zooms, try every possible setting. Your camera is your best friend and it won’t let you down if you know how it works.

Have Patience:

Natural event happens when they are likely to happen.  Don’t hurry up for the shoot, if you are trying to click a deer in the wild and want it to walk towards you, then wait because slightest movement from your side will cause it run. Patience is importance characteristic of a good photographer, be ready with the equipment, wait for the right moment, it may require some waiting, but you will end up getting a perfect shot. 

When taking nature photographs, it not possible to have a control over the subject. The only thing that you have control is the equipment and knowledge of the subject matter. So with a professional camera, awareness of nature and endurance, you can click great photographs and get recognition as an outstanding nature photographer.