flower image

Understand the difference types of flowers when taking picture

2008-07-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

Weather and picking the types of flowers that you want to take can be easy but if you do not have a bit of knowledge or skill on how to take this flower image can not be so beautiful as you think it will be. Camera also plays some important parts in taking a nice and beautiful flower image. Firstly we must understand the difference types of flowers. While some are easy to take others can be difficult to get a good image or shots.

Small flower should be taken the closer the better to get a better view. While some flower should be taken a little distance away from the flower. The best way to take a nice flower image is to pay attention to the colors, shape and size of the flower. Remember to looks for great colors and a full bloom with buds and leaves nest to it.

Try not to take picture of the flower if the weather is too windy as the picture might not turned up to beautiful. Used light if the weather is dark or is going to rain but the the best to avoid it.

Taking picture of flowers

2008-05-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

Taking picture it seem to be easy but if you not know the technique, the picture comes out wont be that very beautiful. In todays times taking pictures will be quite easy as the technology of the todays camera are make for the beginning photographers. First we must understands that there are many types of flowers and secondly is the weather when taking pictures. Some flowers are easy to take while some are very difficult because of the angle and size of the flowers.

When picking the types of flower that you want to take pictures all you should do is always go for the ones that you like the best and the position to get the best shots. When taking shots of your flower be sure to have your photo be not complicated. A simple shot can look very good. For example, rather than take a picture with five flowers in it isolate one single flower. It'll most likely look much better. Some flowers should be taken from a short distance while some have to take a distance away. Try not to take pictures of flower or flower image during dark or cloudy weather as most of the flower image out won't be that nice.

Getting the best flower image from your tripod camera

2008-03-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

I have seen many professional photograph taking picture of scenery, picture and flower image. The picture comes out was fantastic beautiful. I have try many times but it was not that beautiful. Even I buy the same camera and other item that their are using to take picture but it still not turn the same as I want. Join my friends and after a few months the picture I take was beautiful as live.

When taking picture of flowers always look for a great colors, Try to get the flower when it is in full bloom with some small buds next to the gloom flowers. Never try to shoot the flowers when is too windy and try it in many compositions. A Tripod camera is the best as it will keep your camera from moving on you and allow you to get the sharp focus of the picture. Most good photographers used soft diffuse light for colors saturation.

Taking flower image with my new camera

2007-11-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday myself and my wife went to floral exhibition help in Penang inconjuction with our Malaysia fifty years anniversary. There thousands of beautiful orchids plants on display and the winner will walk out of the competition with a three thousand cash prise and others gift sponsor by many big company. The second prise is two follow by the third of one thousand and about ten consulation prises. The flower,and the plants display was very beautiful arranged by student and organisation.

I was there with my wife from noon till the evening on that day,taking picture of the beautiful flower, plants and landscape of the garden and the most attraction the orchids. With my tripod camera I can able to take a full bloom flower with its beautiful image as my camera are builds with the zoom, lens and the speeds. The colours of the flower display are of many colours and with my photograph knowledge I can able to photo the picture of the flower image.

The crowds keep growing fron the early noon till the evening with a school band entertaning the crowds. I took more then a few hundred picture of the flowers, the plants the people and the winners.

Taking beautiful flower image with my tripod camera

2007-11-28T01:19:00.000-08:00

Taking a beautiful flower image ones has to look that the flower is of great and bright colours and the flowers must be well full bloom to get the best picture of the flower. Try to take the flowers in difference direction and keep contrast and colour in minds at all times. If the weather is very windy or cloudy, the best is not shoot the flowers as it won't comes out very beautiful.

Using a Tripod camera to take flowers image as tripod camera allows your camera to set up your shots and had a sharp focus. Besides its allows your camera from moving on you and gives you sharp detail when you are readly to take the shots. Soft diffuse light add advantage of taking a great flower image when the flowers in full bloom. This is how professional photographers takes their picture with deep in the colour.

Taking flower image with my new camera

2007-09-24T01:10:00.000-07:00

Using tripod camera to take flower image

2007-07-23T02:08:00.000-07:00

With today technology taking picture of flower image is quite easily and quickly than what we are doing twenty years ago. For a new learners they just have to knows some tricks to take nice picture of flower image. As the present camera are all builds in zooms, lens and speeds

You can used a tripod camera, all you have to do is set your shots and the image in focus and then shoot. When taking picture of flowers remmember to look for great colours. A full blooms flowers with flowers buds next to it and Keep contrast and color in mind at all times and try different compositions each time you take a shot. Avoid taking picture windy times. Try to slow film speed, the slower speed films have greater detail of the flowers.

Penang Floral Festival

2007-06-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

The eight days Penang Floral Festival 2007 will start on the beginning month of June. There will be a colourful display of flora and many activities await visitors to the festivals which is open from morning to night at 8pm daily and the entrance is free.

More then 600 0f various kinds of orchids and about 200 of adeniums are expected to be showcased by collectors at the orchids and ademium shows and competitions. The festival will also feature a floral engrave exhibition where colourful plants and flowers will be displayed, and floral art shows where creative floral arrangements will be exhibited. For those who want to take some beautiful flowers and plants home as there will be landscape of items on sales at a garden expo.

Others programme are flower taking compitition where beautiful flower image were taken by the best prosfessional photographer, school student and amature.

Having a new camera

2007-05-17T00:37:00.000-07:00

With the new techlonogy taking picture with the latest and modern camera is quite easy then those old days where you have to forcus the image and even positions yourself. With the new camera where the lens can be zoom its makes your works much easily.

I am not a very good photograpy or very good in camera but I like to take picture for remmerence and picture of beautiful flower image and scenery. I recendly brought a camera, small and cute and easy to carry around. With the camera the picture I take was very beautiful and very much easily with a few camera tips

Modern equipment makes photograping easily

2007-04-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

Taking flowers image all you have do is just some skill. Taking colourful pictures of flowers you must have the right lens. White balance ensures colours appear natural regardless of the light source. If you can manually select options — for cloudy days, direct sunlight, shade, flash and incandescent or fluorescent lighting — use them instead of relying on the automatic setting. You can also manipulate white balance to enhance photos. For example, if taking an image of a sunny landscape, set the camera to the "cloudy" mode for richer yellows and reds. The effect is like using a warming filter.

"People need a reason to look at your photos. If you can come back with a truly different image, then people have a reason to look. Today's equipment makes it fairly easy to get a good record shot of the flower. A good artistic, creative photo is a different challenge."

Taking flower photograph

2007-03-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

Taking flower photograph is a pleasure to oneself and the best ways to take the picture is to take it at simple shots as always the best flower images are always comes from simple shot rather than taking flower picture that cram into one lots.
If you are taking colour pictures of flowers, then look for the colour that stands out the most colourful image and the same type of view as if you were actually really there to take the picture.

Lens is most important for making flower photography look impressive. Choosing the right lens is very important as your flower image and picture won't be impressive or beautiful if you are taking the picture with the wrong lens. If you are not sure, try difference lens and lenths until its suit to the best of taking the flower picture.

Language of flowers

2007-01-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

Flowers can mean many things in our daily life, a respect to god as a religious symbolism, a congratulation when a person who start a new business, a person recover from hospital, a words of condolence when somebody is no more in this world and the most important is the language of love where words can be express with flowers. Through flowers you can bring cheer to your love and the expression in your heart that you love her.

The image of flowers have many saying like the lily flower means purify, lotus a respect to god, carnation happy occasion, good cheer and speedy recovery and rose the flowers of expression love. Flowers a language of universal as no words left unsaid through flowers. When sending flowers ones must consider the person and the occasion the flowers to be send as great care must be excerised when selecting the flowers.

For the love of flowers

2006-11-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Taking photography it seem to be very easy but if you do not have the skills it would be quite difficult. I love to travel to beautiful garden where I can find diffrence kinds, style and colours of flowers which I can photopraph to save in by album for collections but the picture of the flowers and even the flower image I take was too simple and plain.

One day I met a friend of mine in a wedding occasion who is very skillful in taking photography and a full time photography for wedding function, dinner occasion and taking picture of couples with their wedding grown in garden with beautiful flower image beside the couples with some green at the back. As I am very intersting in taking picture I work for him for about two years taking picture anywhere in Malaysia when there is call. After learning all the skill, now I am running my own with two staff working with me.

Taking a good flower images

2006-10-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

Flower photography is a great photographic pleasure. One secret is to always shoot a simple, uncomplicated look first. It’s much better to aim for ‘simple’ rather than cram a lot into your flower pictures. If you look at professional photos of flowers you will notice that the best ones are always the most simple. Best flower images are always simple and to the point.

If you are doing colour pictures of flowers, then look for the colour that stands out the most and ask yourself how you can enhance it with the tools you have on you right now. A really good flower picture gives you the same type of view as if you were actually really there, and giving you the same feelings. Your lens is most important for making flower photography look impressive. Have you ever taken a picture of a beautiful Rose that looks like it has not detail or true depth and it turns out flat and uninspiring? That’s because you may not have the lens. Choosing the right lens is extremely important. If you’re not sure what lens to get for flower photography- which are always medium to close up shots-, or what works best and you’re most comfortable with, try a few different focal lengths.

Using a tripod keeps the camera level and you are taking in everything. You’ll find a good shot out of this.

Flower tattoos the image of his beauty and meaning

2006-10-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

Tattoo are now getting common with women today. Women who decide to have a permanent tattoo will often select a dainty image, such as a heart, butterfly or floral depiction. These are small and can be placed anywhere, but most commonly are located on the hip, ankle or lower back or shoulder area. Women typically select a smaller tattoo in an effort to make a statement of beauty and yet something that draws attention to a certain area, such as the leg or hip.

Flower tattoos have risen in popularity. The wonderful thing about these flower tattoos is there are so many different types and colors of flowers, all with different meanings. Generically, the flowers can mean a few different things, while specific flowers like the lotus and rose can mean more specific things.
However, nowadays the rose is tattooed as a symbol of love and passion and purity lotus flower symbolizes beauty, goodness, fortune, enlightenment, and peace. tulip tattooed symbolize fame and passionate love.

Your garden a wonderful places for flowers image

2006-09-28T02:03:00.000-07:00

Soft diffuse light. Today it’s very overcast outside, and if there were any flowers in bloom today would be the perfect day for capturing some great images. Soft diffuse light enhances color saturation, so if you wondered how or why pro photographers flower images seem so deep in color this is one of the reasons why. There are exceptions to this rule. I do some flower photography is bright or dappled sunlight but I’m usually trying to get an effect of light passing through the petals.

Look for great colors, a flower in full bloom next to a bud, and don’t shoot on windy days. Keep contrast and color in mind at all times and try different compositions each time you take a shot.

Your garden can be one of the most wonderful places to take images of flowers, insects and a variety of small birds - and if you are lucky, occasionally other types of wildlife might wander into your garden.

Flower photography can be challenging, but when done right is most rewarding. The key to getting good flower pictures is pretty straightforward - get in close. You don’t need to buy a macro lens to achieve this, a good telephoto lens on a tripod should do.

Other flowers such as the rose really look good from any distance, mainly because they are beautiful and because we know what flower they are. But just because we already know what it is doesn’t mean we need to cut corners with our photographic artistic skills.

flower to say it all.

2006-09-19T00:25:00.000-07:00

The language of flowers is a language of love, endearment, and respect. The truly popularity of flowers lies in their ability to bring joy, and good cheer.
flowers have been the perfect form of expression, when words were hard to find. Flowers have been associated with religious symbolism, the lily signifying purity It is clear that flowers do have a very endearing language. A language that is universal, without borders.
Many words can be left unsaid to special love one when you have a flower to say it all.

Great care must be exercised when selecting and sending flowers. Considering the person and occasion for whom flowers to be send

flower image : Natural Light Still-Life Photography pt2

2006-09-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

As a garden photographer, I aim to include flowers in all the work I do. I like to set up still life images of found objects that delight me and will hopefully interest the viewer of my photographs. Setting up plants indoors gives me more flexibility to pick the “proper” angle at which to photograph them. I set up my tripod and move single potted plants around in circles on my “studio” table (a folding card table) trying to find the plant’s best side. I take single blooms and do the same or cluster them with other single blooms and leaves to make an arrangement. I sometimes use objects to play off the flowers, as I am doing now in the holiday card series on which I am working. You can use any items that appeal to you to create an interesting subject.

I start with colors and objects that I think will look nice together. I sometimes have an idea of how I will set them up together, but more often than not, I use serendipity to start arranging objects and then see what comes of it. As I look at an arrangement and snap away, I start to reposition one object at a time, ending up with a totally different arrangement than the one with which I started. I use different backdrops and table cloths. And sometimes, I bring in new objects from my personal things when an idea hits. The objects with which I start are usually purchased especially for the occasion and become part of my treasures for future still lifes. I usually take about 50 photographs in an hour when I work this way and come up with two or three that I really like and perhaps one special treasure. I have had three sessions of holiday stills like this in the past week and only have one photo that will make it to my Christmas cards.

I hope that you can use some of these tips to create your own unique still lifes. Think outside of the box about lighting and indoor subjects to create beautiful art using natural light indoors.
flower image

By Melissa Mannon

flower image : Natural Light Still-Life Photography pt1

2006-09-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

When I’m not outdoors photographing -- when the weather is poor or when I’m inspired by an object or floral bouquet -- I take my work indoors. This article aims to inspire you to be creative with your own photography and to try to set up your own still lifes to create beautiful art.

Indoors, as outdoors, I usually work with natural light. For the most part, no special lights are required for beautiful indoor photographs if you have a nice sunny window. In my house, the light in the eastern sun room is nicely diffused in the afternoon and this serves as a good start for lighting the scene. Lighting an indoor scene is very different from catching the proper light outdoors. Sometimes, I will use artificial light when the light levels are particularly low, for example, if I have decided to work at the wrong time of day to take advantage of the lighting in the sun room. For artificial lighting, I use my sunlamp which does a great job of imitating the sun for my moods and for my flower images. You can experiment with candles and other soft household lights too. I often use reflectors and diffusers to balance the light and highlight certain aspects of a scene. You can use a white sheet, tin foil, or colored fabric rather than fancy professional equipment to accomplish the same thing. For example, in a Christmas still-life on which I have been working, I am using a gold foil bag underneath the subject to reflect light up, get rid of shadows, and enhance that holiday glow.

I don’t generally use a tripod when I am working outdoors, but the lower level of light indoors makes it a necessity if I don’t want to use a flash. Since I am focused on one general subject in the middle of my table, I don’t mind keeping my camera stationery. When I am in a garden, I prefer to move around without the tripod. (Though, sometimes I will use a tripod outdoors if I have a particularly interesting flower and want to spend a lot of time with it or if the lighting conditions call for a slower shutter speed with a more open aperture.) A tripod allows you to hold the camera perfectly still for long periods of time. You can then keep your shutter open for longer periods without getting any blur from shaking hands.

By Melissa Mannon

flower image : A Mild Obsession #1

2006-09-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

What does one need to do to get the perfect close-up of a wild flower? Set up a tripod, clip on camera, then snap, snap it's in the bag, camera, chip.. whatever? Maybe... but consider a few unexpected impediments first.

Finding the perfect clump of subjects (mostly the easy part), stopping suddenly or rather screeching to a halt (sometimes interesting along a busy highway)...parking and gathering up the necessary gear (easy) - then my least favourite part, lugging everything over hill and dale. Tripod, camera bag with several lenses which never seem to get any lighter and then fun, fun, fun...It seems, seemed a short distance across three fences to where the wild, gorgeous yellow number (nothing exotic - a simple daisy but a beauty!), nods in the gentle breeze..but...

Have you ever tried to climb over a fence with tripod in hand and weighty camera bag over shoulder? "Just pass them through the fence and follow", you say! In theory perfect but as is often the case when I'm out ready to shoot I have tripod ready, camera clipped in, slung over right shoulder legs extended, spread ready to go (the fact that I look like a giraffe with ungainly neck protrusions goes unnoticed) and my camera bag is old, slightly smelly and large!. So, how do I climb through the first fence, let alone the second or third in pursuit of the perfect daisy without a lot of folding of legs pushing and shoving, and unclipping of my precious digital genius first? Simple answer - I don't, I try to get through regardless. Result? The air rapidly turns blue around my head and expletives neither original nor inventive start erupting unbidden from my person. And then the final indignity as at least one part of my favourite jumper gets snagged by an ever vigilant barb! My alternative solutions: throw the gear over and hope for the best, find a gate (how many miles to the nearest?), or simply leave it all in the SUV...barring the digital genius and one's favourite 1:1 lens of course!

My final decision? Leave tripod and bag in the SUV, take the necessary, and hope that the ravages of the previous night haven't wrought havoc with traditionally rock steady hands. So then leaping like a gazelle over fences one, two and three, I stride toward the perfect clump of yellow. It's late in the season, so all the white daisies are pretty much done - rich, golden yellow it is.

Selecting the perfect specimen is next. I need to decide what I'm trying to say in the pic. Perfection with clarity - nature's form, sublime in its attention to detail or organic soft colour merging into more colour with shadowy bits - a bit of both perhaps. The magic of digital, the freedom of digital - the ability to try everything because one can! I love it. It's a revelation, a deepening of the creative urge to explore new realms without cost ...or end sometimes.

Sure, one can always argue that it leads to lack of direction, lack of planning but one can also argue in return that it extends one's vision, increases one's output and ability to see the world from different perspectives. I relish the challenge!

Back to the world of yellow! Perfection...mmmm. Unable to settle on which of the perfect choices is THE perfect choice I decide to shoot anyway, putting pen to paper or rather index finger to shutter button in order to get the creative juices flowing. As always seems to happen, I relax into it and my mind opens up to the possibilities: depth of field, front edge of a petal in focus back edge out and vice versa but mostly my mind is consumed by warm yellow. Kneeling on the ground head down intensely focused - the butt in the air angle would not be an attractive sight for any passing observer but I don't need to worry about such considerations as this mild obsession most often leads to splendid isolation.

A bit of advice - bracket everything (1 either side in ½ stops or thirds if you have the choice), shoot at the highest resolution you can achieve with whichever model of digital genius you possess and take at least half a dozen shots per chosen angle. Give yourself the best chance of capturing the one you really wanted - the perfect image, beautiful enough to grace your wall, a wall anywhere. One feels such an idiot when one has to declare it didn't quite happen because of trigger finger meanness! Digital genius is defined by trigger finger generosity or put another way - repetition is the basis of professionalism. Whatever it takes I say. Get the shot! The satisfaction is immense.
flower image

By Patrick Heathcock

flower image : A Mild Obsession #2

2006-09-05T02:29:00.000-07:00

So a gorgeous yellow daisy mesmerises me, swaying elegantly in the light afternoon breeze, bathed in the warm light. Mmmm...emotions gently bubble to the surface, excitement foremost, followed by the deep satisfaction that I've been able to make time to return to this spot to revisit my yellow daisy. I've already shot her once...but...now another chance to create another feel, another image worthy of my wall.

As before I dispense with my tripod. An odd decision? Perhaps... but here's my thinking on the subject. Firstly this is a decision which individual photographers need to make for themselves and secondly, and please understand this clearly, there are no rights or wrongs when the intent is artistic creation.

A tripod slows the process down (a good thing), it allows for greater reflection on composition and it creates the freedom necessary to style the shot without losing the angle of view one has chosen. It also has the added benefit of helping to steady the camera considerably so that camera shake is avoided. Actually in practise that bonus can rapidly become nullified - add a little spring zephyr to the mix and suddenly movement becomes an artistic must have, with or without the tripod!

Easing swiftly on to my preference...

Shooting fashion was my world for a number of years and even though I used a tripod a lot in the studio, more often than not on location I preferred to hand hold my monster of a medium format camera (GX680). Luckily it has an autowind so cranking to the next frame wasn't a bore, but the freedom to be able to approach all shots by circling the subject to see how the world looked from that perspective was hugely stimulating. Good stuff! And oddly now that I'm shooting my mostly inanimate gorgeous yellow daisy and the like, I feel incredibly fettered when using a tripod. Don't ever let anyone dictate that there is only one proper way (ironically almost always their way - strange...). Discipline is in your approach and consistency of approach rather than just the tools.
flower image

By Patrick Heathcock

flower image : Creating a Summer Flower Arrangement

2006-09-05T02:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great time to find colorful flowers to create cheerful arrangements for your home. Take advantage of this flowering season by choosing flowers in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, such as the ones listed below:

Teddy Bear Sunflowers – a small version of the original sunflower. It grows to 3 feet in height.
Dahlias – a cheery plant of the daisy family that has full blooms that can reach 10 inches in diameter.
Scented Geranium Leaves – this plant has sculpted leaves that are available in many scents from ginger to chocolate.
Zinnias – available in a variety of colors and sizes and has a hearty bloom.
Spray Roses – a miniature version of the rose that comes in lots of colors and scents.
Perennial Salvia – a purple sprig that adds a spiky contrast to the full blooms of the other plants.
Decide on the container you want to use for your flower arrangement and fill it with water. A short bowl-like container will result in a fuller arrangement while a tall vase will result in a thinner arrangement. Garden flowers usually have thick and leafy stems which can make the water murky or cloudy. For this reason, it is best to use an opaque container such as a ceramic bowl or vase.

To design the bouquet, start by grouping the medium and large flowers (Dahlias, Teddy Bear Sunflowers, and Zinnias) in your hand until you have the desired look. Stand the arrangement next to the container to gauge the proper height. Cut the stems at an angle to help the flowers stay hydrated. Once you place the medium and large flowers in your container, tuck in the smaller flowers (Perennial Salvia and the Scented Geraniums) around the medium and large flowers. You should now have a beautiful flower arrangement for your home!

By Lesley Dietschy

flower image : The Trick To Photographing Beautiful Flowers

2006-08-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

There are flowers and there are flowers. Not all flowers are equal in a photography sense. Some can look like they are easy to photograph, and in reality can be a pain in the neck to try and get all the detail. Others are fantastic, they look fantastic, they are easy to photograph and the picture comes out how you want! And then there are the ones that surprise you. They look average and uninteresting but get in close and you are staring at the surface of another world. All the curves, lines, colour comes out when you take the picture.

Some flowers look better very close up because of their size and detail. Perhaps with a smaller flower, it may look uninteresting from an arms length away but get it up close and it may look magnificent (Small yellow daisies, Rock Rose.)

Other flowers such as the rose really look good from any distance, mainly because they are beautiful and because we know what flower they are. But just because we already know what it is doesn’t mean we need to cut corners with our photographic artistic skills.

Flowers are a matter of personal taste. So which one do we start with? Your favourite one is the best place to start. A beautiful as a big garden rose in bloom with the fragrance that should be bottled and sold, for example, will not only inspire you but you’ll want to spend time getting a great photo of it. Each flower, depending on size and colour, will need to be photographed differently. I would photograph a Rose differently than I would a Jasmine flower, or an Impatien.

Then I would also photograph that Rose differently at 3 o’clock than I would at 10 o’clock. I would also photograph the Rose vastly differently in the Summer time to the Winter time and again vastly differently outside to inside. I would also photograph it differently depending on how close or how far I could get to it. And depending on the type of flower I’d even ditch the colour medium and do some black and white or sepia mediums with it.

What’s that I hear you say? Flowers can’t look good in anything other than colour? Oh that simply isn’t true! Wait till you take some black and white shots with flowers and you’ll be amazed at just how well they come out.

As I mentioned there are 5 things you must do in order to get your shots of flowers looking spectacular. There have been a lot of photographs I’ve seen of flowers but not with the intense colour, details, patterns or delicacy that exists in real life. These things will eliminate that for you, forever.

Flower photography is a great photographic pleasure. One secret is to always shoot a simple, uncomplicated look first. It’s much better to aim for ‘simple’ rather than cram a lot into your flower pictures. If you look at professional photos of flowers you will notice that the best ones are always the most simple. Best images are always simple and to the point.

The worst flower pictures I’ve seen are those with too much in the photograph. A nice bunch of flowers can be ruined by too much to look at, or not being sure what to look at. Such as a bunch of flowers and your eye doesn’t focus on any one thing. You eye in act is left trying to work out what the photographer wanted you to focus on. Such a crowded picture can be quite distracting.

So if you want ‘wow’ shots, then use less in the shot, and go for a composition that focuses on simple shapes, lines and forms. If you are doing colour pictures of flowers, then look for the colour that stands out the most and ask yourself how you can enhance it with the tools you have on you right now. A really good flower picture gives you the same type of view as if you were actually really there, and giving you the same feelings. Decide on your composition: visually frame your composition first.

To work out what your composition is going to be, look to the left of the scene then look to the right. If you had to capture it, where would the sides of the picture be? If you are not sure how to find the ‘edge’ of the photo, you can mount your digital on your tripod and start at one point and take the picture. Move it a little to the right and take the picture again, and keep going until you come back to where you started. Using a tripod keeps the camera level and you are taking in everything. You’ll find a good shot out of this.

Your lens is most important for making flower photography look impressive. Have you ever taken a picture of a beautiful Rose that looks like it has not detail or true depth and it turns out flat and uninspiring? That’s because you may not have the lens. Choosing the right lens is extremely important. If you’re not sure what lens to get for flower photography- which are always medium to close up shots-, or what works best and you’re most comfortable with, try a few different focal lengths.

By Amy Renfrey

flower image : Garden Photography

2006-08-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

As the seasons change the colour of your garden will change with it. Most gardens are a rich source of great colours, patterns and vivid textures and can make for a perfect setting to practice all different kinds of photography - especially close-up nature photography.

Your garden can be one of the most wonderful places to take images of flowers, insects and a variety of small birds - and if you are lucky, occasionally other types of wildlife might wander into your garden.

You don’t need great sunshine to go out into the garden - overcast days are always great days to get into the garden and capture the majestic colours of flowers.

Flower photography can be challenging, but when done right is most rewarding. The key to getting good flower pictures is pretty straightforward - get in close. You don’t need to buy a macro lens to achieve this, a good telephoto lens on a tripod should do.

Use a large aperture (low f/number) to isolate your flower. This will get rid of any unwanted background, which sometimes focus attention away from your flower portrait.

Don’t be afraid to use your flash - even on a bright day. This will get rid of any unwanted blur and help make your flower picture sharp.

These are simple tips to follow and should help to make your garden images better.

Photographing insects in many ways is similar to taking pictures of flowers. You need to get in close; your focusing has to be perfect and you also must minimize motion. If you are having trouble photographing insects try the following.

Pick a single flower on which you focus. Place a light fabric around any other flowers to isolate your shot. Now its time to place the bait - perfume is ideal to attract bees, butterflies and other insects into your outdoor studio. Use your strobe unit to freeze any motion with fast moving insects. This should be used in the brightest conditions and will stop any movement in your nature portrait. Now it is time to sit and wait until your bait attracts your prey.

Your garden is also full of all kinds of other creatures. Garden birds will make an attractive image; they will be up and out at an early hour so it’s best to join them. Try building a hide in the garden and get up before sunrise - you will be surprised what creatures will wander in front of you at an early hour. Lay some bait around the garden to attract them in.

Use the elements of the weather to create more impact in your garden images. Early morning mist will leave droplets of water on leaves and flower petals. Use garden statues and other garden objects to create attractive silhouette images at dusk.

One of the biggest attributes of nature, wildlife and garden photography is patience. Even though you are at home great patience is required to get the best results from your garden photography…happy shooting.

By TJ Tierney

flower image : Flower Pictures

2006-08-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

Flowers are the source of our photographers inspiration, please browse gently through our flower pictures...enjoy, savour, floral pics which are sometimes soft, subtle and flower pictures which are sometimes energetic and vibrant, but at all times gorgeous. Our pictures are nature's beauty at its best. A great floral balm for the soul! Daisies, poppies, lilies, orchids, wild flowers and "maybe roses" are all included...

Pictures of flowers are available on art canvas and on beautiful art paper. Our art canvas flower pictures are shipped in rugged silver tubes and our art paper flower pics carefully wrapped in acid free tissue paper and shipped in our elegant silver picture presentation boxes.

©Copyright 2005-2006

flower image : Andy Small Photography

2006-08-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Andy Small is a professional Fine Art photographer who specialises in photographs of flowers. He exhibits regularly in the UK. He photographs contemporary colourful, artistic, graphic images of flowers, botanical and nature subjects all of which for sale and available as wall art prints on canvas, framed photographs, greetings cards and the Plant Portraits calendar. The flowers are depicted close up and have unusual striking colour combinations and thought provoking compositions.

The pictures in the galleries have been categorised under their main colour bias which is not necessarily the colour of the flower. All images are for sale and are available to buy as Limited Edition Giclee photographs and photographic prints on canvas. There is also a stunning range of blank photographic floral and nature greetings cards and the Plant Portraits calendar.

The current range of Photographic Floral Greetings Cards consists of 115 different designs in 3 different formats.

by Andy Small

flower image : Flower Care 101

2006-08-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

Many words can be left unsaid when you have a flower to say it all. Among the most remarkable beauties created by God is the creation of splendid and aromatic flowers. Flowers bloom in innumerous varieties, seasons and at many different places. They are symbolic of love, care and devotion. Flowers are found everywhere on earth and even beneath the deep sea there is existence of flowers. All the countries in all seasons have many species of flower blooming on their land. Flowers are the best way to express emotions they can convey the softest thoughts with utmost ease.

When sending flowers great care needs to be exercised in selecting them. Considering the occasion for sending flowers and the person for whom flowers have been picked up help in deciding the color and size of the bouquet. Bouquets come in varying sizes and prices. Flowers can be arranged in a bunch or on any flat tray or it may be a basket full of flowers. Whatever be the way of presentation flowers are always lovely to give and receive. Some rare species of flowers can be expensive and the state of flowers presented effect the pricing of flowers. Fresh flowers are always more in demand than a day old ones. Most of the florists advertise by promising that they deliver fresh flower bouquets on the same day. Some flowers have a long life and remain fresh for a longer time even after being cut off from the plant. While others have a shorter life span of remaining fresh. Certain rules hold good for most variety of flowers for retaining them in a fresh state. Cutting flowers with a bit long stem and a slant whip and keeping the stem emerged in water promote the fresh look for hours. Most florists promise to deliver of fresh and unique flowers but only some of them expertise in this trade. Keeping flowers fresh for long and selecting the right species and color to suit the occasion perfectly needs a professional expertise. Some of the most experienced ones can actually do the job satisfactorily. Yet at most times a perfect bunch of flower can always be obtained by some endeavor to match the occasion and pocket.

When planting flowers for commercial or decorative uses many aspects of gardening needs to be considered. The season and the soil along with the reasons for planting flowers play and important role in deciding the species that is to be reared. Using appropriate manure and even pesticides to protect flowers from being destroyed is important. Recently development and immense research work in botany has taken flower planting to great heights. Exact species and color of flowers are planted accordingly to suit the coming occasion.

Not only the color but also the aroma of flowers is highly cherished by flower enthusiasts. Among the numerous available colors of flowers there are some specific colors that signify certain emotions and thoughts. Since long a red rose has been a token for love and yellow signifies friendship. Fragrance of flowers is also a contributing factor for the popularity of flowers. Not only as gifts presence of flowers also make a personal space more welcoming and creates a pleasurable ambience to cherish.

by Mansi aggarwal

flower image : Sending Flowers

2006-08-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons to send flowers to someone. Sympathy, apologizing to someone, showing someone you love them or are interested in them and celebrating various holidays are just a few of the reasons to send flowers. Regardless of why you are sending flowers, for most occasions flowers are very appropriate. If you are sending flowers to a special someone, they will be the object of envy since you were thoughtful enough to think of them.

It is easier than ever today to send flowers for any occasion. There are a multitude of online sites dedicated to sending flowers, candy and small gifts for whatever reason you have in mind. There are of course, still the traditional ways of sending flowers. Actually driving to a florist, picking out what you want to send and then paying for it is a fairly simple process. One advantage to actually going to a florist is that you can have the florist help you choose something and you may even be able to see an example of whatever arrangement you choose to send. With online florists, the pictures all look remarkable, but since these orders are usually sent to local florists in the area where you want the flowers delivered, you do not know exactly what will be delivered to the recipient. Whether you order them at a florist or online there are usually delivery charges for every order in addition to the price you pay for the arrangement.

Probably the most popular day to send flowers is Valentine's Day. This is a good fallback position to take for men. If you are not sure of what to get a woman for her birthday or Valentine's Day, flowers are a good choice anytime. Women usually love flowers and the typical flower sent for Valentine's Day is the rose. Roses are a good flower to send if you are unsure of what type to send, mostly because women usually will love roses. One of the only downsides to roses is the price; they are usually fairly expensive. Carnations are also a good flower to choose and usually much cheaper than roses. Carnations, like roses, come in many colors. With carnations, sometimes you will see flowers with colors on the tips of the petals. This is achieved by putting the stem of the flower into water colored with food dye. The flower sucks the water up through the stem and the result is uniquely colored petals. Carnations also last a lot longer than most other flowers. If you keep them in water they will last a couple of weeks, where roses usually start wilting and dying by the end of the week. In addition to flowers, most florists can send balloons, chocolates, stuffed animals and even small gifts such as jewelry along with the arrangement.

Most women appreciate flowers. To remember a specific meaningful date with flowers makes your loved ones appreciate you even more. So, whether you purchase flowers online or from a local florist, whether you choose roses or carnations, go ahead and send flowers for just about any occasion. There are not many occasions that flowers are not suitable for.

by Michael Russell

2006-08-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

flower image : Variations And Fabrics Used For A Hawaiian Shirt

There are several variations and fabrics used in a Hawaiian shirt. This article will discuss the popular Hawaiian shirts of different kinds.

Variations… Hawaiian shirt designs vary and could be distinguished depending on the print. It can be identified with the pattern running across the shirt. Here are the popular designs used for Hawaiian shirt.

Basic all-over print – This is probably the most common among all Hawaiian shirts. It is characterized by repeating prints that appear throughout the fabric. The print does not have to be symmetrical although common basic all-over print Hawaiian shirt does have uniform pattern. Among all Hawaiian shirts, this type can be worn either tucked in or free.

Scenic print – This might be the second most popular Hawaiian shirt design. Some people find the scenic print appealing for it characterizes the vacation experience. The scenic print is distinguish by repeating images, usually a scenery rather than the typical basic repeating images of a leaf or flower.

Border – This Hawaiian shirt is intended to be worn untucked for its design going across the shirt. Unlike the basic all-over and scenic print, the border (bottom) Hawaiian shirts have large and full images that run at the bottom of the shirt.

Matched print – This design has the identity if continuous print that runs from one part of the shirt to the other. The design is almost the same with the border print with its large print the starting at the bottom up; the only difference is that the shirt receives seamless image from the left part to the right uninterrupted by the buttons. Since it is the character of the design, the matched print Hawaiian shirt is more difficult and requires a great skill to make.

Panel – This kind of design is identified with vertical panels. Like the basic all-over and scenic print, this type of Hawaiian shirt has repeating patterns, usually that of leaves, flowers or both.

Engineered – This type of Hawaiian shirt design depicts are greater image, usually repeats every 18 inches. It is like the matched print and border print with seamless design even if it crosses the buttons. This is the most expensive among all Hawaiian shirt designs because its high-quality fabric.

Matched pocket – Like the matched print, the matched pocket has a seamless design, this time at the pockets. Most Hawaiian shirts have matched pocket design.

Fabrics… Several fabrics are used to make Hawaiian shirts. Here are some:

Cotton – is the most common fabric used for most several types of clothes due to its nature. Cotton is easily washable with any type of detergent and can bear high temperatures without hurting the fiber.

Rayon – is a fabric that should be carefully washed. Some even would only withstand dry-cleaning. Extra care should be practiced to Hawaiian shirts with rayon fabric. Rayon is comfortable when worn.

Hemp - is another type of fabric used to make Hawaiian shirt. They are tough, tougher than the duration of 20 cotton shirts combined. To wash hemp, all that is needed is a good detergent.

Silk – is expensive type of fabric used for high-end Hawaiian shirts. It can be washed either by machine or by hand. Silk insulates body from outside temperature. Silk is warn during winter and cool during summer.

By Robert Thatcher

2006-08-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

flower image : The Digital Photography Alternative

It can be hard work locating the perfect field of poppies in front of the perfect view of a Tuscan town. You think it might just be easier to slap in a field of poppies on your computer at home later. Well, these days it is a viable alternative, one much used in the professional photography world, but if you’re going to do it well, there is still a lot of work involved.

This time you are going to need to find two shots: one of the view of your chosen town in Tuscany, ideally with a nicely defined hill curving gently in the foreground, which will be filled with poppies digitally later; the other the poppy field itself in a similar light to your first picture and on a similarly contoured hill or field. A flat field of poppies stuck onto a hill shaped foreground is just going to look like a collage. So no escape from the driving around Tuscany searching for the perfect shot then.

Just as well that it is more of a joy than a punishment to potter along the winding roads between such jewels as Pienza and Montepulciano, San Quirico d’Orcia and Montalcino, you don’t even need the excuse of photography. Get a friend to drive so that you don’t end up in the ditch, craning to get a better view of Monte Amiata, my favourite mountain, or of the towers of Siena in the distance. A detailed map will help you explore the strada bianca (dirt roads), but they are not always completely accurate, so be prepared to head off into the unknown and turn back at a dead end – all part of the adventure. The magic of Tuscany is the unexpected view, a hidden crumbling brick farmhouse with cypress trees, a perfect field of poppies.

You’ve located your shots of your background town and your foreground poppies. Take a lot of permutations of the same shot: different depths of field, different points of focus, different angles, different light situations, and bracket, bracket, bracket your exposures. The beauty of digital is that you don't have film costs to worry about. Return to the same place at a different time of day to get a different angle of sunlight on your poppies. You need a large choice of shots to play with when you get home to your computer. Once home you can’t re-shoot, you have to work with the material you’ve already collected.

Now, after downloading the images, backing them up on DVD or an external hard drive, you have hours of fun ahead of you, selecting the images to work with and then juxtaposing them perfectly and seamlessly to create the ultimate illusion, that looks effortless. Only you have the satisfaction of knowing how much work went into creating the perfect photograph of Poppies in Tuscany.
flower image

by Kit Heathcock

2006-08-01T00:33:00.000-07:00

flower image : How to Make Your Own Wallpaper

Gone are the days of limited mobile phone customisation, when all the possible modifications come with the cellular phone package as it is bought, or have to be bought separately at the store. Aside from the many stylish accessories out in the market, such as cellular phone covers, casings, and straps, you can also make use of ring tones, screensavers, and wallpapers to personalise your phone’s interface. Due to the increased connectivity and additional functions of newer models, it is quite easy to make your cellular phone screen appear just the way you like it.

Nowadays, your cell phone wallpaper can match your every mood. To personalise the look of your phone screen, the wallpaper in particular, you can choose between the files already provided in your cellular phone, and the many phone wallpaper size photos found on different Internet sites. One such site is www.ringtones.lt, where you can find wallpapers of popularanimation characters, celebrities, sports cars, athletes, movie stills, and more. Of course, you can also make your own, and it should not cost a lot. After all, it’s the best way to guarantee that your mobile looks as different as can be.

Ready to make your own customised wallpaper? Here’s how:

If your cellular phone is equipped with a camera, the pictures taken with it are often ready to use as wallpapers. Therefore, the most up-to-date wallpaper is merely a click away. Take pictures with it—lots of pictures! Not only will it provide you with a wide selection of wallpaper images, the practice will also help develop an artistic flair in you. This way, you will be able to take better pictures and find better subjects to take pictures of, whether or not you have had training in photography. You can also make sure of it by finding simple photography tips from online sites and forums, and applying a certain style that you find interesting.

You can keep the photo wallpapers interesting by using the pictures you took during rare trips or a vacation in a faraway land. Some exciting subjects are festivals, odd-looking animals, extreme games stunts, and maybe your first hot-air balloon ride. On the other hand, you need not look farther than your very own backyard to be able to take worthy photos. Some examples are pets, the sunrise or sunset as it is seen through your window, portraits of your loved ones, a flower blooming in your garden, and your favorite food served on a decorative plate. Meanwhile, for the most unique wallpaper, you can just go ahead and take pictures of yourself.

For those who are more skilled in design and the use of design software, you may also try drawing your own wallpaper using your computer. Be sure to check the image size and type of file that is compatible with your unit. You can then upload it to your mobile phone using Blue Tooth or a USB connection.

While your phone screen is quite small, remember that there are no limits to the modifications you can do. All you need to do is imagine, then create the picture.

Ringtones.lt is a site specialising in the different genres of ringtones, cell phone wallpapers and cell phone screensavers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Nicosia

2006-08-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

flower image : Birthday E Cards

As part of the convenience brought by the internet is the ability to send out electronic cards or e-cards. As long as you have an internet connection, an e-card allows you to send out greetings in the comfort of your own home, anytime, anywhere. You can find internet sites that offer services for free, or those that simply ask for donations to keep the website operational, or actual greeting card sites that require you to become a member before you can download a card.

Delivery

E-cards utilize the e-mail technology to deliver the card. Most of the services send the card immediately after you press the send button on the page, but there are selected providers that allow you to select the date of delivery. There are some sites that send the actual card directly to the recipient in the form of an e-mail, but usually what is sent is just a link pointing to the actual location of the e-card. The link usually points back to the provider. Once the card is viewed by the intended receiver, a notification is sent back to the sender.

Types of E-Cards

The basic type of e-card is a static image. The image usually includes depiction of a gift, a party celebration, banners, a birthday cake, birthday candle, party hats, wine glasses, flower image or anything that is related to birthdays. You have the option to include your own message or send it as is, just including the information for the sender and the receiver. If you include a customized message, depending on the e-card and the provider, the message can be written on top of the image on the predefined space, or it would be placed outside of the image.

Another type of e-card which is growing in popularity is the animated card. This type of card would have the same set of contents as static images, but areas of the image are moving and there can also be inclusions of sounds and background music. The message is usually embedded in the card and cannot be customized. If there are additional messages aside from the preset one, it would be placed outside of the animation.

Disadvantage

The only disadvantage of sending an e-card is that there is no way to save the card. Although providers do not immediately delete the card right after it is viewed, but the cards are kept only for a limited period of time, so eventually the recipient can no longer go back and appreciate these cards.

By Marcus Peterson

2006-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

flower image : Cherry Blossom Tattoos

Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can’t be denied. In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance. Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one. So don’t fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.

While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways. Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different in each culture.

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is important to think about these symbols and connect this with what your personally believe the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not speak to you or you’re somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.

Chris has been running http://www.DesignMyTattoos.com website for over a year. He likes helping people find the custom tattoo designs and where to get them done by professional tattoo artists. Check out the site and post a job to get your own custom tattoo design. Also you can check out http://www.TattooDirectory.info for great Tattoo Design Galleries and ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Ryerson

2006-07-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

flower image : Flower Tattoos - The Many Meanings

With a larger acceptance of women getting tattooed, flower tattoos have risen in popularity. The wonderful thing about these tattoos is there are so many different types and colors of flowers, all with different meanings. Generically, the flowers can mean a few different things, while specific flowers like the lotus and rose can mean more specific things.

A flower tattoo in general connects back to nature, and brings up images of life, such as birth, procreation and vitality. This is because we see the duration of life when we look at a flower. We see a flower emerge from the earth, and then grow day by day. We see a flower bloom, and later dry up and wilt away.

To have a tattoo picturing a flower reminds us of that whole process of life. Additionally, different colors of flowers on a tattoo symbolize different things as well. Seeing a white flower tattoo brings up the idea of purity, while the color of red on a flower can mean the blood of Christ or burning passion.

Being tattooed with a rose symbolizes love, or more specifically a pure love. As a matter of fact, around the 16th century, a rose was tattooed on people condemned to death, so they would be recognized immediately if they ever escaped the gallows. However, nowadays the rose is tattooed as a symbol of love and passion. Much of the tattoo symbolism of this flower has to do with the rose being a flower that is given during romantic occasions. This is why a rose is often tattooed on someone to show their love for a certain person. It’s probably not a coincidence that the rose tattoo is the most popular of all tattoos picturing flowers, and even more so, since men are getting tattooed with roses as well.

Just as a rose tattoo symbolizes love and purity in the west, a tattoo with a lotus flower symbolizes the same things in the east. A tattoo with the lotus flower, though, brings with it a little more meaning. This tattoo also symbolizes beauty, goodness, fortune, enlightenment, and peace.

Continuing along this line, an acacia tattoo symbolizes chaste love and friendship. Some Irish get tattooed with a flower called Bells of Ireland. This flower usually means good luck, but the name may call the bells of freedom to ring upon Ireland.

If you consider yourself a perfect lover, you might want to have a tulip tattooed on your arm to symbolize fame and passionate love. However, if you are a shy and timid person, the violet tattoo is perfect for you.

Iris stand for faith wisdom and virtue. And magnolias symbolize a person's love for nature and gives a sense of nobility.

Getting tattooed with a flower can have these different meanings along with being quite beautiful and elegant. The flower can be as small and dainty or as large and bold as your want. Whichever flower you choose, be it a rose, a lotus, a violet or any other your tattoo can say exactly what you want it to.

Tommy Gordon manages sites on various subjects. Tommy is a website builder and SEO expert. Find more tattoo ideas and information about Celtic, Hawaiian, Flowers, temporary tattoos and more at Tattoo Ideas 4U.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_Gordon

2006-07-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

flower image: Flower Pictures in Tuscany

It’s springtime in Tuscany, early May. Arriving at Pisa airport the air smells different, dryer, lighter, brighter with the alluring waft of some flower scent, even amid the concrete hustle and bustle common to airports everywhere. I’m travelling light, or as light as you can get when your camera bag is your hand luggage and you couldn’t quite leave the tripod behind. Not when the mission is a whistle-stop orchid extravaganza, to try and photograph as many different sorts of orchid as we can find, in under a week.

Heading off in a hire car, we leave Pisa behind and take to the hills, a winding, twisting, and convoluted back road towards Siena. The air is fresher and the hint of flowers strengthens until we are overwhelmed by the honeyed scent of broom, pouring in through the car windows. Every which way you look there is a picture postcard scene, comprising the essential props of a Tuscan photo – cypress trees, warm brick farmhouse and stone church, with gently curving green hills behind. Is it possible to take a bad photograph in Tuscany? Well yes it is. If I give in to temptation and snap every tempting vista, I’m going to find the bright midday light turns everything to dull monochrome, flattens the colours and wastes all my film before I’ve even started on the orchids. I’ll have to note the best views and try to come back in early morning or evening light, when it all magically turns golden and lucid.

We know where we are heading – south of Siena some friends have been walking through veritable meadows filled with orchids. The challenge will be to find those places by car, along the strada bianca (dirt roads) that crisscross the countryside. The other challenge is reaching our destination, when every few yards we spot a flower spike on the roadside and have to screech to a halt to identify it. Fresh from England any orchid at all is a rarity, but after an hour we are already blasé and we no longer stop for ‘just another spotted orchid’.

The next day we are up bright and early at our first spot on the lower slopes of Monte Amiata. There is an open clearing surrounded by stunted oak trees and bingo – a lavish sprinkling of bee orchids, my favourites, with their furry lip that looks just like a bumble bee. Now the advantage of early morning light and sparkling dewdrops is offset by the fact that I’ll have to lie down in the damp grass to get a good angle. Remember to bring a waterproof next time. I should use a tripod, but first I’m looking through the camera to choose the finest specimens and best setting. Some I need to trim the grass around, either with nail scissors or by gentle flattening down. A wide aperture will take care of the background but I don’t want any blurring of grass waving in the foreground. Sort out tripod, get light reading and bracket, bracket, bracket.

These are pre-digital days, I’m using tranny and colour saturation has to be spot on, so to be safe I’ll do five half-stop brackets. I can’t reshoot from back home once I’ve processed it all and seen the results. This also means I have to be selective, I’ll only get six shots to a roll of film, so just the best flowers and best angles.

Moving across the clearing, as the light strengthens, I find a fly orchid, this time impersonating a bluebottle fly, not as pretty as the bee orchid but striking, then setting up for that shot I nearly tread on a fragrant orchid, delicate pink flowers. I have to be quick now before the light gets too harsh and contrasty. Three in the bag and it’s off to a bar to get a second breakfast of cappuccino and brioche. The film is safe in a cool box – hot cars at midday don’t do much for it! The middle of the day is for scouting the evening’s shoot, then lunch and a siesta. The light won’t be good again until about 5 o’clock, but we have to be in the right place by then to make the most of it. So it’s driving the back roads again between Buonconvento and Casciano di Murlo.

Over the next few days we cross off our list the green-winged orchis, pyramidal orchid, lady orchid, the monkey orchid with its long tail, a man orchid – not so easy to spot with its greeny-yellow colouring, but now we’ve got our eye in the orchid shape leaps at us from all sides. A lot of these orchids are also supposed to be common in Britain but I’ve never seen any of them there, here in Italy they’re everywhere – must be something to do with farming methods, pesticides and all the rest. Here there are a lot of small-scale farmers, subsistence farming is dying out but huge commercial agricultural companies haven’t taken over. There are also a lot of woodland and unfarmable hilly slopes. Orchids on the roadsides though, that’s just showing off!

At the end of the week it’s back to Pisa, hand in the hire car, just slightly dented from overly-steep off-road experiences, and try to persuade the security people to hand search the film bag rather than X-ray it, which could fog the film. They promise that their machine is so modern and foolproof that you can put film through safely but I’m not taking any chances and eventually they agree. So only one more hurdle to go, the lab back home, processing and seeing what I’ve got – that heart stopping moment before opening the envelope, the huge sigh of relief when you see images on the film, then examining each one carefully and remembering the scent of the Italian countryside in springtime.

Copyright 2005 Kit Heathcock

About the author: Sometime flower photographer, keen observer of the resonances of life and fulltime mother. Born in the UK but now living on a farm in the southern hemisphere. Contributor to the creation and maintenance of A Flower Gallery one of the homes of chakra flower art.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kit_Heathcock

2006-07-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

flower image : How to Take Great Flower Photos

I know that many out there want to improve their photography in one aspect. Flower photography. With gardening as popular as it is this shouldn’t be a surprise. Flower photography while looking like one of the simplest forms of photography can quickly become one of the most difficult. Here are a few tips for you. (Keeping in mind that basic good photography skills are always used.)

Soft diffuse light. Today it’s very overcast outside, and if there were any flowers in bloom today would be the perfect day for capturing some great images. Soft diffuse light enhances color saturation, so if you wondered how or why pro photographers flower images seem so deep in color this is one of the reasons why. (There are exceptions to this rule. I do some flower photography is bright or dappled sunlight but I’m usually trying to get an effect of light passing through the petals.)

Slow film speed. 200 speed or less. The slower speed films have greater detail and for flowers you’re going to need to get close anyway and you want the nice sharp detail of a slower speed of film. I use 100 speed for my flower photography.

Tripod. Use one for this type of photography. Set up your shot, get everything in sharp focus, and then shoot. A tripod will keep your camera from moving on you and allow you to get the sharp detail you will need.

Look for great colors, a flower in full bloom next to a bud, and don’t shoot on windy days. Keep contrast and color in mind at all times and try different compositions each time you take a shot.

Flower photography can be a lot of fun especially if the flowers are your own.

If you have some specific questions please visit my Photography and Design Forum at: http://kellypaalphotography.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php and post your question there.

About The Author
Copyright 2005 Kelly Paal Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting nationally and internationally. She owns her own business Kelly Paal Photography (www.kellypaalphotography.com). She has an educational background in photography, business, and commercial art. She enjoys applying graphic design and photography principles to her web design.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Paal

2006-07-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

flower image : Experiencing Glass

Glass has been part of human civilization for thousands of years, it's usefulness and beauty is taken for granted by most of us. Until a person holds a liquid mass of molten glass on the end of a stick, one can not imagine how wonderfully alive glass can be. Like glass, live can be hard and brittle one moment and hot and flowing the next. One day I decided to experience hot molten glass for myself and on my day off traveled to Glassboro, New Jersey to the Wheaton Village Museum and Glass Factory.

From early on, paperweights have always occupied a warm spot in my heart. beautiful photographs of paperweights that graced the pages of oversized library books fascinated me for hours. Baccarat millifiori widths, faceted and glowing in the pure colors of fantasy, represented for me the epitome of artistic human endeavor.

I arrived about ten in the morning and reported to the office manager to announce my arrival and to pay the $40.00 fee. The required reservation allows only one person to enter the furnace area and a glass worker would help me create my own design paperweight with a minimum of professional help. I entered a huge room containing five large ovens for the melted glass. The heat from the furnace warmed my face from where I was standing on the circular balcony thirty feet from the glowing furnaces. I felt nervous now that my earlier adventurous mood had given way to the anxiety of handling molten glass at two thousand degrees Fahrenheit.

I met the glass worker, named Mike, who would guide me through the process. A fifteen minute lecture on the names and the proper use of the tools of the trade preceded a short lesson in glass handling. It was at this moment that I realized how alive molten glass feels as it tried to drip inexorably toward the floor. I thought of a moving assembly line belt that needs constant and unerring attention to avoid disaster. I placed a four-foot-long iron rod in the "glory hole" of the furnace and grabbed a dollop of red hot liquid glass, turning the rod steadily to keep the glass from dripping off the rod. The paperweight I imagined would contain a single pink day lily supported by four spear-like leaves on a base of rising bubbles. I pressed the soft glass into a mole that contained iron points to create the bubbles. A second trip to the furnace sealed the bubbles with a layer of melted glass, bringing the size to about two inches in diameter.

Next I arranged the "leaves" that looked like pieces of light green lumps of glass in a circular pattern and returned the glass to the furnace for further heating. My mentor reminded me several times during this process to continue to turn the rod to preserve the round shape. A pointed iron tool came in handy for shaping and drawing out the leaves to a proper shape. I arranged the flower petals around the center and similarly drew them into a pleasing shape. Two more layers of molten glass brought the size up to three inches across, producing the oversized "jumbo" paperweight. The final step involved pressing the red hot glass to a curved wooden mold. I wanted to see the flower from all directions, not only from the top, so I flattened the top in a parabolic shape. Mike mentioned that he had never seen this shape before, but reassured me that I could determine the outcome according to my own artistic wishes.

As I prepared to leave the furnace pit, twenty or so observers situated in the balcony gave me a big hand. I spent a wonderful two hours in the glass museum next door. The museum owners chose only the finest examples of glass for display. Towering slim vases, massive commemorative pieces artfully carved with beautiful images and colorful imaginings in fantastic shapes filled the fifty-foot high-ceilinged room, the hidden lighting adding to the effect. When it arrived one week later, I presented the fully annealed glass paperweight to my amazed wife. I have to give full credit to the wonderful and helpful staff at Wheaton Village. Their gift of knowledge will always be a part of an artistic creation I can call my own.

I enjoy trying new things to enrichen my life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_C._Hoffman

2006-07-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

flower image : Rid Yourself Of Fear, Fearlessly!

What a silly thing to say, don't you think? Not necessarily when you know the power of creating a single photographic collage.

Col-lage n. An artistic composition of materials and objects pasted over a surface, often with unifying lines and color.

7 Powerful Uses Of Creating Collages:

1. To break up the mental image that is fear. Collage images that represent fear and see what happens to your state of mind. Very surprising and powerful!

2. To create a visual of your dream life to magnetically attract your dreams into your life. This is sometimes referred to as Treasure Mapping.

3. To break through your conscious riddence of your inner self. Have you trained yourself to be an "adult" and put away the passions of your childhood? Your collage can reveal the part of yourself that you have forgotten if that is your purpose.

4. To communicate a negative feeling you have to someone who cannot understand your verbal message. Our minds think in pictures. Through pictures we can convey what language cannot.

5. Purely as a work of art. Collage art can be very expressive and beautiful. It offers an opportunity for the uses of all sorts of multi-media such as texture objects, metal, paper, etc.

6. To reveal a thought pattern you may not realize about yourself. As you share your collage with others for comments, they may notice something in yours that you hadn't realized. Suddenly you notice something about yourself without the other person even noticing your discovery.

7. To create a visual journal of your life and passions in life. Bring your favorite life experiences forward photographically. Remember photographs used as collage have overlapping edges. They are not lined up in straight rows like in a photograph album. It's a great technique to use in creating a scrapbook.

All in all creating collages is a powerful tool to use when you are stuck in any way. Fear will leave you stuck. Break it up with a collage of photographs that represent fear.

Stuck for ideas? Create a collage of photographs that represent stagnation. You will be very surprised.

Wondering where you can easily get the pictures for your collage?

Here are some ways:

1. Use outdated magazines and tear out pages that seem to represent your theme or feeling.

2. Use family photographs

3. Join a clip art website for a week and look through all their photographs and save the ones that stand out for you.

4. Use scraps of paper, fabric, various texture items like flower petals, grass, leaves, etc.

5. Spend the day at Lake Pawtuckaway in Nottingham, New Hampshire Oct 15 and create your collage with all materials supplied for a day! See http://www.discoveryourinnersoul.com

Collages can be made from any group of objects or photographs you desire. They can be for almost any purpose.

Create a collage and see what happens! Copyright 2005 Juanita Bellavance

Juanita Bellavance, the author of this article, is offering FREE Conditional Coaching Consultations for a limited time. . If you don't get coaching, your dreams can stay delayed indefinitely. Call Today and find out the difference coaching can make for you. To schedule your session, Call 888-836-2735 ext 2 FREE Recorded Message. Or you can email your request to assureyoursuccess@assuredsuccesslifecoach.com with FREE Consult in the subject line. Visit Juanita’s website at: http://www.assuredsuccesslifecoach.com What the heck is Brainspeak? Go here and see: http://www.assuredsuccesslifecoach.com/Brainspeak/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juanita_Bellavance

2006-07-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

flower image : Gardens of Christchurch

We arrived in Christchurch on December 27, 1996, after starting across the Pacific on Christmas day and losing a day at the international date line. It was a couple of weeks later in the season than our previous trip, the gardens were in a more advanced state of bloom, and the weather was considerably warmer (though the temperature still varied from short sleeves to sweaters between midday and evening).

Christchurch is situated on the east coast about midway down south island. It sits on a curiously flat portion of the Canterbury Plain with mountains to the north and west and some low hills on the southeastern edge of the city. In the vicinity of the city, the plane is crossed by several rivers, one of which is milky blue and serves as a reminder that the glaciers of the Southern Alps are not far away. With a vast stretch of chilly Pacific Ocean to the southeast and the stormy Tasman Sea just over the mountains to the northwest, the weather is variable and strongly dependent on wind direction.

The picture shown here is the cathedral and square that is the focal point of the downtown area.
One of the rivers crossing the plane is the Avon. Like most rivers in New Zealand it runs clear and is almost devoid of life except for insects, ducks, the occasional eel, and a few trout decended from those transplanted from the US in the 1800's. The Avon meanders across the plane and through Christchurch, picking up some litter, but still clean enough to support a few protected large brown trout that hang out near one of the bridges. Just a few blocks west of cathedral square, the city gives way to a large green space that is bounded on two sides by the Avon river. At one point the Avon swings into the park to form a boot shaped loop. The interior of the loop and some of its periphery are devoted to the Botanic Gardens.
This punting landing is two blocks east of the park, and one can hire a punt for a lesiurely ride along the river. The green strip along the river softens the downtown area which otherwise is fairly typical of a nondescript midwestern city in the U.S.
The better residental areas differ from those in the U.S. in that flower gardens there take on the importance of lawns here. Part of this no doubt stems from the British influence, and part from a cool ocean moderated climate, but it's also probably encouraged by the relative lack of alternative activities in this sparcely populated region. (It's hard to imagine N.Z. television being the distraction it is in the U.S.) Whatever the cause, one is likely to pass some eye catching private gardens on most any drive around town. Something like every third house had some well grown perennial on display, and about every tenth had a thoughtfully laid out perennial border or cottage garden bursting with bloom.
The gardening highlight of the city is the Botanic Garden of nearly 75 acres, and in particular the long perennial border on the left of this picture. The border is on level ground with the plants carefuly arranged to provide ever increasing height from front to back. At the back is another narrow path at the edge of plants that are typically head high.
The plants in the border are also chosen so that there is a continuous bloom over a very long season, so it doesn't burst into bloom all at once like a firework, but instead provides continuing interest with anticipation for what might be blooming next week.

At the lower right of the border picture you can just see the edge of a large group of hydranga bushes. These hybrids were blooming in a wide assortment of colors, none of which were the traditional metallic blue or pink normally associated with this plant. This is one of the blueish-pinkish ones.

Other hydranges ranged from a metallic gray the color of steel, to this light pink that was either fading to or from a creamy white. They were growing under large trees in the shade and a brisk wind kept the flower heads in constant motion, so I could not manage particularly good photos of most of them.

If you turn around from the camera position in the border picture and follow the path around to the right, you find another smaller, more specialized border. This photo shows a bed of long established dianthus that were at the tail end of their bloom. The bit of taller red at the far upper right is penstemon.

Here's a closer view of the brilliant penstemon bed looking from the other direction. Most of those that we manage to keep alive in our North Carolina gardens are decidely puny compared to these three foot tall mounds of glowing flowers on upright stems. My Husker Red is as healthy, but sadly the red refers to the dark leaves not to the small white flowers

© 1996-1999 L.R. Fortney

2006-07-14T03:25:00.000-07:00

flower image : NZ Botanical Garden

We got an early start on the drive from Christchurch to Dunedin on the morning of December 3. The drive took us most of the day, and we had only the morning of December 4 to tour the city before starting off for Te Anau in the southwest. We had some rain along the way from Christchurch, but by the time we arrived in Dunedin the sky had cleared and this morning we awoke to bright sunlight and somewhat warmer temperatures.

Dunedin is a "U" shaped city built on the hillsides overlooking the end of a long bay. The approaches to the city are quite hilly but although our rental Ford struggled up some of them, they were a welcome relief after the relatively uninteresting road north of Christchurch. The garden described below is perched on a hillside high enough to overlook the bay and quite close to the downtown area.

Again most of the images are from my hi-8 video, but Jennifer took the brighter and sharper 35 mm photographs
A closer look at the Crambe which was standing about four feet tall.
A clump of some sort of pink-lavender aster was also in bloom
Jennifer took this 35 mm photo of me checking out a plant label in the rock garden. The lower garden is to the right in this image and is separated from this banked rock garden by a river that was spanned by two foot bridges at either end of the garden. The left side of this image shows the beginning of a major hill that rose over a hundred feet to various overlooks, shade gardens, and an Aviary.
Various primula were blooming merrily in little nooks of the rock garden.
And a sort of hen and chickens succulent that was adorned with orange flowers.
White daisies on plants with thick gray leaves, low plants covered in small white flowers, and large orange plumes in one image captures something of the variety that was growing in the rock garden.

© 1996-1999 L.R. Fortney

2006-07-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

flower image : Stimulate Your Sensebuds

When you get stuck for ideas, and the words won't flow, invariably it's because one, more or all of your senses aren't being stimulated.

Staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper really doesn't help. The best way to stimulate all your senses in one hit is to provide an inspirational space you can work with.

Lots of Feng Shui arrangements appear in western homes these days, and they're great, but outside those four walls of your writing space, there is another world bursting with enlightenment and inspiration.

Of course you may have to work at it a little, but hey, we all need some exercise sometimes!

Whether you have a balcony or a backyard, you can very simply build a natural living world to plunge into whenever you choose. If you have neither, consider renting a small patch of land or sharing a garden with someone.

Gardening conjures up all sorts of hard work images; tools, backache, blisters etc;. but it's only as hard as you make it. Start small and design your garden on paper first. Decide where you want herbs, flowers - and even vegetables, if you have the space and inclination!

A tiny balcony or back yard can be bordered with herbs and flowers. If you're staring at several square metres of concrete, don't despair. Plant your sensory stimulators in pots. Paint the pots different colours if you like.

Choose strong smelling, long lasting flowers, such as wallflowers ( Cheiranthus ). They will grow in some shade and do well against walls, fences and hedgerows. Climbing roses will only need a few hooks screwed into the fence, and they will happily cover your fence in blooms. Both these flowers are colourful, smell beautiful and are velvet to the touch.

Many herbs will grow in pots. Grow chives for something to nibble as you wander round the garden. Mint varieties are many , from spearmint through to the newer varieties such as pineapple or melon mint . Try them! They really do smell of pineapple and melon.

Some herbs are perennial and, once established, will need very little care. But remember to pick them to encourage growth.

The acoustics in your outside space will change dramatically when you have flowers growing. Those bees and bugs won't be able to resist.

Rub the leaves of your mint plants or other herbs and fill the air with the scent.

Now relax in a chair, listen to the humming of the insects and nibble on your chives. Within ten minutes you'll either be dozing and gaining some well needed rest, or you'll be running back to your keyboard with more words in your head than ever before!

by Linda Gray

2006-07-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

flower image : Exotic Island Paradise

SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination situated in the northern tip of borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. Sabah is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, rain forest, surrounding nature and islands, beach resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. If you are thinking of visiting Borneo, these places of interest and activities will whet your appetite!

Mount Kinabalu
Let me begin with my favorite place and definitely not to be missed if you are visiting Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu (4,093m). It is the summit of borneo and the tallest mountain in South East Asia. This mountain is sacred to the locals. Thousands from around the world have trekked to its peak. At the feet of this mountain is Kinabalu National Park, a botanical paradise where rare plants are found: rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants and the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
If you haven’t heard yet, the most popular native of borneo is the Orang Utan. The world-famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre enables visitors to come in close contact with these amazing animals. This sanctuary allows visitors to witness an exciting conservation programme in action. Set in 43 square km of beautiful rainforest, the sanctuary helps once captive Orang Utans learn to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch how these orphaned Orang Utans being taught to climb, and then go to a platform where you can witness them coming in from within the forest for their daily meals of milk and bananas.

Danum Valley Rain Forest
If nature is close to your heart, then this next destination I am going to introduce you is a must visit, Danum Valley. Danum Valley is nestled deep in the rain forest of borneo where nature is at its most pristine. As you travel deeper and deeper into the jungle, you will suddenly come across a magical paradise of the borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), erected overlooking the magnificent setting of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill ranges. BRL is an impressive resort, designed by naturalists and built on stilts using traditional timber materials, and has the comfort of a 3-Star Hotel. I totally recommend Danum Valley to those who yearn to see wildlife in a primeval borneo rainforest - the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscis monkeys, Orang Utan, elephants and over 275 species of birds.

by Walter Rajah

2006-07-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

flower image : The composition in folk embroidery.

Today we shall talk about the composition in embroidery. You will get to know about ornaments and its use to decorate household stuff in times of old. Ornamental patterns decorate many things. If a thing is beautiful, it is pleasant to use it. You have many confections at home: fine china, in-wrought drapery, embroidered cushions, ovenware… Try to decorate them yourself.

In former times only a few could buy fine things. In the villages away from big cities people made and decorated the things they needed themselves – wooden spoons, plates, water scoops and other. Some of them survived to our times. Many of such things are elaborately made. Now they are kept in museums. We do not know the names of those who made them, but their art is called folk art.

The works of the folk craftsman delight us in colour schemes, amazing pictures of plants, birds and animals. Patterns are wonderful: flowers, outlandish birds, and thin and neat branches of trees. And what colours!

How could the folk craftsman create such a gorgeous design?

Who could give him a cue?

It was the nature that directed him; he had seen it in the forest or in the garden. Look carefully at the plants, how their leaves grow, what their shape is, what the colours are.

Before making something, you should think the whole item over, decide upon the shape, arranging of the pattern, it character and colour. The artistic solution of the ornament is included into the general concept of composition.

The Latin word "composition" means arranging separate parts into a complete unit in a certain order. Together these parts are supposed to create a definite shape. In the properly designed composition all the elements are interconnected, it is impossible to remove anything without the loss of integrity of the picture and the harmony of composition.

composition has the principal elements and secondary, subordinate elements. The principal elements are those that attract attention first and bear the main idea, the concept of the pattern. The major element of the design must be connected and balanced by the secondary elements. The main part is not necessarily located in the centre of the composition. It can be emphasised by the means of contrast colour or its size and shape.

composition can be three or two-dimensional. embroidery is a two dimensional composition. composition developing is a creative process of artistic work invention from conception to perfection. Starting an embroidery, one should remember that it is an applied art, and any embroidered item, whether it be a tablecloth, a blouse, or a panel, is household article as well as a piece of art. Thus, the size and fashion of the tablecloth, its colour, and the pattern will depend on the size and shape, material and colour of the table it is made for. The tablecloth will become a part of interior, that is why it must be balance with the other things in the room.

You should be aware of some the main notions and means of composition in order to learn how to arrange a composition correctly. They are rhythm, rapport order, symmetry and others. All these notions in their turn are connected with the concept of "ornament".

In Latin "ornament" means decoration. In ancient times ornament designed had a strongly marked symbolic meaning.

A straight horizontal line stood for the land surface, horizontal wavy line stood for the water, a vertical wavy line symbolized rain, triangles meant mountains, crossed lined stood for fire and lightning, the Sun and the Moon – radiant celestial bodies - were indicated by a circle, a square, or a rhombus.

A female character with hand up or down represented the image of Earth Mother, connected with worshiping of the land and water. Eastern Slavic goddess Bereginya, or Mokosh, was the patroness of water, household, hearth and home, and handiwork.

Branchy trees and frog images stood for fertile land; grass, flowers, bushes, and trees were called "the hair of the Earth". Out-runner of the Sun, warmth and light, symbol of happiness and joy was a bird that promised the incoming of spring, harvest and wealth. A deer and horse represented "live-giving aster" – the Sun – and were believed to bring good fortune, jollity, and prosperity.

The rhombus was the main sign and it had many meanings. A smooth or spurred rhombus stood for the Sun and fire, as well as for fertility, revival. A chain of rhombuses meant the Tree of Life. A rhombus with protruding sides represented the top of timberwork; a square divided into four parts with a circle or a dot in each meant a homestead and a sown field.

There were special ornaments for wedding garments and burial clothes, warrior clothing, farmers, and or household stuff, etc. Dishes, stoves and furniture were covered with ornaments. Every region had their traditional ornament patterns. It is easy to distinguish Russian pattern from Bashkir or Estonian one. Over time the figures changed, became more complicated and were combined with other designs, creating image patterns. Now ornament has a purely decorative function.

Ornament is a pattern the elements of which follow a definite rhythm.

The part of the ornament that is completely repeated at a specific interval is called rapport, which means repetition.

According to the arrangement and the character of composition, which is always closely related to the shape o the decorated item, ornament can be:

Ribbon – straight or arched strip that decorates the middle of the item or frames it (frieze, border);
Netlike, where all the surface is covered with the pattern;
Centric, or rosette-like, where all the elements are inserted into a square, circle, rhombus, or multi-angular (rosette), located in the centre of an item.

The following ornament designs are distinguished:
Geometric, consisting of several elements;
Meander - composed of broken lines, widely used in Ancient Greece and named after the river Meander;
Flower, or fito, composed of stylised flower, fruit, leaves and branch images;
Animal, with stylised figures of animals and insects;
Lettering-like (ligature), resembling a lettering.

Designing a pattern is always related to symmetry that is typical for folk embroidery patterns. You can invent a ornament with one or several lines of symmetry. The easiest type of symmetry (with one line) is a mirror reflection when the line divides an element into two identical parts.

by Luda Sonkin

2006-07-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

flower image : The Endearing Language of Flowers

The fascination with flowers have captivated, and charmed people world wide. They represent a form of life that has endured evolution, and continues to flourish. With a diversity of colors, forms, scents, and uses, flowers have been revered by generations of admirers, and enthusiasts alike. Throughout history flowers have been the perfect form of expression, when words were hard to find. The language of flowers is a language of love, endearment, and respect. The truly popularity of flowers lies in their ability to bring joy, and good cheer.

The first flowering plants found were tiny herb-like flower fossils dating back 120 million years. An innumerable number of images of preserved flowers and flower parts have been found in fossils located all over the world. According to scientists, there are over 270,000 species of flowers that have been documented and are living in the twenty-first century. Scientists continue to marvel over the amazing diversity of species, and the species that have not changed much during evolution. Many flowers have coevolved with their pollination animals.

The flower is the reproductive organ of a plant. It is the job of the flower to produce seeds through fertilization, and pollination. Pollination requires animals (bees, hummingbirds, etc.), wind, or water to transfer male pollen to the female ovule. After a flower is fertilized, it develops into a fruit containing seeds. These seeds are the next generation, and serve as the means by which species of plants are dispersed across a field. Cross breeding can occur, and this leads to the enormous diversities seen.

The alluring nature of flowers has made them subjects of folklore, and poetry. Their medicinal use has been embraced by the east for centuries. A flower's fragrance is its personality, a beautiful bouquet of scents that permeate even the worst form of pollution. flowers have been associated with religious symbolism, the lily signifying purity for example. The diversity of shapes and colors makes them the perfect decoration, and the perfect gift. The likelihood of two people having the same color, shape arrangement is very remote. Edible flowers have been used in the culinary field for flavor and garnish for many years.

It is clear that flowers do have a very endearing language. A language that is universal, without borders. A language that contains no negativity, nor prejudice. An unconditional way of expressing a feeling so deep, that words could never convey the true meaning. Regardless of the situation, the sight of a flower will always solicit a smile, and a sense of warmth.

by Jay Stockman

2006-07-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

flower image : Make Gift Wrapping Paper With Kids

Making your own wrapping paper is a fun activity that children or adults can do. With some creativity you can create gift wrap that is unique and different – everyone will know the gift is from you!

When making gift wrap with children you will probably want to use either craft white paper or craft brown paper (like the grocery bags). You could even use the inside of a grocery bag if the gift is small enough.

At several points depending on your child's age – they may need help. If your child is not ready to cut with scissors, then manage all of the scissor work and let them have fun gluing everything. Remember to select non-toxic materials. Consider all art materials toxic unless they say they are non-toxic.

Stamping Shapes Paper: To make this you can use either sponges or potatoes. The ease with potatoes is they give children (and adults) a "handle" to hold onto. Sponges are a little harder to hold onto once they get wet, and your designs may not get as clean and clear results.

Use tempura or acrylic paint. Be sure with children to use non-toxic paint. Remember with art materials that if they do not say they are non-toxic, chances are they are toxic – so be aware and stay safe.

Select your paint colors and cut simple designs in your potatoes or sponges. Great shapes include stars, hearts, arrows, lightning bolts, circles, triangles, letters, numbers and smiley faces. Help your children cut the designs depending on their age level.

Lay the paper flat on a dry and protected surface and stamp away with your potatoes or sponges! Remember to put your design all over the paper so that it shows all over your gift, not just one area of the paper. Let it dry overnight before wrapping gifts.

Names or Shapes Paper: To make this paper you will need several sheets of fluorescent paper (8 ½ x 11") is fine. You will also need glue sticks and scissors.

Select a name or a shape that you wish to do for your paper. Think about the size of your gift, is it big? Is your gift small? If your gift is big, then your letters or shapes can be bigger. If your gift is small then your letters or shapes need to be smaller.

If you are giving a birthday gift it could be fun to write the birthday child's name. If it is a gift for Mom then you could write Mom. Or consider writing a short message like "Happy Birthday" if you have enough room.

Write boxy letters or cut out shapes and glue them onto the paper. Write the name and glue it onto the paper several times. Allow it to dry overnight. Then wrap gift.

Picture Paper:

To make this paper you will need magazines or newspapers. Catalogs such a flower catalogs or children's catalogs are also good. Comic books are good for this also. You will need scissors and glue stick.

Select a theme for your paper. Are you going to cut out pictures of animals? Cartoon characters? Flowers? Home images? Or are you going to cut out words? Find the images and cut them out. Glue them onto the paper. Allow it to dry and then wrap your gift.

Special Message Paper:

This is good for most children of any age. First select how large the gift will be and cut the gift paper to size.

Select markers or crayons. You are going to write a special message to the friend or loved one to wish them a Happy Birthday or other good wishes. Help your child select their message.

Write the message on the paper. Now write the message again in other line with a different color marker or crayon. Continue until the paper is full. You can use medium to large handwriting – actually any size handwriting is fine. Just continue until the paper is completely filled. Let this paper dry before wrapping the gift.

When you give the gift remind the birthday child they need to read the Special Message on the wrapping paper.

Feminine Doily Paper:

This is a cute gift wrapping paper for a girl's gift. This is also an easy project to do with even most young children because it only involves glue sticks.

To make this paper you will need paper doilies, either white or metallic (your choice). This project works best with the small doilies. You will also need a glue stick.

Glue the doilies onto the paper. Glue them in an even pattern all over the paper. The doilies will give the gift wrapping a feminine look. Once the doilies are dried, wrap the gift.

There are many other ideas for gift wrap that are in your home and right in front of your nose. Just use your imagination and you will find many other ideas to use with your children. Happy wrapping!

by Abigail Beal

2006-07-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

flower image : Flower power didn't cut it

Watchful eyes can keep people honest -- even when the eyes aren't real. Researchers at Newcastle University in Britain found that people behave differently when they subconsciously feel they are being watched.

They set up their experiment in a common area of the university's psychology department and used 48 staff members as the unwitting subjects of the study. The staff could buy coffee, tea and milk in the common room. A sign listed the prices of drinks and staff were supposed to deposit money for purchases in an "honesty" box.

As part of the experiment, researchers also put up an alternating series of images above the money box. For one week, the poster would be of a pair of eyes. The following week, the image would be replaced with a picture of flowers. Then, it was switched to an image of another pair of eyes. (The close-up images included the eyes of males and females.)

After 10 weeks, researchers found the staff put nearly three times as much money into the honesty box when they were being "watched" by poster eyes, compared with images of flowers. (Male eyes seemed to bring in the most cash.)

So, how could just a picture have this much influence on behaviour? "We think the effect was subconscious -- many people admitted not having noticed the images after the study was over," said Melissa Bateson, lead researcher of the study published in the journal Biology Letters. "We know our brains are tuned specifically to process faces and eyes, probably because knowing whether someone is watching you is so important."

The researchers think their findings could be used to help control "antisocial" behaviour. Some day, the eyes of "Big Brother" might stare down at you from road signs and other public places to encourage compliance with the law.

PAUL TAYLOR

2006-07-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

flower image : love of flowers blossoms forth

She estimates she's shot about 3,000 flowers since 2003, when it all began with a poppy in Brentwood at rush hour. Bloomfield noticed sunlight hitting the roadside flower just so and grabbed her camera.

When she developed the film, her case of poppy love began. “They just spoke to me. They're so feminine and soft and photograph so beautifully.”

She began with poppies, but has since become intrigued with other flora, most recently ranunculus. Her plans include more series of art as well as expanding into a product line of fabrics and home accessories.

Over time, the self-taught photographer has gotten very close to her subject matter literally.

“Now I'm getting more abstract and moving in closer to the flowers very tight,” she said. “Once you start really looking at them, they take on a whole other dimension. There's that unknown beauty in the details.”

Unfortunately, her subjects have a fairly short life span, but Bloomfield said she tries to nurture them along until they start to wilt. But, she said, “The flower's never really dead because its beauty lives on. Its spirit stays alive on the canvas.”

Diana McKeon Charkalis

2006-07-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

flower image : Decor in full bloom

Pip Bloomfield has discerning taste. Especially when it comes to poppies. And roses, and tulips and ranunculus.
“The flowers are my models, and each one of them is totally different,” said Bloomfield. “I used to think a rose is a rose is a rose. But you know what? It's really not.”

The Los Angeles designer-turned-artist shoots pictures of flowers with a digital camera, and from those images creates large-scale art that displays both impressions of brush strokes and photographic realism.

Using a magnifying glass, she carefully chooses each subject. To get her models ready for their close-ups, Bloomfield will sometimes even use a blow-dryer to create a windswept effect.

“A lot of them look like fabric, especially the poppies. Sometimes I look at these flowers and I can see people in them. Some of them look like they're ballerinas in tutus.”

In fact, many of her paintings have names that reference their humanlike appearance, such as “Tulip Dancer,” “Mother and Child” and “Bill's Friend.”

Currently, her work is on display at Spago in Beverly Hills and inside the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Actresses Anne Heche and Kirsten Dunst have also purchased her paintings for their homes.

They're popular with interior designers too, including L.A.'s Philip Nimmo, who does both residential and commercial work and is also the senior designer for the Jaclyn Smith Home Collection.

“My clients are in love with her over-scaled white tulips on a black background,” he said. “Her work is classic yet fresh. It's been used to dramatically enrich many rooms I've designed.”

Bloomfield finds her flowers everywhere, from grocery stores to friends' gardens. A grower in Santa Barbara also brings her roses. These

Diana McKeon Charkalis

2006-06-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

flower image : Valentines Day

Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which we celebrate and explore love in all its many ideals, Valentines Day.

There are many differing opinions on how Valentines Day started.

One story say that when the Roman Empire reigned, a festival every February was held in honour of the God of Fertility and during this time, young men would choose their mate. When a Emperor named Claudius can around, he outlawed all marriages in fear that the men would not be able to fight. Young couples still fell in love though and still wished to marry and they took these desires to the Catholic Bishop Valentine who, understanding love, began to secretly marry couples. When Claudius found out, he had Valentine arrested and ordered put to death. While waiting in jail, Valentine began exchanging letters with the jailers daughter and soon had fallen in love with her. The day he was to be beheaded, he wrote her one last note and signed it: From Your Valentine.

Another story points to Christianity in 496 A.D outlawing the pagan Lupercian Festival and replacing it with a day in February to honour the martyr St. Valentine.

A third story as to the origin of passing out cards stems from a French Count who was captured and imprisoned in London. From his cell he wrote his wife letters, including a passionate set of poems which he sent to her in February.

At the turn of the century, a new form of Valentines Day card appeared the Penny Dreadful. Up until this point, cards were relatively expensive but the Penny Dreadful changed all that. They were just what the name implied, costing only one cent and completely bad. The cards were cheaply made, the artwork was amateurish and the colouring was uneven. On top of that the verses printed on them were not the most romantic of prose. They were more often insults, taking swipes at old maids, teachers and the like. Still their low cost kept them popular for years.

For hundreds of years, Valentines Day has been a day of symbols. You can hardly go through the day without seeing a rose (as a symbol to Venus, the Goddess of Love), images of doves and lovebirds (who mate for life) or hearts. The heart was thought to be the centre of all emotion. People believed that when they gave a heart, they were truly giving all of the love and emotion that they possibly could give.

Its past aside, Valentines Day is the second the most popular card sending holiday just behind Christmas with one billion a cards sent a year. When the calendar turns to February, we start to think of love. February has for centuries been designated the month for lovers, with the primary celebration being on February 14, St. Valentines Day. We send cards, flowers, and candy and our children give out Valentines in school. Valentines Day reminds us to tell our loved ones just how much we care about them.

by Bud Smith

2006-06-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

flower image : The Endearing Language of Flowers

The fascination with flowers have captivated, and charmed people world wide. They represent a form of life that has endured evolution, and continues to flourish. With a diversity of colors, forms, scents, and uses, flowers have been revered by generations of admirers, and enthusiasts alike. Throughout history flowers have been the perfect form of expression, when words were hard to find. The language of flowers is a language of love, endearment, and respect. The truly popularity of flowers lies in their ability to bring joy, and good cheer.

The first flowering plants found were tiny herb-like flower fossils dating back 120 million years. An innumerable number of images of preserved flowers and flower parts have been found in fossils located all over the world. According to scientists, there are over 270,000 species of flowers that have been documented and are living in the twenty-first century. Scientists continue to marvel over the amazing diversity of species, and the species that have not changed much during evolution. Many flowers have coevolved with their pollination animals.

The flower is the reproductive organ of a plant. It is the job of the flower to produce seeds through fertilization, and pollination. Pollination requires animals (bees, hummingbirds, etc.), wind, or water to transfer male pollen to the female ovule. After a flower is fertilized, it develops into a fruit containing seeds. These seeds are the next generation, and serve as the means by which species of plants are dispersed across a field. Cross breeding can occur, and this leads to the enormous diversities seen.

The alluring nature of flowers has made them subjects of folklore, and poetry. Their medicinal use has been embraced by the east for centuries. A flower's fragrance is its personality, a beautiful bouquet of scents that permeate even the worst form of pollution. Flowers have been associated with religious symbolism, the lily signifying purity for example. The diversity of shapes and colors makes them the perfect decoration, and the perfect gift. The likelihood of two people having the same color, shape arrangement is very remote. Edible flowers have been used in the culinary field for flavor and garnish for many years.

It is clear that flowers do have a very endearing language. A language that is universal, without borders. A language that contains no negativity, nor prejudice. An unconditional way of expressing a feeling so deep, that words could never convey the true meaning. Regardless of the situation, the sight of a flower will always solicit a smile, and a sense of warmth.

by Jay Stockman

2006-06-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

flower image : Chakras And Flowers part 1

How do you connect chakras, the energy centres of the body in Eastern tradition, and flowers, pretty, ephemeral, bright, cheerful manifestations of nature?

…by way of color therapy.. yoga energy balancing techniques…meditation… and a simple way of making yourself feel better and reenergized even if you don't really believe in any of the above.

There are seven main chakras (as well as several others) in a line from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and one more newly recognised chakra just above the head which I believe is important. Each one is associated with various areas of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. When the energy flow in one becomes blocked it can result in certain symptoms and vice versa. By keeping the chakras open and the energy flowing, we can maximise our body's ability to keep well and heal itself.

One way of stimulating energy flow is by a simple visualisation. Each chakra has a colour of the spectrum linked to it. Focus on that colour and imagine that colour light pouring into the chakra and saturating it in pure coloured light, then visualise the chakra as a spinning disc of colour. Take 2 or 3 deep breaths as you do so. You can also repeat a mantra or affirmation to intensify the positive energy you are creating. Work through each chakra (see below for summary) in turn from Root to Crown to rebalance your whole energy level.

by Kit Heathcock

2006-06-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

flower image : Chakras And Flowers part 2
So what about the flowers? Whatever you use to visualise the colour would work, paint swatches, coloured stones or crystals, an image in your minds eye, but beautiful photographs of flowers saturated in the pure colour of each chakra can bring some extra flower energy into your life as well.

Flowers raise the vibrational energy around them, which is why they have long been associated with celebrations, brought as presents to new mothers, sick people, loved ones. Weddings and funerals are lavish with them. We are rarely aware of the spiritual connection these days, we just know that flowers cheer people up and make them feel glad. So flower photos as visualisation aids make sense and are beautiful to have around. www.aflowergallery.com has a whole section devoted to chakra flower photos.

There are books written about the chakras going into far more detail than there is space for here, as it is a deep and complex subject, with infinite, individual interpretations, but here is a basic, brief summary of the chakras and their associated areas and colours.

1. Root - Red
Situated at the base of the spine.
Emotional grounding and ones roots. The excretory and reproductive systems and the immune system.
Mantra "I am in touch with the earth, my roots"

2. Sacral – Orange
A hands breadth down from the belly button.
Sexuality, creativity, financial issues, honour and ethics, one to one relationships.
Genital and urinary systems, bladder and prostate.
Mantra "I am a creative, sexual being"

3. Solar Plexus – Yellow
Over the solar plexus at the bottom of the rib cage.
Self-esteem, self-confidence and how you see yourself.
Digestive system, worries and fears, the stress of responsibility.
Mantra "I believe in myself"

4. Heart – Green
Over the heart.
Love, forgiveness, unconditional love. Relationships.
Circulatory and immune systems. Heart and lungs. Loneliness.
Mantra "I can give and receive love"

5. Throat – Blue
Centre of the throat
Communication, self-expression and will power.
Thyroid problems, sore throats, addictions(due to lack of will)
Mantra "I speak my truth"

6. Brow - Indigo
Centre of forehead
Intuition, intellect and mind, inner vision.
Brain and nervous system, eye problems.
Mantra "I see clearly"

7. Crown - Violet
Top of head.
Spiritual awakening, search for meaning. Our relationship to our spirit and God.
Central nervous system, overwhelming fatigue.
Mantra "I believe"

8. Soul star – White/crystal
Directly above the crown, about two hand's breadths from the head
Awareness of ones soul and its connection to the conscious self.
Gives perspective on life and ability to see seemingly random positive or negative events as part of the soul's journey.
Mantra "I transcend"

This is a personal, simplified interpretation of the chakras. Use it as a stepping stone to finding out more for yourself.

Copyright Kit Heathcock 2005

2006-06-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

flower image : shrub in full sun when it requires part shade?

Sometimes people get paralyzed with the fear that they planted a ‘full sun’ shrub/flower in full shade and vice versa. Typically a plant that requires full sun when planted in a heavily shaded area will do fine. It is not likely that this will cause the shrub/flower to die. More than likely it will just hinder the full potential of its growth. An example would be planting an azalea in full sun. The azalea will still grow, however it probably will not produce the amount of blossoms had it been planted in a shadier area.

Flowers and shrubs that require complete shade generally will not do well at all in full sun environments. While full sun plants will survive well in shaded areas the same does not always apply with shade plants sitting in full sun. Most of the time the homeowner will be replacing the plant.

There are more choices of shrubs/flowers that do well in sun/part shade. It is more difficult to find a wide range of options when planting a shaded garden.

by the Beginners Guide Staff

2006-06-20T02:04:00.000-07:00

flower image : Improve Your Landscape

LANDSCAPING and gardening hold high interest in today's world. After all, we want our land to look good, give a nice feel to our home and blend with the existing grounds. We want gardens that not only look good outside but can provide our interior home with gorgeous splashes of color. Many will get professional landscapers and others will do
the jobs themselves.

THE DESIRE for healthful, relaxed and informal living is resulting in a growing awareness of the importance of landscaping to a home. Your plans for home modernizing therefore, should not be confined within the walls of your home, but should extend to include lawns, gardens and outdoor living areas.

This website has been prepared as a service to home owners who desire to make the exterior of their homes as lovely and as comfortable as the interiors.

If you are planting annuals, ordinary digging in well-drained soil should suffice. But if you are planting perennials, you will want to plant them as well as any shrub; remember that if they are planted close to the foundation, the soil may be poor initially and may need preparation.

The hole should be at least 2 feet square. Break up the bottom soil and mix in bone meal, peat moss, etc. If you are planting near the house, be careful to place the vine far enough from the overhanging eaves so that water will not drip on the leaves. In winter weather, wet leaves can freeze in the evening and crack. Also, if the vines are placed against a sunny wall they will get reflective heat, and so they should receive extra watering in hot weather
flower image

Site Designed By Aquagerbil

2006-06-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

flower image : Antique shop sketch hailed as £2.7m Leonardo

A TINY portrait of an old woman has been attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, following analysis by infrared photography. If confirmed it would make the picture worth about £2.7m.
The privately owned Testa di Vecchia (Head of an Old Woman), a pen-and-ink drawing in which the ugly, pug-nosed profile contrasts with a dainty flower tied to the subject’s bonnet, will be unveiled at a news conference in the Doge’s Palace in Venice on Thursday, chaired by Massimo Cacciari, the mayor.

Although the sketch, measuring 4in by 2.5in, bears Leonardo’s name, experts had long dismissed the idea it could be by the Renaissance artist and scientist. Giancarlo Ligabue, a Venetian industrialist and collector who owns the drawing, said that when he bought it 30 years ago from a local antique dealer he was told: “Don’t start thinking it’s a Leonardo.” He has not revealed how much he paid.

The re-evaluation of the sketch began last year when Ligabue decided to publish a catalogue of his collection, including works by the Italian artists Canaletto, Piranesi and Tiepolo. He consulted Professor Luisi Cogliati Arano, a Leonardo expert in Milan, who urged him to carry out scientific tests on the portrait. It was photographed last month with infrared equipment that probed beneath the visible image and revealed an earlier sketch.

Cogliati Arano said it was typical of Leonardo, who habitually filled in initial sketches with ink.

“There are several details that are similar to other portraits by Leonardo, including the hairstyle, the flower above it, the eye and the profile itself,” she said. She added that the photography had also revealed later additions behind and underneath the woman’s ear.

The attribution has been challenged by Carlo Pedretti, director of the Armand Hammer Centre of Leonardo Studies at the University of California, who said yesterday that after seeing a reproduction of the portrait, he did not believe it.

“I saw that part of it was done with the right hand, and Leonardo was left-handed. To me it doesn’t even look Italian, it looks German. And I don’t see anything in common with other caricatures by Leonardo. But I’m curious to see the results of this photographic exam,” he said.

New attributions to Leonardo are extremely rare, occurring every 20 or 30 years, he added.

But Pietro Marani, who helped restore the artist’s fresco of the Last Supper in Milan, said he was convinced the drawing was a Leonardo with later additions by other hands.

“From the outset, Leonardo drawings were venerated like relics and those who intervened on them did so with the aim of preserving the works of the maestro for posterity,” he said.

Two other experts supported this view, Marani added: Martin Kemp of Oxford University, who has written extensively on Leonardo and advised Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of Microsoft, on a collection of the artist’s writings and drawings known as the Codex Leicester, and Sylvie Beguin, a curator at the Louvre where the Mona Lisa hangs.

“Leonardo is present, not only in the pen-and-ink drawing, but also in the general structure of the work,” Marani said.

by John Follain

2006-06-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

flower image : PHOTOGRAPHY

Many people using a digital camera are content to leave it in automatic mode and let the built-in computer do the thinking for them. Most of the time, the results are perfectly acceptable. But even mid-range digitals now have a host of features worth exploring for even better results. Here are a half-dozen ways to get more from your camera:

Watch your white balance

White balance ensures colours appear natural regardless of the light source. If you can manually select options — for cloudy days, direct sunlight, shade, flash and incandescent or fluorescent lighting — use them instead of relying on the automatic setting. You can also manipulate white balance to enhance photos. For example, if taking an image of a sunny landscape, set the camera to the "cloudy" mode for richer yellows and reds. The effect is like using a warming filter.

Don't skimp on memory

Don't settle for "basic" or "normal" settings just to save space on your memory card. If you'll be printing images, basic will only produce acceptable 5-by-7-inch snaps. For enlargements and high-quality prints, you should be capturing fine or large-format images (approximately 3,000-by-2,000 pixels). Buy more capacious memory cards — for six-plus-megapixel cameras, a one-gigabyte memory card is recommended — or get a portable storage device for downloading images and reformatting cards in the field.

Metering matters

Metering determines how the camera sets the exposure — the amount of light needed, coupled with shutter speed.

If your camera's automatic setting is "centre-weighted" metering, change it to "matrix" or "spot" mode for most situations. Centre-weighted metering is good for close-up shots, but will often disappoint in high-contrast lighting situations such as landscapes.

Bracketing bonus

Many of the newer digital cameras offer a setting to "bracket" optimal exposure of an image with one slightly underexposed and one slightly overexposed version of the same image. This is a useful function in uncertain lighting conditions.

Underrated macro mode

This is one of the most underappreciated functions of most digital cameras. The setting (often represented by a flower) allows you to take extreme close-ups of plants, insects and other small subjects. Resulting images have a narrow depth of field, popping the subject dramatically against an off-focus background. A tripod or monopod is a must to prevent blurring at slow shutter speeds.

Aperture priority comes first

A much-loved mode by experienced photographers using SLR film cameras, aperture priority is again available in many of the better digitals and it's a great way to control the feel of an image. In this mode, photographers pick an aperture while the camera controls shutter speed.

Small apertures (high f/-numbers) increase depth of field so both the subject and the background are in focus. Large apertures (low f/-numbers) soften the background and let more light in to the camera, extending the range of a flash if it is being used.

by LASZLO BUHASZ

2006-06-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

flower image : Great Flower Photos

We've occasionally run into fine photographers who consider their skills some sort of endangered species. They want to protect their techniques, much afraid that if the "masses" find out about them, all will be lost.

Luckily, most photographers aren't so insecure, or Outdoor Photographer magazine wouldn't have much to talk about. One of the best communicators about photo technique in the business is George Lepp, our OP Tech Tips columnist. He has refined information-giving to an art. He loves to be in front of an audience, whether in person or through the magazine, to help all photographers make better outdoor images. He has no fear about others stealing his ideas--Lepp brings a unique eye to his photography, an eye he hopes will encourage others to discover their own way of seeing.

One big reason for this is that, at heart, Lepp likes to experiment. He'll try everything (even shooting through the bottom of a Coke bottle) to get a better, more interesting image. By experimenting, Lepp knows what works and doesn't, and he's happy to tell you all about it, too. He bubbles over with excitement about new ways of doing things. I think if one tried to stop this up, George Lepp would demonstrate that people can, indeed, explode.

This consummate pro has been doing a lot of work with flowers in recent years, from California poppies to Netherlands tulips. He believes that flowers are the ultimate outdoor subject: They're accessible for nearly every photographer, with great varieties growing almost everywhere. Photographers rarely have to go far to work with flowers. And because of the combination of quantity and availability, Lepp tells us, they're perfect for trying new techniques.

"Flowers give you a lot of creative freedom," he says. "They have a bit of mystery, too, since you can never predict exactly what they will do from year to year, and I think that adds to the attraction. Everyone relates to flowers. You can always get a response of some sort from an audience who experiences flower photos."

Yet, flower photos aren't always as successful as they could be, according to Lepp: "Flowers can be a trap for the photographer, too. It seems as if all you have to do is line up a pretty flower in your viewfinder and you're done. But a pretty flower doesn't automatically translate into a pretty picture." The problem, Lepp explains, is that people have simply seen a lot of flower photos over the years. If it's just another rose picture, everyone has seen what roses look like, so the photo won't necessarily be something anyone wants to see again. Says Lepp, "People need a reason to look at your photos. If you can come back with a truly different image, then people have a reason to look. Today's equipment makes it fairly easy to get a good record shot of the flower. A good artistic, creative photo is a different challenge."

By Rob Sheppard; Photography By George Lepp

2006-06-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

flower image: The Sunflower Fairy

Flower artist Myrea Pettit created the Sunflower Fairy as a commission for Sandra Reynolds-Butler, Les Saules Enchantes, France.

Sandra and Keith run a lovingly restored 17th Century small French farm in Les Saules Enchantes, on the North West Coast of France, in the beautiful countryside of the Deux Sevre, on the borders of the Vendee, the Charente Maritine and the Loire Valley.

If you should be travelling either way from UK to France( or vice versa) via Brittany to St Malo or Roscoff and then South through the beautiful Loire Valley with its' vineyards and wonderful Chateaux, Fairiesworld would recommend these two stops with our friends who are wonderful hosts, and a Chateaux visit of which there is a big selection along the river Loire.

by Artist Myrea Pettit

2006-05-31T02:29:00.000-07:00

flower image : Frangipanis

Frangipanis (known by their botanic name Plumeria in America) bring a heady, romantic fragrance to the garden, as well as a wide choice of warm, tropical colours.

In Australia, frangipanis are sold by colour, rather than variety, and the further north you go, the wider the colour choice.

Frangipani was the name of an Italian perfume used to scent gloves in the 16th century and named after its creator, the Marquis Frangipani. When the frangipani flower was discovered its natural perfume reminded people of the scented gloves, and so the flower was called frangipani. The genus name, Plumeria, commemorates Charles Plumier, a seventeenth century French botanist.

Plumeria rubra
Native to Central America, Mexico and Venezuela, this deciduous tree grows from 5-8m tall (15-24'). The leaves are dark green and shiny, and have a prominent midrib. Like all plumeria, the stems and leaves contain a white, milky sap. There are at least four distinct forms of this species:

acutifolia - white flowers with yellow centres
lutea - yellow flowers sometimes flushed pink
rubra - deep pink flowers with yellow centres
tricolor - white flowers with yellow centres and a red or pink tips
Many of the forms of Plumeria rubra are grown in Australian gardens but the most commonly seen is Plumeria rubra f. acutifolia. Named cultivars are less readily available. Frangipanis will grow and flower well as far south as Sydney and Perth, particularly in coastal gardens. In colder or inland areas grow them against a warm masonry wall, in a north facing position and protect them from frost.

© CTC Productions 2/2003

2006-05-31T02:16:00.000-07:00

flower image : How to Take Great Flower Photos

I know that many out there want to improve their photography in one aspect. Flower photography. With gardening as popular as it is this shouldn't be a surprise. Flower photography while looking like one of the simplest forms of photography can quickly become one of the most difficult. Here are a few tips for you. (Keeping in mind that basic good photography skills are always used.)

Soft diffuse light. Today it's very overcast outside, and if there were any flowers in bloom today would be the perfect day for capturing some great images. Soft diffuse light enhances color saturation, so if you wondered how or why pro photographers flower images seem so deep in color this is one of the reasons why. (There are exceptions to this rule. I do some flower photography is bright or dappled sunlight but I'm usually trying to get an effect of light passing through the petals.)

Slow film speed. 200 speed or less. The slower speed films have greater detail and for flowers you're going to need to get close anyway and you want the nice sharp detail of a slower speed of film. I use 100 speed for my flower photography.

Tripod. Use one for this type of photography. Set up your shot, get everything in sharp focus, and then shoot. A tripod will keep your camera from moving on you and allow you to get the sharp detail you will need.

Look for great colors, a flower in full bloom next to a bud, and don't shoot on windy days. Keep contrast and color in mind at all times and try different compositions each time you take a shot.

Flower photography can be a lot of fun especially if the flowers are your own.

by Kelly Paal

2006-05-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

flower image: Weighing a possible heart attack against certain pain

If properly informed, patients can assess the benefits of anti-inflammatory drugs

Most film scenes in England in May and June are set against a backdrop of early summer sunshine. As a result, the images immediately conjured up of the Chelsea Flower Show, tennis at Queens or Wimbledon, or the Queen’s birthday parade is of blossoms and summer fashions.
Reality, as those who dodged the downpours and sheltered beneath umbrellas at Chelsea this week will know, is often rather different from fiction. Woody Allen may have become a great fan of the soft grey light of overcast London, but most of us are attached to, and hope for, the postcard tradition of blue skies and flowering lilacs.

Damper and colder weather than usual does nothing to improve the mobility of gardeners whose joints have become gnarled as the result of years of working in all weathers. This year the Arthritis Research Campaign, in association with Seven Seas, the company once famous for its trawler fleet, but now for marketing fish oils rich in omega-3, have co-operated with the garden designer Alex Hart to enter a garden at Chelsea that is suitable for people with arthritis. Hart has personal experience of what is needed as he suffers from reactive arthritis. Despite his recurrent painful inflamed joints, including those of his legs and ankles, he continues to satisfy his passion for gardening and plants and this year his garden received a silver award in its class.

The hard labour that goes into gardening may contribute to arthritic hands, spine and knees, but continuing to garden provides its aficionados with fresh air and interest. The bending and stretching that even easy gardening demands keeps the joints flexible as they are worked through a full range of movements. It is also possible to vary the intensity of the gardening by doing different tasks from the wide variety of jobs that are always crying out to be done. A brisk spell of raking, brushing or hoeing can be offset by pruning or (in some parts of the country) by watering. Gardens can be adapted for those with arthritic spines and knees so that beds are easy to reach and paths readily kept weed-free.

Dr Thomas Stuttaford

2006-05-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

flower image: Art in Bloom At the Season's Sales

Spring and summer auctions bring nature themes, from landscape masterpieces to flower-shaped jewels to sculptures made for the garden. Here's a guide to the greener side of collecting.
In full bloom or wilting, flowers have long inspired great works. On Tuesday, Christie's International PLC offers one of French impressionist Claude Monet's famous images of his lily pond in Giverny, "Nymphéas, Temps Gris" (1907), expected to sell for $10 million to $15 million. Monet, a passionate gardener, built the lavish lily pond that he painted over and over in the 25 years before he died in 1926 at the age of ...

By Margaret Studer

2006-05-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

flower image : The Flower Knot
Generalities
This particular knot has many names and seems to be a sequential variation from a number of different families of knots. I've chosen to give it the name of flower knot because I've always thought of its basic shape and ordinal variations as flowers.
General Tips
keep the loops that form the centre of the knot similarly oriented. That is to say, as a general rule keep the part of the loop that leads from the already completed body of the knot aligned to the top of the knot and the part of the loop that is closer to the free working end aligned to the bottom of the knot. You can reverse this orientation if you wish, as long as you are consistent with all the loops.
keep the centre loops as short as will still allow you to work, the petals will take care of themselves. Keeping the centre short and tidy will be closer to the final structure of the knot and easier to control than if the centre loops are allowed to get long.
you'll find that if you pull hard enough, that you can take up slack from one petal to another. This is not recommended because the larger the knot, the more this type of activity will deform the central structure of the knot. Also, you may find that you are tightening the knot too much, so that when it is time to adjust and fine tune the final structure of the knot (or take it apart because you made a mistake in design) that it is exceedingly difficult to do so.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chineseknotting.org/flower/flower6-big.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.chineseknotting.org/flower/&h=367&w=323&sz=40&tbnid=p64pIuJ4ZgsJ_M:&tbnh=118&tbnw=103&hl=en&start=13&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dflower%2Bimages%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26rls%3DWZPA,WZPA:2006-14,WZPA:en%26sa%3DN

2006-05-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

flower image : performer taking their talents to Indiana Festival

Anna Miller moved to Indianapolis with her parents when she was 14. Speaking no English at the time, her love of drawing and painting gave her something familiar to do while she adjusted to life in middle America.
After graduating from Howe High School, Miller headed to Vincennes University to major in painting. It was there that she discovered photography, setting aside her paintbrushes for cameras.
From Vincennes, Miller returned to Indianapolis and enrolled at Herron School of Art, graduating with a degree in photography in 1994. Since then, she has split her time between her day job -- as a digital imaging technician at Firehouse Image Center -- and shooting the landscape and flower pictures that are her passion.
"I photograph when the muse strikes," said Miller, standing among an array of her photos in her Eastside home. "I see something that strikes me and I go get the camera."
But she hasn't completely lost touch with the painter she once was. After printing her photos on canvas, she often embellishes them with paint -- especially her flower images, which she said are influenced by the flower paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe and Claude Monet.
"I don't really have time to paint much anymore," Miller said, "but I like to paint on top of photographs, to give them a finish."
This is Miller's first year of venturing into the world of art fairs, and she's looking forward to being at the Indiana Festival. "It's a way of having your own gallery for a few days, so you can show off your work."
She's especially looking forward to talking with visitors to her booth. "I love the feedback," she said. "To think that people might actually want to have something I did hanging in their homes is a real inspiration."

By S.L. Berry

2006-05-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

flower image : Hidden Fruit
It's the last day of the Hebrew month of Nissan. On this breezy, spring day, the sun shines down on us and the small, newly budded branches rustle. We are walking around my neighborhood in search of a fruit tree. Today is the last day to recite a blessing, whose opportunity comes only once a year--the blessing on a fruit tree that has begun to bud, which can be said only in the month of Nissan.

Given the vicarious weather patterns in Toronto, it's not every year that our search for a budding tree in April is successful. With our mild past winter, though, we are hopeful.

About a block from my home, we spot it.

My children excitedly inform me that they remember how the small, aromatic red and green apples swelled from this tree’s branches last summer. We examine the tree closely; the little flowers that will soon turn into sweet, juicy fruit are discernable

By Chana Weisberg

2006-05-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

flower image : NIC photo students show off at Muir

Starting June 2 students in the Professional Photography Program at North Island College will display personal work at The Muir Gallery .

The Images featured cover both traditional film and digital capture presented as silver based handmade or ink jet prints.

Throughout the 10-month long program, the students have met the demands of courses and instructors. They’ve produced countless images using both the chemical and digital darkroom while struggling with studio lighting and the challenge of turning concept into imagery.

Taking the opportunity to publicly show what truly interests them, these future pros have assembled a striking array of landscapes, portraits, nature, human form and metaphorical images that are refreshing and stimulating.

Getting in close succinctly describes the work of Dominique Hurley and Chris Buchholz. Hurley’s colourful macro abstracted images contrast the decadence of rusted cars with the organic forms of nature.

Chris Buchholz is intrigued with food photography and the redefinition that macro views of food can produce. Going far beyond commercial product shots, her images turn food into a realm seldom seen where texture, colour and shape create unexpected forms awaiting recognition.

Wildlife and pictorial landscapes seem to be just a natural part of Keith Wood’s life interest. A dedicated digital shooter, he also has the skill and patience to get those notable wild bird images that look stunning as large ink jet prints.

Likewise drawn to the natural environment, Sarah Mango’s forest and tree images explore the feeling of motion within nature.

Naturalness and intimacy is often associated with the human form and both Erin Haluschak and Becky Wortman explore the naked body in close up detail. For Haluschak, the message could well be that our body is what we make of it.

Wortman is more attracted to the intimate relationship between male and female bodies as presented by a series of abstracted detail. Preferring handmade fibre base black and white prints, she has uniquely adhered each print to a curved sheet of aluminum flashing to create a contrast between organic subject and inorganic setting.

Jennifer Laviolette loves junkyards especially as an endless source of unpredictable subjects. She has also chosen traditional black and white imaging to present her collection of discarded objects. To add a touch of contrast, she intends to also show a series of colourful flower shots taken recently on Hornby Island.

Debbie Ogilvie has chosen portraiture as her theme. The digital images in colour and black and white reveal her attraction to capturing the spirit of young people through not so traditional poses. On a different theme and style, Erinn Watson’s infrared metaphorical black and white images portray a narrative sequence titled In Pursuit of the Water Spirit. It is a somewhat surreal look at the pursuit of unobtainable things in life.

Six black and white handmade prints by Julie Maier present an unexpected study of chains. For Maier, their brilliant shiny appearance masks their limitless kinetic or static application. She wants viewers to look past what the subject is and identify their unlikely qualities.

Eric Baxter will also show handmade black and white prints but his subjects will be plants and flowers printed on fiber base paper and selenium toned for archival status.

Hamish Matheson, like many of the students, is new to the Comox Valley and enjoys the recreational opportunities that abound here. His colour adventure lifestyle images are pitched at marketing the valley to the tourism industry.

© Copyright 2006 Courtenay Comox Valley Record

2006-05-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

flower image : Iris blossoms bursting into colorful blooms
Many of the 8,000 irises flourishing in the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are blooming, with more popping open on its sloping hillside lawn as you read this newspaper.

Visitors by the hundreds traipse through pathways that wend past 36 iris beds, many of them 100 feet long and abounding in blossoms.

As if bees drawn to honey, thousands of flower fanciers and iris connoisseurs will journey to Presby during the next two weeks to delight in the pleasures of the world’s largest iris garden.

There are painters capturing the visage of the feathery flowers that have been equated to fairies’ wings.

There are parents and grandparents accompanying children who are astonished by the myriad and oft-times sur-real monikers labeling the iris varieties.

Couples stroll hand in hand on the wide grassy paths, along with solitary strollers deep in pensive reflection.

Photographers hunker down to capture close-ups of multicolored images.

“We work all year for this moment,” said Interim Garden Superintendent Linda Sercus.

“It’s a beautiful display. The more historic irises are the ones that bloom first, and they’re in bloom right now,” Sercus said.

“In a traditional year, Memorial Day weekend would be the peak of the bloom season. We’re running five to seven days late. The cool weather for the month of May has slowed the blooms.”

The pride of the gardens this year is three hybridized irises that commemorate the people slain in the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Two of the 9/11 iris rebloomers are flowering now, and they are expected to again bloom in September.

Presby staffers and volunteers have spent months preparing for these weeks when the irises exuberantly blossom. The magic contained in the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens extends beyond the iris beds.

Tonight, Thursday, May 25, there’s “Art for Presby,” featuring a photography exhibit and reception at Alex, 620 Valley Road. Photographer Jeanne Campbell of Montclair will display her work, with proceeds from the sale of her prints being donated to the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.

The annual Presby Garden Party occurs this Saturday, May 27. Traffic will be detoured off this portion of Upper Mountain Avenue, and with the gardens in radiant bloom, iris artwork created by Montclair students will be displayed on the lawn, with prizes awarded to winning artists in a ceremony at 2 p.m. The party begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. Around 1 p.m., Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck will perform an unplugged set of music. There will be food available, and Presby’s expanded gift shop will offer enticements.

Founded 79 years ago, the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens was established by a consortium of the Montclair municipal government, a citizens committee and the Garden Club of Montclair. There’s a Board of Trustees with new members and a collective vision to elevate the stature of the gardens.

“It’s still a joint effort 79 years later,” Sercus said. “It shows the tremendous commitment and respect of all parties.”

Board President Lori Beitler noted that in 1966, the American Iris Society held its annual national meeting at Presby, with the adjacent Walther House serving as the meeting place.

“Our goal in the next five years it to have the American Iris Society hold its annual meeting again at Presby,” Beitler said.

The gardens now have about 8,000 irises, Sercus said, but have the capacity for 10,000.

“We have many irises that don’t exist anywhere any more except at Presby,” Sercus said.

“Our ultimate goal is to restore the gardens to their former glory,” Beitler said.

The Presby staff, volunteers and trustees are battling back against mishaps and an act of malice that during the past year, afflicted the iris gardens.

On the night of Aug. 2, 2005, a person or people vandalized three historic iris beds. The evildoers uprooted 157 irises growing in the most historic beds, flinging around rhizomes, or bulbs, that literally dated back several centu-ries. The identities of these esteemed irises were lost — a disaster for iris fanciers. Despite a $1,000 reward, nobody has ever identified the vandals.

During this past winter, a protocol sustained by sledders and snowboarders for decades on the Mountainside Park slope adjacent to Presby was violated. People enjoying the snow rode their sleds and snowboards directly over the iris beds, damaging the gardens.

And, for perhaps the first time since Presby was created in 1927, deer have transgressed into the gardens, destroying irises and other flora.

Staffers have responded to these blights. The vandalized iris rhizomes were meticulously replanted. “We put them in an ‘iris intensive care bed’ in the rear of the Walther House,” Sercus said. “There is tremendous good news. Three have already bloomed” with another 50 irises appearing to be healthy. The Presby staff has identified the three iris hybrids that have blossomed.

Presby has received a $102,025 grant from Essex County to restore the vandalized iris beds and improve the gardens. “Part of our grant is to get more irises and put them into the beds,” Beitler said.

Beitler and board member Cathy Fink noted that the county awarded Presby a matching grant, which requires the board to raise an additional $102,025.

“I’m so impressed with how Montclair rallies around a cause,” Sercus said. “I have no doubt that Montclair is going to rally around the gardens again.”

Fink said the board intends to restore the Walther House, an ornate Victorian abode that boasts its own garden and a potting structure off Upper Mountain Avenue. “There’s a lot of potential in the Walther House, and we want to make it accessible to the community,” Fink said. “We’re really trying to strengthen the ties between the gardens and the town.”

While rummaging through boxes stored in a back room of the Walther House, “the staff uncovered some historic documents” written by the late Barbara Walther, Sercus noted. Soon after Presby was established in 1927, Walther created raised beds for the irises to improve drainage, and Walther recorded her observations and advice in the recently discovered papers.

“This year, we will be using her techniques for three beds,” Sercus said. “There’s lots to be learned from history, which is probably apropos because irises probably go back to the dawn of man.”

Sercus, Beitler and Fink urged residents to visit the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, and while there, contribute money to the organization and consider volunteering to preserve and improve the irises.

“Every donation they put in the jar will help bring Presby back to its peak,” Sercus said.

“This is a particularly good year. Their health is good and their growth is vigorous,” Sercus said of the irises. “We want everyone to come and revel in their beauty.”

Copyright © 2006 North Jersey Media Group Inc.

2006-05-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

flower image : Dew flower

Common name: Dew flower

Genus/species: Drosanthemum bicolor

Family: Aizoaceae

Description: This colorful succulent shrub hails from South Africa, which means it will make itself at home in the warmer climates of the Bay Area. It features fine, hairlike leaves covering slender, tough stems. Starting in early summer, small reddish buds begin populating the perimeter of the stems. Though to the impatient gardener -- that would be me -- the buds seem to take forever to open, the results are worth the wait. Once open, the 1 1/2-inch-wide flowers have masses of electric yellow petals tipped crimson red, all surrounding pure white centers. Once it starts flowering, this plant seems to be having such a good time, it doesn't want to stop. As a bonus, individual flowers last for weeks.

Cultivation: Grow in sharply drained soil in full sun. One does not need to use succulent mix, but it is advisable to mix sand and/or humus with the potting or planting soil. Use slow-release, balanced fertilizer during the growing and blooming season. Hardiness to 35 degrees. Fast growing, low maintenance, heat and drought tolerant. Stem cuttings root easily.

Pests: May be susceptible to aphids during flowering, but in general drosanthemum is a hardy succulent.

Availability: Note that this species of drosanthemum is not the same as D. hispidum. D. bicolor is most easily found as an Annie's Annuals 4-inch pot, whether at your local nursery or online at www.anniesannuals.com. My 4-inch pot yielded blooms the first year.

Comments: Though you may not be able to say its name 10 times quickly or come close to pronouncing its family name, this charming shrub, once seen in person, becomes a must-have plant. With its vibrant yellows bordered in vivid crimson, the flowers almost seem to be on fire, especially when the sun sparkles off their petals. The flowers also present an unexpected twist, something you can surprise your plant friends with. Tell them to run their hands over one of the flowers. Though they look bristly, drosanthemum flowers are one of the softest sensations imaginable. It is yet another example of how intriguing nature can be -- flowers that look like whorls of flames, yet are as soft as a newborn's hair.

by Erle Nickel

2006-05-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

flower image : Chelsea Flower Show 2006

For garden ideas, there is no better place to be inspired than the 2006 Chelsea Flower Show.

The cream of British and overseas garden design descends on the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, for a five-day celebration of gardening – both traditional and cutting edge.

From the prestigious awarding of medals at the start of the week, to the great big sell-off on the last day, Chelsea is firmly established as the number one event on the gardening calendar.
flower image

© 2004-2006 www.AboutProperty.co.uk.

2006-05-25T02:15:00.000-07:00

flower image : Man of the flower

There’s a lot of flowers I’ve seen once and never again,’’ he said. ‘‘The reason I made this catalog: I think I’m a collector at heart. I like to organize and catalog things.’’

Gasser will share his wildflower project with the public at 7 p.m. May 31 in the Hopkinton Public Library. He plans to talk about the town’s flowers and give tips on identifying and photographing violets, dandelions, marsh marigolds, and dwarf ginseng, to name just a few of the bright blossoms whose images he has captured.

‘‘It’s very interesting, and it’s a great hobby, and he put a lot of time and effort into it,’’ said library director Rownak Hussain, who added that Gasser is an example of the interesting local people she hopes to tap for library talks.

Walking through the woods near his house on a recent Sunday, Gasser came across a bunch of white flowers with four petals. Gasser had seen the plant the day before but it hadn’t blossomed.

He was stumped. He flipped through his blue binder, which is filled with his own photos and cross-referenced by petal number and color. Is it a bitter cress, he wondered? Then he leafed through one of the two reference books he had carried in his backpack. There was a rosette of leaves at the base of the plant just above ground, which should be a vital clue, he said.

‘‘It may be important but it’s not helping me figure it out,’’ he said, finally deciding he’d have to return with another book.

‘‘I’ll be glad if it’s one I don’t know,’’ he said. ‘‘I keep thinking I’ve seen all the ones I’m going to see. And then there’s more.’’

Gasser went back the next day to the mystery flower, as he had said he would.

He said he spent an hour with various books but couldn’t quite crack the code. The petals and leaves matched different varieties, which happens occasionally, he said. It was some kind of cress, he said, but he would have to wait until it grew a little more to finish his detective work.

by Morrie Gasser

2006-05-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

flower image:Pittosporum plants from New Zealand

Here is a small selection of the Pittosporum tree and shrub images on file. Please contact me if you cannot find below the exact Pittosporum picture for your project. The following Pittosporum plants are all New Zealand natives or native cultivar varieties.

New Zealand Pittosporum plants are often tough and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of situations and soils. Fast growing Pittosporum trees are often planted as shelter or hedging, especially Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties which come in many different foliage forms and colours. Another widely planted garden tree is Pittosporum eugenioides (lemonwood tree) which makes a fine specimen plant or shelter hedge. Possibly the toughest is Pittosporum crassifolium (karo).

Foliage fans will always find a Pittosporum to please whether you like the two-tone leaves of variegated Pittosporums, fast growing tree Pittosporums or more compact dwarf Pittosporum varieties. The flowers often smell great too!

http://www.nzplantpics.com/sfeature_galleries/pittosporum_pictures.htm

2006-05-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

flower image :The Secret Garden

A beautiful blossom is a fleeting thing
It stays for a moment and then takes wing:
With special rays we catch it ere flight
So all may enjoy the beautiful sight.

Flowers speak for us in many ways. On happy occasions we send flowers to express our joy and on sad occasions to express our sorrow. Almost everyone is fond of flowers, but they may never see the secret beauty that lies hidden within the blossoms. When we close our eyes, we cannot see the beautiful flowers around us. Even with our eyes wide open, we see only that portion of the flower that is nearest us, the same portion that would be recorded by a camera.

My name is Albert Richards and I am a University of Michigan Professor Emeritus. I have been creating floral radiographs for over 40 years.

by Albert Richards

2006-05-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

flower image: Thais celebrate return of Hindu statue

Thousands of people carrying incense sticks and wearing flower garlands on Sunday celebrated the return of a popular Hindu statue that was destroyed in March when a Muslim man attacked it with a hammer.

Prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra joined the crowd at a ceremony to reinstall the golden image of the three-faced Hindu god Brahma at the Erawan Shrine in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district.

Devotees from Hong Kong had chartered flights for the ceremony, which was broadcast live on local television and was also attended by hundreds of people from Singapore, Malaysia and other parts of Asia, Television of Thailand said.

Many Thais interpreted the destruction of the statue, regarded as a key symbol of the city, as a bad omen as it happened in the midst of political turmoil between Thaksin and opponents calling for his resignation.

Thanakorn Pakdiphol, 27, was beaten to death by two roadsweepers who saw him attacking the shrine. The government funded the repairs, which included elevating the statue of the deity and installing a police guard to prevent future attacks.

The shrine was built in 1956 to protect the adjacent Erewan hotel after an astrologer said the date on its foundation stone was inauspicious. Erawan is Bangkok’s most famous shrine, and is known among tourists for performances by classical Thai dancers.

Despite being a shrine to a Hindu god in predominantly Buddhist Thailand, Erawan is popular with people who come to pray for help with problems.

COPYRIGHT © 2006 DILIGENT MEDIA CORPORATION LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2006-05-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

flower image: Web Advertisers FindOffline Ads Can Pay Off Too

In 1994, 1-800-Flowers.com Inc. was the first merchant to join with America Online to sell and promote its service. Since then, the company has helped fuel the online advertising boom, pouring millions of dollars into reaching customers through the Internet.
But with its latest campaign -- billboards and posters promoting its Happy Hour bouquets of flower-filled margarita glasses -- the Internet ad pioneer is helping to define another advertising trend. With the cost of Web ads soaring as more big companies advertise online, it is one of a host of Internet companies moving some of its ad budget away from online banners and paid search ads and back to more traditional media like television, radio and print. Of the $55 million 1-800-Flowers.com spent on advertising in fiscal 2005, 70% was spent offline and 30% percent online. That compares with half offline and half online three years ago.

The move has paid off for 1-800-Flowers.com. Its outdoor billboards, launched with the slogan "Happy Hour With a Twist," led to a seven-fold increase in sales of the product in the first month of the campaign, the company's chief executive, Jim McCann, says, marking the most successful floral-product launch in the company's history. Earlier this month, the company expanded the billboard campaign to 15 markets from six, and it will widen the product lines (think beer mugs) soon.

Netflix Inc., the fifth largest online advertiser based on the number of times an image-based ad is viewed, spent more than $110 million online last year, according to Nielsen Net/Ratings' AdRevelance unit. But as online DVD rentals become more mainstream, the service is finding that offline ads pay off, too. It launched its first TV ad in 2004 and has been rolling out more since. Last month, it introduced a new ad series centered on the theme that Netflix members always have a movie ready for them to watch at home. In one, a man leaves the office and discovers a spy waiting in his living room. In another, the man returns to find his wife getting her feet rubbed by a gladiator.

By JESSICA E. VASCELLARO

2006-05-23T00:45:00.000-07:00

flower image: Eastern Market Annual Flower Day

Growers selling their newest crops of annuals, perennials and vegetables mixed in the historic barns of Eastern Market on Sunday with the squeaking wheels of gardeners with their wagons piled high with colorful plants for the 40th annual Flower Day.

The event attracts thousands of professional and amateur green thumbs looking to plant their new gardens for the year or just find some colorful items to brighten up the house.

"It is a carnival atmosphere that prevails," said Dave Pund of Canton Township, as he pulled a homemade wooden cart that featured four levels of shelves to place his plants.

The day wasn't all about flowers for Janna Pryadkin and her daughter, Jenya, who took time away from browsing to decorate a flower pot at the Children's Activity Center.

The expanded center, along with entertainment, was among the new additions this year and pleased Pryadkin.

"This allows the children to do something while the parents are buying flowers," said Janna Pryadkin of Troy, who was attending her first Flower Day. "I've heard about it for three years, and every year I have tried to get out. It is great."

Edward L. Cardenas

2006-05-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

Flower image: Calendula

Asteraceae family

Calendula or Pot Marigold is a flower that has been used medicinally to treat ulcers, heal wounds, and in preventing sickness. The word officinalis means medicinal, and Calendula means throughout the months - meaning that the plant flowers for many months. Calendula likes full sun but does poorly in hot weather. It is used in beds and boders, and the dried heads are used to flavor soups and for coloring butter.

by Taryn Tree

2006-05-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

Flower image: Ageratum

Asteraceae family

Mexican Ageratum has inflorescences (flower heads) that are in clusters of lavender, blue, pink, or white depending on cultivar. Growing in a mound-like habit, flowers bloom May through October. It is considered one of the more dependable flowering annuals. Ageratum likes full sun or partial shade and in hot and dry areas, light shade is preferred. This flowering annual is best used in edging or borders of beds, and is basically free from pest and disease problems. Native to Mexico, British Honduras, and Guatemala.

http://pas.byu.edu/pas100/ageratum.htm

2006-05-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

Flower image: Stunning Pictures of Flowers on Art Canvas

Art Canvas Images (the texture and color depth is amazing) ready to be stretched for hanging in the contemporary art unframed style or your floral canvas art can be framed for a more traditional look.

To make worldwide shipping more cost effective for the purchaser, our pictures on canvas are shipped carefully rolled in acid free tissue paper inside strong shipping tubes for protection.

Flower Pictures printed on textured canvas portraying the heart of a flower in-close-up make very effective artworks for modern style homes or offices, improving the visual atmosphere for all.

©Copyright 2005-2006 | Site by Web Galleries Ltd

2006-05-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

flower image : Texas Drought Kills Bluebonnets' Bloom, Hurts Tourism Industry

The Bluebonnet Trails Festival is the year's biggest tourist draw in Ennis, Texas. The 2006 event will take place over the weekend, and officials in the Dallas suburb are concerned it will be a bust.

``We're hoping to have the same type of attendance, but we are being realistic,'' said Gina Rokas, tourism director for the Ennis Convention & Visitors Bureau. ``The flowers aren't as good this year.''

Bluebonnets, the state's official flower, line miles of highway each March and April and bring tourists out to festivals in at least 10 towns. A statewide drought and unseasonably warm weather resulted in fewer of the violet-blue buds and smaller plants this year.

``It hasn't been quite the show it's been in years past,'' said Doug Welsh, a horticulture professor at Texas A&M University in College Station. ``It has been a very dry winter, which has reduced our bluebonnet population significantly.''

The smaller crop may cost cities some big money. Ennis, a city of 19,000 people that's 35 miles south of Dallas, attracts 50,000 visitors in the two-week peak season, City Manager Steve Howerton said. The tourism generates as much as $500,000 a year in revenue for the city, which has an annual budget of $20 million, he said.

As few as 150 people a day are picking up maps of trails usually lined with the flowers, down from 200 to 300 in past years, Rokas said. As many as 700 came each day in 2003, considered a banner year for bluebonnets, she said.

Travel Counselors

Bluebonnets ``are one way Texans are identified by the rest of the world,'' said Damon Waitt, senior botanist with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. ``I'd almost put it on the level of the four-leaf clover with Ireland.''

The flowers grow wild in Texas, and the Transportation Department sows 33,000 pounds of wildflower seed along 79,000 miles of highways each year. The state has a Web site and an 800 number with bilingual ``travel counselors'' to guide tourists to the displays.

Lady Bird Johnson, widow of former President Lyndon Baines Johnson, spurred the planting of wildflowers along roads to stem soil erosion. Her efforts led to the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965, and she established the center bearing her name.

President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, both raised in Texas, grow bluebonnets at the White House and at their ranch in Crawford, Texas. Bush's mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, also cultivated them at the White House and has a variety of sky-blue bluebonnets named after her.

Winter Drought

Texas has selected no fewer than five varieties of bluebonnets as the official flower. Images of the blooms appear on everything from license plates to bumper stickers and coffee mugs. The Bluebonnet Award is given annually to the best book, as selected by the state's third through sixth graders, and the Texas Library Association will hand out this year's prize next week.

``You're not really a Texan unless you've had your baby picture taken in the bluebonnets,'' said Jerry Parsons, a San Antonio horticulturist who has worked with the blooms for about 20 years. ``It's such a part of Texas tradition.''

Bluebonnet seeds, soybean-like pods that germinate in the fall and winter, didn't receive enough water to thrive this year because of the drought.

The state had its third-driest November and December on record last year, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Governor Rick Perry declared a statewide disaster as more than 10,000 fires burned about 4 million acres between the end of December and mid-March.

Busiest Season

East and north-central Texas had severe or extreme droughts between September and February, according to the state's Water Development Board. The affected regions include the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Tyler and Wichita Falls.

Flowers in central Texas suffered less damage. About 20,000 to 24,000 people attended a three-day festival in Burnet, which has a population of 4,900. A festival in Chappell Hill, with fewer than 300 residents, drew 12,000 to 14,000 visitors.

Enthusiasts are packing the Lady Bird Johnson center and Wildseed Farms, the largest U.S. working wildflower-seed farm. The farm, about 80 miles west of Austin near Fredericksburg, plants flowers on 400 to 500 acres to harvest the seed.

``We get 300,000 visitors to our farm each year, and most of the visitors are in bluebonnet season in April,'' said John Thomas, the farm's owner. ``I've probably got 50 to 100 people right now taking pictures of their dogs, children or brides.''

Wildseed sells 40,000 to 60,000 pounds of bluebonnet seeds each year, and the state transportation department is among its customers. Bluebonnets are the company's most popular flowers.

Indian Legend

Even though the conditions weren't right for bluebonnets this year, that doesn't mean the plants are gone forever.

``Bluebonnet seed can lay dormant in the soil for up to 25 years and still have enough seed to germinate and make a good wildflower show,'' Parsons said.

Legend has it that bluebonnets first appeared as a sign of a drought's end. According to a Comanche tale, retold in a children's book by Tomie DePaola, an orphaned American Indian girl sacrificed a doll, her most valued possession, to end the drought. The bluebonnets appeared the next morning.

©2006 Bloomberg L.P. All rights reserved.

2006-05-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

flower image : Take a mystical tour and explore house’s secrets

Inspired by the Da Vinci Code, Chiswick House is launching a new tour which examines the mystical symbolism behind its art and architecture.

Designed to reflect the interest in symbolism generated by the best-selling book, The Da Vince Code, the film of which is scheduled for release next month, the English Heritage secret symbolism tour explores the secrets behind Masonic symbols and beliefs.

A masterpiece of neo-classical architecture, Chiswick House was designed in the 18th century by the third Earl of Burlington who was inspired by the classical villas of ancient Rome.

Traditionally thought to have been built as a home for entertaining, recent findings suggest the villa may have had a secondary function as an early Masonic lodge.

continued...
Investigations began 17 years ago when two local residents took an interest in the house and the history of the Burlington family. Powerful Masonic symbols and clues have since been revealed in ceiling paintings, in the unusual geometric proportions of the villa and in the blue and red colour scheme.

Ricky Pound, visitor operations site supervisor at Chiswick House, explained: "Those that have read the Da Vinci Code will recognise that the Red Velvet Room has many parallels with the Royal Arch Masonry that appears in the book the numerous images of roses, which are a symbol of secrecy, suggest that anything discussed in this room should remain a secret.

"In fact there are many flower images throughout Chiswick House , such as fleur-de-lys, Scottish thistles, sunflowers and pomegranate fruits, which all have strong Jacobite connections and indicate the secret loyalties of Burlington at that time.

"Once you start looking, you begin to realise there is level upon level of symbolic meanings and it is only by seeing it for yourself that you begin to understand Burlington's conception for the real purpose of Chiswick House."

Privacy Policy © Copyright 2001-2006

2006-05-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Make Your Own Mac Media Center

Back in the fall of 2005, Steve Jobs demonstrated a brand-new iMac with a couple of features that had home entertainment center-type folks sit up and take notice: the Apple Remote and FrontRow software. The combination made it easy to turn an iMac into something resembling a media PC. But what if you don’t want to buy a new iMac just to listen to iTunes on your home stereo or watch a DVD from the same device? With a little ingenuity and a spare Mac, you don’t have to.

One caveat before you start work—if you’re looking to record some TV shows and play a couple of DVD movies, you might be better off buying a DVR and a DVD player. On the other hand, if you have a mini or PowerBook (or some other Mac that can do video and audio out) just sitting around and you have that make-it-work spirit, why not go for it? If you have a Mac capable of DVD playback and video output, you already have the makings for a basic system.

How It Works
Putting a Mac at the center of a media system isn’t rocket science. Basically, you’ll be connecting your Mac’s video and audio outputs to a television and a stereo or home entertainment receiver (advanced points for bringing video and audio back in to your Mac).

If you have a stray Mac kicking around, you can form the basics of a media center by simply setting your Mac close to a home entertainment receiver or stereo, and buying a few cables. But, if you have the time and the drive, you can make your Mac the heart of a killer home entertainment center.

By Emory Christensen.
Article is provided courtesy of Peachpit Press.

2006-05-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

New Requirement for Your Home Theatre

Every good home theatre setup needs the basics: you got your television set of some sort, your DVD player and your surround sound system. Other component may very, we've got people still holding onto their VCR's (I mock you!), LaserDisc players (I mock myself!) and fancy stuff like audio preprocessors and amplifiers. I'm going to propose that any good home theatre in 2005 has one more essential item: a modern video game system.

The big 3 video game systems available today, the Sony Playstation 2, Microsoft XBox and Nintendo Gamecube were all released to the general US public by the end of 2001. While that makes them comparably long in the tooth by modern electronics standards, they were all designed with High Definition television at least half in mind and all can produce some outstanding graphics and sounds. Having recently purchased a new Big Ass Television, I have recently embarked on a journey through the video game systems: I've owned my XBox for about 4 months and a Gamecube for a few days now. In addition I'm familiar with the PS2 from several friends, one of whom has it connected up to his high def monitor. Let's see what each has to offer you, and which one you should pick up to round out your home theatre setup.
My new acquisition is the Nintendo Gamecube so let's start with there. The Gamecube overall is the #3 selling system here in the US but has some extremely high quality games in the library. The common knock on the GC is that it's a system designed for children. While the fruitful Mario franchise and Nintendo development team means high quality childrens games, there are some great adult oriented games for the 'Cube, namely Eternal Darkness, the Metroid Prime series and most recently the showered-with-praise Resident Evil 4 (all Gamecube exclusive titles). The Gamecube uses a smaller disc for it's media, it can't read regular sized CD's or DVD's. I mentioned in the intro that all the companies had at least one eye on the future, that being high def, and when the Gamecube was released there was an optional Component Cable you could purchase for it. Said cable would output a high definition 480p signal to capable television sets when using compatible software.

All right, I just dropped a lot of "word bombs" on you in that last sentence, so let's break it down here really quickly, trust me it'll be worth your time for this and the other systems. Let's see, first I mentioned high definition. We're all heard it, what does it really mean? Well, it means stuffing more lines of resolution into the same sized box as before. So before your TV was putting a relatively small number of lines onto the glass of your 32" screen, a high def TV can put more lines into that same space. More lines means a better picture, in simple terms. There are several formats that a true High Def TV can use. 480p is the bare minimum, and if you're snooty you wouldn't even consider 480p High Def, instead calling it ED or Enhanced Definition. (You may want to keep this in mind if you're shopping for a new Television, an ED set will definitely look much better than a vanilla TV, but isn't a true HD set, which is definitely what you want for the future, more than for right now.) 480p is the resolution that the Gamecube can output. This means that the Cube paints 480 lines of resolution onto your screen progressively. The other option from progressive is interlaced, noted by an i (as in 480i). A progressive scan picture looks better than an interlaced signal. Then I mentioned to capable television. What does that mean? Well, basically that means your television has to have component inputs. Component inputs are the most common way high definition signals are delivered to televisions today. DVD Players and all of our game systems will connect to TV's via component cables. The connectors themselves look very similar to the composite cables you are used to (the Yellow [video], Red and White [stereo audio]) but are capable of delivering a lot more data to a television. Finally, I mentioned using compatible software. What the heck does that mean? Well, with the correct cable, the Gamecube itself is able to output a High Definition signal, but the software itself has to be programmed to do so. The people that write the games have to put extra code into the games to support the High Definition signal (this is true for all the game consoles, and we'll get more into this discussion on a per machine basis). Ok, back to our Gamecube discussion...

So, all was great in the Nintendo world. The Gamecube was released to the world and was selling enough units. Nintendo was claiming a profit on the hardware itself (unlike Microsoft and Sony losing money on their consoles and hoping to make it up in software sales). Well after a few years, Nintendo noticed that a very small percentage of users were actually using the High Def Component cables. The bean counters crunched their numbers and actually decided to remove the capability from the Gamecube. So if you walk into a store today, and buy a new Gamecube, you cannot connect component cables to it and play games in 480p. So this leaves you with the decision to pick up one of a plentiful number of used Gamecubes, or buy a new one and play normal definition. I set out on my Gamecube quest fully planning on purchased the former, but in the end decided to just buy a new one. I'm personally out of component inputs on my television so I figured I'd rather have a guaranteed new one with a warranty.

Still, if you have an older system the vast majority of Gamecube software is High Def enabled. To check if a particular game is High Def, you can look on the back of the game box and see if it says "Progressive Scan" (see, that ties in nicely with the state of the state paragraph above! Look ma, I'm a writer!). So, how is the Gamecube regardless? Well, a whole lot of fun. Metroid Prime has some spectacular graphics and a very involving storyline. The choice of childrens games is unparalleled so if you have kids I would say the Gamecube is a no brainer. The other bonus for the Gamecube is the price: $99. With some quick scrounging around, you could still pick up the Holiday/Christmas 2004 Bundle, which is a Gamecube, 2 Controllers and Mario Double Dash (still $50 in the stores) for $99 (this is what I got). Really a spectacular deal. If you've got your heart set on playing games truly in high definition, if you hope to own dozens of exclusive adult oriented games or hope to play games over the Internet against other people, then take the pass on the Gamecube.

Sony PS2
The king of the current generation of consoles is the Sony Playstation2. The PS2 has lots of neat aspects, not the least of which is it's backwards compatibility with the PS1, the built in DVD Player functionality and huge game library (even excluding PS1 titles, the PS2 has just an avalanche of games compared to the XBox and GC). Much like the Gamecube, you need a special cable to connect the PS2 to component inputs to achieve your high definition signal. Again, software needs to be specifically programmed to support both the High Definition 480p format, as well as the 16:9 format that the PS2 can output as well (thus making a game fill the full screen on a widescreen television).

Unfortunately the support for High Def is somewhat lacking on the PS2. In spite of being the king of the mountain and having a huge number of software titles, the number of games supporting 480p or 16:9 is relatively small, about 50. Still, even games not programmed for 480p can look great on the PS2 and on your home theatre setup. Still, there are a ton of benefits to having a PS2 in your house. The games are plentiful and sold absolutely everywhere. I know around my neck of the woods they sell PS2 games even in grocery stores. You'll easily find hundreds of used games at most video game stores, most under $10 thus making it easy to take a flier on a game and get some excellent cheap entertainment. PS2 is capable of going online with an optional Broadbander adaptor. There is a smallish number of games that support online play, but once you find yourself competing against people from all around the world in your favorite game your gaming world will be forever changed.

What I propose as the best centerpiece for your Home Theatre is the XBox from Microsoft. The XBox is a full fledged PC in a fancy wrapper. Once again, an optional cable will be required to get component outputs for your high definition signal. Unlike the Gamecube and PS2 the XBox has broadband capabilities built right in via an ethernet port, and as an extra geeky bonus has a hard drive built into it as well. The hard drive is used as buffer space for the games, but also allows for some neat features such as ripping your audio cd's into MP3, and then using the MP3's in your video games to create your own custom soundtrack. Nifty.

Microsoft XBox
As we've seen now, the difference maker isn't really the hardware, since on the surface, all three systems are on par. What makes the difference is the software support for high definition, and this is where the XBox outclasses the competition. Every XBox games plays at least 480p (there are a handful of exceptions, but for the most part, if you pick up a game, it'll play High Def). In addition, the XBox is the only system with games that actually can output true High Def (remember, us snobs call 480p Enhanced Definition) of 720p and 1080i. That's right: resolutions with 720 lines, progressive and 1080 lines, interlaced. This makes for some seriously luscious pictures. In addition a large number of XBox games fully support 16:9 mode, including the Grand Theft Auto series, Halo2, Riddick and the recently released (and highly addictive) Mercenaries. 16:9 really enhances these titles, for example in Sega GT 2002 Racing, you'll wonder how you survived before seeing those cars creeping up on your side and passing you. It's like taking the blinders off and using your peripheral vision for the first time.

So, it's decision time. All three systems create pictures that can be truly described as stunning, and at least one deserves a place in any home theatre setup. Most people aren't hardcore enough to purchase multiple systems (Who'd be silly enough to do that?) so it's decision making time. I would really recommend the XBox as the one unit that would best show off your Home Theatre setup. All the games are in high definition, many support 16:9 and all output a Dolby Digital signal. About half the games released today are Live! enabled, meaning you can play online against opponents from all over the world. The PS2 is often chosen today just because there are so many of them. You're likely to know at least one person that owns a PS2, and that social network means you've got a built in source to borrow and try out games. However, the software support isn't really there to max out your home theatre. The Gamecube once again runs a distant third in this race. High Def owners are neglected by the big N. In spite of some great games for people of all ages, it's going to be hard to convince yourself that the Gamecube is your system of choice. Still, it can give you many hours of enjoyment and is a downright bargain.

by Matt Fuerst

2006-05-10T02:15:00.000-07:00

Video games, roulette, and blackjack attract many to Gentle Friday

Davison senior Jacob McCarthy said this year’s Gentle Friday festivities at Warriner Mall were to his liking.

He won a bag full of prizes after defeating several other competitors in the Halo 2 tournament, part of the 2006 Game Live U College Tour on Xbox 360.

“It was really cool,” McCarthy said. “It had free Mountain Dew and free video games to play.”

McCarthy said he liked this year’s Gentle Friday overall.

“Exams aren’t until Monday at the earliest,” he said. “So it’s good to blow some steam off. They’ve got a bunch of free things here.”

The interactive video game exhibition was the main attraction for this year’s Gentle Friday event, put on by Program Board. It featured several of the latest games for Xbox 360, Xbox and PC.

A Mountain Dew bar also was available, but it quickly ran out of beverages after it opened.

Byron freshman Tony Davis said he went to the event after hearing about it from his friends.

“It’s interesting,” he said. “The war games here seem real. They’re really intense-looking.”

Other popular games included “Fight Night: Round 3,” “Top Spin 2,” “America’s Army” and “Kameo: Elements of Power.”

Thanks in part to the sunny weather, there were plenty of other activities outside of the Game Live tent.

Those events included roulette, blackjack and poker to go along with this year’s Las Vegas theme. Another attraction was the inflatable roulette table, where each person was the game’s ball.

Battle Creek junior Zhi Lu said the roulette table caught her eye this year.

“There’s a lot of people out this year,” she said. “There are more people than last year. It’s really nice.”

Local bands, including Aphorism, played for students on a stage set near Warriner Hall. Game Live sponsored a performance by Val Emmich + The Rescue Effort, an alternative band from New Jersey.

Several CMU organizations, such as On The Fly Productions and Voices of Planned Parenthood, also had tables displayed.

By Brian Manzullo

2006-05-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Asian Food Festival

Some Chinese like it hot
It's really a year round festival of Asian food available in Melbourne. We have such a wealth of good Asian eating places that you could eat nothing else and do very well, thank you.

However the Festival which started yesterday offers more than food in many good restaurants, it's also about a Hawkers Food Market, celebrity dinners, a waiters race, a travel competition and -- cooking demonstrations using a three metre diameter Golden Wok.

Organisers say that this wok will be recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest and it will 'travel' around Chinatown, Melbourne Central, Myer Bourke Street, Chadstone Shopping Centre and the Crown Casino.

Meanwhile in most of the Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian and Thai restaurants participating in the Festival there will be special banquet menus for two or more at $40 and at $60. Both menus are priced for two persons and include a bottle of De Bortoli wine.

At the popular Tandoori Den in Camberwell there is a menu for two diners priced at $40 of three entrees -- Spicy Coconut Crab, Tandoori Chicken Salad and Elephant Ears (tropical yam leaves rolled with chick peas and spices then fried); a choice of four main courses with tandoori breads, rice, pappadums and chutneys and a dessert of terrine of mango, pistachio and coconut icecream served on a bed of strawberry coulis. This good value menu is available Sunday-Thursday during the Asian Food Festival, 31 August - September 21. The $60 menu for two is available at Bamboo House, Monday-Friday. It will include Steamed Oysters and Scallops in black bean and chilli; crisp Omelette roll; the famous Sichuan Tea-smoked Duck and dry fried Beef with Chinese greens.

At Choi's in Hawthorn the $60 menu for two will change weekly and in the first week dishes will be Lobster Roll, Spinach Salmon Log, Coconut milk Prawns, Venison on sizzling plate and pan-fried Barramundi plus a dessert of fried icecream. This menu will be available all week during the Festival as will those at Empress of China, Everest India, Fortuna Village, Haveli and Koh Samui.

At Fortuna Village on September 16 owner Jimmy Khong is presenting a Celebrity Dinner with Tony Tan, director of the Asian Food Festival. On that night some eight special dishes wil be matched with different winemakers' vinages for $78 per person. Space is limited for this dinner, so book early on 9663 3044.

It's always essential to book at Shark Fin House (9663 1555) for weekend Yum Cha. This Little Bourke Street restaurant is famous for its range of dim sum. The Head dim sum chef, Johnnie To has more than 160 dishes in his repertoire so that at any one sitting, customers get a choice from at least 80 different little dishes ranging from $2.90 -$12.00 (for suckling pig). Most of the dishes are around $2.90-4.90 and by the time you have had 5 dishes you will be very well fed. Each weekend sees queues of hundreds of hungry customers outside their doors. On Sundays alone around one thousand yum cha eaters will come to the two sittings at 11am and 1.30pm.

During the Asian Food Festival, Shark Fin House manager Gabriel Chan, is recommending two very special dishes -- the Golden Antarctic Crab which has recently been sourced in deep waters off the coast of Western Australia and the Tasmanian Green Lip Abalone. The crab is also known as Snow Crab as its shell is sometimes pure white and sometimes a light gold colour. Weighing anything from 1-4 kilos it is delicious steamed with Chinese rice wine. The Tasmanian abalone is a big and tender variety, according to Gabriel, and he suggests having it finely sliced in a steamboat with mushrooms and vegetables. Grain-fed beef can be added to the steamboat. Cantonese style home made dumplings of prawn and pork with fungus is the dish he recommends to eat whilst the steamboat is simmering.

There are many more delicious seafood dishes at Shark Fin House, particularly, of course the shark fin itself which gives the restaurants in the city, Burwood and Keysborough, their name.

published by Hardie Grant

2006-05-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

A Great Family Beach

Sun on your face, breeze at your back, and sand between your toes. We love it here.

Wiere do you go when you want to ake your family on a seaside escape? For a lesser-known paradise, choose Navarre Beach along Florida's northwest Gulf Coast; it's still blessedly undiscovered.

Restful Retreat

Crystal-blue water, pristine white sand, and stretches of undeveloped beach without another soul draw families to this tiny spot between Pensacola Beach and Destin on U.S. 98. Navarre Beach provides the setting for the ultimate secluded getaway.

You'll spot only three restaurants (Barracuda's, Cocodrie's, and Sailor's Grill and Bakery) and two gas stations. Sailor's Bakery boasts sweets, breads, and to-swoon-for cinnamon rolls. As for shopping, just a small boutique and a few watersports-supply stores dot the strip. That's just the way visitors like it. And so do we.

Here's the idea: Rent a condo, stock up on groceries at one of the big supermarkets before crossing the bridge to the beach, and get ready to enjoy a relaxing time. The longer you stay, the less expensive the lodging. Need some help getting started? Surf for properties at www.beaches-rivers.com.

Once you're settled in, make the most of this seaside splendor. Little ones dig around the Gulf of Mexico, catching fish and grabbing sand crabs. Dolphins jump and play, putting on quite a show. Surf-fishers want to hook the pompano, flounder, cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, and white and speckled trout that swim the shores.

Natural Wonders

For a quiet beach experience, rent a canoe or kayak, and tour on your own. Looking down through the water is like paddling over an aquarium. Scuba divers score a real treat with an offshore underwater viewing of the U.S.S. Massachusetts, a vessel that has called the deep sea home since the 1920s. Visit the Eco-Beach Shop for bike ($ 10 a day), surfboard ($25 a day), or double kayak ($25 a day) rentals.

Located on the east end of the beach, Navarre Beach State Park provides another family outing. Amenities include a 1,000-foot-long fishing pier (open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.), picnic tables, and a boardwalk. A part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, Navarre's 8 miles of pure, undisturbed waterfront are perfect for long walks and quiet treasure hunts. You'll find your own tropical paradise.

by Mckenzie, Jennifer L

2006-05-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Alabama gulf coast

Those visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, should consider staying at one of 468 sites at Gulf State Park Campground. All campsites provide water and electricity, with over half providing sewer hookups. Each has a standing grill and picnic table. The park accommodates 40-foot rigs and slideouts. Some sites are on Middle Lake, while others are wooded. Most offer shade. A naturalist conducts programs year-round. At the activity building, campers find aerobics, crafts, and weekly church services, plus a camp store and laundromat. Eleven shower houses are scattered throughout the campground. The park's hotel has a lounge. Its restaurant serves three meals a day, has seasonal luaus with hula girls on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a seafood buffet Saturday evenings. Other park facilities include an 825-foot dock extending into the Gulf, freshwater lake fishing, 18-hole golf course, boat launch, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Pets are allowed on leash. Rates range from $14 to $25, depending on the site. For information, call (251) 948-6353.

COPYRIGHT 2002 World Publishing, Co. (Illinois)
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group

2006-04-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

New article posted to read for free:

"Sell Yourself to Be Successful in Life"

If you want to be successful in life,
business, or relationships, you must
learn one simple secret. That secret is
... you must learn how to sell yourself!

Go to:

Take care.

Warmest regards,

Patric Chan
CEO, eSuccessMastery.com

--
motivation