Buying a Violin What to Consider

Buying a Violin What to Consider What Should You Ask Yourself Before you Buy a Violin? ChaptersWhat Are the Different Types of Violin?Violin Tuning: Where to BeginWhat is the Cost of Violins?Caring for Your ViolinStradivarius ViolinsWhether you’re completely new to music lessons or you’re simply looking to fully commit to your musical education by purchasing a violin of your very own, the process of looking for a suitable violin can quickly become complicated.When it comes to choosing a violin to suit you as a player, music teachers can be incredibly helpful in providing advice around violin makers, suppliers in your local area and the prices you can expect to pay for a range of violins.However, heading in the right direction can be difficult if you haven’t yet met with your violin instructor but you’re looking to buy an instrument before your first lesson.Getting to grips with the world of violins can help you feel a bit more confident on your visits to music shops.Having a good idea about the things to consider when looking for your ideal violin will give you a far better chance of a successful purchase.Whether you want to know more about the various types of violin, the history of string instruments, violin sizes, playing the violin, how to tune and look after your violin or the pricing for different types of violin, this article will guide you through the wonderful world of the smallest member of the string family!Given that most violin lessons for beginners are taught to youngsters, naturally their first instruments are of a smaller size than those played by adults.Hiring or buying a violin of the correct size is absolutely essential for any violinist as playing a violin of the wrong size can lead to discomfort and even hinder progress â€" so don’t be tempted to buy a larger violin for a young musician to grow into!Whether you're renting or buying, the student should be able to comfortably hold the scroll of a violin in the palm of their left hand for the instrument to be a good fit.So, what other types of violin are out there?The electric violin is a popular choice for those who perform regularly in front of large crowds, as their make-up enables their sound to be amplified and played through electronic sound systems.Electric violins are the same size and have the same number of strings are acoustic violins, so switching between the two is not difficult for violinists.Another alternative to the acoustic violin is the electro-acoustic type (also known as semi-electric or acoustic-electric).Electro-acoustic violins are all about flexibility, as they provide the player with the sound of an acoustic violin whilst giving them the option to transmit this sound through an amplifier.Most violinists are happy to keep playing their acoustic instruments, while more advanced players and those who are working towards a career on-stage tend to opt for more advanced violins.Violin Tuning: Where to BeginFor those who are encountering stringed instruments for the very first time, tuning up can be daunting.How to tune a violi n properly?  How do I know when each string is in-tune? What happens if I snap a string?Violins have four strings which are tuned in perfect fifths.This means that the pitch of each string is from lowest to highest is the fifth note of the scale of the one before it. So, the strings are tuned to the notes G, D, A and E (where G is the lowest note and E is the highest).So, what is the correct way to tune a violin?The way you tune a violin will depend on how out-of-tune it is in the first place.For example, if your violin has just had new strings put on it and you’re tuning them for the first time, use the tuning pegs (located beyond the fingerboard).Turning the tuning pegs tightens and loosens the strings. It’s important to remember to be gentle with your violin’s strings â€" even if they are horrendously out-of-tune!Turn each peg slowly as you pluck the string to listen to the pitch. Once it has reached the right pitch, move onto the next string.The other way to tune-up is to use the fine-tuners which are located on the violin tailpiece.Learning to tune a violin properly is important to ensure quality sound. Source: PixabayIt is recommended that you use the fine tuners (rather than the tuning pegs) as much as possible to prevent string breakages.Your violin teacher will be able to show you how to properly tune your violin, however, there are also plenty of online tutorials to help you too. TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is the Cost of Violins?When the time comes for you to begin your search for a violin of your own, you’ll notice that the asking prices of violins can vary a lot depending on the make and model of the violin, as well as the level of player each violin is intended for.So, if you’re a beginner looking to purchase your very first violin, how much money should you be prepared to part with?There are many ways to find out which are the best student violins for beginners, such as approaching violin specialists at your local music shop or looking for advice online.As a general rule, you should expect to pay £50- £100 for your very first good violin outfit, however, if you’re looking for a musical instrument which will suit you in the long run, it can be worth investing up to £300 in a good-quality violin which is suitable for both beginner and intermediate players.For instance, most violin shops sell brands of student violin such as Windsor and Antoni, which are reputable yet affordable and inexpensive options with a heightened level of playability to suit any beginner violinist.As you progress in your musical career, you may want to invest in a high-specification instrument which will help you to produce a richer tone and to showcase your technical skills.Stentor and Forenza are among some of the violin makers which develop violins for intermediate players.But remember, don’t just make decisions based on brand names.Remember that within every brand are various models of violin which are developed with the needs of specific types of student in mind, so make sure that you do your research on specific models before you make a final decision!Caring for Your ViolinLearning how to play the violin involves much more than learning how to play the right notes in the right places.As a musician, it’s your responsibility to take care of the instrument that you play to ensure that it is in the best possible condition when you play it.Proper maintenance of yo ur violin will ensure that it produces a high-quality sound as well as reducing the risk of damage.For violinists, good maintenance means taking steps to care for your instrument on both a regular and long-term basis.So, how do you take care of a violin?Most of your violin maintenance takes place after you’ve finished playing your violin.Once you’ve finished practicing your pieces or rehearsing with your orchestra, you should wipe down your violin with a dry cloth. Doing this will remove any dust or residue which may build up and affect the violin’s overall tone if not removed.Keeping your violin in a case will protect it from damage ¦ source: Pixabay - LaPorteAnother essential care tip concerns the violin bow. Violin bows are made of horsehair and, like the violin itself, they are quite delicate and therefore require a level of care.Just as you tighten the bow hair before playing your violin, you should also loosen it before putting the violin and bow away in a violin case.V iolin cases also play a mian role in looking after your violin, as they provide a tailor-made cushion for the instrument. Violins should always be stored in a hard case when not being used - and remember to remove your violin shoulder rest and practice mute before you put your violin away!Cleaning the dust off your violin, keeping it in a case and loosening the horsehair on the bow are just two things you can do to care for your instrument on a daily basis â€" but what about in the longer term?Changing a violin’s strings is must for any violinist. It is recommended that players change their strings once every 12 months (less-experienced violinists should visit an expert at a violin shop who can lend a hand before they learn to do it themselves).With time, violin strings can become worn as the rosin builds up on them. This can eventually affect the violin’s sound and put the strings at risk of breaking, so re-stringing is an essential part of keeping string instruments sounding b right.Stradivarius ViolinsOne of the famous names that constantly crops up in discussions about violins is ‘Stradivarius’.But what makes Stradivarius violins so special? And can you still buy them today?Stradivarius string instruments get their name from their makers, the family of Antonio Stradivari, an Italian family who crafted violins, violas, and cellos during the 1600s and 1700s.Though only around 600 of the original Stradivarius violins still exist, many manufacturers have attempted to copy the classic Stradivarius design in tribute to the famous makers.Most original handmade Stradivarius instruments are owned privately or by museums, and if you’re looking to buy a  strad  of your own, you’ll need to have at least £2 million in your back pocket!Nevertheless, the Stradivari legacy is an important part of the rich and interesting history of stringed instruments which lives on in the violin crafting of today.You can look around for violin lessons london if you wish to l earn more and are based in the capital.

Solve Linear Equations

Solve Linear Equations Let us take a mathematical problem to indicate the necessary steps to solve the linear equations: Example 1: - 3x 2y = 2 (1) 7x + 3y = 43 (2) Instruction Method of solution a) From equation (1), express x in terms of y. likewise, from equation (2), express x in terms of y. From equation (1): 3x=2y+2 So, x=(2y+2)/3 (3) From equation (2) 7x=-3y+43 x= (-3y+43)/7 (4) b) Evaluate the values of x in (3) and (4) forming the equation in y. From equation (3) and (4), we get, (2y+2)/3=(-3y+43)/7 (5) c) Solve the linear equation (5) in y Simplifying, we get 14y+14=-9y+129 23y=115 y=5 d) Putting the values of y in (3) or (4), find the value of x Putting the value of y in equation (3) we get x=(2*5 +2)/3=4 e) Required solution of the two equations Therefore x=4 And y =5 Example 2: -7x 3y =31 (1) 9x 5y = 41 (2) Solution: - From equation (1) we get 7x = 31+3y x= (31+3y)/7 (3) Similarly from equation (2) we get, 9x = 41 + 5y x = (41 + 5y) / 9 (4) From equations (3) and (4) (31 + 3y) / 7 = (41 + 5y) /9 9(31 + 3y) = 7(41+5y) 279 +27y = 287+35 y 8y = -8 y = -1 Putting the value of y = -1 in equation (3) we get, x=(31-3)/7=28/7=4 Therefore x =4 and y = -1

Improvisation Classes

Improvisation Classes Learn How To Act Through Improvisation ChaptersIf I Want To Learn To Act Do I Need To Learn How To Improvise?How Can I Improve My Acting Techniques, Such As Improvisation?Improvisation is not a new invention, despite its popularity today. In fact, improvisation has been around for hundreds of years, even forming part of the Commedia dell’Arte in Italy during the sixteenth century.In essence, improvisation describes a performance in which the actors’ responses are unplanned, as there is often little to no script to go by. Instead, actors play off each other, their characters, and their environment in real time to develop a plot and advance a story forward.Not only is improvisation a popular performance form, but it is also a useful skill for an actor to have. This is because improvisation can help an actor create a better-rounded and believable character. Additionally, improvisation may produce moments that scriptwriters may not have thought of that make a performance shine that little bit brighter.So, if you’re new to acting and wondering where to start, or you’re looking you further develop your acting skills, learning a few things about improvisation (known as “improv” for short) can really help you improve your craft as an actor.This article outlines the benefits of learning improvisation  and where you can develop your improvisation skills.Improv classes tend to be more closely associated with comedy and comedy classes than tragedy, although that's not to say that improvisation skills aren't useful to learn in an acting class for reasons other than comedy. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Pixabay)Robert De Niro’s “You talkin' to me?” line in the 1976 film Taxi Driver; andThe “You're gonna need a bigger boat” line in the 1975 film Jaws.While improvisation is a highly recognised skill in the world of acting, it’s worth noting that not all actors are as reliant on improvisation, as they may prefer to use other acting techniques when performing their craft. S o, while knowing improvisation may benefit you as an actor, for example when it comes to standing out during castings, don’t feel as though you absolutely must be an expert in improvisation in order to progress as an actor.Although improvisation can be a wonderful skill to add to your repertoire if you are taking acting classes, or developing your talents as an actor, it’s equally important to realise that improvisation isn’t just a skill used by actors.For example, improvisation is also commonly seen in other mediums and is particularly well-known for its use within the realm of comedy, such as stand up and other forms of live comedy.Many notable comics, such as Robin Williams, were highly regarded for their improvisation skills and often made improvisation a core part of their routines. This not only highlighted the creativity of the comedians but also made the audience laugh and helped them to enjoy watching the comic perform on stage.While comedic performances, sketch come dy, and acting are the most common areas people associate with improvisation, it can also be a useful skill to have in day-to-day life. It’s not uncommon, for instance, for improvisation classes to be offered to people as diverse as:School-age students; andProfessionals in business.The reason why improv classes and workshops can really help such diverse groups of people is that they can help develop a variety of skills that are useful in daily life.For example, improvisation classes for businesses may help team members develop and showcase their listening, speaking, and all-round communication skills, as you need to think on your feet to respond to the person you’re performing with.Similarly, improvisation can be a great way to develop your creative skills, as well as the ability to think on your feet.An improv class or a different type of  acting workshop can be a great way to help develop your creativity and boost your confidence as an actor. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Free-Photo s, Pixabay)How Can I Improve My Acting Techniques, Such As Improvisation?There are a number of different ways you can improve your fundamental improvisation skills.One of the most common ways of developing your improvisation techniques is to attend an improvisation class or workshop, either one that’s specifically designed for actors or one that is also designed to appeal to members of the general public.There are numerous classes available in the UK that accept a range of ability levels, regardless of whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned performer. For instance, the Free Association in London is just one example of where you might go to improve your improv.Aside from attending classes, there are other ways you can get better at improvising. For example, you could:Watch shows and films that feature actors and comedians that are famous for their improvisation skills, such as Kristen Wiig, Steve Carell, and Will Ferrell;Attend comedy nights, a comedy festival, a comedy c lass, or other events where improvisational comedy is being performed; andPlay or watch improv games such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?In essence, the more that you can immerse yourself in the world of improvisation, and practice improvisation as a participant rather than as an observer, the more your skills should hopefully develop.Where Can I Find Improvisation Drama Lessons?There are improvisation drama classes near me across the UK, so you should be able to find a class near you with relative ease, particularly if you live in a major city. When looking for an improv comedy class or general improv class try and find one that has a good reputation and has received positive feedback from previous course attendees, as these are generally good indicators of the quality of the course.It’s also worth bearing in mind that what you will be taught on an improvisation course may well depend on the type of course (e.g. whether it’s designed for absolute beginners or more experienced perfo rmers) as well as the instructor running the course.Generally speaking though, you’re likely to work through a variety of games, exercises and performances over the course of an improvisation class, all while having the chance to meet new people and potentially make new friends.If you’re unsure of what the class’ content is exactly and would like to find out, or if you'd like to know if the course is an intensive one, always try to speak to the course provider and ask for further details.Improv classes can really help boost your confidence as a performer, and can really help those looking to learn how to act or get into comedy, including stand up comedy. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay)Don’t Be AfraidSome people may feel put off from attending an improvisation class for fear that they may look silly doing improvisation exercises or that they’ll make a fool out of themselves.Don’t be!The main thing to remember is that everyone at an improvisation class is th ere to learn more about improvisation and improve their skills, so you’re all in the same boat.If you’re able to let go of any fears that you may have and embrace the experience and the laughter that should follow, then you should find that you get more out of the class, and you’ll maybe even have fun while doing so!If you want to learn more about improvisation, but are still struggling to find a course that’s right for you, why not consider hiring a drama tutor who can help you with improv?Superprof has a wide network of tutors for a variety of subjects, including acting, meaning that you should be able to find a tutor near you that is able to offer one to one, group, workshop, or online acting lessons.So, whether you’d like to learn improvisation in order to:Perform better during castings and auditions;Develop your acting skills and confidence in a supportive environment;Get better at improv comedy or sketch performances; orImprove your comedic timing,A Superprof tutor m ay be able to help you! Given that tutors can offer greater flexibility when it comes to class availability, and may also be more competitive when it comes to pricing, you might be surprised at how well drama tuition could work for you.

Why Study Economics

Why Study Economics Reasons to Select Economics as Your Field of Study ChaptersUnderstanding EconomicsEconomics and Unintended ConsequencesA Career in EconomicsWhy Study Economics?American president Donald Trump has gone into tariff-slapping mode: against his country's allies as well as presumed arch-enemies such as China â€" his latest target in the alleged trade imbalance row.He is slapping tariffs on just about everything, causing ire amongst friend and foe alike. Why is he doing that?If you knew anything about economics, you might divine that answer.Especially in today's world, where grains of potential profit promptly scatter on the increasingly desolate beaches of Gross Domestic Product, to be pulverised by wave after wave of corporate inversion...As a student of Economics, you would understand the dire forecasts engendered by rising nationalist sentiment, restricted trade initiatives and even the America pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord.Yes, economists are modelling those hypotheses even as we speak!As you can see by the 3 instances of cur rent and ongoing events just mentioned, economics covers far more than just the laws of supply and demand and how people spend their money.Mainstream society perceives economics as one of the dullest, least engaging subjects to major in, let alone carve one's life work out of.Economics is neither sexy nor high-profile, yet it is a science vital to the progression of humankind.Wouldn't you like to be on the forefront of a paradigm shift where the study and application of economic theory are concerned?First, you have to know why it is crucial that economics study be well-regarded, more widely accepted and better understood.Thus, the farmer whose existence depends on environmental economics â€" the study of land and local resources, would be subject to less disruption than the affluent Londoner, whose economic status depends almost wholly on societal perception and values.You may fear the ponderous math involved in economics study and practice.Indeed: you will see extensive calculus an d other higher math in your curriculum, especially if you are an undergraduate, working on your Bachelor of Science degree.A Bachelor of Arts in economics is less demanding of mathematical skills, but you must still master a sizable quantity of maths, as well as statistical analysis.However, your degree programme's  elective courses will delve into the fascinating realm of the human psyche to help you understand why people at all levels of society make the choices they do.On the way, you will understand yourself, and the world around you, better.In addition to understanding the choices you make, you will gain insight into how best to manage financial affairs.By studying economic indicators you could make sound decisions on investments and mortgages. By tracking interest rates, you will better be able to weather winds of change in global markets.In short: you will have the edge over that impulsive Knightsbridge dweller who felt compelled to display his status, rather than secure it.U nintended consequences of financial decisions are far greater than those of a coffee spill! Source: Pixabay Credit: Steve PbEconomics and Unintended ConsequencesRecently in the news: the government of Seattle, in the U.S. state of Washington, proposed levying a jobs tax on major corporations to alleviate homelessness.Global companies headquartered there, such as Amazon and Starbucks, were incensed!This tax initiative caused those billion-dollar enterprises to rethink hiring expansions, and even to talk about moving out of that region altogether.Their abandoning that city would cause economic chaos: job loss â€" or, at least a cap on hiring should they decide to stay, as well as loss of revenue to the city’s coffers and loss of income for individual consumers.Those are what is known as unintended consequences.In principle, the idea of housing every homeless person desiring a home is laudable.However, the unintended consequence of targeting the city’s largest employers for funding signals a potential reversal of economic growth for the city as a whole.Likewise, economic issues post-Brexit are direly forecast: the uncertainty surrounding current negotiations might result in the UK not having a free-trade agreement by the date England’s departure from the conglomerate.Wouldn’t you, as an economics major, jump at the chance of formulating an economic analysis of such a scenario, including economic problems our country would face if Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain as members of the European Union?You might say that broader job requirement of the economist is to build models that uncover unforeseen consequences of political and financial decisions and help to find ways around them.If your graduate study takes you into that wide range of economic research, you would have job security for life!A Career in EconomicsFar from the stereotype of tweed-wearing academics sporting eyeglasses, the economics degree holder may branch out into any of several career fields:finance and bankingpolitics and public policysales and marketingcivil serviceinsurance and actuaryIf office work does not appeal to you, you might continue your studies, completing your postgraduate work in political science, business economics or specialising in market research.All of those adverts that pop up on your phone or tablet are a direct result of such research!You may work abroad, using your knowledge of development economics, to compile statistics for firms wishing to invest in those countries’ growth.Or, you might want to stay close to home and focus on labour economics â€" a hot topic just now.Why is there such a pay gap between genders? Why do workers stay for years in unsatisfying jobs instead of seeking out what they would really like to do â€" like you’re doing?And what economic factors go into making such choices?Or you may select econometrics as your career vehicle of choice. Wouldn’t you like to sift through mountains of data to define simple relationships?Then, being well-versed in economic principles and using applied economics, you could try to predict the outcome of real-life situations, such as the looming trade war and its true global economic impact.You can fins a reliable economist GMAT tutor here.Studying economics gives ample food for thought as well as introspection Source: Pixabay Credit: Dana TentisWhy Study Economics?Confession time: prior to researching and writing this series of articles, I too was a true believer in economics being the academic world’s most boring field of study.I not-so-seriously wondered: who could make a profession out of studying principles of economics and applying them to, say, the job market?Now, having weathered a recession or two â€" not ageing myself here!, having travelled the world and seen abject poverty firsthand, and being of an analytical mindset anyway, I most certainly can see the value in studying economics.Not that I would give up being a writer, but I would go so far as to say that, had I known then what I know now, I might have pursued economics courses.For undergraduates wondering what school of study to apply to: please learn from my experience.Shunning the study of economics because of a stereotype means denying yourself a wide variety of potential career fields, a deeper understanding of how the world works and the ability to discern fundamental machinations of society as a whole.Many, if not most of the world’s most significant problems have an economic dimension â€" quoted from the Washington University Department of Economics home page.From income disparity in developing nations to gender disparity in the field of economics itself: so few women choose this major! the sheer variety of study topics is astounding.Indeed, this is a field of study wherein, once you scratch the surface, you will want to delve deeper into it, possibly hopping from one subspecialty to the next to find the one that you will wholeheartedly sink your teeth in to.Are you now eager to prepare in joining the wave of economists who themselves are creating waves: in public policy, in finance and in business; in global initiatives and in everyone’s quality of life?Or do you just really want to understand why Mr. Trump seems to be provoking both enemies and allies?Either way, majoring in economics would prod you to... maybe not the answers you seek, but an understanding of the underlying motivations that cause such disruptive situations and social ills in general.See a guide to A Level economics here.Understand the A Level syllabus here.Look at the best revision materials for economics here.Access past papers for economics exams here.

College Tuition Tips

College Tuition Tips Similar to most other businesses, colleges have been hit hard by the recent economic recession. The recession has forced college administrators to layoff thousands of professors, cut programs and most notably increase tuition to record numbers. College enrollment figures are currently lower than what most colleges would like, which is one of the reasons why tuition figures are sharply rising. However, colleges are constantly competing with each other to be the most affordable. So, many colleges are implementing payment programs that can help mitigate the rising costs of college tuition, according to an article in The US News World Report. The US News World Report listed several options that should help most students and their parents pay for college.Guaranteed tuition rates: Some colleges are locking in tuition rates for incoming freshmen, guaranteeing them that their tuition will not rise during their four years of college. However, these colleges will rise the price of room, boar d, meal plans and textbooks to compensate. This program only applies to a students first four years in college, and fifth year students are likely to see tuition increases. Paying a premium to lock in tuition for four years: With this program, students will pay a premium, set price that will not change for each of their four years of college. This premium price is usually higher than the traditional tuition rate. Similar to tuition locks, this guarantees that students tuition rates will not rise for four years. Other costs are likely to rise. Prepaying at the freshman rate: This program is perfect for families who can afford to pay their entire, four-year tuition amount before college starts. Vanderbilt University, Middlebury College and dozens of other schools permit students and their parents to pay the freshman year rate multiplied by four up front. This plan avoids any tuition increases, and it is likely to be the most cost-effective way for students to tackle the cost of tuit ion.Prepaid college savings plan: These are available to families who will be paying tuition bills in one year. There are more than a dozen prepaid college savings plans that allow families to buy tuition credits. Some of the prepaid college savings plans Alaskas and the Independent 529 that works with about 270 private colleges lock in the current tuition prices when families first invest in them. The rest of the prepaid college savings plans charge a premium of 4 percent to over 20 percent. These plans can be insecure. The premium rates are continuing to rise because of the dramatic tuition hikes. Some of these prepaid savings plans are unable to keep their promises with investors. Other prepaid savings plans force investors to wait at least three years until they can cash out. Students and their parents need to pay very close attention to all the numbers of college costs. Administrators at universities have been known to doctor the numbers to make their college seem much more affordable than it actually is. Some colleges will lure students in with any one of these aforementioned programs, and they will actually end up paying more in the long run. However, students and their parents can save thousands of dollars with these programs, but they need to closely analyze all the numbers.

How to Become a Photographer

How to Become a Photographer Discover How to be a Professional Photographer with our Guide ChaptersPhotography The Right Equipment is EssentialGo Pro: Choose Your Photographic NicheQualities and Competences: What makes a Good PhotographerSelling Your Freelance Photography Skills OnlineOne can stare at a photograph for a week and nevermore think of it. Or, you can glimpse an image that will haunt you for the rest of your life. - Joan MiroWho hasn't ever dreamt of creating such imagery? Of being a professional photographer?The real question is: how can you gain a foothold in this exciting field without necessarily partaking formal education, when the market is already saturated?And, in these crowded conditions, how can you support yourself financially as an independent photographer?Superprof has a few ideas...You have to have the right equipment to catch the bride tossing her bouquet! Source Pixabay Credit: Congerdesignthose that are up to the job.And, that scenario is an exception, really. Would anyone at a wedding closely inspect and rate the photographer's equipment?Let u s reassure you: as long as you have reliable photographic equipment, you will be able to capture the moment the bride tosses her bouquet, thanks to your artistic flair and talent.And, should an errant shadow mar that money shot, you can always spend a few minutes editing it out with PhotoShop.If you are mad for film photography, a post processing retouch would be called for.A well-equipped photographer usually has, at the ready:At least two camera bodies: should one fail, you will have a backup.Woe to the wedding photographer whose digital SLR (or 35mm Nikon) betrays him!An assortment of lenses and filtersAttending workshops hosted by experienced photographers could help you select the ones for your specialty, so that you don't have to buy every type of lens or filter available.Camera flash, and other light sources; a light meter is a givenmemory cards... lots of memory cards!If you are a film photography buff, bring lots of film of different ISO speeds to your shoot. Don't forget b lack and white!Spare batteries  for all of your equipmenta monopod for action shots; a tripod for posed subjects.A case to carry it allBeing in possession of only photography equipment does not (necessarily) make you a professional photographer. Knowing how to manipulate images using computer software is the next vital step.For this portion, we exclude the film photographer, with the full knowledge that s/he could scan developed images into the computer for editing, but... wouldn't that defeat the purpose of using film?The shoot â€" the taking of  pictures is obviously the  fundamental part of the work of the photographer.But then comes photo editing.Take amazing pics with  photography courses.Potential trouble comes when your computer bogs down, especially if you are working with Raw and/or Lightroom.The more expansive the catalog of images, the slower they will be to load and edit. That could cost you precious time!The antidote to that nightmare scenario would be:working on a comp uter that has plenty of processing power and memory. A high-end graphics card would help, too!Up-to-date image editing software: Photoshop, Lightroom, or othersA calibration probe: there is nothing more frustrating than editing an image into a work of art, being proud of it... and watching it print lighter or darker than on screenSome form of backup storage, to keep on file the images already delivered to your customers: a cloud, but perhaps also DVDs, memory cards or external hard drives.Ideally, you should maintain client images readily available for 6 months to year, at the minimum. Should anyone want reprints of your copyrighted photos, you will be able to access them quickly!A film photographer endures  none of these issues!After developing film in their chemical baths and retouching as needed, s/he would simply store the negatives.  Should a client request reprints, the photographer would find that client's file and develop the negatives anew.So far, this article has mainly be en targeted to roaming photographers.If being a portrait photographer â€" or studio photography in general strikes your fancy, you should invest in studio accoutrements: backdrops, studio lighting, props, posing tools and the like.You don't necessarily need a diploma to become a professional photographer!Go Pro: Choose Your Photographic NicheUnless you are independently wealthy, one goal of establishing a career, in photography or otherwise, is to earn a living.It is therefore perfectly acceptable to gravitate toward social photography: weddings, babies, baptisms; graduations, anniversaries and, yes!, even funerals.Drone photography is fast becoming a popular sub-specialty Source: Pixabay Credit: Pixel2013These are the types of photography through which one stands to earn the most. Portraiture, of humans and of their pets, can also be quite lucrative.Photographing events such as those is a good way of paying your dues; of getting your name out there: of marketing yourself and your p hotography skills.To build, grow and retain a loyal customer base.Let's suppose one of your faithful clients asks you to shoot his upcoming football match for his team's regional newsletter.Sports photography is not your bailiwick!Does client loyalty mean you can never say no?Of course not!Look up for some  photography courses london.In fact, your customers would more greatly appreciate your honesty in turning down the job. They will respect your integrity.So, even though the commission would pad your pocketbook, feel free to turn down jobs outside of your area of expertise!In fact, calling  a trusted colleague on your clients' behalf would cement their undying loyalty to you, their personal photographer.It is better to turn down a job outside of your field of specialty than wing it, and possibly ruin your reputation.With your expertise in a given area of photography well publicised, your chances at winning contracts grows exponentially.French photographer Amélie Soubrié targets h er business to expectant mothers and babies under 15 days old. Does that seem a narrow field to you?In fact, she is most in demand, for the very exclusivity that makes her seem inaccessible.Bear in mind that 'exclusive' does not mean constant refusal of any other photography assignments.We are all familiar with Andy Rouse's animal photography. However, when not chasing down hippos and bears, he occupies himself by photographing airplanes!Plenty of niche photographers embrace a sub-specialty, or even other avenues of creative expression altogether!The venerable and talented Mr. Rouse has published no fewer than fifteen books, whose sales generate a constant trickle of income.Some photographers engage in commercial photography, macro photography or food photography between gigs, because those types of art expression are more reliable as an income stream.Sub-specialising is a nifty way to network; to expand your client base. Those same clients might contract you later to request the ty pe of photography you are most  passionate about!Every customer you meet in the course of commercial photography is a potential client for your special brand of photography.Check for online photography courses here.Qualities and Competences: What makes a Good PhotographerLet us right now disabuse your stereotype of the curmudgeonly artist who throws things around the studio, yet somehow manages to maintain a client base and take fantastic pictures.Foul temper is not a desirable quality in a competent, professional photographer!These photographers will put their own creative stamp on this shot Source: PIxabay Credit: Tama66Whether you have successfully completed a university course in photography, attained a Level 3 certificate online, or whether you are self-taught: you should only call yourself a pro if you possess a measure of the following qualities:Creativity and inventivenessAnsel Adams, renown photographer of the American west, had no formal education in photography.What drove him to capture the stark, poignant images was his father's emphasis on Ralph Waldo Emerson's urging to minimalism.Shooting exclusively in black and white, making use of the available light; he made history by depicting nature scenes from a minimalist's perspective.Excellent Communication SkillsBy its very nature, photography is visual storytelling.As such, the act of taking pictures means you are communicating your visions to the public. But the art of reaching out doesn't stop there.You will have to know how to talk to clients, subjects and assistants. If you are a fashion photographer, you will have to instruct models; if you are a freelance photographer, you will have to convince prospects of your skill.Even if you are an animal photographer, you still have to maintain public relations skills in order to sell your images; in order to earn any money.AdaptabilityThe professional photographer must be able to adapt to all situations, all demands and all hazards.Let us suppose that a landscape photographer has been contracted to shoot the Orkney Islands for an upcoming travel exposé.The weather in that northernmost part of Scotland is famous for its changeable clime and rough seas.The photographer cannot wait for favourable conditions; the work must be done by its deadline!Photojournalists routinely encounter dangerous conditions: in war zones, in natural disasters,  even in street photography; nevertheless, the lensing professionals regale us with visions that we are perhaps spared in real life.That is why we aver that photographers must surround themselves with trustworthy people for any photoshoot in order to progress and evolve, in business and in the art itself.Patience and ConfidenceWildlife photography, baby photography, pet photography and night photography all demand  the same quality of their photographer: patience.Working with unpredictable subjects, like babies and pets, requires posing and reposing them, or employing tricks to stimulate the desire d reaction out of them.Patience is a very important virtue in this profession, as well as diplomacy and trust. Be nice to your customers so that they feel comfortable posing in front of you!Last but not least, a professional photographer needs...Continuous ImprovementBe curious. Be interested in current events surrounding the art of photography, in terms of material, image editing, techniques...Attend photography workshops. Watch video tutorials online. Join a photography club or society; meet with others who share your passion; swap photography tips with them.In order to progress, never stop learning: it is the key to success.Selling Your Freelance Photography Skills OnlineSurely you did not buy that new DSLR and enrol in photography classes simply to point your camera and press that shutter!Perhaps a webmaster can help you set up a page to showcase your art Source: Pixabay Credit: LukasbieriGoing pro in photography means marketing yourself: to find clients, to build a customer bas e, and to sell your work.The first step in generating interest in your business is naming it.Nothing necessarily catchy; in fact many aver that they now resent the clever name they've given their studio.While Lamplight Studios and Broadway Studios have a certain nostalgic appeal, harkening to days of photography in a time that the DSLR camera was unthinkable, most photographers prefer operating under their own name.It is your work, talent, skill and passion for sale; why not put your name to it?Our second recommendation to promote your business: show your work!One of the best ways to showcase your talent to create a website.Mounting a range of  shots,  from beginner to your more advanced photography work, with a short narrative attached to each frame, will prove your stripes to anyone who has a need for your brand of creativity.Whether you are wildly experienced a creating a digital portfolio, or a novice to the intricacies of creating a viewing platform, there is an online photogra phy application for you.For a quick and dirty establishment of your work, you could set up a profile and show your best shots on Wix or Tumblrthe drawback to those sites is that you must accept their templates and other restrictions of designIf you have a firm idea of the backdrop you wish to contrast your work against, WordPress is the place for you. You will have more control over templates and site design, and a greater range of colours and features.If neither of these options quite suit your fancy, you can enlist the help of a professional web designer. You could establish a work exchange programme: you provide photos for that web designers' work; s/he sets up and maintains your site for free!Bear in mind that, like you, web masters are trying to make a living. While workflow exchange could be mutually beneficial, be prepared to pay for services rendered. After all: with the proliferation of websites offering free, attribution-only downloads of imagery, a professional web page d esigner might not want to trade work for exclusive photos.Remember: your homepage picture should represent your type of photography!If you are a landscape photography artist, greet your future clients with your most stunning panorama!If you are a commercial photographer, a mélange of shots â€" from adverts, of pets and people, would be the better home page for you. Here is one more suggestion to get your photography business off the ground: offer photography tutorials. Your site could be a sort of photography school for the amateur who doesn't have the time or means for photography lessons; who perhaps wants to learn how to use a digital camera to its full capability. While you've got your computer booted, why not establish profiles social media?Facebook, Pinterest, and especially LinkedIn are guaranteed outlets to gain exposure and recognition as an expert in photography and digital imaging. If your passion is film photography, think of the waves you could make in the sea of digit al images with the richness and tone of   images captured on film!Word of mouth is still the most powerful and effective means of advertising,  and it offers a cost benefit: getting liked and forwarded on social media is absolutely free!One other outlet for your best images that we put forth: photo banks, such as Fotolia, where you can sell images for future attribution and royalties.Taking the place of an agent, such sites serve not only to promote your art, but they get your name out to the greater public, far beyond your immediate surroundings.Each attribution is another mention of your name: another costless form of advertising!Not only does your name get publicised but you stand to gain royalties from each of your snaps a subscriber downloads. Let your photographic talent shine! Give yourself every opportunity to have your work viewed, appreciated and used!These relics would not be considered reliable photographic equipment today! Source: Pixabay Credit: MaxmannIn SummaryA prof essional photographer has suitable, reliable equipment: at least 2 camera bodies and and assortment of lenses and filters; an adequately fast computer  to process images on, some sort of photo editing software, and a calibration probe to ensure accurate printing.Adobe ranks particularly high among photographers of all types!Specialising in a particular type of photography is essential! Going on assignment as a photojournalist sounds rather glamorous, but how does such a photographer earn between jetting off to far-flung locations?Sub-specialising is a good idea, if being behind the camera is all you want to do. Otherwise, you could be a digital photography instructor, taking beginners to the next level by broadening their skills sets. Patience, creativity, adaptability and being a master of human relations are key qualities every professional photographer must embody!Finally: knowing how to package, promote and sell your work is absolutely essential.Being a master of photography com position is great, but will earn you nothing if you can't unload any images. Perhaps hiring an agent, or seeking the services of a webmaster  to build your site would be the way for you to manage your marketing. Now that you have so much to consider, we close this article and look forward to seeing you, everywhere in cyberspace!

UCAS Workshop

UCAS Workshop We like things to be fair, so we were excited when The Access Project asked us to run a workshop to help with university applications in schools where most kids don’t go to university. Research done by the Sutton Trust suggests that even amongst schools with identical A-level results, some are much more likely to get pupils accepted into a top university than others. [1] One of the reasons for this is to the all-important UCAS form. The Sutton Trust research found that independent school applicants are more likely to submit carefully crafted UCAS statements. State school applicants, by contrast, appeared to receive less help composing their statement, and often struggle to draw on suitable work and life experience. [2] Clients often engage tutors to help their child with their university admission. So, we have joined forces with the Access Project to run a series of workshops to ensure some of London’s most deprived students have the best chance of creating a winning UCAS application. The workshop includes sessions on the choices available to students and includes support for individuals in composing their personal statement. We are immensely proud of the sixteen Tutorfair educators who are taking part and wish the students they help a huge good luck in their applications. The pilot workshop is on 6 February - contact us if you’d like to help. [1]  (http://www.suttontrust.com/research/degrees-of-success-he-destinations-tables/ see pages 6-7) [2]   (http://www.suttontrust.com/news/news/personal-statements-help-independent-school-students/)

Calm Your Mind Understanding Managing Stress

Calm Your Mind Understanding Managing Stress Improving Academic Performance “A bit of stress in short doses is useful in improving our memory and enhancing performance. However, too much, too regularly, is extremely damaging to our mental and physical well-being.” From https://www.headspace.com/science/stress, a web-site founded by globally recognized mindfulness and meditation expert Andy Puddicomb Just because you have no major or minor diagnosed mental health disorder, doesn’t mean you have a completely healthy mind. If school, work, sports, orsocial situations tend to make you nervous and stressed, your performance suffers. You’ve probably heard that the right amount of stress is a good thing, but too little or too much stress is a bad thing. The idea is that if you are too care free, you may let important tasks fall through the cracks, and end up dropping the ball on that big school project. At the same time, if you are extremely nervous about performing poorly and get really worked up before a big test, you might find yourself having a lot of trouble concentrating or thinking clearly. Too little stress or too much stress is bad, but the right amount of “stress” can lead to clear thinking, appropriate focus, and a generally extremely helpful sense of calm and confidence that allows you to execute on test day or deliver a great presentation in school or at work. Here’s an incredibly short primer on the science behind the above paragraph. We humans can control part of our nervous system: thoughts, muscle movement, etc. But, after that, lots of our nervous system is beyond our conscious control. We know how our body works, but can’t directly control it. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the part of our nervous system which we can’t directly control. It regulates thinks like kidney function, liver function, healing, etc. The ANS itself can be broken down into two sub-systems, the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). The SNS is what gets activated when we are extremely excited, afraid, or stressed out. It’s the evolutionary “fight or flight” response you may have heard of. If a man jumps out of a dark alley and punches you, the SNS will increase adrenaline, and decrease blood to any part of the body that isn’t good at helping you fight or run away. So, the immune system, libido, and brain get less blood are partially “deactivated” while the muscle tighten up and your arms and legs receive more blood. In other words, your immune system, libido, and brain kind of turns off, while your arms and legs and heart turn on. You are ready to fight or fun, but not to think. Obviously, this is bad for academic performance. The PNS system, on the other hand, is the bodies “relaxation response.” When the PNS is activated, essentially everything we just read about with SNS is reversed. You aren’t ready to run or fight, but you are much calmer, breathing slower, and receiving more blood to the brain. Ready to calmly think and problem solve. Whereas the SNS dominated state is good for fighting and fleeing, the PNS dominated state is good for focus, concentration, recall, and analyzing information. When it comes to academic performance, taking tests, or performing well at work, you need your SNS to keep you awake, but not for much more. In general, you’ll perform better when the PNS system, which again helps you focus, analyze, and problem solve, is in control. In other words, roughly, when we think of “stress” in layman’s terms, the SNS system is what creates stress, while the PNS system is what reduces it. “….chronic stress also exerts a strong and adverse effect on the brain even altering brain cells, brain structure, and brain function. Research has shown that unmanaged stress: Diminishes short, and long-term memory Inhibits the formation of new memories Diminishes the ability to learn new things Diminishes problem-solving abilities Diminishes the ability to concentrate” Joshua David O’Brien, founder of the Mindfulness Community of Central Pennsylvania In one study, individuals were placed into two categories: 1) high stress and 2) low stress, and then given a series of problem solving and memory tests. The low stress group performed 2x better. So, what can you do to activate your PNS and manage your stress? The answer to stress management is a little odd to some. Healthy eating, appropriate nutrition, a positive attitude, and constantly maintain perspective on events in your life are hugely important factors. However, recognition of the power of the breath, which naturally extends into what is called “practicing mindfulness” and sometimes “meditating” are important underused solutions to over-stressed lives, particularly in western countries. The following is borrowed from Joshua David O’Brien, founder of the Mindfulness Community of Central Pennsylvania “Mindfulness Meditation is a practice of being fully and attentively present in the moment. In the same way one might practice a musical instrument or martial arts form, we practice being mindful and aware through skillful meditation. In formal practice we use the breath as an object of awareness. We follow the physical sensations of the breath as it flows in and out of the body. We allow the breath to flow naturally without controlling it as you would in a breathing exercise….one of the first things we learn when we try to do this practice is how easily distracted the mind can be. All sorts of thoughts, ideas, feelings, and sensations call for our attention and we find we’ve forgotten all about the breath.” Simply practicing mindfulness for 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant benefits in a relatively short period of time. Again according to https://www.headspace.com/science, after as few as 11 hours of accumulated mindfulness practice, the brain changes structurally to improve focus and self-control, people are able to stay on tasks longer, anxiety and stress was reduced, and the list goes on. Clearly, all of these benefits are directly applicable to improving academic performance. I think that if we taught ourselves and our children how to practice mindfulness, we’d see better grades, higher test scores, and better overall performance in and outside of school. To read more about being mindful, consider reading - Get Some Headspace: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life In Ten Minutes a Day â€" by Andy Puddicombe Mindfulness: An Eight Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World â€" by Mark Williams and Danny Penman Here is a popular “TED” talk about the benefits of taking 10 minutes out of your day to be mindful. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, 'f08a3c58-464f-4164-a82e-313b7951bbb2', {});