WINTER EXPOSITION 2010

Winter Tea Garden

Winter Freeze Blues

Winter Topaz Sky

Winter Sapphire Dance

Winter Tear Drop

SNOW CRYSTALS

I love watching the snow fall from my window in winter! Sometimes they land on my window pane and form funny shapes. Did you know that no two snowflakes are alike? Ever? Yup! Now that is really cool :)

For another picture, click onto this:

SHALL WE DANCE

Five Must-Have Accessories For Digital SLRs

By Jonathan Popoola

Any digital SLR camera user should know that not buying accessories to go with the camera would be defeating its purpose. Aside from the many lenses one can use, there are also a plethora of accessories that may not be necessary, but are certainly useful and convenient. With some extra cash, SLR camera owners can splurge on these interesting inventions that can help improve the camera's performance.

First of all, an add-on flash is good for any photographer, professional or no. Some digital SLR cameras do not come equipped with flash, and thus, users are limited to using them when there is available light. A good off-camera flash is one that can eliminate, highlight the lights in subjects' eyes and freeze action without making the picture blurry. These are only some of its uses. Some add-on flashes have heads that can be twisted, which is also convenient.

Extra battery packs are absolutely necessary for those who travel alot with their camera, and for anyone who will not be having regular access to a charger. It's always wise to carry a spare, and for digital SLR cameras, practically a must. They use a lot of power in a short span of time. A good idea is to always have spare batteries in the camera bag, so that they can easily be substituted when the original runs out of juice. That way, there is less worry hassle on the owner's part, especially when they are at an important event.

Since a lot of money was spent in order to get a digital single-lens reflex camera, it is only logical that it should be taken care of. This includes keeping the camera clean and in working condition at all times. A good way to do this is to use a UV or a skylight filter to protect the lenses. They are especially convenient when travsersing into dirty environments that may be wet or filled with dust. This way, the camera doesn't get damaged.

Lens hoods are also recommended in order to reduce flare. Flare is an optical effect that can reduce contrast and color saturation in images, as well as create random light in the picture. If a digital SLR does not come with it already, then the lens hood should be bought as soon as possible.

For shooting professional pictures, such as photographs for sports, news, wildlife, magazines, important events, studios, commercials or documentaries, cable releases and remote triggers are a must. A tripod is also recommended if one is to use them. The best still shots are taken when the photographer is actually farther away from the camera, because he can just press the trigger that is connected to a wire leading to the camera. As a result, movement and shaking is minimized and the shot looks better overall. Wireless triggers are also available, but are naturally more expensive.

Choosing the necessary accessories is normally a tedious process, but this guide has just enumerated the ones that are must-haves. Very rarely are photographers with digital SLR cameras seen without them, because they make a life of photography so much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What age can I start having my child's portraits taken?

The wonderful thing about photography is that it is a medium that can document life's stages. I always encourage parents to begin this journey when at the stage of pregnancy. Then we have newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months and so on.

Is color better than black-and-white portraits?

I shoot in color. The photos can always be converted to B&W in the digital darkroom later.

What is the best outfit for a group picture?

It is easier for the eye to view coordination in color with clothing. If one is in primary colors and the other is in pastels, it does not give a harmonious effect. I usually suggest a theme, let's say for a family, everyone can wear jeans and a white shirt or whatever may be complementary to each other, the background or setting of their choice.

Do you do photo retouching?

Yes. For an additional fee, we can digitally retouch blemishes, braces, wrinkles, stray hairs, etc.

Do you shoot with film?

We primarily shoot digitally but can use film if requested. The latter will be more costly and your choice of images will be limited.

Can I use my own props for my senior session?

Definitely! We encourage you to bring whatever you think may personalize the photos, like your sports equipment and uniform, musical instruments, etc. If the location of choice will be outdoors, we can photograph you next to your car, motorcycle, snowmobile, etc.

As far as business shots are concerned, what is the best background?

We can do your portrait in the company boardroom or inside your office as well. However, if you want a more conservative approach, we suggest a slate -colored wall for a background.

How do I prepare my pet for a photo op?

We highly recommend getting your pet groomed!

What if I need to reschedule or cancel an appointment?

Please contact us as soon as possible! However, you will forfeit your non-refundable 50% deposit which is required to book your shoot and reserve your session time.

When will my pictures be ready?

The approximate time will be about 3-4 weeks. Digital retouching will require more time. The remainder of your balance fee will be due prior to receiving the finished products.

Wedding Photography (Tips)

======================================
So You Want to Photograph Weddings?
======================================
By Suzanne Vandegrift

Being a wedding photographer takes special talent and a lot of
preparation. The pictures a wedding photographer takes can't be retaken. Once the wedding and reception are over, they're over. If the pictures aren't good you don't get a second chance to take them over again as you can a family portrait. So make sure you're ready for that kind of dedication and pressure. This being said, there are many things that can be done to assure the wedding photographer success.

The first order of business needs to be a meeting with the happy couple. Be prepared to make a list of the photographs that they have in mind for the big day. That way there will be no chance of you forgetting any of the important pictures they have their hearts set on including in their wedding album. Do your homework before getting together with them so that you can make some suggestions for pictures they might like, but haven't thought of on their own. If possible, take some photo albums for them to look through. Take your camera bag along so that you present yourself in a professional manner.

Have everything ready the day before. Make sure your camera is in working order with the sound turned off. If possible, take two cameras, so you'll have one as a back-up. Have ample memory cards, charged batteries, and lenses. Have your camera bag packed and ready to go. Know where the wedding is being held and travel the route prior to the wedding to avoid being late.

Remember, there is already a lot of stress in the beginning of the wedding with everyone trying to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. As the photographer, you need to stay calm and focused, literally. Shoot everything you possibly can, and don't forget the list you made with the bride and groom. Those shots are very important. As the photographer you can't afford to be shy. It's your responsibility to get in there and get those priceless shots before they disappear. But don't be obnoxious.

Shoot from all angles to give the photos variety and uniqueness. Shoot from up high and down low to get an entirely different perspective. Make sure you find out ahead of time if the church
allows the use of a flash, many don't. If they don't, be ready with a back-up plan, such as using a fast lens at wide apertures or increasing the ISO.

Be prepared for the unexpected, such as inclement weather. Approach it as a positive not a negative. Have a plan in place for getting memorable shots that the couple will cherish. Enjoy what you're doing and it will relax your subjects and you'll also enjoy the day. Have your camera bag handy at all times for changing memory cards and lenses quickly. A top loading camera bag allows easy access which is a helpful feature for this type of photography. Choose a camera bag that is attractive and has a professional appearance so that you present yourself as a pro.

GENESIS

Then the Lord God molded man out of the dust of the ground,
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,
so that man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7


You can check this photo as well in my photostream at my flickr account(Check this out) http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibiportfolios/4232883888/

Just Me ~ Bibi

Who am I for You to care
more than the sparrows in the air
I open my heart and You'll be there
Taking me to your care.

You are the one I'm living for
And when I knock You open the door
You are my rock, my cornerstone
Forever, with You, I'm not alone.

Yahvah, Adonai, Hosanna, blessed by Your name!
Jehovah,Selah, My God, blessed be Your name!


I once was lost but now am found
Walking with Him on solid ground.

lyrics to a song by ... just me, Bibi

Washington Square Park Arch, NY

Washington Square

West 4th Street

(at MacDougal Street)

New York, NY 10003

This Greenwich Village park is popular with students and residents. It is one of the few green spots in the area. At the northern end of the park is a triumphal arch, built in 1789 to honor George Washington, the late President of the United States. The area was home to artists and writers, including Henry James, Edith Wharton and Edward Hopper; many lived in the still intact row houses across from the northern end of the park. Other parts of the park are surrounded by the campus of New York University.


(This photo was featured in Schmap New York Guide)
For more details please click here : http://www.schmap.com/newyork/tours_tour3/#r=none&mapview=Map&tab=Text&p=5587&topleft=40.74297,-74.00215&bottomright=40.71291,-73.97803&i=5587_75.jpg

Candles & Prayers

Love is...

Love is very patient, very kind.
Love knows no jealousy;
love makes no parade, give itself no airs,
is never rude, never selfish, never irritated,
never resentful; love is never glad when others go wrong,
love is gladdened by goodness, always slow to expose,
always eager to believe the best, always hopeful, always patient.
Love never disappears.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Cuando Tenga Que Dejarte

Cuando por un momento

te tenga que dejar,

no derrames lagrimas

que te ahogen

ni te abraces a la tristeza

por el resto de tus años,

y por favor te pido

en mi nombre

que no dejes de hacer

Todo aquello que haces

y nunca alimentes su soledad

con dias vacios

pero llena en cosas utiles

cada una de tus horas

y dale consuelo.

A todo aquel que necesite

lo mismo a ti

yo mi consuelo te dare

y siempre cerca yo

de a ti estare.

Mas nunca, jamas

temas a morir

Porque en el cielo

Por ti esperadole

yo estoy.

-San Agustin