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November 1, 2005 17:18 - Photography Tips While Traveling
Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation or your family reunion, it’s going to be a special time. When we think of trips we’ve taken, we tend to remember them best with photographs. Here’s some ideas to enhance your vacation as well as your memories of them. Location Preparation
1) Since you know where you’re going (that's a minimum requirement), doesn’t it make sense to check out the location before you get there? Create a list of attractions, accommodations, special points of interest, amusement areas, shopping, etc. A good source to help you do this is: the Places and Travel section of msn.com ( http://groups.msn.com/Browse?CatId=179)
2) Figure out the photo opportunities for each appropriate venue. Anyone can take a “that’s nice” picture of the kids at an amusement park. Wouldn’t you rather capture a “WOW” photo that could be hung over the mantle?
3) Depending on the location you’re traveling to, you can see what books are written about them that highlight the best photo opportunities for the entire area
4) If you’re cyber-savvy, start at www.google.com and search using different combinations of: your destination, best photography locations, for images of the location, scenic spots, etc. The options are endless.
5) If you’re off to a non-big city area, scout out the national parks in the area. The great thing about national parks is that the scenery is usually so breathtaking, that a so-so shot looks outstanding, just because of the subject. Once in www.nps.gov, do a search on photos and you will be presented with terrific shots of all the parks
Photography Preparation
OK, you’re either traveling through or you’re at a wonderful location full of photo opportunities. You began this leg of your trip at the crack of dawn and as you’re pulling into the most scenic overlook for 400 miles, the sun is just starting to crack the horizon.
You instinctively pull the car over, grab your camera and your tripod, and look for the best spot to set up. Just one tiny little problem… YOU FORGOT YOUR TRIPOD! Rather than smack yourself on the forehead then, why not plan these things now, before you leave?
Your list should include AT LEAST the following consideration…
1) Do I need to repeat – BRING YOUR TRIPOD? It doesn’t take up much room, and as explained at www.best-family-photography-tips.com/tripod-photography.html, tripods allow you to capture entirely new categories of photographs that won’t be possible without one
2) Memory. Of course, bring all the memory you have, but also pack your portable storage device (explained at http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/digital-photography-tutorial.html)
3) If your camera has a hot shoe, bring your external flash, and any additional equipment that can be used to help with bounce flash
4) Remember your external shutter release cable for those long exposures. How else are you going to get that “angel-hair” look of the waterfalls?
5) Don’t forget the basics like: batteries, battery charger, camera bag, and additional lenses and filters (if applicable on your camera)
6) And just in case you need it, bring the manuals for your equipment.
Finally, don’t get so wrapped up in taking perfect shots that you don’t enjoy the trip. Remember to use the tripod so that you'll be in at least some of the photos.
Article courtesy of www.best-family-photography-tips.com where you can see some sample pictures including more photography tips. Copyright 2005 Robert Bezman. All rights reserved.
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About the author:
Robert Bezman is a professional photographer and owner of Custom Photographic Expressions. Robert has created www.best-family-photography-tips.comto help the digital photography users create better photographs. Robert has a blog at
http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/family-photography-news.html
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November 3, 2005 16:11 - An Island A Day
Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast of Maine and you may expect to find ocean as far as the eye can see. Instead seemingly endless islands dot the seascape. Sometimes called the calendar islands, there is rumored to be an island in the bay for every day of the year. Stretching from Cape Elizabeth to Cape Small these islands with their rocky shores and rustic way of life define the stereotypical New England coastline. Mostly uninhabited, they provide a serene escape from everyday life. Their natural beauty and their sheer numbers create a place one could visit every day and still never have completely explored. With an island for every day of the year there is more than enough shelter from the wind to allow everything from large fishing vessels to solo kayaks to roam the bay. While sandy beaches are few and far between here, the rock strewn shores and miles of nature trails can supply a continual source of enjoyment.
If you know where to look the Casco Bay islands will also provide a glimpse of Maine maritime history. Being located on the eastern most part of the country, these islands served their time during World War II as bases and look outs for German U-Boats. Great towers and forts still remain on Jewel Island, and while mostly converted to homes now, the military buildings on Great Diamond Island are hard to miss. During the war anti-submarine nets and mines were deployed at many harbor entrances and the islands took on a front line role. Even before WWII Casco Bay held military purposes. In 1858 Fort Georges was constructed and armed for the Civil War, Spanish American War, and was used to store submarine mines during WWI.
Many opportunities await those looking to enjoy the islands for their less historical characteristics. Chebeague is the largest of the Casco Bay islands, and one of the few with a year round population. Ferry service takes visitors from Portland or nearby Cousin’s Island to the perfect setting for an adventuresome hike or leisurely bike ride. You can finish the day off with a delicious dinner or nights rest at the breath taking Chebeague Inn. Great Diamond Island also offers an exceptional dining experience at the Diamond’s Edge restaurant in Diamond’s Cove. Peaks and Long islands both present dining opportunities to their guests and their proximity to Portland makes them popular tourist attractions.
If you are looking for a little less populated destination then you have literally hundreds of choices. You can relax on the beaches of Sand Island, watch the seals bask on the rocks of French Island, or setup a picturesque camping site on one of the Gosling islands. Many of these smaller islands will require you to provide your own transportation, but kayak, canoe, sail, and motor boat rentals all provide easy access.
Whether you are looking for fine dining, a historical stroll, or a relaxing day on the beach Casco Bay offers something for every visitor and an island for every day of the year.
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About the author:
About the author:
Nate Soule is a travel enthusiast and helps maintain the travel website AcrossDistance.com
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November 4, 2005 11:25 - How to Get Your New Passport
A valid passport is necessary for U.S. citizens to enter nearly 80% of the world´s countries and highly recommended in most of the others as definitive proof of one´s identity and citizenship. If you answer yes to any one of the following, you should apply for a new passport.
Are you applying for a U.S. passport for the first time?
Was your previous U.S. passport lost, stolen, or damaged?
Has your previous U.S. passport expired and was it issued more than 15 years ago?
Has your previous passport expired and was it issued when you were under 16?
Has your name changed since your passport was issued and you don´t have a legal document formally changing your name?
To apply for a new passport, you need to provide the six items below.
1. Completed Form-DS11, Application for Passport.
The form can be downloaded at the U.S. Department of State web site or the sites of many travel agencies and travel document expediters.
When filling out the form, check everything twice. Don´t sign the application until you do so in the presence of an acceptance agent.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship.
The two most frequently used documents to prove citizenship are a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate. There are three things to look for on a certified birth certificate: a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal; the registrar’s signature; and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth.
If you don´t have either of the documents above, you can provide a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.
Voter registration cards and army discharge papers are not acceptable proof of citizenship.
3. Proof of identity.
A previous U.S. passport can also serve to prove your identity. If you don´t have one, you can provide a Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, a current, valid Driver´s license, government ID or military ID.
4. Two passport photos.
The two photos must be 2 x 2 inches, identical, taken within the last 6 months, show a full face, front view and have a plain white or off-white background. You should dress in normal street attire. Hats, headgear, dark glasses and uniforms, except for religious retire that is worn daily, are not acceptable. Prescription glasses with clear lenses are.
5. Applicable fees.
Age 16 and older: The passport fee is $55. The security surcharge is $12. The execution fee is $30. The total is $97.
Under Age 16: The passport fee is $40. The security surcharge is $12. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82.
When you apply at one of the thousands of designated application acceptance facilities in the U.S., you pay the passport fee and the security surcharge to the U.S. Department of State and the execution fee to the facility where you are applying. Acceptable forms of payment vary.
The fees are non-refundable.
6. Social security number.
Failure to provide your Social Security Number could result in a $500 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.
If your passport was lost or stolen, you must also provide a completed Form DS-64: Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport.
Gather the documents. Appear at the acceptance facility. Pay the fees. If everything goes well, your new passport should be processed and returned to you in about 6 weeks.
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About the author:
William Manor of U.S. Passport Service Guide ( http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/newpassportarticle) reviews private travel document expediters and provides comprehensive passport, visa and destination information for international travelers.
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