November 10th, 2008
Ask yourself the question; Are you the next undiscovered photographer? Anyone can take a photograph of course, but it’s that creative spark and seeing the unseen that makes a photographer stand out and be noticed.
Choose an area of photography that holds the strongest fascination to you. For me
it was nature photography, but this is one of many areas including still life, portraits
and wedding photography to name a few. Once you’ve chosen an area, try
experimenting, taking shots on impulse, varying the viewpoint, altering the lighting,
basically - try the untried. As one of my favourite sayings puts it, ‘Walk the un-
walked path.’
Many people don’t posses the belief within them that they have what it takes to be a
good photographer. Challenge that perception! It can be changed through
exercising your skills and gaining experience. In the now digital age there has
never been a better or more exciting time to take up photography. There has also
never been a better chance to experiment with images. With the ability to view
your taken photographs within seconds, you have the opportunities to better your
shots instantly. Once you have mastered the basic techniques, photography can be
a wholly satisfying and rewarding hobby. And who’s to say it will stop as a hobby? It
could turn out to be your future profession!
My best advice would be, don’t stick to any rules! Free your mind and photograph
what you want and how you want, have fun and be adventurous!
John Threlfall is a self-taught photographer with a deep passion for nature
photography. John has a Masters Degree in ‘Creative Imaging’. His work can be
viewed at http://www.capturednature.com The images capture the pure simplistic, yet
breathtaking beauty that is hidden away in rural Britain.
November 10th, 2008
Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the majority of Americans are not looking for extreme transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with 68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably less.
Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care frontier, says “To get that timeless, healthy look you need to start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even dry skin.”
Doctors say whatever your skin type, the key is to cleanse it gently.
oAvoid hot water and use lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying.
oAnd throw in the towel - traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use your hands and fingers.
Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin.
oMoisturize regularly.
oAvoid harsh cleansers with ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.
If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don’t wash more than once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils.
oLook for non-irritating cleansing washes that are soap-free.
oUse light, oil-free, water-based moisturizers to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
oMake sure to choose a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common, non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away dead skin cells.
oDr. Franks reveals that, following the treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
oA new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible with this procedure.
How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Dr. Franks says, “Exercise opens up blood vessels to make skin look healthy and youthful. It’s so important for healthy skin.”
oRegular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin which assists in collagen production.
oMaintaining muscle mass through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping it taut.
oAnd drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.
So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover, just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might like what you see!
About the Author
PURPOSE® Skin Care (www.purposeskincare.com) manufactures a number of skin care products, including sunscreen, moisturizer, and face wash.