ITravelers

latest posts

photography

7 Photography Tips For The DSLR Users

admin admin 0

Photography could be just taking pictures for one or a life force for another. The other person here is a photographer. When you get behind a DSLR, the ordinary rules don’t apply to you. You have to create a vision for the world to see it through your lens. Your pictures should be snapshots of memories, speaking a thousand words. This art of painting with light is all about looking, re-looking, searching, creating and re-creating the world we live in.

Here are some photography tips to help you create that perfect picture!

1. Get Away From Automatic

Imagine yourself as a painter whose brush decides what colours he wants to fill in his image. How creatively constrained would that be? Absolutely same is the case with you as a photographer when using the automatic mode. Your camera is just an equipment, you are the one who has the vision. So don’t let the camera decide and take control. Having a DSLR and using the auto mode is just equal to having a point and shoot camera that gives better resolution pictures.

Now getting away from the auto mode also doesn’t mean that you stick to Manual all the time. You can use it most of the times, but also keep a check on other settings like Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority. These are super helpful in cases of emergency.

2. The Geeky Trio

Now to be able to use the manual mode, there are 3 most basic terms one should know about; Aperture, Shutter and ISO. All of these determine the amount of light (exposure) that goes in your sensor while creating an image.

Aperture: Simply put, aperture is a hole within a lens, through which light travels into the camera body. This determines the depth of field – the region of space in front of the camera that appears sharp . In photography, aperture is expressed in f-numbers or f-stops (for example f/5.6). In this image below, a large aperture of 2.8 is used to blur the background – only the flower is sharp, i.e. in focus.

Shutter Speed: It is responsible for creating dramatic effects by either freezing action or blurring motion. A camera shutter is a curtain in front of the camera sensor that stays closed until the camera fires. Shutter speeds are typically measured in fractions of a second, when they are under a second. For example 1/4 means a quarter of a second, while 1/250 means one two-hundred-and- fiftieth of a second or four milliseconds. This time is the time for which the lens was “looking” at the light in front of it. In the image below a really fast shutter has been used to capture the fast movement of the subject – albeit there is still motion blur.

ISO: ISO is the level of sensitivity of your camera to available light. The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive it is to light, and vice versa. With a higher ISO comes an increased sensitivity which enables you to take pictures without flash even in low light conditions. But higher sensitivity comes at an expense – it adds grain or “noise” to the pictures. Hence, it’s always preferable to keep your ISO the least possible (i.e 100) to maintain the best quality. The image below was taken at 100 ISO on a bright, sunny day.

Other than these three main pillars of photography, if you manage to master white balance and focus, you’ll be mostly done with knowing the technicalities.

3. Composition

Now when clicking a picture, it’s extremely helpful when you know about certain composition and framing rules. The most important such rule is the Rule Of Thirds. This rule calls for you to divide your image in three equal parts and compose your image in thirds. This applies to both vertical and horizontal directions and vertical and horizontal compositions. The dominant subject matter in the photograph is placed one third up or down the image or one third from the left or right side of the image. This rule has been applied in the picture below with the bird.

Odd number of subjects, creating contrasts through colour, sizes, leading lines, anything and everything that creates drama in your image and makes it interesting is important and should be kept in mind while composing.

4. Let YouTube Be Your Senpai

YouTube is a hub of tutorials that can be life changing for you as a photographer. Most of the photography courses in town are pretty expensive and can be heavy on your pocket. I am definitely not denying the fact that they are helpful but I can’t assure you their worth when there are some superb photographers teaching on YouTube for free. Adorama TV and Bryan Peterson’s channel are worth looking into.

Other than YouTube, be very active on social networking platforms like Flickr, 500px, Pinterest and download photography applications. It’ll be inspirational for you to see works of wonderful photographers and help you share your works and get reviews.

5. Get Creative With Editing

Consider using a program like Picasa or Photoscape to edit if you are new to editing, nothing can beat Photoshop though. It will allow you to crop, colour- correct, adjust exposure, remove red-eye, and perform other basic editing tasks. Performing some very basic editing on a photo helps to improve its quality drastically. Cropping a bit can help with composition, and you can also rotate a photo so that horizon lines are straight. Getting your photos right in-camera is the larger goal, but there’s no harm in a bit of retouching.

6. Practice

Practising is the key to success for anything and everything so click as much as possible. Give everything a new meaning and spend hours with your camera until you fall in love with it. Give yourself weekly assignments and try techniques regularly.

The best part of having a hobby like photography is never running out of things to learn. Inspiration is all around you. Look at everything with the eyes of a photographer and you’ll see opportunities you never noticed before.

7. Experiment And Explore

Now this one tip is the most important of all. If you’re a photographer, you ought to be an explorer. You ought to have that wanderlust that differs you from the others. You ought to have the urge to capture the world through your camera and be able to deliver that emotion you clicked that one image with, to a person who looks at it after ten years. Experiment with all your camera settings and exploit them. Try all sorts of photography. Don’t think twice before trying a new mode or over exposing an image. After all, no art has a defined set of rules.

Once my wise photography teacher said “technicalities and expensive cameras matter only thirty percent when you take a picture; it is your vision of looking at the same thing that matters the most”. Smartphone photography is proof that an inferior camera can take excellent shots as well.

A picture is one of the most powerful means of expressing oneself. There is definitely a photographer in you too, unleash your creative abilities and explore yourself and the world around. Look, observe, compose , frame and click.

Read More
travel

10 Historical Landmarks in NYC You Have to See at Least Once

admin admin 0

As one of the oldest cities in America, there is no shortage of things to do in NYC. Take for instance the area surrounding Westgate New York Grand Central conveniently located in Tudor City in Midtown Manhattan. Just steps away are the United Nations, Tudor City Greens, a plethora of historic bars and the transportation hub that is Grand Central Station which connects you to all of the exciting things to do outside NYC.

Best Historic Landmarks in NYC

But there’s also another side to NYC – its long, loud and proud history! Did you know that New York City served as the nation’s capital from 1785 to 1790? During this time, the Founding Fathers were laying the groundwork and setting up important government offices here, including the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices. As more and more working class Americans came to NYC, more and more iconic landmarks of the city were constructed, many of which we still enjoy today!

History buffs rejoice! Keep reading and let’s take a journey to the 10 Historical Landmarks in NYC You Have to See!

1 | Federal Hall | Come walk the halls of the site where George Washington took the oath of office as our nation’s first president! Federal Hall National Memorial, located on Wall Street, was also home to the first Congress and first Supreme Court. One of the most interesting exhibits on site is the Washington Inaugural Gallery, where you can see the very bible that Washington used to swear in as president, as well as a stone slab from the balcony he stood on that day in April 1789. While the building was first constructed in the early 18th century to serve as City Hall, the current standing structure opened in 1842 as a Customs House. It has also served as the nation’s Sub-Treasury, housing millions of dollars of gold and silver in the basement vaults.

2 | Grand Central Station | As New York City grew throughout the 1800s, it needed a transportation hub fitting for the bustling city bursting at the seams with culture, industry and innovation. The grandeur of Grand Central Terminal became the perfect landmark to welcome long-distance railroad travelers to the city. Today, expertly restored back to its 1913 splendor, you can find over 20 restaurants, cocktail lounges, and casual eateries throughout the concourse, in addition to 50 specialty shops and transportation options to get you all around Manhattan and the boroughs beyond. Taking in all the sites in the city is going to take a few days – but you’re in luck! Westgate New York Grand Central, in historic Tudor City, is located just steps from Grand Central Station. This landmark hotel, previously known as Hotel Tudor, just completed a $20 million renovation that is the perfect mix of historic touches and modern luxuries to ensure your comfort after a long day of exploration and sightseeing.

3 | Empire State Building | This art deco skyscraper is one of the most recognizable buildings in NYC and around the world! It was the world’s tallest building from its completion in 1931 until the opening of the World Trade Center in 1970. The 102-story building hosts two popular observation decks, providing unobstructed city views to millions of visitors per year, and has been featured in many movies and instances of pop culture – from King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle. No trip to New York is complete with a stop to the Empire State Building. This year is the perfect time to visit – the iconic landmark is celebrating 90 years!

4 | Fraunces Tavern | Raise a glass to freedom! Among the oldest of New York’s most historic bars, Fraunces Tavern is a must-visit for history buffs in Manhattan as it was once a very popular meeting spot for some of America’s Founding Fathers! In December of 1783, at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, George Washington stood in Fraunces Tavern as he gave an emotional farewell address to a group of his officers – announcing that the last of the British troops had departed and it was time to return home. The building was constructed in 1719 and throughout its history has served as a private residence, hotel, and tavern. Today, you can stop by this staple of the Financial District for a pint or visit the museum to learn all about the building’s long and captivating past.

5 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Block out an entire day to explore this expansive art gallery – it’s the largest art museum in the country! The location on Fifth Avenue opened in 1872 and houses over 2 million pieces in the permanent collection. Some of the most famous pieces housed in The Met include “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze, “Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, “The Dance Class” by Edgar Degas, as well as other brilliant and recognizable works of art by Vincent van Gough, Georgia O’Keefe, Rembrandt, Jackson Pollack, Raphael, and many more. In addition to these masterful paintings, you’ll also find sculptures and holdings of African, Asian, Oceanian, Byzantine, and Islamic Art. One of the most popular exhibits within their Egyptian Collection? The ancient Temple of Dendur, built in Egypt around 15 BC!

6 | Brooklyn Bridge | A fantastic spot for photography in the city, the Brooklyn Bridge is as historic as it is Instagram-able! The bridge between the boroughs first opened in 1883 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. It is over 6,000 feet in length and its Gothic Revival suspension towers with pointed arches are instantly recognizable. With paths for both motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, all are welcome to make the 1.1 mile trek, stopping along the way to admire the magnificent Manhattan skyline in the distance.

7 | Trinity Church | Located at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, Trinity Church is a stunning example of Gothic Revival style architecture. The church is steeped in history – it is said that George Washington visited the church to pray after his inauguration as President in 1789. Today, one of the main draws for visitors to the parish is its adjacent cemetery, the resting place for several notable historical figures, including Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza and her sister Angelica. In recent years, the cemetery has become a bit of a place of pilgrimage for fans of the hit musical Hamilton, who visit the site and often leave coins or small American flags on the Founding Fathers grave. The churchyard is also home to the oldest carved gravestone in New York City – belonging to Richard Churcher, a young child who was laid to rest there in 1681.

8 | Tenement Museum | Unlike the other museums in Manhattan, the Tenement Museum blends in with the other residential buildings on the Lower East Side – because it once was one! Discovered in 1988 after being abandoned for more than 50 years, this tenement building housed thousands of immigrant families between 1860 and 1930. Today, it serves as an incredibly tangible reminder of their way of life and of the people that helped shape New York City into the cultural mecca it is today. Take a tour of the restored tenement building as you hear stories about the people who once called the building home.

9 | National 9/11 Memorial & Museum | A thoughtfully curated memorial and museum to one of the darkest days in history, the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum contains many artifacts, photos, and personal stories from first responders, survivors, and families members of the nearly 3,000 victims from the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Spend the morning walking around the memorial, two massive reflecting ponds where the towers once stood, taking in the sounds of the running water from the largest man-made waterfalls in North America and reading the names inscribed on the memorial. You may notice a white rose placed near a name – those are put down to honor victims on their birthday. Inside the museum, which will take a few hours to go though, you’ll find historic remnants from the World Trade Center site, including plane parts, mangled steel beams, and what became known as the Survivors’ Stairs – a staircase that survived the impact of the building’s collapse and provided an exit for hundreds of survivors who fled the building. A truly somber and moving experience, this museum should not be missed on your trip to NYC.

10 | Statue of Liberty & Eilis Island | Since being gifted to the United State by France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has cemented its status as the ultimate symbol of New York City. Built by the same architect who constructed the Eiffel Tower, the statue is visited by millions annually and has largely become a symbol of American freedom and pride. After exploring the grounds of Liberty Island, hop aboard a ferry and make your way to nearby Ellis Island, the port where over 12 million immigrants in the 1890s and 1900s were processed and welcomed to America. Many Americans today can visit Ellis Island to retrace their family’s history – a true symbol of the American Dream!

Bottom Line

New York City is known for its arts, culture, food, people, and of course – its history. Learning about the way the city once was will give you a newfound appreciation for how it is today. Tackle the city on your own, with your friends, or with your entire family. So much has happened here, it would take a lifetime of visits to take in all the historical sites of this vibrant city!

Read More
photography

10 Street Photography Tips and Tricks

admin admin 0

Street photographers capture real moments of everyday life. Whether it’s portraits of interesting subjects or candid street scenes, street photography requires not only the proper equipment, but the right instincts and quick thinking in order to take the best photos.

10 Crucial Street Photography Tips

While much of street photography involves a keen eye and perfect timing, there are a few strategies you can use to take your craft to the next level:

  1. Get the right equipment. While anyone with a smartphone has access to a decent camera, the best cameras for street photography are lightweight point-and-shoots, due to their small size and discreetness.
  2. Know your camera. Familiarity with all the camera settings and how they affect your photography is key. For instance, knowing how to pre-focus or autofocus your DSLR camera can make the difference between a blurry shot and a great shot.
  3. Pick the right shoot mode. Aperture priority mode will allow you to manually adjust your depth of field while automatically matching the proper shutter speed. A smaller aperture means a larger depth of field, which is ideal for landscape shots where you want full-frame focus. A wider aperture is great for close-up portraits because it creates a shallow depth of field; this allows you to pull the subject into focus while blurring the background. Shutter priority mode allows you to choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically sets the aperture. A fast shutter speed is good for capturing movement in public places without motion blur—like candid shots of a busy street in New York.
  4. Use the right lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, while zoom lenses allow you to adjust focus. A wide-angle lens is great for shooting street shots because it allows you to capture more of the background, allowing you to put your subject into more context and deliver a photograph with impact.
  5. Keep your eyes open. The “decisive moment,” as coined by street photography pioneer Henri Cartier-Bresson, is about capturing the emotional, spontaneous moments that exist all around you. In order to do this, you must always be watching with your camera at the ready. Even after you take your shot, don’t pull it up to review—that moment is already gone, so just keep observing.
  6. Shoot from the hip. With the right setup, you can skip the viewfinder and leave your camera at waist level. This allows you to remain discreet, capturing even more natural candids.
  7. Take shots at different times. Daytime photographs obviously have a different feel than photos taken at night. Experiment with taking photos in different levels of light, making use of shadows and contrasts to give your photos a bolder impact.
  8. Be personable. Some of your shots may be discreetly taken candids, but what about when you want to take some intimate street portraits? Introducing yourself to the person you’re photographing and build a rapport with them. You’ll get better photographs of you subjects if they feel comfortable and at ease.
  9. Be patient. It may seem like street photography is all about taking photos in the moment, but there’s also a lot of waiting involved. Be ready to park yourself on a bench with your camera at the ready—like a visual stakeout—waiting for the perfect shot to come to you.
  10. Get creative. Street photography doesn’t just have to be about people. Sometimes it’s about the contrasting visuals of a cityscape—weeds growing through a sidewalk, or an abandoned storefront. Look to capture the essence of anything that stands out to you.
Read More
travel

7 essential travel safety tips

admin admin 0

Travel can be an exciting, eye-opening experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of adventure. But don’t forget about travel security and safety considerations while you’re abroad.

Follow these 7 travel safety tips to help you take a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

1. Do your research

Get to know your destination in depth before you arrive. Read traveler reviews and consult with locals for information about the safest neighborhoods, places to stay and incidences of crime. Check the State Department’s website for country updates and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Another important travel security precaution is to know whom to call in an emergency. Get the contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate, police station, and other local emergency departments.

2. Don’t draw attention

People who look like they’re from out of town are especially vulnerable to crime, so try to blend in as much as you can. Choose inconspicuous clothing that won’t attract attention. Be discreet when looking at maps and approach people carefully if you need to ask for directions.

Also consider investing in protective clothing and gear that will make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal money and other personal items.

3. Make copies of important documents

You never know when you might need a copy of your passport, driver’s license or another form of identification. Scan these documents to save online and print out several hard copies. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find proper documentation if you need to get home.

4. Keep your friends and family updated

No matter whether you’re going, on an overnight jaunt or a month-long international journey, it’s always a good idea to let friends or family back home know. Before you leave, send a copy of your itinerary to a few trusted people who can keep tabs on your whereabouts. Check in regularly with your contacts so they know you’re where you’re supposed to be.

5. Be wary of public Wi-Fi

Don’t let the convenience of Internet access cloud your judgment. When you use public Wi-Fi, hackers looking to steal valuable information can access your data including credit card or Social Security numbers. If you do need wireless Internet service, set up a virtual private network (VPN) that will allow you to access the Internet securely while traveling.

6. Safeguard your hotel room

Even if your hotel has strong security measures in place, there are steps you can take to make your room safer. Lock and dead-bolt the door and keep your windows shut. You can buy a jammer, which is a portable device that slips under the door for another layer of protection.

Try to give the impression that you’re in your room even when you’re away, such as placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the outside of your door and keeping the blinds or windows closed.

Don’t let any strangers into your room, even if they say they work for the hotel. You can always call the front desk to check whether someone was ordered by hotel staff to come to your room.

7. Be aware of your surroundings

Don’t let your guard down to snap the perfect picture for your social media platforms. Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times and use good judgment when talking to strangers. A big part of the joy of traveling is the opportunities it affords to meet new people and learn about their cultures. But if someone near you is acting suspiciously, or if you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.

Following these tips can help you travel safely, but no matter how many precautions you take the unexpected can always happen. Stay protected with travel insurance from Nationwide, and get peace of mind no matter where you go.

Read More
1 … 275 276 277 … 390
Page 276 of 390


Privacy Policy   |   Contact Us   |   For Advertisers