Short Circuited by Technology?

Let’s face it; technology is everywhere and ever changing. It impacts our work life, family life, and friendly life. There is no way out of it, unless you plan to go off the grid, and since many of us like our place on said grid, we have to find a way to keep up. Read the FIVE ways we keep up with technology.

1. NEWS – Most national news platforms have a section on their website labeled “Technology.” It is usually filled with information on the latest and greatest technology advancements as well as the controversy that comes along with it. Scanning this section can be a great way to keep current:

a. Suggested News: http://www.npr.org/sections/technology/, http://www.cnn.com/TECH/

2. BLOGS – Blogs help us expand our understanding. Make sure you are following a blog written by an expert or experts of the industry. Blogs usually support comments at the bottom of each post. This allows for a topical debate to pursue, and if anything is good for a laugh.

a. Suggested Blog: http://slashdot.org/

3. REVIEWS – Eventually we all have to replace our electronics. Before you rush to Best Buy or the Apple Store read the responses to new products by industry professionals. It is also help to read consumer reviews. Reviews will help direct you to the product that is best fit for your lifestyle.

a. Suggested Reviews: http://www.engadget.com/reviews/

4. TIPS & TRICKS – We all need tips and tricks to help simplify. We generally keep adding more to our plate than taking away. Useful tips and tricks will help you find and maintain a balance within technology. You might even be able to teach your kids a thing or two.

a. Suggested Tips: http://lifehacker.com/#!fromthetipsbox

5. HIGHLIGHTS – OK, you are the person who has no time except for that five-minute coffee break in the wee hours of the morning. You need the Highlights page. This page will give you all of the most talked about highlights for the week. Scan and sip.

a. Suggested Highlights: http://lifehacker.com/#!highlights

Buying a Point and Shoot Digital Camera

It’s that joyful time of year when family and friends get together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Every year you say you’re going to buy a digital camera so no moment goes uncaptured, not even Susie’s attempt to reveal Santa’s real identity. Buying a point and shoot digital camera can be a daunting task. Every year you walk away from the camera counter feeling confused, frustrated and unable to make a decision with all of the different options.

It’s time for you to have some fun this holiday season and have the pictures to show for it. Don’t be scared by Megapixels. It literally means one million pixels, and relates to the resolution of your image. Most digital cameras now have plenty of megapixels for the average home use. What you really want to focus on are price range and comfortability.

Price Range: Pick One

$100-$150

· 12.1 megapixel

· Small 4x zoom

· Basic video capture option (Maybe)

· Basic light and effect settings

· Will get the job done, but don’t expect it to last you for years.

· Great for kids and teens!

$150-$250

· 12.1-14.1 megapixel

· Zoom range between 4x-12x (Depending on camera)

· Standard video capabilities

· Stronger auto-focus system

· Potentially face recognition capabilities.

· Greater range of manual controls such as ISO and Exposure controls

· Great for the average family camera capturing vacations, holidays and everything in between.

$250-$500

· 12.1-14.1 megapixel camera

· Zoom range between 4x-12x (Depending on camera)

· HD video capabilities.

· Stronger auto-focus system

· Face recognition capabilities

· Greater range of manual controls such as ISO and Exposure controls

· Interchangeable lenses, purchased separately. (Depending on camera)

· Great for the amateur photographer who desires a higher quality image and greater access to camera controls.

Comfortability:

· Brands:

§ Canon and Nikon have been leading the digital imaging race for years.

§ Consistent quality year after year.

§ We stick with the brands we are comfortable with, Canon and Nikon.

· Physical Comfortability:

§ Pick up a couple of Canon and Nikon cameras within your price range.

§ Play with the settings, get a feel for the zoom, pay attention to button placement.

· Ask yourself:

§ “Which one feels more comfortable in my hand?”

§ “Are the buttons easy to access?”

§ “Are the camera controls user friendly?”

If you are buying as a gift, don’t forget to buy batteries, the right memory card (ask your customer service rep), and a case or bag for the camera. Feel confident in your purchase and get ready to practice your photography skills all throughout the holiday season. Don’t let a moment go uncaptured!

Happy Holidays from GMPdigital

Oh the places you will go!

There are many joys in being a professional photographer. Making people smile is fun, but meeting new people and businesses can be very fulfilling. We often gain access to people and places that we normally wouldn’t come across. GMPdigital recently completed its twelfth year as portrait photographer for the Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Perspectives speaker forum. We are very proud to be apart of such a unique event. This year we had the pleasure of meeting and photographing such inspirational figures as Marcus Buckingham and Chef Jeff Henderson, not to mention political figures such as Howard Dean and Sarah Palin. We feel privileged to be apart of Sacramento’s fine community. We look forward to serving Sacramento‘s photography needs for years to come. Thank you for the opportunity to be apart of your world.

Putting the power in your hands

Your complete estimate checklist:

The who, why, where, when, what and how of estimates

Estimates are the framework to any photo shoot. They are used throughout the creative process, double-checking everyone’s needs are being met. Take your first steps towards pre-planning below with a complete estimate checklist.

Who?

Put in the picture who or what is being photographed. This will help the photographer begin to visualize the image(s). Ensure you don’t have to spend time back tracking in the conversation.

Why?

Save yourself time by telling the entire story upfront. Why is the subject being photographed? Ensure the photographer has a good understanding of the concept. Your estimate will then reflect your concept.

Where?

Further the visualization by establishing the ideal environment. Photographing in the studio is going to require a different strategy then photographing on the Capitol lawn. Keep up your pre-planning with location awareness.

When?

Establishing your estimated start date will allow the photographer to assess their calendar and ensure they can meet your time constraints. Time means money, so this one is important.

What?

Share what type of file you need and what size. Sometimes it is hard to know how many images you want at the end, but try your best to provide a ball park range. The more information you give, the more accurate your estimate will be.

How?

Usage rights can be confusing. Save yourself the headache by knowing who will be using the image and how the image will be used. This will help the photographer make certain they are selling you the correct rights.

Establishing as much of this information upfront can save you time, money, and confusion. Make sure all of your needs are going to be met at the beginning. For more information or help with your own estimate checklist, call GMPdigital at 916-640-8888.

Five Reasons to Hire a Professional Photographer

First impressions make a big difference. There are only a few critical seconds to make an impact. Your image has to be unique enough to catch a glance and inspire action. Hiring a professional photographer can help you achieve a unique and consistent look your clients will trust.

Here are five reasons to choose a professional photographer over your next-door neighbor and his digital camera.

1. Lighting Expertise
-The ability to see, manipulate, and control light is the true talent of a photographer. Light is what creates and defines the photograph from being bright and energetic to dark and dramatic. Hiring a professional photographer will ensure you are getting a master of light with all the tools needed to capture your image.

2. Creative Concept Collaboration
-Make sure you have creative professionals on your side. Experience pays. A seasoned photographer has the experience, technique and equipment necessary to create a concept that represents you.

3. Beautiful Images Every Time
-Your clients trust consistency, and your marketing needs to show it. A professional will be able to infuse your message into the photography. Your goal is to create a look that represents your company, and then duplicate it on future materials.

4. On-The-Spot Image Evaluation
-Major advances in technology allow for instant gratification during a photo shoot. An established photographer will have a monitor that allows you to view your images as they are taken. Save time and money by evaluating the images as they are shot. Select your final images and leave the studio knowing you have what you want. Eliminate the possibility of a re-shoot.

5. The Right Files For Your Needs
-Your photography uses can change at a moment's notice. Make sure an image created for the web can also be used for a last minute print at a trade show. Professionals always use the latest high-end digital cameras so your final image has the high-resolution quality and versatility you need.

For more information on how professional photography can help you, call GMPdigital at 916-640-8888.

Portraits that matter!

Quality and consistency are imperative to your marketing efforts.

Check out how GMPdigital is helping Capital Public Radio.

Business Portrait Quick Tips

Click the image below and print for your keeping.

Cranberry Pecan Muffins with Streusel Topping

We thought we would share a nice recipe to start off the fall season. We photographed this image for the Cranberry Marketing Committee. This is the recipe the image is based on. Enjoy!

Cranberry Pecan Muffins with Streusel Topping

Yield

Makes 1 dozen

INGREDIENTS

For the Streusel

¼ cup light brown sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ cup pecan pieces

1 ½ tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced

For the Muffins

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup whole cranberries, roughly chopped

½ cup pecan pieces, roughly chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare 12-cup muffin tin by lightly spraying indentations and rims surrounding them with nonstick spray.

2. for the streusel: Combine all ingredients except butter in the bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade. Pulse mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed and pecans are coarsely ground. Scatter butter over top of mixture and pulse until no visible pieces of butter remain and it resembles coarse sand; set aside.

3. for the muffins: Melt butter and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of ingredients. In a large bowl whisk flour together with granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. In a medium bowl whisk the eggs together with the buttermilk, vanilla and cooled, melted butter. Using a rubber scraper, stir liquid ingredients into dry while making sure that ingredients at the bottom of the bowl are thoroughly incorporated. Gently fold in cranberries and pecans until evenly distributed.

4. assemble the muffins: Divide the batter equally among the tins. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the batter in each muffin cup, lightly patting any stray topping back onto the batter with your fingertips.

5. Bake muffins for 25 to 30 minutes till golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of one muffin comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

CHEF’S NOTES: This recipe was tested using 12-cup muffin tins that hold ½ cup of batter when filled to the top. Smaller or larger muffin tins may be used; however, baking time may need to be adjusted. Fill any empty muffin indentations with water to ensure even baking.

SOURCE

Chef Kristin Widican, Boston, Massachusetts

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