Month: March 2022
The Chinese repeating crossbow. Quite a legend. Online research shows that it originates to the 4th century.
A very famous Chinese strategist, Zhuge Liang (226-481 AD) is believed to have “upgraded” an earlier design from a tomb dating 4th Century BC.
This new design was able to fire multiple arrows (bolts) in succession, was last used in mass formations which helped shape the China-Japan war of 1894. It was named after Zhuge because of his improvements. You can see it spelled a couple of different ways; or “Chu-ke nu” or “Chu-ko-nu”, the first being correct. It literally means “Zhuge Crossbow”
The weapons were very common among the Manchurian troops, and can be seen in photographs from that era.
It was introduce to the Koreans in 1418, and was given the name “sunogung”. Everyone seems to be impressed by it’s mechanism and ease of firing. This rapid firing design is why it was so impressive.
Even though it has a short range, the owner of the weapon would dip the bolts into poison. So even if an enemy were to be hit by a bolt, and not suffer a mortal wound from the bolt itself, the poison would work it’s way into the bloodstream and inevitably end their life with a “slight delay”.
In China, the crossbow revolutionized the war. The warriors would line up and fire multiple bolts at riders on horseback as a fist strike. Because of the rapid fire mechanism of the Chu-ke nu, it was used as the “first strike” defense in close combat situations.
What I like about firing the miniature Chinese Repeating Crossbow is the sound and feel of the bolt leaving the chamber. You can load 6 to 7 bolts, and the firing mechanism is just “push forward and pull back”.
Other people who first fire one will do it slowly, thinking that it needs time to load the next bolt. This is not so! Once they have been exposed to how fast it can fire, the fun begins. The accuracy is good too.
In conclusion, the Chinese Repeating Crossbow, often called the Chu-ke nu, has been around for a long time. The actual detail that goes into the design and assembly of the crossbow is what gives this weapon it’s uniqueness.
Anyone who has fired the Chu-ke nu and realized how fun it is, usually asks the same question: “Where can I get one?” ScanzonCraft, makers of fine wood products, in association with Micro-Weapons.com have answered that question – THEY do!
I have been researching Suffolk wedding photographers, as I plan to hold my wedding in the near future. It is a difficult choice. Obviously one wants the very best when it comes to wedding photography in order to capture the moments and memories of your special, once-in-a-life-time (at least thats the general idea!) day.
The thing is, there are just so much first-class, professional Suffolk wedding photography available that it is difficult to choose just one photographer! I have narrowed my search down, and here are a few examples of what I consider to be the best Suffolk wedding photography available.
Alex Kilbee is a very friendly man, who studied photography at Pretoria Technikon Photography School in South Africa in the early 90’s and with his 15 years of wedding & magazine photography experience you are sure to be in safe hands. The style of photography is relaxed I have been told you will hardly notice he is there on the day itself! His wedding packages can be tailor-made and he offers a mid-week package at a very reasonable rate. Alex offers his services across the whole of the UK.
Photos by Jessica is another friendly service on offer for your wedding photography needs. Jessica has explained to me that she takes a very personal approach with every single client she works with, allowing her to make sure that the bride & grooms personalities are displayed in each shot. More conventional photographs, such as group shots after the ceremony, are also available if this is what you are looking for. She is also very adaptable with the finished images and albums, and offers a tailor-made service to suit your needs. Jessica also often runs special offers.
Sara Thomas is a very modern photographer. She uses a contemporary style that has emerged from her previous working experience as a photojournalist. With Sara, your wedding day will be captured in the style of a documentary, covering not just the major events of the day but the minor ones also – such as preparation and shots of what your friends & family were getting up to at your reception when you werent looking!
These are just a few of my top picks for the Suffolk wedding photographers. Wedding Photographs are a bunch of memories which you will cherish for the rest of your life, good luck in your search and your new life!
Whenever you go for an outing with your buddies, do you often take snaps of the surroundings, more than your friends do? Even when you hang out with your friends, do you take shots of gardens, trees, urban scapes and other such sceneries in the surrounding? If your answer is yes, then it is a sign that you have a passion for photography.
If you want to go ahead with your passion, the best advice would be to join a photography institute. If you live in Mumbai, then it is even better for you. There are many institutes in the city that provide courses in professional photography.hy.
However, if you want to learn the best of professional photography, then you must watch out for a good photography institute in Mumbai. The city has many good photography institutes that will surely impart you with high standard knowledge of professional photography.
Instead of going for one of those ordinary photography courses that you will find dime in a dozen, it is always better to go for a professional course when you want to pursue the professional level.
If you want to know how to choose the right type of photography institute in Mumbai, you will have to do the following:
Search the internet, check periodicals and preferably photography magazines for finding the right kind of photography institute in the city. Mostly, the internet would be a helpful source for you.
Once you have come to known about a good photography institute, you should check to see, what type of photography courses they provide, for what duration and if they also have professional photography internship programs.
Finding a good photography institute in the city won’t be so difficult. However, you also must know about what all you will learn over there. A reputed photography institute always ensures that they provide the best of the best in photography imbibing the latest technology and techniques in the art.
Here is brief information about the skills that you are likely to learn at a reputed photography institute:
You will learn about the basics of photography here. In addition you will also learn the latest techniques of photography, such as taking the right angles and shots as per the conditions.
You will be taught about identifying a photogenic scenery and using the right technique that suits it.
They will also teach you about adding effects to your photos, such as black and white, sepia and other such effects.
In addition, you will be also taught about various latest models of cameras, different types of lenses, their powers, handling and cleaning the equipment.
The best you will gain out of this, is that you will get an opportunity to work as an intern with a magazine or a newspaper or even with a professional photographer.
When you get so many benefits by joining a good photography institute in the city, you should certainly go ahead with it. The only way you get to live your passion for photography is by going for a professional training.