Category: Photography
Over the centuries, gold has played a unique cultural role in societies across the world. Something about the metal gives it a transcendant symbolic value: from the legendary treasuries of the Aztec and Mayan empires to the Golden Calf of the Book of Exodus, gold is implicated in the most dramatic tales of ancient human history. Even today, gold retains its cultural signficance. For an Olympic athlete, a single gold medal represents the zenith of achievement. The Palme dOr, or Golden Palm, is a symbol of supreme attainment in the film industry. Only a handful of British monarchs have managed to stick it out for half a century and earn their Golden Jubilee. And clearly there is a reason why credit card companies designate their high-end offerings as “Gold Cards”. But what is it about real gold that captures our attention? What gives this yellow metal such value?
Like anything of real value, gold is rare. Only 3 particles per billion in the Earths crust are gold. Although the worlds oceans hold vast amounts of gold, it is so dilute that attempts to recover it from the salt water have never been successful. If all the gold ever refined were formed into a ball, it would be less than 25 metres across. However, some gold does exist naturally in a relatively pure state (as opposed to in an ore), enabling humans to gather it in small quantities without the need for chemical extraction. And once harvested, gold is one of the most versatile metals on earth. It has been crafted and shaped ever since the ‘caltholithic’, or ‘copper’ age, as early as 4000 BC, making it one of the very first metals to be used by humans. The ancient peoples of Egypt and the Middle East used gold for religious rites, as well as for ornamentation. The first recorded use of gold coins was during the reign of King Croesus of Lydia around 600 BC. Gold is also more malleable and ductile than any other metal. A single gram of gold can be beaten into a sheet one metre square. It is one of the heaviest elements; heavier, even, than lead. Ten teaspoons of gold would weigh as much as seventeen teaspoons of lead.
It has been customary throughout history to test the purity of gold by biting on it. Since pure gold is soft enough to show teeth-marks, and cheaper alloying metals are usually harder, this method does give some indication. More reliable tests, however, involve the use of nitric acid. The content of gold in alloys is measured in karats (k). Pure gold is 24 karat, with the number of karats decreasing proportionally as other metal is added.
Although too soft for ordinary use in its pure state, gold can be extremely hard and durable when alloyed with other metals. Alloying also has other advantages besides increasing its hardness. The distinctive yellow colour of gold is recognised throughout the world. However, a fascinating spectrum of other colours can be created by combining small quantities of other metals with the gold. Alloyed with copper, it has a rosy colour, with nickel, silver, or palladium it is white, with iron, blue, and with aluminium, a purple hue. Pure silver gives the alloy a greenish tint, and rhodium or ruthenium produce black. Gold in such forms is most commonly used in jewellery. Colloidal gold is micro-particles of gold suspended in water, producing an intense red colour. Colloidal gold is used in stained glass, and in certain applications for medical and scientific research.
In former years gold played an important role as a medium of exchange, mostly in the form of valuable coins. Currencies were also backed by gold, but this is no longer the case. Reserves of gold are still held by some nations as gold bullion coins, for example the Australian Gold Nugget, or the British Britannia. The value of these coins is measured by their weight, rather than by their face value, which, when it exists, is always significantly less than its true value. The world’s biggest gold coin was minted by the Canadian Royal Mint in Spring 2007. It is half a metre across, 3 cm thick, weighs 100 kg, and is worth nearly 3 million dollars, with a face value of $1,000,000.
These days, most gold is used in jewellery, but it is also widely used by other industries. Dentists use gold alloys in crowns and bridges, and certain types of toners in the photography industry contain gold. Even the food industry uses gold flakes or dust to enhance the appearance of exotic sweets and drinks. Gold can be made into thread for embroidery, and beaten into micro-thin sheets called ‘gold leaf’. More durable than any paint, the real gold never fades or loses its lustre. In fact, there are examples of gilding done by the Romans and Ancient Egyptians which still retain their brilliance today, thousands of years on.
Far from being outdated, real gold remains superior to this day, adding a touch of brilliance to many quality products today.
The VariZoom FlowPod has substantial advantages above ALL other handheld stabilizers and that is why more individuals are choosing the FlowPod. The FlowPod is the lone handheld stabilizer to offers 3 tools in one: Monopod mode, Stabilizer Mode and Low Mode.
The FlowPod and DSLRs – The FlowPod works with DSLR Still Cameras and the new DSLR Photography/Video Combination Cameras like the Canon Mark II.
The monopod mode has a noteworthy advantage over competing products since many stabilizers never get used due to the inconvenience and lost time in trying to set up and move from monopod to hand-held stabilizer and back. Video has been submitted to youtube for FlowPod Users. The FlowPod is a VariZoom patented product. This must not be confused with a STEADICAM Product. The FlowPod is simply available from VariZoom or VariZoom Dealers.
With the FlowPod’s built-in, patented monopod system, the operator can quickly collapse the monopod, return to stabilizer mode, and already be pre-balanced and ready to switch back and forth in seconds.
No other handheld offers the same low mode capabilities where the operator can micro-adjust the camera from the floor to waist level in seconds.
We have had FlowPod owners express regret that had not purchased the FlowPod in the beginning.
The unique balancing system is a straightforward but valuable tool that saves a lot of time by allowing you to quickly and accurately balance your camera in one attempt.
A superbly versatile DV camera stabilizer, the FlowPod can be used as a fluid handheld stabilizer, rock-solid monopod, or gliding low-mode tool. The FlowPod is used and recommended by filmmakers, wedding and event videographers worldwide
VariZoom introduces latest 3-in-1 DSLR camera stabilizer designed for video and still capture. VariZoom’s patented FlowPod system allows shooters complete benefits of monopod, low-mode mount, and stabilizer for video sequences. Correctly balance the camera one time for stabilizer mode, then shoot on monopod all day with the capability to instantly convert back and forth without added setup. In stabilizer mode, capture smooth, flowing-motion video sequences and quickly switch to monopod mode used for still shots. Ideal for wedding and event videographers wanting to get monopod stills and flowing-motion video on one support.
The patented FlowPod system allows shooters complete benefits of monopod, low-mode mount, and stabilizer for video sequences. Accurately balance your camera one time for stabilizer mode, then shoot on monopod all day with the ability to instantly convert back and forth with no additional setup. In stabilizer mode, capture smooth, flowing-motion video sequences and quickly switch to monopod mode for still shots. Ideal intended for wedding and event videographers wanting to acquire monopod stills and flowing-motion video on lone support.
The FlowPod stabilizer system, is Varizoom newest addition to the line of support gear for mini-DV videographers. This uniquely styled device is the generally versatile piece of support gear on the market. Designed to work seamlessly with or without a VariZoom control, the FlowPod merges the popular StealthPod monopod with this patent pending stabilizing system.
The unique multi-purpose handle features a telescoping pin that can either be locked inline for use as a monopod or unlocked to allow uninhibited suspended action shots. The slim design allows for ease of use in the tightest of shooting situations.
High quality aluminum construction.
Locking/Unlocking pivoting foam handle grip, for use as a monopod or as a stabilizing system.
make use of it with or without Varizoom’s zoom and focus controllers.
Optional Low Flow kit, allows for low-to-the-ground video shot, especially on moving things.
Ideal for camcorders with a payload of up to 8 lbs.
Definitely grab the FlowPod stabilizer, mount your camera and start recording. The FlowPod will offer you smooth footage, while walking, running or even going up and down stairs without any camera instability or shake.
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.