text:
Grammy Award-winning vocal group Little Big Town will play at The Ralph Engelstad Arena March 17 with The Breakers Tour.
Tickets for The Breakers Tour are on sale now. Two enhanced ticket experiences, the 'Happy People' and 'The Breaker' experiences, will be offered throughout the tour. Additional experiences include a meet & greet with Little Big Town, a Q&A session, exclusive merchandise, and more. To purchase tickets and for more information on all ticket experiences, visit www.LittleBigTown.com.
Little Big Town's landmark year to date includes the release of their chart-topping album The Breaker (2/24)– which debuted #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and Top 5 on the Billboard 200 All Genre chart-as well as the group's fifth ACM Award win as Vocal Group of the Year. Additionally, the Multi-Platinum selling Country group was recently inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame and earned their 26th career CMA Award nomination, including nominations for Single Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Vocal Group Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year categories.
One of the most well-respected and beloved entertainers in music today, the genre-defying group has "expanded their audience beyond Tennessee" (USA Today) as well as "the definition of country music from the inside" (Newsday) since first entering the music scene more than 18 years ago. Their critically acclaimed album, The Breaker, as well as their recent headlining Ryman Residency, "Little Big Town at the Mother Church," have garnered the reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year praise for their four-part harmonies and progressive sound that "seems to get even better with time" (Forbes). Hailed as a "21st century revival of Fleetwood Mac" (Goldderby) the group has produced hits such as "Boondocks," "Bring It On Home," "Good As Gone," and "Little White Church," as well as their #1 singles "Pontoon," "Tornado," "Day Drinking," and most recently, the history-making best-selling country single of 2015, "Girl Crush," and this year's multi-week #1 single, "Better Man."


text: Tom Holtz wrote.. > << I have a copy of the infamous paper. Amphipacifica is a journal of marine > invertebrate biology: the authors are two of the senior editors and pushed > the paper through (against the wishes of the junior editors) on their own. > >> And in response, George wrote.. > Pure garbage. What's 'pure garbage' George? The journal _Amphipacifica_, the publication of _Cadborosaurus willsi_ in _Amphipacifica_, or Tom's comments? Hope you can see that I thought your comment a little ambiguous. OVIRAPTORIDS I see that _Oviraptor mongoliensis_ is to get a new generic name. It will be published in the new Currie and Padian dinosaur encyclopedia, and honours Rinchen Barsbold. I suppose I'd better not say the name in public for fear of a sp... flogging (I hesitate a term other than flogging as I think Kelly's still on the list;-)). Monkey (private joke for M. Rowe). "And you will be rewarded" DARREN NAISH

subset: commoncrawl


text: Hi, I'm new and in a mess. I rooted my phone and (stupidly) have no back up of my origional Rom. I tried to install a moded ROM and it seemed to install properly. Now when I boot I get to the 02 logo and the boot crashes. ClockworkMod Recovery v18.104.22.168 does work. I have read the forums and tried to install zipped ROMS from my SD Card. I can't run 'exe' ROMS from my computer as they don't recognise the phone I have made a gold card but when I try to install new ROMs I get the message 'tc desire main version is older' The info I get when I switch on is Bravo PVT3 Ship S-on HBoot-0.93.0001 Microp-051d Touch Panel-SYNW0101 Radio-5.11.05.14 Aug 10 2010, 17:52:10 Can any of you good people help me please!


text:
A wonderful piece of a classical Ruby ring, with a 18K White Gold silver toned band. It has a wonderful ruby at its center, with the stone being in a wonderful prong setting. The sides of the ruby stone are decorated with 2 wonderful channel cut diamonds, giving a stunning overall look to the ring. The simple twist design in the band gives it a curlier, feminine look to further reveal the sensuality of the wearer.
Share on:
Mail to friend
The carat of a diamond equals the weight it. 1 carat is equal to 200 milligrams. The image of the ring on a hand is only an educated guess.
0,45 carat
The diamond shape or cut is the only aspect not determined by nature. The better the polisher, the better the cut. Our craftsmen are renowed for their passion and skill when it comes to turning rough stones into beauties for centuries.
The clarity of a diamond is the amount of internal damage it has. Some visible with the naked eye, some only with a loupe. A flawless diamond, also known as river pure, is very seldom.
The more transparent or whiter a diamond is, the more it reflects light and thus the more it sparkles.There is one exception which is for brightly colored diamond, ike a pink, blue or bright yellow diamond. These are more seldom and worth even more than regular transparent diamonds.
Make a difference between colored diamonds and the regular scale
At Coster Diamonds we sell the highest quality gold settings, in different types of gold, platinum and titanium, mostly forged by our own skilled goldsmiths.
Besides diamonds, we also offer many different types of gemstones. Each with its own unique characteristics which – when used properly- can really bring a piece of jewelry to the next level.
Images look great.


text:
Blair & Chuck
Blair & Chuck images Chuck and Blair season3 wallpaper HD wallpaper and background photos
Chuck and Blair season3 wallpaper. Credits: itsagayhole on LJ. HD Wallpaper and background images in the Blair & Chuck club tagged: chuck blair gossip girl chair love season 3.
Submitted by Mouraki
Keyword: chuck, blair, gossip girl, chair, love, season 3
This Blair & Chuck wallpaper contains business suit.


text:
9 Inspiring Wooden Portable Crib Snapshot Inspirational
Cribs Ideas - 9 Inspiring Wooden Portable Crib Snapshot Inspirational
Good day fellas, how's it going today? I really hope things are okay, it is [author] right here. Now I'd like to reveal you these handful of 9 wonderful Cribs Ideas pictures relating to the topic of 9 Inspiring Wooden Portable Crib Snapshot Inspirational. I'm hoping by viewing these particular carefully picked images, each of our followers might grab the ideas along with the vision belonging to the designer and perhaps applied the ideas in their personal Cribs Ideas redesigning project.
Using a infant has become expectation everyone's life, why as mother or father you want ready your infant will need. It is one of the important thing for your baby, before your baby born you need prepare several thing epically baby cribs. Designing infant cribs is not difficult you need to know some aspect as manual of your own venture like type, materials, size and budget. As mothers and fathers should give consideration regarding it since trough this stuff they could put into action their really like with the finest cribs layout for his/her infant. Allow me to present you with information much more about 9 Inspiring Wooden Portable Crib Snapshot Inspirational, so that you should read through cautiously after which get the concept right here.
If you are still running out idea, you can use the standard baby cribs, when you want to create a crib you need make sure what type do you want. Then you can make use of the neutral colour like white-colored, it is extremely calmly colour. You require add drawing from the wall structure as track record, it could be implemented from animal character or cartoon motion picture; don't forget utilizing the dazzling colour a minimum of your child can learn from near environment. Creating your child satisfied with your layout so you must layout depending on your like to his/her. I assume you may like some thing humorous cartoon like Barby, then space room must be support excellent air flow. It is actually not allowed once you add an excessive amount of furnishings it can have an effect on to air fresh even if you will need infant products you just placed the essential things.
Sometime you don't know what materials will appropriate to your cribs, but you have to remember it should be durable, but keeping make your baby comfort. Employing wooden fabric is probably the preferred that many used by lots of individuals. Alongside it offers us simple and durable also will basic safety to your infant. After you have accomplished you may show our gallery it can give 9 Inspiring Wooden Portable Crib Snapshot Inspirational hopefully you may get advantages from this page. Thanks a lot for checking out our website doesn't forget to improve your information.


text:
PCMAG is one of the top tech sites that provides the best and unbiased reviews for mobile phones, computers or even applications or softwares. PCMAG.com is well known and trusted because of their honest and thorough opinions on every product and services.
FrootVPN is reviewed by PCMag's foremost authority on weather stations and digital scrapbooking software and Software analyst – Max Eddy whose focus is on Android apps and security services. He logically discussed the features and services that the users can expect and experience through the service of FrootVPN. The review featured the cheap pricing, the servers included in all package which now consists of Sweden, US, Canada, France and UK, the decent speed; and the additional services a user can get from FrootVPN aside from anonymous surfing like P2P sharing and BitTorrenting.
Know more of the review conducted by Max Eddy! Check out PCMAG's review here.


text:
Is assisted living right for you
At Central Assisted Living, we encourage our residents to be as healthy and active as possible.
In addition to our healthy food choices, we schedule events and activities throughout the year in keeping with our environment of health, well-being and social interaction.
From day trips to malls and parks, to dancing and exercise programs within the residence, our staff ensures that residents have ample opportunity to be active and engaged in the community.
Here are some of the activities that residents have access to:
Day trips to:
Day trips to:
And more
And more


text:
Garry Niemeyer was installed as the National Corn Growers Association president Oct. 1. Niemeyer, who farms near Auburn, Ill., has the unsavory job of pushing forward with the 2012 Farm Bill. Unsavory because budget-cutting fever dominates the discussion on Capitol Hill these days.
The mainstream media continues to print articles that highlight farm subsidies in conjunction with record profits for corn and soybean farmers. In light of the nation's current fiscal situation, Niemeyer says many farm groups, NCGA included, are ready to transition away from direct and countercyclical payments.
However, he says risk management tools such as crop insurance are an absolutely critical safety net for family farmers.
"We have to have crop insurance, period," Niemeyer adds.
Building on ACRE concept
With Congress poised to cut spending in nearly all sectors, most commodity groups have said they are willing to part with direct payments. However, nearly all maintain that a safety net of some sort is necessary.
The 2008 Farm Bill included the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program as an alternative to direct and countercyclical payments. However, farmers enrolled in ACRE could still receive direct payments, albeit at a 20% reduced rate.
This time around, NCGA hopes to build on the ACRE concept. The NCGA's proposal is called Agriculture Disaster Assistance Payments, or ADAP. Shortly after proposing ADAP, Senators Sherrod Brown, D-OH, John Thune, R-SD, Dick Durbin, D-IL and Dick Lugar, R-IN, introduced legislation to create the Aggregate Risk and Revenue Management program, or ARRM.
ARRM is very similar to NCGA's proposed ADAP program. As a result, NCGA fully supports the ARRM legislation. Rather than simply reducing direct and countercyclical payments, ARRM will take their place.
According to NCGA, direct payments have cost about $50 billion over the past 10 years. The ARRM legislation proposes to take 60% of that money to fund ARRM, with the remainder going toward deficit reduction.
ARRM differs from ACRE
While ARRM is similar to ACRE, there are some key differences. First, rather than being tied to state averages, ARRM payments would be calculated based on a five-year Olympic average revenue based on crop reporting districts. In an Olympic average, the top and bottom numbers are removed; the remaining three are averaged.
With ACRE, payments were based on a two year running season average price and a five-year Olympic average crop yields. ARRM will base payments on averages based on five years' worth of October prices. Niemeyer says the goal is to get the money to farmers on a timelier basis.
"We're trying to cut the time period that you have to wait to receive a payment after a disaster," Niemeyer notes. "With ACRE, you could have had to wait almost 15 months for a payment. With ARRM, payments should be only four months away."
Though farmers will sign up annually, the landowner's signature is not required. Again, this is different from ACRE.
Bundled with crop insurance, farmers can obtain a 90% coverage level with ARRM. The ARRM election alone comes with a maximum payment of up to 15%. ACRE had a max payment of 25%. Crop insurance is not a prerequisite for making the ARRM election.
Boiled down, Niemeyer says it amounts to creating a program that helps only the farmers who need assistance because of things that are outside of their control, such as weather. "Basically, we want to create a revenue based payment to fill the gap left by crop insurance," he adds.
Farm bill timing
The current farm bill, officially known as the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, was passed in June of 2008. As most remember, it was delayed significantly before the five-year, $288-billion piece of legislation became law.
Niemeyer hopes things will be different this time around. Many of the legislators he's spoken to are eager to get things rolling.
Lastly, Niemeyer says agriculture is ready to do its proportional share to reduce the budget in a financially difficult time. However, he stresses that risk management tools such as crop insurance and ARRM are absolutely essential to the future of farming.
-Flint is editor of Prairie Farmer, a sister publication to Farm Futures.


text:
InFocus: Opening Party & Portfolio Reviews
InFocus Photo Exhibit & Award is open to the public! Visit The Front Gallery to see this amazing show. I am so proud to curate InFocus and I love seeing how it is propelling photographers' careers forward and engaging people in the dialogue about why photography matters. I believe photography is art. This is something I've always promoted – and defended. The Front Gallery owner, Rachel Bouchard, is on the same page (and the gallery looks great adorned in photos, btw).
Photography is a dynamic, impassioned and powerful creative medium. Not to be ignored.
If you are in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada this Thursday, February 9 – come out to the InFocus Photo opening party! And come back again on Friday night for the portfolio reviews. Here is more info about both of these awesome events:
InFocus Opening Reception:
Thursday, February 9, 2017
6 – 9 pm
The Front Gallery
12323 – 104th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
Curator Talk & InFocus Photo People's Choice Award presentation – 7pm
InFocus Portfolio Reviews:
Portfolio Review Date:
Friday, February 10, 2017
Registration: $40+GST
Students. Enthusiasts. Amateurs. Professionals. ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS WELCOME!
We have a rock star line-up of reviewers ready to bestow their wealth of knowledge and experience to all portfolio review participants.
Reviewers include: Larry Louie, Curtis Trent, Akemi Matsubuchi, and yours truly, Alexis Marie Chute.
Bring printed photographs, a bound portfolio or images on your laptop or tablet. The reviewers will look at your work, give feedback on how to make it better or how to promote yourself – or anything else you may be wondering about with your photography.
One registration will give you ten (10) minutes with each of our four talented and generous photographers in a speed-dating style review.
Here is more info about InFocus:
MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by CANADIAN contemporary image makers.
INFOCUS PHOTO is an annual exhibition that began in 2015. In it's first year, the show took place at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre and featured Edmonton and area photographers. In the second year, InFocus expanded to celebrate the best photography from across Alberta, showcased at dc3 Art Projects. Now, in its third year, InFocus has fulfilled its mission of welcoming submissions from ALL Canadian photographers. This year, the curated show will be mounted in The Front Gallery.
InFocus is one of the major photographic surveys of Canadian-made imagery.
InFocus presents the current cultural climate in photography within our nation.
Here is the line-up of InFocus 2017 Photographers:
Hedy Bach
Wes Bell
Lauren Dary
Al Dixon
Gerry Dotto
Greg Gerla
Andy Greening
Laura Grier
Aidan Guerra
Chan Hawkins
Joshua Jensen
Candace Makowichuk
Ann Mansolino
Drew May
Deborah Naoum
Rob Pohl
Marko Radovanovic
JT Rehill
Steve Ricketts
Murray Sugden
Anne Tapler White
Vanessa Tignanelli
Curtis Trent
Kevin Tuong
Henry VanderSpek
Peter Young
InFocus 2017 opens to the public in one week, on February 7, with the opening reception on Thursday, February 9, followed by portfolio reviews on February 10. In the building anticipation of the show, I am pleased to introduce Jared Tabler in today's special guest blog post. Jared is the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of MCQUEEN Inc., Agency Director and Principal Dealer at McQueen Agency, and Editor-in-Chief of ARTperspective. Like me, Jared believes in photography as an art form and the importance of investing in it just like any other medium. On that note, I am honoured to hand this post over to Jared.
In a time when nearly everyone has access to a camera, there are few true artistic photographers, yet an abundance of people who take photos. It has become common practice to share any inane image you might capture with your smart phone, apply a couple of filters, and then post it to the social media sharing platform of your choosing; instant gratification in the form of likes from friends, family members, and even strangers. How then do we value an art form that has been reduced to idle activity undertaken by the masses on a daily basis?
Looking back over history, it is easy to conclude that in fact, it has always been this way for photographers pursuing photographic art. The earliest of photographs were experiments, accidental, at best, used to document events, places or things. And that diversity still exists today; photography has many uses from commercial, to editorial, to fine art.
It is that flexibility that has drawn so many to pursue photography in one-way or another. It is through the creation of something new that we begin to understand that a camera is simply a tool, and that possessing one does not make you any more qualified than owning a car makes you a race car driver. A camera is then, a medium, used by an artist to express themselves, and from which to create.
Great photography is no different than a great painting. The artist had a vision for the work, and was able to capture it and share their perspective through their lens, rather than with a brush. It is easy to recognize the greats in a field once they are no longer with us, we can look back at their careers in their entirety and appreciate the skill and dedication it takes to achieve such mastery in ones craft. Ansel Adams (1902-1984), capturing landscapes in breathtaking ways we had not previously experienced before; Diane Arbus (1923-1971) capturing the quirks of the human condition; and Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) pushing the boundaries with his evocative images of the male form, while exploring sexuality. These early photographers paved the way for photographic art, and pushed the conversation about art and self-expression forward.
Today we have great Canadian photographic artists like Jeff Wall (b.1946) who pioneered modern artistic photography in Vancouver's gritty east side, or Danny Singer (b. 1945) who captures the vast skies of the prairies juxtaposed through small town life. On the emerging side, two Canadian photographers you should be looking to invest in are Curtis Trent who will be featured at the upcoming InFocus Photo exhibit from February 7th – 28th, 2017 at The Front Gallery and Canada's 2016 Photographer of the Year (PPOC), and Master Photographer of the Year (PPOC), Allan Bailey. While both artists have very different styles, they each represent the skill, precision and mastery of their craft that places them in a league of their own when it comes to photographic art.
Putting aside the debate on why photographic art is different, if we look back through the history of photography we can see what was good versus what was great art. Great art has the ability to transcend the obvious, to challenge us, to make us think. When we surround ourselves with it, our lives become richer, more colourful, and inspired. So when considering acquiring a piece of art, don't allow yourself to be limited to the tools used to create it. Good art is good art no matter the medium. And good art is always worth investing in.
Chief Executive Officer & Creative Director | MCQUEEN Inc.
Agency Director & Principal Dealer | McQueen Agency
Editor-in-Chief | ARTperspective
As the CEO of MCQUEEN Jared provides executive leadership to it's many divisions, including CREATIVE, their marketing and communications firm, SEARCH, their professional and executive placement agency, LEARN, their training and development division, as well as the McQueen Agency, an art advisory and talent management group for emerging artists. Jared's extensive background in human resources, and business strategy allow his clients to translate ideas into realities. His passion also extends to his work in the community as a mentor, leader, and lending his time to philanthropic endeavours, including Board roles in the arts, culture and human services sectors, and as co-founder and Chair of the #NotAChoice campaign to end LGBTQ youth homelessness in partnership with the True Colors Fund in New York City, and Virgin Mobile worldwide.
1) The Tetons and the Snake River – Ansel Adams
2) The Weird and Wonderful Identical Twins – Diane Arbus
3) Arnold – Robert Mapplethorpe
4) A Sudden Gust of Wind – Jeff Wall
5) Saco Storm Sky – Danny Singer
6) Wolfgang & Viola – Curtis Trent
7) Stray – Allan Bailey
InFocus 2017 Photographer Al Dixon
To continue with guest blog posts by InFocus 2017 photographers, I am pleased to introduce Al Dixon. Al has been with InFocus since the beginning and his landscape images reveal he is a man of patience and skill. As InFocus is quickly approaching, I love peering into the creative practices of these photographers. It is inspiring to say the least. I'm sure you will feel the same after reading Al's words. On that note, away we go!
A picture is worth a thousand words. Yes, that's oh so 'tre cliche', yet it's a mantra that many photographers and other visual creatives live by. We strive to create images that resonate with our audience by capturing their imagination, evoking emotions & feelings, or spurring conversations. Along with a level of technical mastery & a certain visual appeal, these are the hallmarks of an exceptional image. We each have our own reasons as to why we embark on these creative journeys. For me it starts as a stress reliever. After that, the mixture of art & technology provides outlets for both my Inner Artist & Inner Nerd. Surprisingly, when we start to forget these reasons we seem to be able to produce an image reminding us of them just in time.
It wasn't until after first posting "Sunset at Abraham" online and receiving feedback that I saw the image in a totally different manner. Having shot the image with an exposure of 4 minutes, the chaos and raw power of the location had been greatly mellowed and refined. Many that know the area commented that they had never seen Windy Point so calm and tranquil. Thinking back on the evening I created the image, I could recall sitting on the rocks with little doubt in my mind as to how the location had received its name. While strong winds attempted to toss photographer and gear into the lake, powerful gusts buffeted the tripod threatening the dreaded camera shake. Waves were crashing on the rocks below, creating spray that clambered to find purchase upon my filters and lens. What I didn't realize at the time was that while I was aware of all this chaos, confusion, and distractions; not once did any of it interfere with the mission I was on. The image my Inner Artist intended to capture was clear in his mind, my Inner Nerd contently performed filter exposure calculations in his head, and I sat on that cold wet rock completely and totally at peace.
All it takes now is but a moments glance at that image to remind me of the simple joy the art of photography has brought into my life. While the stress of the daily grind may seem over bearing at times, immersing myself in creating images can make all of that go away. It rekindles the memories of 'borrowing' my parent's camera as a child, countless hours in the darkroom throughout high school, and countless photo excursions with my daughter. These simple joys had been fading over the past few years; but thanks to a cold, wet, windy evening they are here to stay.
Where Al hangs his hat online:
Website: www.aldixonphotography.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlDixonPhotography
Twitter: @Al_D_Photo
Instagram: @Al_D_Photo
InFocus 2017 Photographer Hedy Bach
I love sharing the work of other talented artists, writers, musicians and, of course, photographers. Today is a special guest post by one of the 2017 InFocus Photo photographers. I am pleased to introduce Hedy Bach! I first got to know Hedy and her photography two years ago when she submitted and showed her photography at our 2015 InFocus Photo Exhibit and Award. Hedy is a "sloppy Buddhist" and an inspirational woman in the arts. Below you will find a unique guest blog post, entirely in poem, writing about photography. On that note, I pass this post over to Hedy!
i photograph daily
i write daily
i upload images daily
i use adobe lightroom & photo apps
and i try to work mainly in camera
i play with my fujx100s & iphone 6
rarely do i go anywhere without a camera
i like small carry-around cameras
ones i can wear like a necklace
i like to feel obscure
i appreciate tripods but rarely use them
in 2011 i began to photograph with intention
before that i made snapshots
as a girl i was always looking
i learned about the surveyed and surveyors
i studied the place of the photograph
i became a visual researcher
i taught fine arts curriculum to education students
and as a researcher i worked with images and story
social justice issues, human rights, and visual ethics matter deeply to me
when i started my blog sloppybuddhist.com
i wanted to compose posts with my images
i wanted to be behind a camera
try another way of visual story telling
every day i began to photograph beauty with intention
beauty that can be consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane;
it can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling.
i'm self-taught
i learn from
poets, etc.
mostly i learn along the way
i love
in ordinary everyday life
i am a member of two local photography clubs
i attend workshops, talks and competitions
i take free on line learning
i have one to one lessons with photography friends
i continue learning about the taking and making of photography.
i enjoy street photography
i like people
i like walking and talking with people
it's enlivening
and i love wandering urban environments
i also love to be alone
walk my dogs
in early mornings just after dark
my magic hour
i love the land
being outside
in a room without a roof
i photograph in my home
i don't need to be away to find beauty
of course i enjoy being in front of something different
being in various spaces and places
i am grateful for the opportunities that having a camera has given me.
by hedy
me elsewhere
hedy bach;s alberta
Hedy Bach's Street Photography: A verb…
Hedy Bach
InFocus 2017 Photographer Steve Ricketts
I love sharing the work of other talented artists, writers, musicians and, of course, photographers. Today is a special guest post by one of the 2017 InFocus Photo photographers. I am pleased to introduce Steve Ricketts! I first got to know Steve and his photography last year when he submitted and showed his photography at our 2016 InFocus Photo Exhibit and Award. Steve is not only a great photographer, but a truly kind human. On that note, I pass this post over to Steve!
I first became interested in photography about five years ago as a retirement project and as a homage to my Dad, and I found that I enjoyed it immensely. I find myself drawn to photography because of its ability to tell a story without the use of words. One can write at length about a topic but a single image can be much more powerful.
I'm mostly self-taught; i.e. I have no formal training in photography or in art; in fact, I'm not exactly artistic. If anything, I'm the opposite; I'm a scientist by education and work, and I take a very scientific and logical approach to photography. I have learned a great deal by reading books by photographers, by traveling with other photographers and seeing what they do, and by taking photos. Lots of photos.
I mostly do landscape photography but I also enjoy experimenting with weather (storms, noctilucent clouds), portraiture, urban photography, and the blur created by intentional camera movement. I am constantly looking for images that capture a special moment.
I use Adobe Lightroom for almost all my image processing, and Nik's Silver Efex Pro for black-and white conversion. I try to minimize the amount of editing that I do; while today's software allows for powerful manipulation to create a wonderful image, I prefer to challenge myself to be in the right place and at the right time to capture the image that I have in mind.
Over the past year, I have found myself drawn to doing black & white photography as I like how it draws the viewer's attention to the contrast and texture in landscapes. I often use a telephoto lens and zoom in on a small area to capture lines and curves; it's very much a desire for minimalism.
While the Alberta Rockies are home to a lot of spectacular scenery, there is a lot of beauty in the Alberta prairies too, and I find myself increasingly drawn to shooting the landscape in and around my home in Sherwood Park, especially in Strathcona, Minburn and Lamont Counties. That is, rather than take the viewer on a journey to see the grandeur of the Rockies, I prefer to take them on a journey around my backyard to enjoy the subtlety of the Prairies.
You can see more of Steve's work on the InFocus Photo Exhibit & Award site by clicking here. Also, check-out the InFocus Photo People's Choice Award by clicking here.
Other places to find Steve:
2017 InFocus Photographers Announced
The 2017 InFocus Photo Exhibit is going to be a great show! Inspired by the theme "The Future," the 2017 InFocus photographers come together in a moving collection of some of the best photography our country has to offer!
MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by CANADIAN contemporary image makers.
INFOCUS PHOTO is an annual exhibition curated by Alexis Marie Chute. In it's first year, 2015, the show took place at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre and featured Edmonton and area photographers. In the second year, InFocus expanded to celebrate the best photography from across Alberta, showcased at dc3 Art Projects. Now, in its third installment, InFocus has fulfilled its mission of welcoming submissions from ALL Canadian photographers. This year, 2017, the curated show will be mounted in The Front Gallery. InFocus takes place every February during Exposure Photography Festival.
Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit and Award website.
As the curator of InFocus, I am immensely proud to announce our line-up of talented and innovative photographers for 2017:
Hedy Bach
Wes Bell
Lauren Dary
Al Dixon
Gerry Dotto
Greg Gerla
Andy Greening
Laura Grier
Aidan Guerra
Chan Hawkins
Joshua Jensen
Candace Makowichuk
Ann Mansolino
Drew May
Deborah Naoum
Marko Radovanovic
Jay Rehill
Steve Ricketts
Murray Sugden
Anne Tapler White
Vanessa Tignanelli
Curtis Trent
Kevin Tuong
Henry VanderSpek
Peter Young
There are many exciting announcements to share in the days ahead. Some of these include:
- A NEW EVENT: The InFocus portfolio review night! We've got a great group of professional reviewers lined-up to offer their wealth of knowledge and experience to photographers. Stay tuned for the online registration which will open soon.
- Very shortly we will launch the 2017 edition of the InFocus Photo People's Choice Award. Voting will take place online and is an exciting race to the finish line. The winner will be announced at the opening reception during the curator talk.
Please subscribe to this blog by clicking here to stay on top of all the exciting InFocus news, along with other happenings by the InFocus curator.
Tips from the InFocus Photo Curator
The InFocus Photo Exhibit & Award call for submissions deadline is Sunday, October 30 at midnight. As the curator of InFocus, this is one of my favorite times of year. It's like Christmas. Throughout the fall, submissions flow in for InFocus and when the deadline passes, I get the honour of viewing and experiencing so much amazing photography. It truly is a great gift.
I want to give a little insight into what makes up a successful submission. Everyone does things a little differently, but here are a few helpful tips:
- I look for photographers that have something to say. When you are thinking about what images you will be submitting, ask yourself: What would the first reaction be from someone who has never seen this photograph before? What am I communicating through my aesthetic and technical choices?
- Your vision as a photographer must come through in your photographs. "Art talk" never sways me if the work itself is not strong. Your artist statement and descriptions play second fiddle to the photographs. The work must be able to stand alone.
- That said, I read all artist statements and will especially be turning a keen eye to the answers to the theme "The Future" this year. I do appreciate thoughtful responses. If your words provoke deep reflection, this is a good thing.
- If you worry your photography is too weird/ordinary/conceptual/abstract/etc. – please DON'T FRET : ) You don't have to fit a mold. I am looking to experience your unique perspective on the world. That is going to be totally different from the next photographer – and that's OKAY.
- Submitting three or more images from totally different styles or subjects is fine – if those are your strongest images. If you don't have a cohesive group of related photographs, only enter your best work.
- On the other hand, as the curator, I get a much better sense of your vision if you enter three (or more) photographs that relate. It is often in these instances where I may choose one or two or even three of the images you have entered. These would be displayed together.
- If you have more than one body of work you want considered, I would recommend entering twice, for example. The first three images in submission 1 will be from your first body of work. The second three images in submission 2 will be from your second body of work. This way I can get the best sense of each grouping. Out of the two entered, only one group of images may be chosen, but this is more likely to result in a successful entry than trying to fit both bodies of work within one submission of three images.
- It is very important that you know the size of your photograph and the finished framed dimensions as well. I look at the sizing when selecting the images. Knowing the dimensions of the gallery, I make sure I choose the right amount of work so the show does not feel too squishy or too sparse. This is why I would really appreciate you considering these dimensions carefully before entering.
- I do not have a preference for large pieces over small, or vice versa. When people ask me about the size to print their photos, I always advise that you must first look to the work itself. Does it demand a grand scale? Or would it present better smaller, drawing viewers to step closer? There is not right or wrong answer.
If you have other questions, I would love to answer them for you!
Just a few days ago I had a great phone call with a student photographer from Ontario. She had lots of relevant questions (many I have answered above) and she is very eager to enter. Her love of photography shone through during our conversation. That is what I am looking for: people who love this creative medium and are exploring it – and the world around them – in their own special ways.
With just a few days till the deadline, pop me an email if you have something you'd like to run by me [email protected] I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy submitting!
Alexis Marie Chute, InFocus Curator


text:
(0) Items
One of the things I love about Necker Island is being able to invite fascinating people to listen and learn from. We recently welcomed a group of the world's leading thinkers on cutting-edge technologies, to hear about the pace of innovation, the power of the individual, and the growing risks and opportunities for humanity.
There are 3 ways of getting knowledge and practical skills on Freedom and Safety:
1) Subscription to materials2) e-Learning3) Buying e-books
Read more


text:
|Blog posts on composition
I apologize, because this isn't much of a page on composition — it's simply a collection of links to some blog posts I've made on the subject. But they're illustrated and provide more information than a single web page could, anyway.
Composition is the most important element of good photography, in my opinion. Controlling the camera is great, and gives you lots of ability to change things the way you want, but it's nothing without being able to put together the image itself. However, composition is a large, detailed topic. There are no "rules" that apply to everything, and many compositional elements work only in certain situations. Some take greater precedent over others.
Above all, many of these are given emphasis by my own style (if I have one) and bias. You should have your own, and sometimes that means breaking the rules. The message here is, these are suggestions and ideas, with some reasoning behind them. What you do with them is up to you. When you get an image you particularly like, look it over carefully and try to determine what it is that works for you. This can give you a better understanding of what it is you're trying to accomplish.
The final link in this list is to an index page of all posts tagged with "Composition." While this will be simply repeats of what I have listed here, it stands a good chance of having some more since it updates automatically, unlike this page.
On Composition (May 16, 2010) — My first post on the subject, before I decided to turn it into a series. Some general notes on composition, visualizing, and making mistakes.
Just chock full of analogies (June 17, 2010) — Lightning photography tips, and some thoughts on patience.
Making light work (July 13, 2010) — Some explanation of light levels and their effect on images.
On composition, part two (August 9, 2010) — Appropriate settings in nature photography, and capturing an element of interest.
Heavy Sigh (August 29, 2010) — A little more about lightning photography.
Just because, part two (September 10, 2010) — Moon photography and exposure limitations.
On composition, part three: The crop (September 13, 2010) — Using cropping to frame and accentuate your images, and to give different emphasis.
On composition, part four (September 30, 2010) — Using empty space within your frame for balance and setting.
On composition, part five: It's the law! (October 5, 2010) — The infamous Rule of Thirds, and not why it works.
The color of magic (December 5, 2010) — Light color and quality, and using it to good advantage.
Compensation: It doesn't refer to those giant lenses (December 14, 2010) — Exposure compensation and why you should be doing it.
On composition, part six (December 18, 2010) — Managing the elements with the camera's position and vantage point.
Quiz time! (December 27, 2010) — Just seeing if you're paying attention.
On composition, part seven: Depth (January 11, 2010) — Creating depth within your images to draw people in.
Observe! (March 14, 2011) — Finding subjects for your images in the first place.
On composition, part eight: Clean fill wanted (May 10, 2011) — Getting better exposures with fill lighting.
On composition, part nine: It's a drag (May 31, 2011) — Experimenting with long exposures.
High dynamic range (July 9, 2011) — Gimmick or legitimate technique?
On composition, part 10: Foreground elements (July 21, 2011) — What to do with your foreground.
Lend some character (December 6, 2011) — Being awkward, uncomfortable, and dirty still might add something to your efforts.
On composition, part 11: Nullhue (December 19, 2011) — You may know this as "black and white."
On composition, part 12: Mood and metaphor (February 6, 2012) — Promoting meaning and association from your subjects.
On composition, part 13: Purpose (June 7, 2012) — What do you want to do with the image?
Composition, part 5.1 (July 28, 2012) — Revisiting the Rule of Thirds and various misguided greeks.
On composition, part 14: Clichés (October 5, 2012) — Whether to avoid them, or stop being hypersensitive.
On composition, part 15: The background (November 8, 2012) — As important as the subject, but often ignored.
On composition, part 16: Focal length (February 9, 2013) — More than zooming, and able to provide more options.
On composition, part 17: Point of focus (April 29, 2013) — Giving the viewer something to lock onto.
On composition, part 18: Illustration (June 23, 2013) — Using photos specifically to illustrate details, moods, or concepts.
Advice on advice (July 17, 2013) — Not applying solely to composition, but thoughts on handling photography advice.
Doing the fartsy thing (September 3, 2013) — I wouldn't dream of telling anyone how to do Art, so...
On composition, part 19: Distractions (October 7, 2013) — What you leave out is as important as what you include.
A matter of timing (October 29, 2013) — On how the conditions contribute to your image, and how to use them.
So how does one 'compose' an image? (November 15, 2013) — Trying to determine when and what compositional elements can apply for any given subject or approach.
On composition, part 20: Contrast (December 2, 2013) — Should've tackled this sooner, because it's an important facet of all photography.
On composition, part 21: Water (January 5, 2014) — Far too versatile an element to ignore.
All too brief (March 4, 2014) — Some thoughts and tricks while out shooting with a student.
On composition, part 14a: The lurking cliché (April 7, 2014) — Expanded thoughts about clichés and originality.
On composition, part 22: Distortion (June 24, 2014) — Using lens traits to their advantage.
But of course (November 13, 2014) — Fall colors and water reflections.
On composition, part 23: Weather (January 10, 2015) — Making the most of bad weather.
A few more (March 7, 2015) — Just some quick pointers on positioning.
Why so many? (June 3, 2015) — Should you be shooting more than one image of any given subject?
On composition, part 24: Planning the shot (September 20, 2015) — Trying to bring a vision to fruition.
On the negative side 7 (December 19, 2015) — Revisiting position and contrast.
On composition, part 25: Critical sharpness (February 10, 2016) — Several methods to achieve the best sharpness you can.
Green greeting (April 9, 2016) — Using short depth-of-field and defocused objects for framing.
Not completely irredeemable (May 30, 2016) — Some notes on panning and tracking.
Monday color. And monochrome (June 27, 2016) — Another examination of doing black & white work in digital format.
More Monday monochrome (October 3, 2016) — And another.
Podcast: Composition (November 29, 2016) — Covering the basics and the idea itself. Should be at the top, but we're already chronological, so...
Two views (December 10, 2016) — A simple example of looking for opportunities and working the background.
Just because, part 23 (July 15, 2017) — Producing and using "orbs."
Daily Jim pic 6 (July 26, 2017) — Quick thoughts on experimenting.
Your opinion please (August 12, 2017) — Comparing the merits of two variations of the same scene.
On composition, part 26: Sunrise and sunset (August 20, 2017) — Tips on getting the best results at either end of the day.
Jim pic 47 (October 5, 2017) — Impressions and suggestions.
On composition, part 27: Seeing ghosts (December 1, 2017) — Noticing and using the things we often don't see.
Composition post index page — All posts tagged with "Composition," may be more current than this page.
Good luck!


text:
"The human journey is so short. We no sooner realize that we are here than it is already time for us to be leaving." John O'Donohue
For the past two weeks I've been contemplating writing an article for my blog. It's about the spiritual books I read two weeks ago and the one I'm still reading now. In my mind I made a comparison of all the dogmas and the teachings these books and the authors offered, and the striking similarities between them. It's a big task that one day I would like to tackle on my blog, and I hope that day is soon. But until I do that, there's something else that's nagging me and I think it's also blocking me from further writing. To quote Zora Neale Hurtson:
"There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you."
It's that time of year again. November 16. Today marks the fourth anniversary of my husband's passing. Four years ago today we didn't know it would be his last day with us here. I still remember that day as if it was yesterday.
I play the events of his last two days in my head. It happened so quickly. We didn't say goodbye, he didn't want to. He said he was coming home with us and like a fool I believed him. He looked so peaceful and calm with a smile on his face before he breathed his last breath. Sadly we drove home alone leaving him on his hospital bed. Four years have passed and the pain is still strong.
"Death in its way comes as much as a surprise as birth." Edna O'Brien
Those days and the days that followed were a nightmare. I felt like a robot accepting friends and well wishers and trying to be strong for my kids. I didn't know what was in wait for me. I didn't care. All I wanted to do was get it over with, the funeral, the condolences, the emails and the phone calls.
It was only at night when I went to bed that I cried myself to sleep. But sleep also failed me on most nights. I was like a lost soul trying to find comfort somewhere, I didn't know where.
Four years (1460 days) later, and after going through some really difficult times and facing new challenges, we are still trying to find some comfort. And I know we will never be the same again, ever. There are times when the kids are back from work and we're gathered in the kitchen having dinner and they start talking about their day where I stop and stare at them, unable to eat or talk.
I think of all the things he missed and is missing, even the little everyday things like the weather, which is so beautiful today like it was on that last day, and all else. All the dreams he had for our kids, the way he would have held his head high proud of their achievements. His dreams, especially his dreams as an artist, the painting he left unfinished on the easel, his sketches, his studies, his canvases, his books and paints. All of these and more.
He wouldn't know how highly some art critics think of his paintings, that they find his "images intriguing." I guess he would never know. And that hurts.
Shortly after he passed away, my uncle Setrak in an email wrote the following about him:
"He was smart. I could tell that when I used to watch him play cards in Ainjar. He was a good bridge player. He could even outsmart his small computer (then in black and white) when he played poker. He was also a good chess player. He was intelligent and wise… and his colors were vibrant and beautiful, his paintings…" and the list goes on.
In my hand I hold his ring, the silver ring that was given to him as a service recognition award by the company where he worked for over two decades. Carved on one side is the company's logo, the logo that he redesigned, and on the other his initials, VH. Carved under his initials are the words, LOYALTY and INTEGRITY. I would like to add HONESTY and DIGNITY to those words.
Yes to me, to us, he was all that and more. He was one hell of a guy.
I don't remember which year he received that ring. His rewards and certificates were so many. We were so proud of him. But his biggest prize is that he was the best dad, and the best husband and friend the kids and I could ever wish for. I feel so blessed to have traveled with him on this journey, life's journey. I wish that we never stopped and continued 'till old age, like he always dreamed of.
Robin Sharma writes:
"Painful events come to help us learn the lessons we need to learn at that point of our paths. Sad experiences arrive to help us heal, and grow more philosophical."
During these four years I've learned a lot about myself and about others. I've come to realize who my true friends and the people who really care about me, about us, are and I am forever grateful for having them in my life.
And after four years, after going through really hard times, I realize things are never as bad as they seem. The situation that causes us sorrow is also the reason behind our strength and power and wisdom.
Lots have changed in these four years, but the one thing that hasn't is our love. If anything it has grown stronger. In the same way we feel his love and believe that he is our guardian angel, watching us from a more powerful and peaceful place, from heaven.
Rest in peace my darling and rest assured that your legacy lives through your kids, who by the way have all your characteristics and more.