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JULY 2010

A Shot In The Dark •  Shape Up While Travelling • All The Rage

 

A Shot In The Dark

Fireworks can make for spectacular photographs, but getting the right shot involves more than a “point and shoot” strategy.

If you’re anxious to capture a little “red, white and boom” with your digital camera this Fourth, keep these hints in mind.

1. Use a tripod.
Perhaps the most important tip is to secure your digital camera to something so it won’t move while taking your shots. You’ll be using longer shutter speeds, which will not only capture the movement of the fireworks but any movement of the camera, as well.

2. Try a remote release.
One way to ensure your camera is completely still during a shot is to invest in a remote release device—this allows you to take a picture without touching your camera.

3. Turn off your flash.
Shooting with a flash will have no impact upon your shots except to trick your camera into thinking it needs a short exposure time when, in fact, it needs a longer exposure time. Also, you will be at such a distance that the only thing the flash would light up is smoke, detracting from your shot.

4. Shoot in manual mode if you can.
If your camera allows, switch it to manual mode. Many photographers find they get better shots of fireworks in manual exposure and manual focus modes. Auto focusing in low light can be very difficult for many cameras and you’ll end up missing a lot of shots. Once you manually set your focus, you don’t really need to change it during the fireworks display.Also, think about adding other elements to your shot. Having your camera pointed at the sky can get you some colorful photos, but if you look for different perspectives you may get a few shots that are just as spectacular. Include elements like spectators, buildings, landmarks or wider cityscape perspectives.

 

Shape Up While Travelling

There’s no place like home when it comes to creating consistent exercise habits. A nearby gym, familiar running route, treadmill in the basement or fitness video collection can keep you on track even when your schedule goes haywire.

But for many business people, traveling is an inevitable part of the job. If you find yourself on the road or up in the air so often that it interferes with your workout schedule, here are some habits to adopt so that your exercise routine can travel with you.

Look before you book. Many hotels, especially those that cater to business travelers, are making advancements to their fitness centers. When booking reservations, be sure to ask what equipment or amenities are available and how recently they were updated. Research shows that a nicer gym will increase your motivation.

Pack accordingly. Knowing your fitness preference can help you make smart packing decisions. Are you a runner? Look for lightweight or flexible sneakers that pack well. A resistance band takes up next to no space in your suitcase but packs major fitness punch.

Rent your gear. Contact the hotel concierge desk before arrival and they will be happy to arrange rental equipment, including golf clubs, tennis rackets and other hard-to-pack items that will keep you motivated to work out on the road.

Don’t waste time. Upon landing, a quick workout might be the best cure for airplane fatigue or jet lag, as exercise is a surefire approach to renewing energy levels. When at all possible, get your heart rate up for about 20 minutes before getting down to business.

Stick to a schedule. You wouldn’t forget a sales meeting if it was scheduled on your calendar. So, use the same system for your fitness routine that you use to keep track of business appointments. Add your exercise time to your calendar and stick to it. Note: Research shows that people tend to be more consistent if they work out early in the day.

All The Rage

Emotional outbursts via e-mail are common. When someone pushes your hot button, it’s tempting to click your send button, firing off a scathing reply or an angry rebuttal. And today, we’re more wired to snap, especially via our computers. There’s even a physiological trigger pulling us into e-mail shootouts called “e-mail apnea.”

Author and thought leader Linda Stone, formerly of Microsoft and Apple computers, coined the phrase after researching a phenomenon she observed while people were under the influence of computing. The urge to quickly react can affect you whether you’re the person sending the initial e-mail or the one who receives it.

Stone noticed we hold our breath while cranking out e-mails and doctors confirmed her suspicions. When we hold our breath, the brain is momentarily oxygen deprived and hits the flight or fight response, fueling a more emotional reaction.

But what can seem like innocent or understandable venting can cost you your job or damage your reputation. Before you fire off that e-mail, try these tips.

Back away from the computer.
Resisting the urge to let someone have it is a sign of self-control and adds points to your reputation. If you need to physically remove yourself from the keyboard in order to keep from hitting send, stand up and walk away. Come back when emotions have cooled.

Do not put a name in the address bar.
We all need to vent and e-mail is an instant venting machine. Just don’t set yourself up to be fired by firing off a nasty message. Write it, delete it or park it in your draft box.

Vent offline.
Ask someone to give you perspective over a cup of coffee. Talking through your situation with someone in person may help you deal with your emotions well enough to send a diplomatic, professional message. Venting offline may help you avoid damage caused by reacting too quickly online.