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Discover 7 Secrets to Better Vacation Photography

Changing camera angles and take an ordinary pose and transform it to an extraordinary one. These photos are from the presentation: “7 Secrets to Better Vacation Photography”

I'm really excited to be asked to show how to take better vacation photos at the May 20th meeting of the North Ridgeville Arts Council. I will be presenting “Discover 7 Secrets to Better Vacation Photography.” The information can be used to improve vacation photography, pictures of friends and family, sporting events and more.

Topics to be covered include: how to choose a camera, creative composition from unusual camera angles, use of natural light and electronic flash, how to help people look their best, enhancing photos after they're taken, saving and preserving picture files to guard against loss from a computer crash, different ways to display photographs for maximum enjoyment and more.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

The meeting is on Monday, May 20th at 7 p.m. at North Ridgeville Library,35700 Bainbridge Rd, North Ridgeville.

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Sneak peak: “Picturesque Olmsted Falls” book now at the printer

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For years, people have asked when I would publish a collection of my artistic renderings of the many notable scenes of Olmsted Falls. The wait is finally over!

Check out the book with 47 total scenes of the city. They have all been enhanced in Photoshop to look like actual paintings. It is more obvious in the printed book than what you'll see online.

What a great Christmas or birthday gift for current or former natives of Olmsted Falls.

What do you think of this book? Please leave a comment here and share this page on Facebook, Twitter and your other social media networks.

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Our art photos are now available for your home

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: One of our art photos that is available to grace the walls of your home

After we posted our article about four of our scenic art photos being accepted into the University Hospitals of Cleveland Art Show, we have been deluged with requests by our readers wishing to purchase these images.

We have good news! Not only are those art photos available for purchase but many more from across the U.S. and Mexico. And we continue to add to the collection as time permits.

See our artwork at http://www.spectralight.com/fineart.

There's still time to get art prints in time for Christmas AND save 17% on the print portion of any order. Guaranteed Cristmas delivery ends on December 12th (Ground Shipments) or on December 15th (Overnight Shipments).

Our art photos are now available for your home Read More »

Mocha Monkey gets jiggy at Carnaval

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The Mocha Monkey had a close encounter of the bizarre kind when he got caught up in the Carnaval parade in San Francisco's Mission district in May. As a group of dancers passed by, one of the girls nabbed MM for a quick photo. Although it was love at first sight, MM quickly came back down to earth when he was abandoned on the curb.

The Carnaval parade is most recognized for its spectacular choreographed dancers and scantily clad women. Since 1979, Carnaval has been the main event for thousands of artists who spend hundreds of hours preparing for San Francisco's most colorful parade.

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Mocha Monkey drives San Francisco cable car

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monkey_san_francisco_cable_car — The Mocha Monkey at the controls of a San Francisco cable car. Click a photo to view it larger.

During the Mocha Monkey's May trip to San Francisco, he met the conductor of one of the city's world famous cable cars. After a little “monkeying around,” the conductor allowed MM to operate the grip handle which propels the cable car.

From MM's brief cable car history lesson, he learned that San Francisco first put them in service in 1873. MM also discovered how these amazing cars actually operate.

What are your favorite places to visit in San Francisco? Please post your “Comments” below.

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Out of the darkness – a great photo arises

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Click a photo to view it larger.

This post is in recognition of The 60th Anniversary of the Korean War.

The years 2010-2013 mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. June 25, 1950 through July 27, 1953.

Photos can have a completely different “feel” depending on when they are taken. A night scene can have a more eerie feel than the same photo taken in daylight.

For example, the Korean War Veterans Memorial located in Washington, D.C. is a setting that best conveys the feel of death and despair when shot at night. There are 19 stainless steel statues standing between 7 feet 3 inches and 7 feet 6 inches tall representing a squad on patrol in the rugged terrain of Korea. They appear more ominous in the night photo seen here. …

Out of the darkness – a great photo arisesRead More »

Out of the darkness – a great photo arises Read More »

Secrets revealed for amazing travel photos

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Tortilla chips, bean bags, and beer bottles – oh, my! In a recent New York Times interview, travel photographer Robert Caplin shared some of his secrets on how to shoot like a pro on a shoestring budget. Read the article at:

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/qa-tips-from-travel-photographer-robert-caplin/

Photos at left: Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, Bellagio Hotel – Las Vegas, Iwo Jima Memorial – Washington, D.C.

All photos copyright Mark Madere – SpectraLight Photography.

Do you have any special tips for taking better travel photos? Please leave your comment – below.

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Mocha Monkey nearly stranded at Golden Gate Bridge

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Mocha Monkey near the Golden Gate Bridge with his new friend.

The Mocha Monkey was almost stranded overnight in a parking lot near the Golden Gate Bridge during his recent trip to San Francisco.

After meeting his new friend, Stephanie Hernandez from New Mexico (pictured here), MM went to his car to get a late dinner. As he approached the park exit, he realized a gate had been secured across the road. After further inspection, MM noticed a sign stating the lot closed at dusk. Fortunately, he was able to drive around the gate and over an extremely high curb to make his escape. The rental car took a little abuse in the process as it nearly got stuck on the curb.

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Amazing photos are everywhere – you just have to look for them

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examiner_0002 — Pacific Ocean along California Highway 1

Great photos don't just happen. A skilled photographer is always on the lookout for an image that really stands out. Wherever he goes, he observes how light and shadow changes the appearance and “feel” of every scene.

This photograph was taken along California Highway 1. A college friend and fellow photographer, Max Muir, and I were driving along at 60 mph when I spied the Pacific Ocean through a small opening in the trees. It was only a split second observation but it was enough to go back and investigate. After walking through a thicket of trees, there before us was an ocean vista that was beyond breathtaking. (Lake Erie is just no comparison!) We spent about 45 minutes exploring several viewpoints – kneeling, squating and standing along the edge of a 200 foot cliff. We came away with some amazing images and a fantastic start to our “photo safari” to San Francisco.

If you have a photography related question, please post it under “Comments.”

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Make your photos shine with easy, gorgeous color enhancement

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*Pacific Ocean along California Highway 1 enhanced Topaz Labs “Studio” Software [Photo: Mark Madere | SpectraLight Photography]*

Sometimes the beautiful color you see with your eyes doesn't appear that way in your photographs. Why settle for dull, boring photos when you can make your photos shine with gorgeous color enhancement?

Most people take photos with their camera set on “automatic.” While that setting does an “okay” job capturing a picture, it “averages” out the light and dark areas of a scene – often creating low contrast images. …

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Make your photos shine with easy, gorgeous color enhancement Read More »

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