Google+ for Photographers

Google+ for Photographers, Colby Brown, Peachpit Press, March 19, 2012.

Google+ For Photographers

Ever wondered what Google+ actually is? I know I have. Another thing I thought about is how does it differ from Facebook and other social networks? However, that’s probably the problem right there. Social networks are not the same as interest networks. I have heard from plenty of people that they love Google+ because of the specifics that it has to offer. Google+ is a web application strictly for specific interests and a place where you can surround yourself with others who share that same interest. You might be asking yourself, well what about Flickr, why not stick to an actual photo web application that has only to do with photo sharing if you are a photographer? I personally never understood that myself until I read this book. The big drawback is that it only pertains to photographers. What if you live for music or enjoy cooking? Google+ is place for all interests not matter what your interest is. How welcoming is that?

Another photo sharing application that is part of Google is Picasa. However, since Google is now entering with Google+, Picasa is stuck right in the middle. When signing up with Google+, Picasa must be manually uploaded since it is not your default photo sharing application. In other words, it’s a little messy to use and might be confusing for some wanting to go that route. In my opinion, stick to something cleaner and more simple. Google+ has plenty to offer and most importantly, it has flexibility. It lets you personalize as you wish and helps organize your clients, customers, etc. within circles and groups. Since this specifically focuses on photographers, people who are serious about wanting to pursue photography should consider trying and experimenting with Google+.

Within the photography community, this web application lets you interact and engage with others you probably never would have met or known of before. It lets others within that community see what your capabilities are, gain some new knowledge, and possibly get inspired into new ideas. Personally, I wouldn’t call myself a photographer, however, I do photography as a hobby. Singing up with Google+ and browsing through the photo community did give me more insight on how inviting and easy it is, even as someone who just takes photo as a hobby. So whether you are the next Ansel Adams or an amateur behind the lens, everyone and anyone is welcome.

Anyone of you can access this book within the CSN library in the “Safari Tech Books” online. Even though this book’s title states Google+ for photographers, I feel like this book can be just for anyone. Giving this book a read can get anyone prepared for their starting point in their interest of choice. So don’t let the title fool you. Google+ is a web application for anyone who has a passion and wants to dive deeper into pursuing it, who wants to interact/engage with others who share that same passion, and someone wanting to gain more knowledge and inspiration from their peers who respectably love what they do.

Screenr

I actually really enjoyed using Screenr. I have been wanting to create videos of anything really and being able to send it to friends online and world wide. Even family. I just never thought of looking into applications that do so. I rummaged through old photos that relate to my blog. I went back to about two years ago and found some pretty entertaining photos, at least to me. There's a bunch of stories behind all these photos and I'm sure everyone can relate to that. Well, I hope you find this entertaining as much as I did. Enjoy!

Flickr my Flickr

    A few years ago I had a Flickr account but then deleted it after not updating it for months. Photography is a beautiful hobby and I wish I would have kept it up but over time I dedicated my time and course to computers. Even though I don't take many photos as I use to I still find thinking of interesting themes and locations for new photo ideas.

    For this assignment I rummaged through old photos I took that relate to these last couple months of the year. A few of them are from some of the places I have visited recently and some fun Halloween themed photos I just randomly took. You can check them all out on my Flickr.   

(I shot all thee images with a Rebel XS, one day soon I will own a 5D)

Nails for days

This might be a girly subject and something I rarely ever do, however for once I decided to get into the spirit of nail art for Halloween. I find this to be fun and some what festive. I gave it a go for myself and found out it wasn't as easy as it seems. It definitely takes some dedication and time! I stuck to lime green aliens, (they were definitely the easiest) and realized that I do not have the patience for perfection when it comes to painting my nails. I have already been thinking about some ideas for Thanksgiving and find myself wondering what type of possibilities there are out there. I then did some research. If you are ever out of ideas, you're really not. The Daily Nail Blog has 365 days of 365 nail designs, one new design every day of the year. Check her blog out and get inspired if you have a little time to spare.

Scents for all seasons

Scents really bring out all four seasons throughout the year. Whether you're into candles, incense, or just handy plug-ins, it really brings out the seasons in all of us. I am a huge fan of candles and my favorite scent would have to be, you guessed it, all the fall scents. Here is a link I stumbled upon: The Top 10 Best Scented Candle Brands in America, along with the authors favorite fragrance. As I looked to see which was the top scent, I found mine right at number one. Yankee Candle brands with their choice of fragrance, as well as mine, Pumpkin Pie. It brings The second on the list is Slatkin and Company from Bath and Body Works, which is a candle brand that is burning in my room right this second with the fragrance of Gingerbread. Take a look at the list and see if your favorite candle brand/scent is listed. If not, what's your favorite?

Blog blog blogs

For our recent assignment, I have been researching more blogs on my topic. I found some awesome blogs and one of my favorites is this one: The Ginngerbread Blog. This blog has a variety of fun. It's filled with plenty of arts and crafts, food/desert recipes, and seasonal decor ideas. What I love about this blog is how this blogger wants to create an interactive atmosphere with her followers. Everyone has a chance to submit your very own creation to her so she can post them to share with everyone else. If you're more of a sweat tooth, check out Cooking Classy: Halloween Jack-O'-Totum Craft and a Huge Halloween Roundup. One of the most creative treats I have ever seen. I plan on trying to cook up some of these for this season.

(clean)Pumpkin fun.

Anyone Can Decorate

  October is recognized by many things but the pumpkin is probably one of the most symbolic. Now, I've never been much of the pumpkin carving type. I'm sure I carved a pumpkin in elementary school before but my memory has slipped a little since then. The first time I officially carved one and remember it was just last year, yes, at twenty-one years old, finally. I thought it was fun, however I wasn't a fan of the mess, smell, and the feel of all those seeds running between your fingers and slipping out of your hands.

  So, for those who aren't a big fan of carving a pumpkin, why not decorate one? On the blog, Anyone Can Decorate, they show you how to create something visual appealing on a pumpkin instead of having to chop up the pumpkin itself. This blog also has a bunch of other Halloween/Fall creations that can be fun for all the family.