Youre Never Too Old to Start Yoga.

Youre Never Too Old to Start Yoga. Yoga for the Older Folks Among Us. ChaptersA Brief History of YogaWhy Do Yoga?What Is a Senior When it Comes to Yoga?Yoga for Seniors: Adapt Your ObjectivesAdapting Yoga to SeniorsChair YogaYoga Poses that Older Yogis Should AvoidChoosing a Yoga Instructor for SeniorsHelpful Things You Might Need for Yoga.Some Tips that Elder Yogis Should Remember.A Yoga Glossary“Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese.” - Luis BunuelYoga is an activity that many people are familiar with and that many people practise, regardless of their age. In fact, whether you’re doing a sun salutation, mindfulness meditation, or twisting, we can work on our body, mind, and spirit whether we’re 7 or 77.However, age does play a role in your ability to let go and in the effectiveness of certain yoga poses.  Annoyingly enough, there is more to it than just thinking positively! Yoga requires balance, strength, and flexibility - all things that diminish as we get older - and, although it may look like people making poses on the floor, it's an activity that can cause injury if you throw yourself into it with too much enthusiasm.Luckily, though, yoga improves all these things too - and it can be both a great work out and a de-stressing activity. Yet, it's worth knowing some different things if you are approaching the activity as an older person - and that's what we are going to talk about here.So at what age are you considered a senior?In the world of sport, you can very quickly be considered a senior. In athletics, a senior can be in their early 20s! Of course, it’s all relative. When it comes to the stretches, alignment, and warming up of yoga, everyone can do it as long as they adapt it to their age.In this article, we're going to look at senior yoga. People can still attend a yoga near me class, do yoga postures, and enjoy the restorative benefits of yoga well into their twilight years.Building from these works, many different scholars and 'yogis' built upon the ancient scripts and teachings. Over the years, they eventually developed a form of yoga known as Hatha Yoga. This is generally what we know as yoga these days - with its salutations, and its attention to body awareness and breathing - in which the physical body becomes the important aspect in spiritual enlightenment and enrichment.Twentieth-Century YogaInto the twentieth century, yoga practitioners travelled to the west, and some of them began to combine traditional yoga techniques with western exercises. One of the major minds in what came to be known as the 'Yoga Renaissance' was  Swami Kuvalayananda, who practised long into his senior years.And if you are looking for inspiration, you might want to look at Tao Porchon - the world's oldest yoga teacher, who turned 100 last year.  Based in New York, she still teaches up to eight classes a week - and attributes her old age to the fact that she has been practicing yoga since she was six!Why Do Yoga?People do yoga for a whole load of reasons: to reduce stress, to develo p physical fitness, flexibility, and core strength and it's a particularly good supplement to other exercises too. Yet, there is a lot of research that suggests that yoga also combats pain, irritable bowels, obesity, and asthma.Among older people, it's a fantastic way to develop health and well-being in a low-impact and social way. Keeping active is important at all ages - particularly when you are older. Exercise in general helps your mental health and your mood - and can contribute greatly to improved sleep patterns.The majority of people that commit to yoga find that the spiritual aspects of the discipline become ever more interesting. So, if you are into that, you may find that you find greater inner peace by dedicating yourself to the exercise.And finally, as one of the most in-vogue exercise disciplines in the world, you are sure to look super cool whilst doing it too!What Is a Senior When it Comes to Yoga?Whatever discipline you practise, be it yoga or otherwise, there is an age when you’ll be considered a senior. This is the age when you’ll need to adapt certain exercises to match your age and your fitness. However, this is a generalisation, as there are some people of a certain age who’ll be fitter and more capable than their younger counterparts.Age is just a number, after all. That said, there are things that are easier to do when you're younger. (Source: aunhtet0)Of course, not every yoga posture is the same and time takes its toll on parts of your body such as your spine, hips, knees and problems like arthritis can make it seem that the yoga practice has an age limit.There are specialised yoga courses for senior citizens since most people of a similar age will have a similar level when it comes to doing sporting activities such as yoga. For the purpose of this article, we'll consider a senior to be someone who’s approaching retirement whose physical prowess isn’t what it once was during their younger years.When it comes to breathing tech niques, alignment, muscle toning, improving flexibility, and managing stress, there are certain considerations that need to be made for older yogis. You can’t do all of the above with the same intensity as you would with a group of 20-somethings. However, there’s nothing that can’t be altered to work for older participants. You just need to modify the energy and intensity of the courses.If you’re pregnant, you’ll probably want to consider prenatal yoga, a type of gentle yoga that women in the first or second trimester of pregnancy can do.Yoga for Seniors: Adapt Your ObjectivesYoga is a great discipline but you need to manage your goals and adapt them to your own capabilities. There are plenty of reasons and goals for doing yoga:RelaxExerciseMeet new peopleUnderstand a new way of lifeChange how you eat and exerciseHarmonise your mind, body, and spiritStart meditatingLearn to control your breathingAnd many others!Once you reach a certain age, you'll have to change how you do sport. (Source: HoliHo)Thus, there are plenty of reasons for seniors to start doing yoga. Throughout your life, these goals and reasons will change and there’s nothing wrong with deciding to start doing yoga later on in your life.Don’t forget that those with physical disabilities can also do yoga!Adapting Yoga to SeniorsWhether you’re 50 or 100, as we age, our bodies become less responsive and it’s more difficult to certain things once you reach a certain age. This isn’t necessarily a problem. However, you do need to take this into account in order to enjoy all the benefits of yoga and do your breathing exercises or poses like the sun salutation.There's no age limit when it comes to being active. (Source: Ellen26)As you get older, you’ll need to consider attending yoga classes that are adapted to your age and your fitness rather than practising on your own as you run the risk of injuring yourself. The idea is to harmonise your body, mind, and spirit regardless of your a ge. After all, yoga is a way of life that’s open to everyone!Look up for yoga London now.There are a number of different types of yoga which are good for older yogis:Nidra yoga which can help those who struggle to sleep manage their concerns.Yoga for back pain.Laughter yoga, a type of yoga that’s aimed at those who are feeling sad and only, something which can happen as we get older and approach retirement.These aren’t the only examples but they do show that regardless of your age, you can still do yoga. You just need to listen to your body and find out which type of yoga is best for you.Find out more about yoga for couples.Whilst that is sort of the essentials, you may want also to consider the following:Yoga brick.  - These are blocks of foam that you can use to position yourself better when following your yoga workout. They also double up as seats that you can use during moments of rest.Yoga blanket.  - Any blanket will do, but these are designed to maintain your core body temperature when you are in between routines.Otherwise, some proper sports gear is recommended. Whilst it may look relaxed, yoga is a workout, so swap those jeans for some leggings.Some Tips that Elder Yogis Should Remember.It is worth pointing out a few things that might be helpful to know about yoga. There are ways to practise that may be more beneficial and others that are less so. And, whilst yoga might not seem like a particularly grueling discipline, it can hurt you if you are doing it wrong.So, here are a few things to remember when you are starting off with yoga - things that will keep you motivated, improving, and safe.Start slow. - When learning a new discipline, sport, or even just a pose, it is important to start off slowly: don't rush into any yoga pose, as you don't want to strain yourself.Practise regularly.  - Just because you are starting slowly, it doesn't mean that your yoga has to stay slow for long. Instead, the more you practise, the sooner you will improve you r flexibility, your balance, your strength, and the sooner you will see the health benefits.Be honest about your ability.  - Be honest with yourself about the amount of exercise you can do and about the way your body feels whilst doing it. It's okay, when starting off, not to be amazingly competent nor super strong - but don't push yourself harder than you can go.Perform the poses correctly.  - Beginners yoga is fairly undemanding. However, it is really important to try to do the poses as correctly as possible. If you do them wrong, you may not get all of the intended benefits - and you may even end up hurting yourself!A Yoga GlossaryAsanathe poses adopted in yogaVinyasathe movement between poses.Kripalua type of yoga focused on physical healing and spiritual transformationKundalinidivine energy thought to reside at the base of the spineNamastea greeting in Hindi, but heard everywhere in yoga circles.Pranayamabreathing control

Why Study Economics

Why Study Economics Reasons to Select Economics as Your Field of Study ChaptersUnderstanding EconomicsEconomics and Unintended ConsequencesA Career in EconomicsWhy Study Economics?American president Donald Trump has gone into tariff-slapping mode: against his country's allies as well as presumed arch-enemies such as China â€" his latest target in the alleged trade imbalance row.He is slapping tariffs on just about everything, causing ire amongst friend and foe alike. Why is he doing that?If you knew anything about economics, you might divine that answer.Especially in today's world, where grains of potential profit promptly scatter on the increasingly desolate beaches of Gross Domestic Product, to be pulverised by wave after wave of corporate inversion...As a student of Economics, you would understand the dire forecasts engendered by rising nationalist sentiment, restricted trade initiatives and even the America pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord.Yes, economists are modelling those hypotheses even as we speak!As you can see by the 3 instances of cur rent and ongoing events just mentioned, economics covers far more than just the laws of supply and demand and how people spend their money.Mainstream society perceives economics as one of the dullest, least engaging subjects to major in, let alone carve one's life work out of.Economics is neither sexy nor high-profile, yet it is a science vital to the progression of humankind.Wouldn't you like to be on the forefront of a paradigm shift where the study and application of economic theory are concerned?First, you have to know why it is crucial that economics study be well-regarded, more widely accepted and better understood.Thus, the farmer whose existence depends on environmental economics â€" the study of land and local resources, would be subject to less disruption than the affluent Londoner, whose economic status depends almost wholly on societal perception and values.You may fear the ponderous math involved in economics study and practice.Indeed: you will see extensive calculus an d other higher math in your curriculum, especially if you are an undergraduate, working on your Bachelor of Science degree.A Bachelor of Arts in economics is less demanding of mathematical skills, but you must still master a sizable quantity of maths, as well as statistical analysis.However, your degree programme's  elective courses will delve into the fascinating realm of the human psyche to help you understand why people at all levels of society make the choices they do.On the way, you will understand yourself, and the world around you, better.In addition to understanding the choices you make, you will gain insight into how best to manage financial affairs.By studying economic indicators you could make sound decisions on investments and mortgages. By tracking interest rates, you will better be able to weather winds of change in global markets.In short: you will have the edge over that impulsive Knightsbridge dweller who felt compelled to display his status, rather than secure it.U nintended consequences of financial decisions are far greater than those of a coffee spill! Source: Pixabay Credit: Steve PbEconomics and Unintended ConsequencesRecently in the news: the government of Seattle, in the U.S. state of Washington, proposed levying a jobs tax on major corporations to alleviate homelessness.Global companies headquartered there, such as Amazon and Starbucks, were incensed!This tax initiative caused those billion-dollar enterprises to rethink hiring expansions, and even to talk about moving out of that region altogether.Their abandoning that city would cause economic chaos: job loss â€" or, at least a cap on hiring should they decide to stay, as well as loss of revenue to the city’s coffers and loss of income for individual consumers.Those are what is known as unintended consequences.In principle, the idea of housing every homeless person desiring a home is laudable.However, the unintended consequence of targeting the city’s largest employers for funding signals a potential reversal of economic growth for the city as a whole.Likewise, economic issues post-Brexit are direly forecast: the uncertainty surrounding current negotiations might result in the UK not having a free-trade agreement by the date England’s departure from the conglomerate.Wouldn’t you, as an economics major, jump at the chance of formulating an economic analysis of such a scenario, including economic problems our country would face if Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain as members of the European Union?You might say that broader job requirement of the economist is to build models that uncover unforeseen consequences of political and financial decisions and help to find ways around them.If your graduate study takes you into that wide range of economic research, you would have job security for life!A Career in EconomicsFar from the stereotype of tweed-wearing academics sporting eyeglasses, the economics degree holder may branch out into any of several career fields:finance and bankingpolitics and public policysales and marketingcivil serviceinsurance and actuaryIf office work does not appeal to you, you might continue your studies, completing your postgraduate work in political science, business economics or specialising in market research.All of those adverts that pop up on your phone or tablet are a direct result of such research!You may work abroad, using your knowledge of development economics, to compile statistics for firms wishing to invest in those countries’ growth.Or, you might want to stay close to home and focus on labour economics â€" a hot topic just now.Why is there such a pay gap between genders? Why do workers stay for years in unsatisfying jobs instead of seeking out what they would really like to do â€" like you’re doing?And what economic factors go into making such choices?Or you may select econometrics as your career vehicle of choice. Wouldn’t you like to sift through mountains of data to define simple relationships?Then, being well-versed in economic principles and using applied economics, you could try to predict the outcome of real-life situations, such as the looming trade war and its true global economic impact.You can fins a reliable economist GMAT tutor here.Studying economics gives ample food for thought as well as introspection Source: Pixabay Credit: Dana TentisWhy Study Economics?Confession time: prior to researching and writing this series of articles, I too was a true believer in economics being the academic world’s most boring field of study.I not-so-seriously wondered: who could make a profession out of studying principles of economics and applying them to, say, the job market?Now, having weathered a recession or two â€" not ageing myself here!, having travelled the world and seen abject poverty firsthand, and being of an analytical mindset anyway, I most certainly can see the value in studying economics.Not that I would give up being a writer, but I would go so far as to say that, had I known then what I know now, I might have pursued economics courses.For undergraduates wondering what school of study to apply to: please learn from my experience.Shunning the study of economics because of a stereotype means denying yourself a wide variety of potential career fields, a deeper understanding of how the world works and the ability to discern fundamental machinations of society as a whole.Many, if not most of the world’s most significant problems have an economic dimension â€" quoted from the Washington University Department of Economics home page.From income disparity in developing nations to gender disparity in the field of economics itself: so few women choose this major! the sheer variety of study topics is astounding.Indeed, this is a field of study wherein, once you scratch the surface, you will want to delve deeper into it, possibly hopping from one subspecialty to the next to find the one that you will wholeheartedly sink your teeth in to.Are you now eager to prepare in joining the wave of economists who themselves are creating waves: in public policy, in finance and in business; in global initiatives and in everyone’s quality of life?Or do you just really want to understand why Mr. Trump seems to be provoking both enemies and allies?Either way, majoring in economics would prod you to... maybe not the answers you seek, but an understanding of the underlying motivations that cause such disruptive situations and social ills in general.See a guide to A Level economics here.Understand the A Level syllabus here.Look at the best revision materials for economics here.Access past papers for economics exams here.

College Tuition Tips

College Tuition Tips Similar to most other businesses, colleges have been hit hard by the recent economic recession. The recession has forced college administrators to layoff thousands of professors, cut programs and most notably increase tuition to record numbers. College enrollment figures are currently lower than what most colleges would like, which is one of the reasons why tuition figures are sharply rising. However, colleges are constantly competing with each other to be the most affordable. So, many colleges are implementing payment programs that can help mitigate the rising costs of college tuition, according to an article in The US News World Report. The US News World Report listed several options that should help most students and their parents pay for college.Guaranteed tuition rates: Some colleges are locking in tuition rates for incoming freshmen, guaranteeing them that their tuition will not rise during their four years of college. However, these colleges will rise the price of room, boar d, meal plans and textbooks to compensate. This program only applies to a students first four years in college, and fifth year students are likely to see tuition increases. Paying a premium to lock in tuition for four years: With this program, students will pay a premium, set price that will not change for each of their four years of college. This premium price is usually higher than the traditional tuition rate. Similar to tuition locks, this guarantees that students tuition rates will not rise for four years. Other costs are likely to rise. Prepaying at the freshman rate: This program is perfect for families who can afford to pay their entire, four-year tuition amount before college starts. Vanderbilt University, Middlebury College and dozens of other schools permit students and their parents to pay the freshman year rate multiplied by four up front. This plan avoids any tuition increases, and it is likely to be the most cost-effective way for students to tackle the cost of tuit ion.Prepaid college savings plan: These are available to families who will be paying tuition bills in one year. There are more than a dozen prepaid college savings plans that allow families to buy tuition credits. Some of the prepaid college savings plans Alaskas and the Independent 529 that works with about 270 private colleges lock in the current tuition prices when families first invest in them. The rest of the prepaid college savings plans charge a premium of 4 percent to over 20 percent. These plans can be insecure. The premium rates are continuing to rise because of the dramatic tuition hikes. Some of these prepaid savings plans are unable to keep their promises with investors. Other prepaid savings plans force investors to wait at least three years until they can cash out. Students and their parents need to pay very close attention to all the numbers of college costs. Administrators at universities have been known to doctor the numbers to make their college seem much more affordable than it actually is. Some colleges will lure students in with any one of these aforementioned programs, and they will actually end up paying more in the long run. However, students and their parents can save thousands of dollars with these programs, but they need to closely analyze all the numbers.

How to Become a Photographer

How to Become a Photographer Discover How to be a Professional Photographer with our Guide ChaptersPhotography The Right Equipment is EssentialGo Pro: Choose Your Photographic NicheQualities and Competences: What makes a Good PhotographerSelling Your Freelance Photography Skills OnlineOne can stare at a photograph for a week and nevermore think of it. Or, you can glimpse an image that will haunt you for the rest of your life. - Joan MiroWho hasn't ever dreamt of creating such imagery? Of being a professional photographer?The real question is: how can you gain a foothold in this exciting field without necessarily partaking formal education, when the market is already saturated?And, in these crowded conditions, how can you support yourself financially as an independent photographer?Superprof has a few ideas...You have to have the right equipment to catch the bride tossing her bouquet! Source Pixabay Credit: Congerdesignthose that are up to the job.And, that scenario is an exception, really. Would anyone at a wedding closely inspect and rate the photographer's equipment?Let u s reassure you: as long as you have reliable photographic equipment, you will be able to capture the moment the bride tosses her bouquet, thanks to your artistic flair and talent.And, should an errant shadow mar that money shot, you can always spend a few minutes editing it out with PhotoShop.If you are mad for film photography, a post processing retouch would be called for.A well-equipped photographer usually has, at the ready:At least two camera bodies: should one fail, you will have a backup.Woe to the wedding photographer whose digital SLR (or 35mm Nikon) betrays him!An assortment of lenses and filtersAttending workshops hosted by experienced photographers could help you select the ones for your specialty, so that you don't have to buy every type of lens or filter available.Camera flash, and other light sources; a light meter is a givenmemory cards... lots of memory cards!If you are a film photography buff, bring lots of film of different ISO speeds to your shoot. Don't forget b lack and white!Spare batteries  for all of your equipmenta monopod for action shots; a tripod for posed subjects.A case to carry it allBeing in possession of only photography equipment does not (necessarily) make you a professional photographer. Knowing how to manipulate images using computer software is the next vital step.For this portion, we exclude the film photographer, with the full knowledge that s/he could scan developed images into the computer for editing, but... wouldn't that defeat the purpose of using film?The shoot â€" the taking of  pictures is obviously the  fundamental part of the work of the photographer.But then comes photo editing.Take amazing pics with  photography courses.Potential trouble comes when your computer bogs down, especially if you are working with Raw and/or Lightroom.The more expansive the catalog of images, the slower they will be to load and edit. That could cost you precious time!The antidote to that nightmare scenario would be:working on a comp uter that has plenty of processing power and memory. A high-end graphics card would help, too!Up-to-date image editing software: Photoshop, Lightroom, or othersA calibration probe: there is nothing more frustrating than editing an image into a work of art, being proud of it... and watching it print lighter or darker than on screenSome form of backup storage, to keep on file the images already delivered to your customers: a cloud, but perhaps also DVDs, memory cards or external hard drives.Ideally, you should maintain client images readily available for 6 months to year, at the minimum. Should anyone want reprints of your copyrighted photos, you will be able to access them quickly!A film photographer endures  none of these issues!After developing film in their chemical baths and retouching as needed, s/he would simply store the negatives.  Should a client request reprints, the photographer would find that client's file and develop the negatives anew.So far, this article has mainly be en targeted to roaming photographers.If being a portrait photographer â€" or studio photography in general strikes your fancy, you should invest in studio accoutrements: backdrops, studio lighting, props, posing tools and the like.You don't necessarily need a diploma to become a professional photographer!Go Pro: Choose Your Photographic NicheUnless you are independently wealthy, one goal of establishing a career, in photography or otherwise, is to earn a living.It is therefore perfectly acceptable to gravitate toward social photography: weddings, babies, baptisms; graduations, anniversaries and, yes!, even funerals.Drone photography is fast becoming a popular sub-specialty Source: Pixabay Credit: Pixel2013These are the types of photography through which one stands to earn the most. Portraiture, of humans and of their pets, can also be quite lucrative.Photographing events such as those is a good way of paying your dues; of getting your name out there: of marketing yourself and your p hotography skills.To build, grow and retain a loyal customer base.Let's suppose one of your faithful clients asks you to shoot his upcoming football match for his team's regional newsletter.Sports photography is not your bailiwick!Does client loyalty mean you can never say no?Of course not!Look up for some  photography courses london.In fact, your customers would more greatly appreciate your honesty in turning down the job. They will respect your integrity.So, even though the commission would pad your pocketbook, feel free to turn down jobs outside of your area of expertise!In fact, calling  a trusted colleague on your clients' behalf would cement their undying loyalty to you, their personal photographer.It is better to turn down a job outside of your field of specialty than wing it, and possibly ruin your reputation.With your expertise in a given area of photography well publicised, your chances at winning contracts grows exponentially.French photographer Amélie Soubrié targets h er business to expectant mothers and babies under 15 days old. Does that seem a narrow field to you?In fact, she is most in demand, for the very exclusivity that makes her seem inaccessible.Bear in mind that 'exclusive' does not mean constant refusal of any other photography assignments.We are all familiar with Andy Rouse's animal photography. However, when not chasing down hippos and bears, he occupies himself by photographing airplanes!Plenty of niche photographers embrace a sub-specialty, or even other avenues of creative expression altogether!The venerable and talented Mr. Rouse has published no fewer than fifteen books, whose sales generate a constant trickle of income.Some photographers engage in commercial photography, macro photography or food photography between gigs, because those types of art expression are more reliable as an income stream.Sub-specialising is a nifty way to network; to expand your client base. Those same clients might contract you later to request the ty pe of photography you are most  passionate about!Every customer you meet in the course of commercial photography is a potential client for your special brand of photography.Check for online photography courses here.Qualities and Competences: What makes a Good PhotographerLet us right now disabuse your stereotype of the curmudgeonly artist who throws things around the studio, yet somehow manages to maintain a client base and take fantastic pictures.Foul temper is not a desirable quality in a competent, professional photographer!These photographers will put their own creative stamp on this shot Source: PIxabay Credit: Tama66Whether you have successfully completed a university course in photography, attained a Level 3 certificate online, or whether you are self-taught: you should only call yourself a pro if you possess a measure of the following qualities:Creativity and inventivenessAnsel Adams, renown photographer of the American west, had no formal education in photography.What drove him to capture the stark, poignant images was his father's emphasis on Ralph Waldo Emerson's urging to minimalism.Shooting exclusively in black and white, making use of the available light; he made history by depicting nature scenes from a minimalist's perspective.Excellent Communication SkillsBy its very nature, photography is visual storytelling.As such, the act of taking pictures means you are communicating your visions to the public. But the art of reaching out doesn't stop there.You will have to know how to talk to clients, subjects and assistants. If you are a fashion photographer, you will have to instruct models; if you are a freelance photographer, you will have to convince prospects of your skill.Even if you are an animal photographer, you still have to maintain public relations skills in order to sell your images; in order to earn any money.AdaptabilityThe professional photographer must be able to adapt to all situations, all demands and all hazards.Let us suppose that a landscape photographer has been contracted to shoot the Orkney Islands for an upcoming travel exposé.The weather in that northernmost part of Scotland is famous for its changeable clime and rough seas.The photographer cannot wait for favourable conditions; the work must be done by its deadline!Photojournalists routinely encounter dangerous conditions: in war zones, in natural disasters,  even in street photography; nevertheless, the lensing professionals regale us with visions that we are perhaps spared in real life.That is why we aver that photographers must surround themselves with trustworthy people for any photoshoot in order to progress and evolve, in business and in the art itself.Patience and ConfidenceWildlife photography, baby photography, pet photography and night photography all demand  the same quality of their photographer: patience.Working with unpredictable subjects, like babies and pets, requires posing and reposing them, or employing tricks to stimulate the desire d reaction out of them.Patience is a very important virtue in this profession, as well as diplomacy and trust. Be nice to your customers so that they feel comfortable posing in front of you!Last but not least, a professional photographer needs...Continuous ImprovementBe curious. Be interested in current events surrounding the art of photography, in terms of material, image editing, techniques...Attend photography workshops. Watch video tutorials online. Join a photography club or society; meet with others who share your passion; swap photography tips with them.In order to progress, never stop learning: it is the key to success.Selling Your Freelance Photography Skills OnlineSurely you did not buy that new DSLR and enrol in photography classes simply to point your camera and press that shutter!Perhaps a webmaster can help you set up a page to showcase your art Source: Pixabay Credit: LukasbieriGoing pro in photography means marketing yourself: to find clients, to build a customer bas e, and to sell your work.The first step in generating interest in your business is naming it.Nothing necessarily catchy; in fact many aver that they now resent the clever name they've given their studio.While Lamplight Studios and Broadway Studios have a certain nostalgic appeal, harkening to days of photography in a time that the DSLR camera was unthinkable, most photographers prefer operating under their own name.It is your work, talent, skill and passion for sale; why not put your name to it?Our second recommendation to promote your business: show your work!One of the best ways to showcase your talent to create a website.Mounting a range of  shots,  from beginner to your more advanced photography work, with a short narrative attached to each frame, will prove your stripes to anyone who has a need for your brand of creativity.Whether you are wildly experienced a creating a digital portfolio, or a novice to the intricacies of creating a viewing platform, there is an online photogra phy application for you.For a quick and dirty establishment of your work, you could set up a profile and show your best shots on Wix or Tumblrthe drawback to those sites is that you must accept their templates and other restrictions of designIf you have a firm idea of the backdrop you wish to contrast your work against, WordPress is the place for you. You will have more control over templates and site design, and a greater range of colours and features.If neither of these options quite suit your fancy, you can enlist the help of a professional web designer. You could establish a work exchange programme: you provide photos for that web designers' work; s/he sets up and maintains your site for free!Bear in mind that, like you, web masters are trying to make a living. While workflow exchange could be mutually beneficial, be prepared to pay for services rendered. After all: with the proliferation of websites offering free, attribution-only downloads of imagery, a professional web page d esigner might not want to trade work for exclusive photos.Remember: your homepage picture should represent your type of photography!If you are a landscape photography artist, greet your future clients with your most stunning panorama!If you are a commercial photographer, a mélange of shots â€" from adverts, of pets and people, would be the better home page for you. Here is one more suggestion to get your photography business off the ground: offer photography tutorials. Your site could be a sort of photography school for the amateur who doesn't have the time or means for photography lessons; who perhaps wants to learn how to use a digital camera to its full capability. While you've got your computer booted, why not establish profiles social media?Facebook, Pinterest, and especially LinkedIn are guaranteed outlets to gain exposure and recognition as an expert in photography and digital imaging. If your passion is film photography, think of the waves you could make in the sea of digit al images with the richness and tone of   images captured on film!Word of mouth is still the most powerful and effective means of advertising,  and it offers a cost benefit: getting liked and forwarded on social media is absolutely free!One other outlet for your best images that we put forth: photo banks, such as Fotolia, where you can sell images for future attribution and royalties.Taking the place of an agent, such sites serve not only to promote your art, but they get your name out to the greater public, far beyond your immediate surroundings.Each attribution is another mention of your name: another costless form of advertising!Not only does your name get publicised but you stand to gain royalties from each of your snaps a subscriber downloads. Let your photographic talent shine! Give yourself every opportunity to have your work viewed, appreciated and used!These relics would not be considered reliable photographic equipment today! Source: Pixabay Credit: MaxmannIn SummaryA prof essional photographer has suitable, reliable equipment: at least 2 camera bodies and and assortment of lenses and filters; an adequately fast computer  to process images on, some sort of photo editing software, and a calibration probe to ensure accurate printing.Adobe ranks particularly high among photographers of all types!Specialising in a particular type of photography is essential! Going on assignment as a photojournalist sounds rather glamorous, but how does such a photographer earn between jetting off to far-flung locations?Sub-specialising is a good idea, if being behind the camera is all you want to do. Otherwise, you could be a digital photography instructor, taking beginners to the next level by broadening their skills sets. Patience, creativity, adaptability and being a master of human relations are key qualities every professional photographer must embody!Finally: knowing how to package, promote and sell your work is absolutely essential.Being a master of photography com position is great, but will earn you nothing if you can't unload any images. Perhaps hiring an agent, or seeking the services of a webmaster  to build your site would be the way for you to manage your marketing. Now that you have so much to consider, we close this article and look forward to seeing you, everywhere in cyberspace!

Six Benefits of Teens Working Part Time

Six Benefits of Teens Working Part Time Most parents agree that theres value in teens putting effort toward something other than classes and homework. Sports, clubs and volunteer work are awesome resume boosters that teach worthwhile life lessons. However, theres another activity that deserves some attention: working part time. Understandably, many parents want their teens to focus first on their academics and extracurricular commitments, but there are so many benefits for teens who work a part-time job. Here are six of the most notable: Theyll learn about money. Before teens go to college, its essential that they learn fiscal responsibility. Mom and Dad wont give an allowance forever, and high school is the prime time for teens to learn about budgeting, investing and saving for things they want (e.g. clothes, concerts and doing things with friends) and need (e.g. college textbooks). Theyll become skilled at time management. Teens who want an income have to give up at least some of their free time. That means they need to be diligent about scheduling time for homework, sports/other practices and other to-dos, and adept at keeping a very organized planner. These skills become even more important in college, when the workload and expectations increase significantly. Theyll learn work ethic. Even the act of researching jobs and going to interviews requires motivation and follow up. And once a teen has a job, he or she will inherently learn what it takes to perform well in different industries and how to meet and exceed the expectations of managers with different styles and personalities. Theyll gain skills that arent taught in school. Performing well in school requires effort, but skills learned on the job in a restaurant or retail setting, for example, are valuable in a different way. Many jobs that are available to teens involve regular interactions with customers. Theyll need good listening skills, empathy, patience and more. Often, these jobs are in fast-paced settings too, so teens will become pros at working efficiently under pressure. Theyll put their academic knowledge to use in the real world. Many of the duties of jobs in the retail and restaurant industries (where teens often work) involve technology (e.g. using a point of sale system) and math (e.g. preparing customer bills and making change). Office work is also a great way for teens to apply academic skills to the real worldskills like typing, reading, developing spreadsheets and writing. Theyll gain exposure to different careers and industries. Teens who are convinced they want to become doctors might explore opportunities to work in doctors offices or hospitalsand while they are unlikely to interact directly with patients, even working in that environment is excellent experience. Any job that gives teens an idea of what a post-collegiate career theyre considering is actually like is a job worth taking. Teens who work part time develop many indispensable skills that translate directly to life. While it is wise for a teen to make sure a job wont interfere with school priorities and the ability to lead a balanced life, a job with reasonable hours and expectations offers many lasting and positive advantages. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

Do kids really outgrow ADHD

Do kids really outgrow ADHD When most of us were growing up it was believed that ADHD was a disorder that only occurred during childhood. Parents were often told that their children would probably outgrow their symptoms by the time they were teenagers, and most certainly by the time they were adults. Over the past two decades research has shown that this is actually not the case. In fact, studies have shown that about 70% of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. Despite current research evidence, the belief that children will outgrow their ADHD has persisted in our culture. As parents you may have relatives, friends, and even teachers tell you not to worry because your childs symptoms will simply go away as he or she gets older. People usually mean well when they say this, but it can be frustrating if it makes you feel like your childs current challenges are not being taken seriously. So why has this belief persisted, even when we now know that many teenagers and adults do in fact have ADHD? One reason may lie in the child-centered way that ADHD has been defined and categorized. When ADHD was first included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental health disorders in the US, the symptoms and impairments were based solely on the presentation of ADHD in children. While there have been some minor adjustments to the symptoms and diagnostic criteria in the DSM over time to better account for the disorders presentation in adolescents and adults, the overall child-centered focus of the criteria has remained. As a result, some symptoms, like often runs and climbs on things excessively, or often leaves seat in situations where staying seated is expected, are in fact only seen in children. If we were to see an adult climbing on things excessively, for example, we would suspect that there is much m ore going on than ADHD! So, in a sense, children do outgrow some symptoms of ADHD at least on the outside. What many people without ADHD dont realize is that the underlying ADHD feelings and impulses often stick around into adolescence and adulthood. A child who struggled to stay in his or her seat during class may have learned to stay seated as he or she got older, but he or she has continued to experience strong underlying feelings of restlessness. Another child who would often blurt out answers or interrupt others may develop greater awareness of these symptoms over time. He or she still experiences the urge to blurt out or interrupt during conversations, but now he or she works hard to hold his or her thoughts and not speak out of turn. Sometimes he or she may have a hard time focusing on conversations or staying in the moment because he or she is so distracted by the urge to jump in and speak. So, in other words, many of these childhood ADHD symptoms dont go away over time. They just become less visib le to other people. As a parent there are many things you can do now that will help your child manage his or her symptoms well into adolescence and adulthood. The skills you teach them as children, especially social skills, organizational skills, strategies for doing things independently, will last a lifetime. Being open to having conversations with your child about his or her ADHD symptoms can create a safe space where your child can learn to accept his or her ADHD rather than judge and hide his or her symptoms. And if behavioral strategies alone are not enough, helping your child find a medication that will work for him or her can make a tremendous difference in his or her symptom management now and in the future. So, while your child may not ultimately outgrow his or her ADHD symptoms, he or she can improve over time with the right treatment and support from family and friends. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

More Than Money 4 of the Most Profitable Languages to Learn

More Than Money 4 of the Most Profitable Languages to Learn More Than Money: 4 of the Most Profitable Languages to Learn As youre reading this, I can assume you want to learn a language.But why do you want to?There are as many reasons for learning languages as there are languages themselves.Theres travel, food, peopleâ€"and money.Yes, money is most often the chief reason cited for someone being interested in languages.But there really is no single language thats a perfect moneymaker.If youre in a small and isolated community, you might speak all the languages of the EU for nothing because you cant even buy lunch without the local language.Even rarer languages that are mostly spoken by bilinguals can be profitable if you find your niche.In addition, we can look at profitability in a broader sense. The language that will be personally profitable to you varies depending on what you want to do with it and what your goals are.With that in mind, lets look at some of the most profitable languages on a global scaleâ€"taking more than just money into account. Why Its Still Worth It to Learn LanguagesYou might have read something about how machine translation or the spread of English means that language learning is a waste of time these days.That couldnt be further from the truth. Many speakers of the languages on the list below dont have the best English skills. Even in Western countries with widespread English education, people will always understandably prefer to speak their own native languages because its simply more comfortable for them. And if youre doing business overseas, youll certainly want your clients to be as comfortable as possible!Furthermore, executives and decision-makers in many countries fully expect foreign investors to use an interpreter. When you show up speaking their language on your own, you send an incredibly strong signal that youre willing to put in the time and effort to connect with their culture.More Than Money: 4 of the Most Profitable Languages to LearnMandarinMandarin Chinese is spoken as a lingua franca all across China and Taiwan, as well as in the Chi nese communities of Singapore and Malaysia. Many overseas Chinese people in other parts of the world also use Mandarin to communicate.Why Its ValuablePerhaps youve seen the little phrase Made in China?Any supply chain in the world is likely somehow connected to China, whether its sourcing products directly from the country, or relying on a particular machine part or packaging produced in China.In addition to manufacturing and logistics, though, tourism is actually another great industry where you can use Mandarin. Chinas population and economy has been booming for years, and every year millions of Mandarin speakers go abroad to see the rest of the world. If your hotel, resort or tour agency has a Mandarin speaker on staff, youre likely to get a lot of repeat business.How You Can LearnMandarin grammar is relatively easy for English speakers to pick up, as theres no conjugation or declension.However, youll have to pay a lot of attention to pronunciation, so find a good course with aud io and lay a strong foundation in mastering those tricky tones. FluentU is a great option for this, as it allows you to learn with authentic native speech from the very beginning. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. Check it out for our next language (Russian), too!RussianRussian is spoken all over Russia (no surprise), Central Asia, Eastern Europe and in large and thriving diaspora communities worldwide.Russian is actually the second most represented language on the internet  after English.Why Its ValuableMuch like with Mandarin, Russian speakers are going abroad now more than ever, ready and willing to pay for tourist amenities wherever they go. Unlike many tourists from other countries, Russians often dont speak fluent English, which creates a market for Russian-language services in English-speaking countries (as well as other countries where Russian isnt commonly spoken ).And any company, regardless of industry, with eyes on Russia is going to need speakers of Russian to help them close their deals.How You Can LearnRussian might be one of the hardest European languages for English speakers to learn. Its grammar is quite complex and thanks to a long literary tradition there are all kinds of idioms and colloquialisms in common use. But that doesnt mean it cant be done, and the challenge makes the reward all the greater.The best way to tackle Russian is by first getting a strong handle on the grammar, and then doing a lot of reading and listening to absorb the natural patterns as best you can.ArabicArabic is spoken in more than 20 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. The situation with learning Arabic is a little complicated as there are dozens of different vernacular dialects as well as a standardized formal language used in news and writing.So if youre looking for a challenge, look no further!Why Its ValuableThe first thing a lot of pe ople in Western countries likely think of when they think of Arabic and money is oil. And its true, theres a lot of oil in a lot of Arabic-speaking countries.But have you considered marketing?The Middle East is developing at an astonishing pace. More and more people are finding themselves with spending moneyâ€"and foreign businesses are rushing to take it. With knowledge of Arabic languages and cultures, you can position yourself as a valuable go-between for brands looking to break into a particular up-and-coming market.How You Can LearnArabic presents a number of challenges to the foreign learner, but more and more good resources are coming out.Generally, people looking to make connections with locals will want to learn a spoken dialect in addition to the standardized formal language. But you dont have to worry about learning every dialectâ€"most speakers can understand Modern Standard Arabic and the dialects of their neighboring countries.PortuguesePortuguese is spoken mainly in P ortugal and Brazil, though the Brazilian variety is most commonly learned by foreigners because of its massive population of speakersâ€"more than 200 million.Apart from those two countries, its also an official language in six African countries, bringing its total speaker count over 250 million.Why Its ValuableBrazil is an enormous place teeming with diversity. You can find luxury high-rises, beautiful beaches, dense rainforests and uncontacted indigenous tribes all in the same country.Financially and historically, Brazils natural resources have been its largest draws. Lumber from the rare trees in the immense forests is prized worldwide, and huge swathes of land are dedicated to raising animals and plants.However, these industries competing with the natural world have made Brazil an important place for  organizations dedicated to preserving the untouched rainforest. And anyone interested in being a part of these organizations will likely need to speak Portuguese (or at least greatl y benefit from doing so).But dont forget, although the focus in business Portuguese is on Brazil, theres an entire Lusophone world out there to explore.Any country with business in South America, Central Africa and Europe likely has a need for Portuguese speakersâ€"and that could be you.How You Can LearnPortuguese might be one of the easiest languages for English speakers on this list as its a closely related European language.Surprisingly, its often relatively difficult to find classes or courses in Portuguese because it kind of lives in the shadow of its cousin Spanish. However, there are some great apps you can use to learn Brazilian Portuguese. And if youre interested in European Portuguese, check out this awesome resource guide.Portuguese speakers, incidentally, are known to be extremely appreciative of people putting in the effort to learn their language instead of simply speaking Spanish louder and slower.For all the financial benefits that appear in this article, money alone probably isnt going to be enough to keep you invested in a language all the way to fluency.Learning takes time and effort, and its made a million times easier if you have some sort of intrinsic interest in the language as well.There are a hundred reasons to learn any language that dont have a thing to do with the money you might be able to make. Youre picking up more than a line on your resumeâ€"youre picking up a connection to other people.Keep that in mind during your journey. Learn a language, and youll be a more valuable person in every respect.And the extra cash doesnt hurt.

Tips from an Irvine Tutor Ways Tech Can Make Homework Easier - TutorNerds

Tips from an Irvine Tutor Ways Tech Can Make Homework Easier - TutorNerds 4 ways technology can make homework easier There are so many tools available to students these days that can help make their study habits more efficient and help them get past the busy work quicker so they can concentrate on real learning. Digital tools also help students stay organized and on task when they have to juggle exam prep, homework assignments, and college applications. Technology can make learning a lot more comfortable for younger students as well even when it comes to the simplest of tasks. Its a good idea for students to do some research to figure out which tools will work best for them and their individual learning needs but, there are few things that can help nearly every student its not too early to book your private Irvine tutor for the new semester. 1. Storage and archiving Many students store handwritten papers at the bottom of their backpack, desk, or study area never to be seen again. This can make a students life especially difficult when it comes time to study for midterms or finals or work on long-term homework assignments that require multiple drafts. Older students can type notes directly onto their tablet or laptop and save files instantly. This is excellent for students who are in the older grades and preparing for advanced placement classes or test prep. Younger students, who use pencil and paper for many tasks, might have difficulty transferring files unless they own expensive digital tools, but they can still make flashcards online or use voice text when theyre studying at home. 2. General organization Digital tools can be extremely helpful when it comes to general organization, especially for students in high school. Whether theyre using a general program like Google Docs or a specialized program meant for a specific class, theyll be able to find everything in one device. Its important that students save documents by date or class and give each file a unique name that has to do with the assignment so they can easily find it later on. 3. Document sharing Document sharing is one of the best tools available for todays student. Its often impossible for students to meet in person after school but they can easily work on group projects by sharing files online and allowing each member of the group to edit the group document. Students can also easily share with teachers, professors, or tutors to quickly and easily discuss potential assignments without having to get together in person (READ: Fullerton Tutoring Tips: Why Join an After-School Activity). 4. Supplemental education Digital tools are also a fantastic way to support supplemental education. There are so many students these days who need the services of a one-on-one tutor to organize and understand all of the difficult assignments they are expected to conquer. This is especially true for students in 10th through 12th grade who have lots of extra academic tasks on their plate. Whether students are meeting with a tutor online in real-time, doing research together, or going over an especially difficult topic or assignment, digital tools make supplemental education so much easier than it was even five or ten years ago. Students can work with tutors for as little as half an hour, and neither person has to get in their car and drive across town to work on an assignment. Whether a student is just starting middle school or finishing up their last year of college, digital tools can make supplemental education as easy as ever. Our private in-home Irvine academic tutors are a great resource for homework help. Call us today and well match you with one of our experienced tutors. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.