Travelling and Photography

August 8, 2010

Fashion Photography And Location Lighting

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , — arkan @ 4:28 pm

Fashion photography as a special genre has developed in the recent times. Along with that, the style standards and quality of the shoots with differently looking clothes often enhance the image’s attractiveness. Exotic locations and props including vehicles and animals add to the eye catching effects. Fashion photography is mostly devoted to exhibiting fashion clothing items for advertisements and fashion magazines. In the studios, a professional fashion photographer work on blank canvas. They control each and every aspect of their shots. This includes the choice of the backdrop as it also touches the mood, ambience and atmosphere facilitated by lightings in the studio. Usually, studio flash units require and produce a high powered stream of artificial light. This may be positioned as needed and is modified using a big range of lighting accessories to control the intensity and quality of the light.

But, at the outdoor location, things are a little bit different. The weather has pretty good control over the quality of artificial as well as the natural lighting. In addition to planning ahead for the shoot, the best a fashion photographer can achieve is that he can manage the existing lighting conditions and, wherever necessary, modify its ambient quality. In other words, this means that dull lighting has to be turned to a brightened set up. Conversely, bright lighting may need to be softened using different kinds of reflectors, portable flashes and, sometimes, a combination of both these tools. For the fashion conscious photographer, the model has to sport his/her good looks. But, the client will also be looking for good quality lighting so as to accentuate the best features of his or her product line of latest fashion garments. It is the photographers who have to use natural lighting conditions at a particular location to his best advantage.

To take an example, we may take the instance of shooting for an Autumn/Winter product line in the Alps mountain ranges. In the afternoon, the sun would normally be shining high in the sky, but the drawback is that, at a very high altitude, the angle gets reduced considerably. The model takes his position with the sun at 90 degrees to one side of the camera. Clouds that function as a cover to soften the effects of light are not to be seen; so the shadows happen to be well-defined and are vividly edged. In order to soften the effect, the reflector has to be placed in such a way as to bounce back some light into the shadowy region. Traditionally, gold reflectors are made use of to warm up the target; and here, by adding that particular golden glow to the skin of the model. So, the only practical way to enhance the quality of your location photography, let it be for fashion, editorial page or advertising purpose, one has to get out there and accomplish it. Now, with digital test shoots that do not involve any expensive film rolls and washing expenses, one cannot flaunt any excuse for not shooting in the outdoors.

The author is a copy writer and is working for a model agency.To know more about diesel modelling scam and is diesel models a scam visit model-link.co.uk

Discover Amelia Island – Florida’s Best Kept Secret for a Fabulous Vacation Paradise

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — arkan @ 4:28 pm

Amelia Island, Florida is one of America’s few remaining unspoiled island paradises. If you haven’t discovered Amelia Island yet, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. Just a thirty-minute drive north of the Jacksonville airport, Amelia Island is situated in the southernmost part of the Atlantic coast barrier islands that stretch from North Carolina down to Florida. Amelia Island offers miles of pristine sandy beaches, world-class golfing and tennis, magnificent and luxurious resorts, charming bed and breakfast spots, and a rich and fascinating history that make this a truly unique and thoroughly enjoyable vacation destination.


A Fascinating History

Amelia Island brings a rich and cherished history to life in a present day charming seaport village setting. This is the only area in North America to experience sovereign rule under eight different flags, bringing together a variety of cultural influences that make Amelia Island so unique. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes Amelia Island as one of the top distinctive vacation destinations.


Amelia Island is for Nature Lovers

For nature lovers, the island is abundant with stunning flora and fauna that embraces nature’s tranquility in every way. Experience the beautiful wetland marshes, the maritime forest, the cool shade under the canopy of the centuries-old live oaks, and the serenity of the wide stretches of beach and coastline. From May through October each year, you can observe the loggerhead and green turtles that nest on the shores of Amelia Island. Amelia Island State Park protects over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness to enjoy and explore. This is one of the few areas along the Atlantic coast that permits horseback riding on the beach.


World Class Resorts

There are several world-class Amelia Island resorts where you can experience the ultimate in luxury and royal treatment.


The Amelia Island Plantation is an acclaimed AAA-Four Diamond, 1350 acre property located on Amelia Island. It was meticulously built in 1971 with the philosophy that every entity on the Amelia Island Plantation should preserve the beautiful sanctuary for native wildlife and tropical flora. This remains the mission today and is the primary reason that this Amelia Island resort retains its natural pristine beauty and tranquility.


Amelia Island Plantation offers three championship golf courses, a magnificent tennis facility with 23 tennis courts, the luxurious four star Amelia Inn & Beach Club featuring all ocean view rooms, fine dining, a world-class spa to pamper and indulge your senses, and a variety of fine shops and boutiques.


The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is a magnificent resort renowned for their superb five-diamond service. Poised on a bluff of sand dunes overlooking the ocean, the panoramic views, feeling of tranquility, and seaside elegance will delight you in every way. The Ritz has a special way of making you feel like royalty from the moment you arrive.


The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers championship golf, a beautiful outdoor pool, massage and fitness center, and nine ocean-side tennis courts including five lit for night play. Accommodations at this fabulous resort include private ocean-view balconies, 24-hour in-room dining, marble baths and provide the ultimate in comfort and luxury. And the award winning cuisine and fine dining will delight and please the epicurean in every way.


If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a romantic getaway and still bring the kids along, the Ritz-Carlton Amelia island has a wonderful supervised program for kids, ages 5 through 12 and a kids night out program on the weekends.


Fun and Activities

When you visit Amelia Island, there are so many activities to satisfy everyone. Outdoor activities include great fishing, hiking, biking, sailing, river cruises, golfing, tennis, nature watching and nature tours. Of course, nothing beats simply spending a day relaxing on one of the beautiful pristine beaches.


Spend a day wandering through the 55 square block Fernandina Beach historic district. The Victorian style architecture will transport you back in time. Enjoy a narrated horse drawn carriage ride through the historic district as a perfect way to experience the charm of this Victorian seaport village.


Amelia Island is home to a variety of annual events. In February, visit the Restoration Foundation Annual Antique Show. In March, you won’t want to miss the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance – Antique Car Show, held every year at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. For tennis enthusiasts, the Bausch & Lomb Women’s Tennis Tour event is a favorite every year at the Amelia Island Plantation. In May, the annual “Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival” is going on its 43rd year. This festival celebrates Fernandina Beach as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Also in May, music lovers can enjoy the annual Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival. June brings the Nassau Sportfishing Kingfish Tournament of Champions, held at the downtown marina in Fernandina Beach. October brings the Amelia Island Jazz Festival, featuring world-class jazz artists, produced and directed by Les DeMerle in recent years.

Mark Harris – for more information and details about Amelia Island, Florida visit: Amelia Island Florida

July 9, 2010

Forget Exotic Ski Resorts, France is Still Favourite With Brits

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , , , , — arkan @ 4:33 pm

The world of skiing is becoming increasingly more interesting as new ski frontiers open up, offering snow sport fans the chance to ski in more exotic locations than ever before. Japan, Chile, Lebanon, Slovakia, Bulgaria and many more countries not renowned for their mountains are attracting British skiers who are looking for a ski experience that’s a little out of the ordinary.

However, despite the availability of these new destinations, which are gaining a bigger slice of the ski market, France still remains the most popular location to ski for the Brits and it’s not hard to see why.

France offers arguably the best skiing in Europe, with dozens of huge resorts in the Alps, not to mention the lesser known range of the Pyrenees. It also has one of the best cuisines in the world and due to having the highest mountains in Europe, (with resorts like Val Thorens), you can be fairly certain that you’ll actually have real snow to ski on, even in this age of global warming which is threatening the survival of ski areas situated at lower altitudes. And on top of all this, France’s close proximity to the UK and the huge number of cheap flights now available means that skiers can be on the slopes in just a few hours.

Resorts like Brides Les Bains, Tignes Val Claret, Morzine, La Clusaz, Chamonix, Thollon and Les Arcs are all close to major airports, and with ever more airlines offering low prices on flights to Lyon and Geneva, getting to these resorts is quick and easy and won’t break the bank.

France also offers skiing in the lesser known ranges of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, mountains that are completely separate from the Alps. Although not as famous or fashionable as the better known French resorts, these areas can offer cheaper and often quieter alternatives to the old favourites.

So, although some skiing and snowboarding adventurists are seeking snow further a field, France’s close proximity to the UK, its ease of access and the low cost of travelling there, are likely to keep it at the number one spot as the Brit’s favourite ski playground.

Top Island Weddings – U.S. And Canada

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , — arkan @ 4:33 pm

When most Americans think of an island, their first thought is usually the Hawaiian Islands. Certainly Hawaii is a fabulous place to hold your wedding. But, did you know there are wonderful, romantic islands in the Continental United States and Canada that are just as romantic for your wedding and may be a little closer to home? Here are some you might want to consider:

5 Top Romantic Islands for Weddings in the Continental U.S. and Canada

1. Catalina Island – California

Located 26 miles from the coast of Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island is and always will be “the island of romance.” Although Catalina Island was hit by a wildfire in 2007, the city of Avalon was untouched and is still one of the most romantic spots in Southern California to have your wedding, just the two of you or with friends and family.

Catalina Island abounds with great spots to hold your wedding. If you wish a larger ceremony, you might want to choose some of the more formal venues like the Descanso Beach Club or the Catalina Country Club. If you wish a small, intimate ceremony, you can hire an officiant to perform a wedding at such places as Buena Vista Point on Mt. Ada overlooking the ocean, the beach, or the Wrigley Botanical Gardens. Of course, you will have to get a permit for the public areas.

2. Sanibel Island – Florida

Located off the coast of Southwest Florida and about 30 minutes from Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is world renowned for its white sand shelling beaches, which provides visitors with an abundance of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island is a place to get away from the high-rises of other beach tourist communities and just relax.

If you’d like a beach wedding, check out Casa Ybel Resort’s Thistle Lodge, which has been hosting weddings for more than 100 years. You can choose to have your wedding in one of the many resort locations such as a secluded white-sand beach, the lakeside gazebo, or the grand Thistle Lodge. Call them at 866-748-8958 for more information.

3. Mount Desert Island – Maine

What’s so special about Mount Desert Island in Maine? The beaches, the vistas, and Acadia National Park are just a few of the reasons why you should consider Mount Desert Island. Another reason is the number of “Best of” lists which Mount Desert Island finds itself on year after year.

Bar Harbor is the most popular town on the island, with Frenchman Bay being a sought-after spot for many weddings. If you want to get away from the crowds of Bar Harbor, you might want to consider the town of Southwest Harbor, on the island and 20 minutes from Bar Harbor.

You can even have your wedding at Acadia National Park, which also tops many “Best of” lists. You will have to pay a permit application fee of $50, and there are certain restrictions. For more information you can visit the National Park Service site at http://nps.gov and find information for Acadia National Park.

4. Cape Breton – Nova Scotia

If you’re located outside Canada or the Northeastern United States, you might not be familiar with Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. But, apparently enough people have visited this beautiful destination to have voted it one of the “Top North American Islands” in the 2006 Reader’s Choice Awards for Conde’ Naste Traveler magazine. In 2006 Travel + Leisure ranked Cape Breton Island as the #1 island in the Continental U.S. and Canada.

If the two of you are into outdoor activities, Cape Breton Island is the place for your wedding and honeymoon. There you will find the world-famous Cabot Trail, considered by some as one of the most beautiful scenic destinations in the world.

For a small wedding of just yourselves or up to 18 guests, check out Castle Moffett, which overlooks the Bras d’Or Lakes. Castle Moffett has earned both Canada select’s Five Star and AAA Four Diamond ratings. Call them toll-free at 888-756-9070 for more information.

5. Vancouver Island – Vancouver

Vancouver Island has also made the Travel + Leisure and Conde’ Naste Traveler’s lists for 2006. Known as “Canada’s Paradise on the Pacific,” Vancouver Island is known for its beauty – year-round blooming gardens, lush rainforests, beaches, rocky shorelines – as well as the “quintessentially-British” city of Victoria, with its high teas, double-decker buses and horse-drawn carriages. A wedding here will certainly give couples a wide range of experiences.

As for your wedding venue, you have many outstanding choices on Vancouver Island, from public parks to elegant hotels. Do check out the Sooke Harbour House on Whiffen Spit Beach, which offers weddings on the beach and in gardens with 180 degree Pacific Ocean views. Sooke Harbour House has the distinction of winning the Wine Spectator Grand Award for 2006, offering one of Canada’s five best wine lists. Call them at 250-642-3421 for more information.

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a destination wedding website, where you can learn about such wedding venues as Weddings in Jamaica.

June 9, 2010

The Dominican Republic Is An Exotic Caribbean Destination

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , , — arkan @ 4:30 pm

If you are looking for an exotic location to enjoy a late summer getaway, or perhaps an autumn break, then you could do a lot worse than go to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.


The island was named as “hot for 2007″ by the Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) members, and this year alone, bookings have increased by nine per cent for the destination.


ABTA’s Frances Tuke said: “The all-inclusive packages in particular have been a massive hit for families who know they have to stick to a budget as everything is paid for upfront, but the destination also offers so much more for the British holidaymaker.


“Not only are there fantastic beaches and watersports on offer, but if you want to get away from the crowds, there is breathtaking scenery in the form of rainforests, mountains and waterfalls. The cities also offer a vibrant culture that has a Spanish colonial past.”


The Dominican Republic is the second largest island in the Caribbean. It has the highest point in the West Indies, the Pick Duarte standing tall at 10,414ft, and also the lowest point in the West Indies, Lake Enriquillo which is 148 ft below sea level.


Christopher Columbus first stepped ashore the island, which he called Hispaniola, in 1492. Consequently, the south side of the island boasts the oldest city of the New World, including the first hospital, first sugar mill, and first cathedral.


The capital city, Santo Domingo has Columbus’ Palace, the Alcazar de Colon, the 22-room home of Don Diego Columbus and his family. It was built in 1510, and then underwent restoration in 1955, a wonderful mix of Gothic and Moorish architecture.


The capital also has a buzzing street life, which is quite unique. The streets are awash with colour and music, the finest example of which occurs during the Domincan Carnival that takes place between February and March.


The second largest city on the island is found on the cliffs above the Yaque River, called Santiago de los Caballeros or simply Santiago, but it is the island’s next largest city, Puerto Plata, located on the north shore of the island which has become the most popular tourist destination. Nearby Sosua, La Romana and Punta Cana to the east of the island also have a growing resort population.


The Dominican Republic also has some stunning landscapes, with much of the island covered in mountainous terrain. There is plenty for nature lovers to explore, from semi-desert plains to green valleys and tropical rain forests.


There is also the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range, which runs between the Atlantic coast and the Cibao valley. It was here that Spaniards used to search for gold. The Cibao Valley is also famous for growing, harvesting and marketing tobacco, and its cigars are an important income for the island. It is easy to arrange trips to soak up this nature from most of the island’s tourist centres.


But for many, the number one thing to do on holiday is hit the beach, top up the tan and relax. You will have no problem doing that in the Dominican Republic. With its characteristic laid-back Caribbean style, the island has approximately 400km of beaches to enjoy.


With first class All Inclusive hotels such as the Bahia Principe and the Riu Bachata it’s the ideal place for an All Inclusive holiday.


Package deals can be found for most of the white sandy beaches along the country’s northern shores, with the between Puerto Plata and Cabarete proving to long-standing popular places with sunseekers.


Unsurprisingly, the watersports are excellent as well. Snorkelling, sailing and scuba-diving can be enjoyed in the unspoilt water along the coast, or you could indulge in deep-sea fishing or championship golf along the north coast of Playa Grande.

David Brice was writing on behalf of the specialist Caribbean online travel agent Discover the Caribbean

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