I RECEIVED A CALL . . .

I received a call from an old friend today
We easily talked the time away
Sharing stories and laughter and smiles
All the way across the miles
Time well spent I would have to say
When I received a call from an old friend today.


Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

WHICH MEMORY CARD SHOULD I USE?

With all the different SD (Secure Digital) memory cards on the market today, it can be a challenge deciding which card to buy.

A standard SD card has a maximum capacity of 2 GB of data. When the SDHC (High Capacity) card was introduced in 2006, the maximum capacity rose to 32GB. In this time and age of terabytes, there is the SDXC (eXtended Capacity) card, which was introduced in 2009 and can handle up to 2TB (terabytes). But like most new things, there are compromises, in that certain cards do not work in certain devices, and certain devices only accept certain cards. Basically, old media (standard SD cards) work in newer devices, but new media (SDXC cards) will not work correctly in older devices. This is how it works:

SD devices accepts standard SD card.
SDHC devices accept standard SD and SDHC cards.
SDXC devices accept standard SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
Standard SD cards work in SD, SDHC, and SDXC devices.
SDHC cards work in SDHC and SDXC devices.
SDXC cards work in SDXC devices.
Jon Sienkiewicz’s blog @ shutterbug.com


With the introduction of the SDHC card, specifications were set requiring manufactures to label all cards with performance ratings. The older performance measurement was an x-rating, which is derived from the standard CD-ROM drive speed of 1.2Mbits per second. This unit of measurement can still be found on some cards. A standard SD card transfers data up to six times (6x) the rate of a CD-ROM or 7.2Mbits per second. Typically, the x-rating is based on the maximum speed that data can be transferred.

This is some of the common x-ratings:

6x rating has write speed of 7.2Mbits per second
13x rating has write speed of 16.0Mbits or 2MB per second
26x rating has write speed of 32.0Mbits or 4MB per second
40x rating has write speed of 48.0Mbits or 6MB per second
66x rating has write speed of 80.0Mbits or 10MB per second
133x rating has write speed of160.0Mbits or 20MB per second
200x rating has write speed of 240.0Mbits or 30MB per second
300x rating has write speed of 360.0Mbits or 45MB per second

The newer class rating measures the minimum sustained transfer rate measured in megabytes per second and is equal to 1MB per second (8Mbits per second). So a Class 2 card has a transfer speed of 2MB per second, a Class 4 card has a 4 MB per second speed, a Class 6 card has a 6 MB per second speed, and a Class 10 card has a 10MB per second speed.

The main difference between the two speed ratings is that the x-rating measures maximum transfer speed, whereas the class rating measures minimum transfer speed. Also the class rating is readable by most devices, so if the class rating is below a device’s minimum requirements for optimal performance, the device can issue a warning. For example, if a camcorder requires a minimum of Class 4 card for optimal performance, it might work with Class 2 card but with compromises to quality or possibly data corruption. Understanding these performance ratings will help you better determine which card will meet your needs.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

WHY IS THERE A LABOR DAY HOLIDAY?

While watching the news today, I saw a reporter ask several people what Labor Day was, and unfortunately, no one could answer his question. I thought, we have a federal holiday, yet no one knows really why. What a shame. Time for a little history.

The first Labor Day was 128 years ago, on September 5, 1882 by the Central Labor Union in New York City. But it did not become a federal holiday until 1894.

On May 11, 1894 in Pullman, IL, approximately 3000 labor union workers went on strike against the railroad in retaliation to a reduction in wages. This strike later became known as the Pullman strike because several of these workers died at the hands of the US Military and US Marshalls. In order to avoid further conflict, President Grover Cleveland rushed the necessary legislature declaring a federal Labor Day holiday through congress with a unanimous vote only six days later.

And this, in a nutshell, is why we have a Labor Day holiday.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

SUNPAK FLEXPOD GRIPPER

I received one of these flexible tripods as part of a point-n-shoot package, and it is a really useful little gadget. You can bend it, twist it, shape it and hang it anywhere and get some very creative pictures.

Its features are:
> Lightweight and compact (weighs less than 4oz)
> Thermoplastic legs made of triangular segments with gripping teeth
> Self-leveling feet for added stability
> A small ball head with quick release plate
> Holds up to 16oz depending on how tripod is positioned
> Great tabletop tripod

I have read mixed reviews regarding this tripod. It seems a lot of people have broke theirs just getting it out of the package or broke a leg off trying to bend it. I am not sure whether this is due to handling issues or product malfunction. It does look a bit like a toy, which could be misleading. I, on the other hand, have not encountered any problems with mine and have found it to be very useful for what it was designed to do. For around $20, you cannot ask for much more.


Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day America!


Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK!

Most point-n-shoot digital cameras have a macro setting that is normally ignored. By switching to macro or the flower on your camera, you will be able to take photos of unusual textures and patterns up close; like the weave of material or the bark on a tree. Experimenting with the macro setting can create a whole new dimension to your pictures. So next time you are snapping pictures, take a closer look; the real prize maybe hidden in the details.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

CHILD'S FIRST DIGITAL CAMERA

I was recently in search of a digital camera as a birthday gift for my granddaughter. I knew exactly what I did not want (one of the “kids” cameras), but was having difficult decided exactly what were my best options. So I compiled a list of criteria that I felt were necessary for the right camera and felt others might find it helpful when looking for their child’s first digital camera.

What to look for:

Designed for smaller hands
Easy to use but one they can grow with
Nice size LCD screen
Zoom capabilities
Rechargeable battery (unless you want to keep buying batteries for it)
Accepts SD memory card (most common memory card)
One that shuts off automatically after a set amount of time (this is a nice battery saving feature)
Compatible with your computer – USB interface (if you plan on saving and storing pictures on your computer)
Inexpensive (under $150) but well-made

What I considered “Easy to use”:

Simple to turn on and off
Completely automatic (with the option for advance modes)
Effortless shutter button
Obvious function buttons and icons
Face detection
Straightforward zoom controls (many cameras have this feature on the shutter button which I thought would be difficult for her at this age, so I chose one with a W/T bar button)
Sounds for the shutter that can be turned on or off (a great feature for children to identify exactly when the picture has been taken)

A few other things I would consider purchasing:

A camera case (look for one that will fit the model of camera you have bought)
An extra memory card (be sure to buy the correct type of memory card)
Extra batteries (if you did not purchase a camera that uses a rechargeable battery)

There are a lot of cameras on the market now, so spend time looking at all the features and models, and hopefully some of my suggestions will help you find the best camera for your needs.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

MOTHER'S DAY IS SUNDAY, MAY 9th!

Give your mother a gift she can enjoy throughout the years, with a portrait from Arnold Wilson Photography. Whether it is a portrait of her children, grandchildren, or a prepaid session for her, she is certain to cherish the captured moment.

Call Arnold Wilson Photographt today at 281-309-8396 to book your session.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

Now is the time to blast away those winter blues with a fun-filled photo session with Arnold Wilson Photography. Choose your favorite springtime activity and lets create a photo session around it. If you book your session on or before March 28, you can receive your portraits in time for Easter gift-giving. Call today at 281-309-8396 to book your spring photo session!

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

Leave A Legacy

I attended the memorial service for the father of a long time family friend this evening. The service stirred up many emotions and thoughts in me for I have walked in my friend’s shoes. There was a slide show of photographs put to music that displayed the time of his life. Then a couple of speakers came before the congregation to share this man’s legacy in the stories, memories and values he instilled in them.

The entire memorial had me contemplating my own legacy. How I live my life silently signals certain values that I believe in, and I wonder if this is what my legacy will be. I have no idea how many more days I have here, but I do know they are numbered. I know am blessed for every additional day I am given, for each day is a chance to make a difference; a chance to leave a legacy to those you touch.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

The Days Are Getting Longer

I noticed today as a left work that the days are getting longer. As I get into my truck and head west towards home, I am not surrounded by darkness as I have been during the past several months. No, instead I am blessed with the most wonderful scene unfolding before me. The colors are amazing! There is deep red blending into a mysterious purple mixed with swirls of pink and a sprinkle of lemon yellow all on a baby blue canvas. The wonder before me is ever changing. Very much blue, then more red, then finally darker and darker. What a sight!

I noticed today as a left work that the days are getting longer and if we take the time to witness it, God gives the day the most remarkable send off with the setting sun!

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

Colts are Superbowl Bound!

Being a big Colts fan and living in the Texan zone can be going against the grain. But I must stay true to my Hoosier roots and back the Colts no matter what! I would have to say, they made an awesome comeback today. Being down 17 to 13 at the half and dominating the second half to pull out a win of 30 to 17, is what makes the Colts a team!

Way to go Colts!

www.arnoldwilsonphotography.com

Memories

I recently read a story regarding a childhood memory, and though I was not part of the story I have been to many of the places mentioned, so I was able to relate to the writer through my own experience. This eventually led me to thinking about the human brain and how at times it can act like a time machine. How a story, or a song, or a photograph can trigger the brain to conjure up a memory that can transport you back in time.

It is funny how some memories are so vivid that they could have happened yesterday. Memories are made every moment of everyday and shape our lives and who we are, good and bad. They allow us to relive life. I understand this because that is what my business is all about; preserving a moment in time to be relived a lifetime.

The really interesting concept is that only some memories are retained by the brain. So I question, what causes the brain to file away one memory and discard another? By what means does it determine what is a keeper and how come it does not just file away the good ones and discard the bad?

www.arnoldwilsonphotography.com

The Journey of 2010

Each new year brings the opportunity for new beginnings, new experiences, and new resolutions. It is a time to reflect on the past and modify how we live our lives and manage our businesses. Though the new year is the most appropriate time to initiate change for the better, any time is a great time.

For me, this new year has brought excitement at the possibility of sharing Arnold Wilson Photography with a larger community. I have been busy developing new ideas and shaping my course of action to enrich the quality of my mission. I recently finished the book titled The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer and recommend it, even if you are not in sales. There is a list of Life-Long Learning Principles in this book and I wish to share a few with you.

~ It starts with a positive attitude so learn how to achieve one

~ Read books and build your library one (read) book a month

~ Attend live seminars as often as you can

~ Spend 30 minutes a day learning something new

~ Practice what you have learned as soon as you learn it

So as 2010 unfolds, I encourage you to dedicate yourself to the pursuit of personal growth and to regularly renew your goals.

How have you mapped your journey for 2010?

www.arnoldwilsonphotography.com