Capture the Moment

There is no doubt that professional photographers have an amazing talent and uncanny ability to capture the essence of their subject. This beautiful art form preserves history, sells products and can produce profound emotion without saying a word. Hiring a professional photographer is a real treat, though we are not always able to do so.

Luckily for us, gaining access to a camera is much more readily available nowadays through the use of  cellphones, a small point-and-shoot camera, or larger models. In light of the last month of summer, I thought it would be nice to provide some tips that might help to give your final summer photos a little extra spark. These  guidelines are easy to incorporate into your everyday photos, and enhance the overall experience.


1. Focal Point – It is important to choose a focal point for your image, this is the main point of interest in the photograph that draws the viewer’s eye in. Without this, the image tends to get distracting, confusing and starts to blend together.


2. Foreground – While expansive landscaping is impressive in person, it tends to lose a little something when transferred to photo. Liven up your landscape by finding something in the foreground to draw the viewer’s attention (Focal Point). Not only will the foreground make the image more interesting, it also helps illustrate depth.


3. Rule of Thirds – Imagine a photograph being broken down into a 3x3 square grid. When thinking of your composition, position the subject in such a way that it falls onto one of those imaginary grid lines or intersections as opposed to the center.  While there are exceptions to the rule (perhaps a singular flower or portrait shot), the idea here is that a photograph tends to look more pleasing, interesting and natural when it is off center.

4. Horizon Line – When considering the rule of thirds, it is also good to keep the horizon line in mind. Try to place the horizon along the top or bottom third of your photo instead of directly in the middle of the picture. By centering your horizon, the photo appears split in two instead of having a flow to it.

5. Juxtaposition –Try to photograph something from an unexpected angle to give the subject more interest. For example: a bird’s eye view of the city or a worm’s eye view of a person.  Experimenting with different angles can lead to some pretty interesting photos as well as just being a lot of fun.


6. Eye Contact – Play with eye contact. Instead of having your subject look directly into the camera, see how a shift in the direction of someone’s eyes can affect the message of the picture or tell a story.

7. Leading Lines – Leading lines are natural lines found within the photo that guide the eye through the picture as well as give a sense of depth to the image. Leading lines are all around you and they don’t have to be straight. Some examples of Leading lines are:

• Shoreline
• Railroad Tracks
• Road
• Line of trees
• Fence
• Pathway
• Buildings
• Mountains
• Rivers

Determine your strongest lines and decide how you can use them to enhance your image and composition.

8. Series Shots – Try using a burst setting that will snap multiple pictures in a row creating a sequence. This can be especially helpful when capturing moving objects, children and pets. Additionally, it looks pretty cool to have a framed sequence to hang up instead of just a singular static image.

9. Movement Shots – When considering the composition of a moving object, it’s often more pleasing to the eye if we can see the implied location the object will end up. For example: If you take a photo of a car driving down the road, people tend to want to see where the car is heading instead of the road behind it. It adds a sense of movement and anticipation.

10. Candid Shots – Try to snap pictures of your friends and family when they don’t realize they are being photographed instead of having them pose. This is a great way to capture natural reactions and honesty.


11. Shadows – Playing with shadows in a photograph can add another level of interest. It can add power, mystery or drama. Adding different amounts of light and shadow can give your photo a whole new look or meaning.


12. Natural Lighting – Typically, the best times to photograph outdoors is around sunrise or sunset when the sun is not directly above your subject. A harsh light can lead to harsh shadows on the face. If you can’t make it out at these times, play with the direction of light to get different effects on your subject or even find a bit of shade to balance out the sunlight.

Photo Presentation and Enhancements:

Now that you’ve taken a bunch of new photos, what do you do with them? One option, instead of the standard print and put into an album or frame, is scrapbooking. Traditional scrapbooking is a great way for you to get crafty. You can find supplies including different types of papers, stamps, embellishments and scissors as well as ideas or books on the matter at just about any craft store in your area. In addition to traditional scrapbooking, there are also a wide variety of digital scrapbooking sites that give you a similar look without the mess. Here are a few to get you started:

• http://www.artscow.com/photo-books
• https://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books
• http://www.smilebox.com/scrapbooks/free-digital-scrapbooking.html
• http://www.snapfish.com/photo-gift/photo-book

If you’re looking to just make adjustments to the look of your photo, there is a variety of photo editing software available as well. Here are a few options:

• http://www.gimp.org/
• http://photoscape.en.softonic.com/video/photoscape-introduction-to-photoscape-209
• http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/features.html

With these types of editing software, you have the opportunity to alter your photos. Remove red eye, experiment with black and white or sepia tones, adjust the brightness and contrast or even add some interesting filters.

Hopefully these tips will spark some ideas the next time you set out to capture your lasting memories. Keep in mind, these are only suggestions and rules are meant to be broken. The best thing you can do is to experiment with your camera and most importantly, just have fun.

Delaware - Little State, Big Opportunities

Bustling boardwalks, beautiful beaches, serene parks and vast amounts of history make Delaware an interesting and exciting place to live or visit. There are endless opportunities, it's no wonder Delaware has earned the title “The Diamond State” - it really is the little gem of the east coast!

Beaches:
Delaware was nicknamed by Thomas Jefferson as “The Diamond State”  due to its strategic location on the eastern seaboard. What does that mean for you? Beaches. Delaware features miles of beaches, some of the finest in the country as a matter of fact. According to www.visitdelaware.com: “Dewey and Rehoboth Beach have been recognized as two of the nation’s cleanest beaches by the Natural Resources Defense council. Plus, Bethany Beach was named one of the "Top 10 Best Beaches for Families" by Family Vacation Critic and is known as one of the "Best Secret Beaches" by Travel + Leisure Magazine”.

Beaches aren’t just for sun bathing or playing in the waves - there are an astounding amount of things to do while you are there. The boardwalks feature a variety of options. Charming shops offer everything from beach gear, to toys and souvenirs, to portraits. And with all the amazing food options, you are sure to find something for everyone. 

Want more adventure? You can take part in some of these other exciting beach activities:

• Sportfishing - Grizzly Sportfishing, for example, in Rehoboth. A wonderful charter boat experience able to support parties of 6 or more. Flounder, Tuna, Sharks… Need we say more?

• Amusement Parks – Places such as Funland and Midway Speed Park, also located in Rehoboth, offer a variety of carnival-style rides for people of all ages.

• Parasailing – What better way to get a view of the beach but by parasail! Places such as Dewey Beach Parasail, which has been in business for roughly 10 years providing an amazing experience for beach goers ages 6 and up.

Trails and Parks: 
While Delaware may be well known for its sandy coastline, other natrual beauties can be enjoyed via state parks and trails. While there are too many to list them all, here are some examples within different areas of Delaware to get you started:

Cape Henlopen State Park - Located in Lewes, Delaware, this park boasts an astounding 5,193 acres of beautiful landscape to explore. In addition to offering beaches to its guests, there are plenty of things to do while visiting:

• Boating - Canoe/Kayak rentals and excursions provided by Delaware State Parks.

• Disc Golf – A fun activity for the whole family! Discs are reasonably priced and can be purchased at almost any sporting goods store. Click here for a list of some of the stores available in Delaware.

• 8 Trails – Difficulty ranges from easy to moderate and trails are available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

• Camping – Cape Henlopen has accommodations for RV, Tent and cabin camping.

Bellevue State Park  - Located in Wilmington, Delaware, this park is noted as a park for all seasons. Bellevue offers its visitors a wide range of activities including:

• Tennis Center – Offers eight clay courts near Bellevue Hall. Instructional and social programs available.

• Arts Center – Offers a variety of activities such as concerts, tournaments and volleyball to name a few.

• 3 Trails – Rated as easy in difficulty, trails are available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

• Historical Sites – Including Bellevue Hall, Cauffiel House and Mount Pleasant Meeting House.

Lums Pond – Located in Bear, Delaware, Lums Pond is built around the state’s largest fresh water pond. This beautiful state park offers amazing relaxation and fun:

• Fishing – Some of the best freshwater fishing in the state.

• Boating – Since the pond is the park’s main focus, boating is one of their main forms of recreation. Sailboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent. Check Scheduling and Prices.

• Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course – See the park from the trees! Double Stirrups, Zigzag Trapeze, Flying Carpet, Canyon Crossing, two Tarzan swings and five zip lines. Watch the video to see it in action!

Killens Pond State Park – Located in Felton, Delaware, Killens Pond became a state park in 1965. Open year round, this popular park has much to offer:

• Boating – Canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented during the summer.

• 4 trails – Available for hiking and biking, these are easy rated trails.

• Killens Pond Water Park – Gently sloping pool, Mushroom Fountain, Lily Pad Fun Walk, Tot Pool, small slides and much more! Tons of fun for the whole family! Click here for more info.

• Nature Programs – Offering concerts, nature exhibits and other activities. See their schedule.

This is just a small sampling of all the parks available to visit in Delaware, to see a more complete list and further details, click here.

Park photos courtesy of www.destateparks.com

History:
 There is a vast amount of history that surrounds the state of Delaware. History buff? Just like learning? Here are some sites you can visit to learn more about our nation’s first state:

• Lighthouse Tours – There are various lighthouses throughout the state that can either be visited for photo opportunities as well as some you can climb inside. Click here for more information on visiting some of these amazing landmarks.

• Delaware History Trail – A wonderful trip that gives explorers the chance to visit historical locations and sights. Learn More Here!

• Nemours Mansion and Gardens - Located in Wilmington, Delaware, this DuPont family estate is one amazing site to behold. The mansion is positioned on a spectacularly landscaped 3,000 acre lot featuring immaculate décor and gardens.

• Delaware Museum of Natural History – Another Wilmington location, this museum invites vistors to discover the wonders of natural history up close and personal.

• Ryves Holt House – The oldest standing house in Delaware, built in 1665.

Delaware is bursting with history and facts - If you’d like to find some sites on your own, click here for one suggested resource to get you started.

There you have it, just some of the wonderful reasons you might want to consider living in or even just visiting the lovely state of Delaware, a little state with big opportunities.

High-Tech X Marks the Spot

Summer fun is never in short supply. Finding unique activities, however, can sometimes be challenging. Looking for exercise? Excitement? Something… different? A lesser known game, Geocaching, might be just what you’re looking for. Geocaching is a contemporary treasure hunt practiced all over the world, combining modern technology with the classic thrill of adventure.

Geocaching was born in May, 2000, with the advent of GPS (Global Positioning System). As enthusiasts discussed the potential for this technology online, Dave Ulmer posted instructions for a new game, "The Great American Stash Hunt", to a GPS forum.

The object was to hide a box filled with trinkets - known as the "stash" - mark its GPS coordinates, and post them online. Seekers would then attempt to locate the stash using only their GPS. The rules were simple:

• Locate the box using the provided GPS coordinates.

• Take an item from the box and replace it with something else.

• Return the stash to its hiding place.

Within days, two seekers located Mr. Ulmer’s stash and reported their findings. The idea quickly exploded as people began hiding their own, and seeking each other's caches - known today as Geocaching! To read more about this history, click here.

Geocaching is an exhilarating activity that has steadily grown in popularity and can be enjoyed by anyone, anytime, anywhere! Caches range from easy and quick to find, to quite difficult, depending on what kind of outing you're looking for. Caches come in countless shapes and sizes. Here are just a FEW examples:

Important things to remember:

• A cache does not always say “official geocache”.

• A container can take any shape; I’ve found them inside a large, Lego-type block before!

• Caches are not always hidden on the ground.

• It’s important to take into consideration a margin of error with GPS coordinates - roughly about 30 feet from the exact marked location.

With over 2 million Geocache locations worldwide, the adventures are endless. Chances are you can find several cache locations near you, no matter where you are. For example, a quick internet search showed me 213 caches in Rehoboth Beach alone, and almost 3000 in the state of Delaware! See below for just a small sample:

In addition, if you’re looking for an extended adventure, there is the Delaware Geocaching Trail with caches located throughout the state. Click here to read more! 

Interested in giving Geocaching a try? Here are some tips:

1. Online Resources - There are a variety of websites where you can register for a free account and gain access to cache locations. It is worth noting that upgraded, paid subscriptions are available, but not required. Here are a few options:

• www.geocaching.com (My personal favorite)

• www.OpenCaching.com

• www.NaviCache.com

These resources have everything on history, rules, and cache info. Additionally, you can always look to the online community and talk to other Geocachers... which is awesome!

2. Navigating - You'll need a GPS. Luckily, most smart phones have them built in, or, you can buy one. Since the only necessities are this and an internet connection, Geocaching is a very inexpensive activity! 

3. Helpful Apps - I'm currently using Geocaching Intro by Groundspeak Inc. on my iPhone. This free app shows you various caches in the nearby area. It includes the difficulty, cache size, coordinates, real-time map, the option to read hints from other Geocachers, and allows you to check off the cache once you find it. It also links to geocaching.com, as they're both run by Groundspeak. There are many geocaching and GPS apps to choose from, so just do a little research and decide what works best for you. See below for an example of Geocaching Intro app:

4. What to Bring/Wear - While this is not necessary, I prefer to take a backpack when I go, since I usually seek more than one cache at a time. Here are a few helpful items I like to bring:

• Water

• Snacks

• Bandages and Neosporin (just in case)

• Flashlight

• Sweater or jacket

• Trinkets for trading

• A Pen (some caches do not contain one for logging your find)

Sometimes the cache is close enough so you can leave the bag in the car, others, or spots with multiple caches, require more hiking.

Lastly, I prefer to wear long pants, as some caches could be in wooded areas with a lot of brush to walk through.

5. Trinkets - They don't have to be fancy or expensive, just tokens. Though smaller caches may just have a log book, you’ll want to have something to trade when you find a trinket-filled cache.

6. Log Book - Most caches will have one for you to write your name/username, and date. Some have additional space where you can add a little note too! I like to thank the owner for the cache and let them know I had fun looking for it.
No matter what site you choose, Geocahing is a great opportunity to explore new places, get some fresh air and exercise, and have fun in the process.

A Taste for Something Better

'Tis the season farmer's markets begin sprouting up. They stock their booths and tents with spectacular bursts of color and amazing flavor varieties. Though many of the items can be found at local, big chain grocery stores, you can't beat freshness straight from the farm.

Here are some great reasons you may want to consider patronizing your neighborhood market:

1. It’s Local – When shopping with local farmers, your produce doesn’t have to endure long shipments. By reducing shipping, you are helping to cut down the amount of packing materials and carbon monoxide emissions used during the shipping process.

 2. Unbeatable Freshness – Local farmers don’t have to harvest produce until it’s ready to eat, keeping the max freshness from soil to plate. Larger, nationwide suppliers must pick their produce before it's ripe to ensure it can be shipped and delivered to stores on time. In addition to losing freshness from early harvesting, also consider the amount of time produce has to sit on the shelves or in packaging.

 3. Maximum Nutrition – Because local farmers can wait until foods are ripe to harvest them, their produce stays fully packed with nutrients and flavor - qualities that are lost with early harvesting and shipping. The sooner you eat produced after it's picked, the more nutritious it is for you.

 

 4. In Season – Your farmer’s market will only carry what is in season. This could be a GREAT opportunity to learn what is available during certain times of the year, and who knows, maybe give something new a try! This could also be a great experience for children - encouraging them to find, taste and learn about food they haven't seen before.

 5. Community Support – Chances are, the local farm is a small, family run operation, which has been part of the community for generations. They count on the support of neighbors and community in order to stay in business. What better way to show your appreciation of all they do and support your local economy in the process.

 6. More Natural – There's a good chance your local farmer uses less harmful pesticides and hormones than nationwide suppliers. Unlike larger farms that are required to mass produce for stores all over the country, local farms don’t have this same demand. Many have the ability to be more precautious and take steps to ensure their food is healthy and flavorful instead of prioritizing large quantities over taste.

 7. Know Your Food Source – People like to buy items from people they trust, why should food be any different? When you buy locally, you really get to know the people who bring food to your table. Take time to talk to local farmers. Learn about their farm; find out what processes are involved in harvesting, what types of soil and fertilizers they use, as well as what precautions they take against insects and other hazards to their food. All about organic foods? This would be a great way to find out if those are the standards your local farm lives up to.

 8. Get Tips – Local farmers are often very friendly people and always willing to lend a helping hand to their customers. Unsure how to prepare a certain veggie? They are sure to have some great tips on ways to prepare the foods that they sell.

 Everyone in the Accardi family has their favorite booth at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market:   Carrie likes the wheat grass juice from Susie Sunshine Sprouts, Mike enjoys the extra-large peaches from Tuckey’s Mountain Grown, Cassidy always gets sugared nuts from Nuts To You, Colby says the fresh homemade pasta from Papparadelle’s Pasta tastes better than any other and Cameron likes the honey for his peanut butter and honey sandwiches from Honey Bee Lake Apiary. Visiting the market together is a fun family outing!

 If you’ve never been to a local farmer’s market for food, why not give it a try this season and see what you think. We’d LOVE to hear some of your stories or tell us about your favorite farm on our Facebook page!

The Art of Upcycling

We live in a time in which people have become increasingly aware of waste, and, how to reduce it as much as possible. Recycling has helped immensely, but there is another, creative way that we can help even further: upcycling!

What is upcycling? Unlike recycling, which breaks consumer products down to their basic elements for transformation into a variety of NEW PRODUCTS: upcycling has you keep or find existing products and refashion or decorate them, giving them a NEW PURPOSE.

And, it's FUN! A great way to be creative and bring the family together with a project.

One classic example of upcycling is a tire swing. Instead of  tossing the busted tire into the garbage, drill a few holes, hang it up and give kids hours of enjoyment.

When you upcycle, you're not only helping to reduce the amount of waste in our landfills, you're also reducing the amount of time, energy and water used to break down materials in the recycling process.

Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking about what you could upcycle:

1. Clean and paint up an old metal trash can and turn it into a unique, outdoor flower pot.
2. Take an old dresser and turn it into a nice, decorative entertainment stand.
3. Child outgrow their crib? Convert it into a desk for art or a new bench.
4. Have some memorable old t-shirts? Turn them into a quilt.
5. Embellish an old wine bottle, creating a unique vase or centerpiece.

The possibilities for upcycling are endless. Try doing a Google search or browse Pinterest and you're bound to find thousands of cool, interesting upcycling ideas for any skill level. And, with spring being the time for yard sales and spring cleaning, you never know what treasures you will find!

Visit our Facebook Page and show us some of your upcycling projects!

Spring Cleaning

Shake Off the Winter Blues and Get Ready for Spring!

Now that we are coming to the end of winter, it is a great time to start thinking of how to prepare your home for the upcoming spring season. So, fling open those windows, break out the scrub brushes and let’s get busy!

Display some greenery – Not only do live plants add a nice touch, they can also improve the air quality indoors. While there is a wide variety to choose from, some of the best include English Ivy, Peace Lily, Spider Plant and Chinese Evergreen. Your best course of action, when choosing the right plants, is researching the qualities you are looking for. Good resources include the internet, local library or simply asking at local nursery/florist.

Replace your air filter(s) – The air filter is what helps to keep dirt and debris from entering your home through your HVAC system, allowing air to flow more freely. If the filter builds up too much dirt, it causes your system to put in much more effort to cool off your home warmer months, resulting in higher energy bills. Read your product’s recommendation for frequency as well as required size.

Check the screens – This is the perfect time of year to evaluate the screens on your windows. Screens allow for you to keep your windows open on a regular basis, giving your AC a break while also letting out some of that built up stale air. In addition to basic cleaning, also inspect the screens for any signs of damage and replace them as soon as possible to keep bugs out.

Test your home’s detectors – Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are one of the most valuable assets to your home, and ensuring they are work properly, should be one of your top priorities. It is recommended that you test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a month and replace their batteries twice a year. A good rule to follow is to change the batteries when you change your clocks.

Get fresh air flowing – Now that you’ve checked all those screens, you can leave those windows open and get some fresh air circulating through the home. In addition to letting Mother Nature do her job, why not give her a hand with the use of some ceiling fans. If you already have some, dust them off and rotate the fans to run counterclockwise. By changing up the rotation of the blades, you allow the fan to push the hot air downwards to mix with the cooler air below.

Brighten up your living spaces – Now is the perfect time of year to give your home a more light, spring feeling. Here are some simple ways to achieve that goal without breaking the bank:
     *  Put blankets in the dryer with a softener and no heat
     *  Fluff up your pillows
     *  Rearrange your furniture, sometimes a new perspective really opens things up.
     *  Switch out your accent pillows to something brighter
     *  Put out lighter linens
     *  Clean the curtains
     *  Deep clean your carpets or polish your floors

Get your roof ready – Now that the snow has melted away, it’s the perfect time to take a good, close look at your roof. Inspect it thoroughly for any cracked, broken or missing shingles. Additionally, take this time, while up there, to get gutters and downspouts clean and working properly.

Clean your refrigerator – Your fridge is one of the most important appliances you own, especially in the summer (how else will you keep those party snacks and beverages cold)? Be sure to set aside a bit of time to freshen it up:
     *  Remove any stale or old food
     *  Wipe down all of the shelves, drawers and doors with a mild soapy solution. It is important to hand dry these items, as they are not dishwasher safe. Make sure to dry thoroughly before putting any items back in
     *  Place a carton of baking powder on one of the shelves to help keep your fridge fresh.
     *  This would also be a good time to contact the manufacturer and inquire about how to clean the  coils properly.

Get the outdoors in shape – As the weather warms up and you are spending more time outdoors, this would be a great opportunity to catch up on some outside maintenance. Here are a few good places to start:
     *Clean and condition your grill
     *  Organize your garage
     *  Pressure wash your deck and/or patio furniture
     *  Sweep off walkways and steps
     *  Replace your outdoor lighting with energy efficient bulbs

Check your HVAC system ahead of time – Have a certified professional check your heat and air conditioning system now before the heat sets in. This way, you can ensure that there will be no down time when you really need it most.

Turn off humidifiers/adjust HVAC Dampers – With the weather warming up and more moisture in the air, it is important to remember to make these changes. Not only will it prevent your HVAC system from working properly, it could also end up costing you money in the long run.

What spring cleaning tips do you have?