5 Wedding Photography to Watch Out for in 2014

Wedding photography has changed a lot since our parents got married three decades ago. That said even though photography trends have changed there are very few couples who know much about the latest trends or upcoming trends. This often means that they don’t know exactly what they should be looking for when hiring a photographer to cover their wedding. The important thing that wedding couples should always remember when hiring a professional is to never hire one simply based on if or not they are using the latest and the most expensive equipment. It should be based on their portfolio and if they are able to shoot your wedding based on the latest trends, five of which have been described below.Trend no. 1: Celebrity wedding styleAlmost every wedding couple may want to feel like a celebrity and this particular wedding photography style makes it possible. This particular style brings red carpet style posing to wedding couples. The resulting pictures are often of couples who are acting out famous movie and music video scenes. This allows for the photographer to create new and unique themes which look like photos on a glossy film magazine cover.Trend no. 2: Soft toned black & white picturesBlack & white film cameras may have been replaced with their color counterparts a long time ago but there was a certain class that these monochrome pictures had. Today even with the latest photography equipment many photographers like the black & white effect especially when it comes to wedding photography. The amazing thing about this sepia or soft toned monochrome photography is that it is very classy, clear and stylish, it can also be edited to suit certain themes and artistic tastes.Trend no. 3: Very deep color themesA growing number of wedding photographers are leaning in the favor of using a combo on low light photography and dramatic skies to produce pictures that are stunningly deep. This effect is usually achieved during weddings that take place at night or during the reception which is under an open sky. However, if you opt for this particular photography style the professional should be able to provide you with a few tips on what you’ll need to do in order for the pictures to turn out as expected. This type of photography is ideal for beach weddings.Trend no. 4: Candid photographyThis year we may see a growing number of couples opting for candid photography because it combines their unique acting talent with the photographer’s ability to shoot their best sides. However, even though a lot of the candid shots will be composed but they need to look spontaneous which can be difficult. So, many wedding photographers will start by creating a scene in which couples need to act spontaneously just so that the pictures don’t look planned.Trend no. 5: Bold colorsThis type of photography literally turns up all the bold colors at the wedding party. So colors in the flowers, the dress, accessories etc. will all pop. Many professional wedding photographers will provide their clients with a list of bold colors that they need to use. Any shortfall in bold colors will then be filled during post production.

The 5 Reasons Why Web Video Is the Most Economical Tool Your Company Can Use to Increase Profits

This is the Age of Video. Not only is it everywhere, but technological advancements make it look amazing. Using only a cell phone, video can be captured and uploaded onto YouTube instantly…and people are watching it by the millions. Video and the internet make perfect partners, allowing anybody in the world with something to say, to broadcast the message widely.

Astute corporations are also utilizing the power of online video to stand-out in the marketplace, with videos produced exclusively for their websites. Although video can be shot with an ordinary cell phone, an organization would be wise to leave that job to a professional video production company with years of experience. Companies will find that polished and targeted web videos deliver incredible return-on-investment and are the cheapest and most effective marketing tool they can employ.

Here’s why:

1. 24/7 INTERNET: In the past, a television commercial was the only platform a company could use to speak to potential customers using the power of moving imagery, music and voice. The process of creating the ad and buying air time was astronomically expensive and thus, only the biggest companies could afford to do it. Despite the massive expense, TV commercials are highly limited for many reasons, the biggest being that they are only 30 seconds long. Now with PVRs, many television viewers simply fast-forward through the commercials entirely.

The great news is that online video offers all companies more bang for the buck than a TV commercial ever could. Web videos can be any length (although shorter is always better), cover a series of topics, and are free to be played over and over on a company website.

2. POWERFUL MEDIUM: Web Video is an “engagement object”, meaning that it can reach and captivate countless new customers, prompting them to make buying decisions just by watching! Having web video on your company website increases the conversion rate (the rate at which a potential customer decides to become an actual customer). This important consumer decision is made off-site in the prospect’s home or office, not in your place of business. A good video captures the hearts and minds of potential customers and converts them into real customers.

3. CUTS OUT OTHER EXPENSES: Web Video can save your company money in other departments! One how-to video or a series of instructional videos can save your company a fortune in payroll expenses by reducing the need for live customer service support. Printed manuals and instruction sheets can be reduced eliminated entirely with online video which can be watched indefinitely by countless customers on the company website.

4. COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH CUSTOMERS: In the past, products that needed to be demonstrated also needed a costly sales force to travel into the marketplace do the demonstrating. A single web video that demonstrates the product puts an end to that on-going expense. A demo video also allows potential customers to familiarize themselves with the product from their own personal computer at home.

5. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS: A good video is excellent at building brand and awareness for a company. Superior to a print campaign, video has a “human touch” and allows viewers to see, hear and perceive a company’s message on many different levels. A professional video production company can work with your organization to build web videos that not only effectively promote and market but also position the company as a friendly expert in the marketplace. For example, an Indian restaurant may consider doing a series of cooking web videos in the kitchen with their head chef. Not only does it showcase the wonderful food and show the fresh ingredients prepared with care, but it also provides free, useful information that the customer can take away.

The possibilities of web video are endless and people are watching videos online in greater numbers every day. Web video has the power to transform your business and attract new customers from far and wide. Be sure to consult with a professional web video production company to ensure your video brings out the right message and is perceived in the right way.

Is Responsible Gambling Possible?

Most people gamble for the fun and excitement of that big win, or to test their mettle against worthy opponents in games of skill, but gambling is about money and there is always the risk of taking the game too far.

Ensuring a conscientious and entertaining gambling environment is both the casinos’/poker rooms’ and the players’ responsibility.

Players need to play at casinos or poker rooms with the highest degree of trustworthiness, transparency and legitimacy. It is also important for players to bear the following in mind at all times during their play:

o Gambling should be entertaining and not seen as a means to making money.

o Keep track of the amount of money you spend and only gamble what you can afford to lose. Do not chase your losses.

o Keep track of the amount of time you spend gambling.

Does your casino or poker room have a responsible gaming policy?

While most people gamble for enjoyment, gambling can create various social and economic problems and very possibly cause harm to some individuals. These problems can range from over-spending to pathological gambling addiction.

Make sure that the casino you choose is committed to creating a responsible gaming environment, and has therefore gone to great lengths to implement and maintain the responsible gaming requirements of the international online gaming industry watchdog – eCOGRA (e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). This certification is for the benefit of both players and the casinos or poker rooms themselves.

What does the eCOGRA Seal of Approval mean for you?

To receive the eCOGRA seal casinos or poker rooms must undergo stringent inspections of everything from customer service centers to accounting systems and from responsive complaint procedures to financial guarantees.

The award of the seal confirms that the casino or poker room has met eCOGRA’s strict admission criteria, and signifies that that they have shown absolute commitment to fair and honest gaming, superior player support, and prompt payouts. As a player, this seal of approval can provide you with total peace of mind when enjoying your favorite online games.