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Travel Photography Tip #4: The Rule of Thirds  

Taking travel photographs used to be easy. We just pointed the camera and shot. But now that our standards are higher, we need to use what’s known as the “rule of thirds” so our photo composition is more pleasing to the eye.

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Taking travel photographs used to be easy. We just pointed the camera and shot. The pictures didn’t always end up looking good but they were physical reminders of the trip we took. Now that our standards are higher, we need to use what’s known as the “rule of thirds” so our photo composition is more pleasing to the eye. In this article, we’ll explain just what that rule is all about.

Ever since digital photography has taken off, we have been able to immediately see if the picture is good or not. Our expectations have been raised so much with all the high-quality pictures online. Let’s look at what the rule of thirds is and how you can best apply it to make your travel photography really stand out.

Composition

First lets understand what composition is and how it makes pictures more appealing. Composition is arranging the elements of a picture so they are most engaging to the viewer. So you want to frame your photographs in a way that more people will find it interesting and enjoy looking at it. That’s what the whole idea of photography is, making it look neat so people will want to view it.

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a standard way of composing your photographs where the picture is divided up into thirds vertically and horizontally. These guidelines are not really there but you can mentally use them for reference when lining up your shot. By dividing up the screen we can now place crucial elements in the intersecting areas. These lines signify places where visually stimulating pieces are placed.

If you have a landscape picture with trees and a barn, you’ll want to take the picture from a vantage point where the barn and trees are in different thirds. Doing this will make the picture more visually favorable and therefore a better travel photography.

Examples

A simple way to understand this principle is to never center your subject in the frame. Instead, put your subject on one of the thirds horizontally, so they are off-center and the picture has more depth. Or, if you are shooting a landscape, try not to split the screen in half by the horizon, instead put it on a third. By dividing the photo into thirds, you make it more appealing and visually attractive.

 

Fortunately, most cameras nowadays have a grid function, which superimposes a grid over your viewfinder or LCD screen so you can properly line up the shot. Using the grid is the easiest way to train your eye to think in the rule of thirds.

When you are about to take a travel photo, its important to understand what the subject is and what the key points of interest are. Where should you place these elements in the picture so it’s most favorable and looks the best? This is what using the rule of thirds to take a fantastic photo is all about.

When you are out and about, try seeing things in the rule of thirds and line up your eyes as if you were framing up a pic. Being a photographer isn’t too hard as long as you follow some pretty easy steps. Take your time and don’t rush the shot, it’s supposed to be your memory so make it count.

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Destinations

The Best American Roads For Your New Convertible

We have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top down and living your best convertible life.

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Driving with the top down is one of the greatest thrills in life. You look cool, you feel cool and guess what, you are cool. You throw on your sunglasses and leather jacket and just cruise on down the open road in your sweet convertible that is the envy of every one of your friends.

But when you decide to ride with the top down you want to make sure you have something cool to look at. You don’t want to be cruising top-down amongst a bunch of smokestacks and pigeons. You’ll just be inhaling pollution and getting your head pooped on.

Instead, you need to find a beautiful place that will let mother nature do the rest of the heavy lifting when it comes to setting the perfect scene. That’s why we have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top-down and living your best convertible life.

ROAD TO HANA, HAWAII

The ultimate convertible destination is definitely Hawaii. These soft top cars were built to be driven around the picturesque island that is Hawaii. You’ll get the cool breeze in the warm weather and some spectacular views to match. You’ll be crossing bridges and cutting around curves all while getting some stunning views of the Hawaiian coast and the beautiful water. Say “sup” to some dolphins and play some rocking tunes as you partake in this awesome excursion.

OUTER BANKS HIGHWAY, NORTH CAROLINA

This is the perfect drive to be surrounded by water. You’ll have the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. You’ll blow by some awesome lighthouses, beaches, and see some spectacular wildlife that will hopefully not poop on your head. But if a bird does poop on your head on this drive you’ll be stoked because it will be poop from a beautiful bird that is local to North Carolina. You’ll say “oh yeah!” as you pull out a bandana to wipe your head off. Now you have a travel memento.

SONOMA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Take a drive through the wine country and enjoy the beauty of the vineyards amongst the rolling grassy hills that make up the Sonoma Valley. Just be careful when you decide to pull in to one of the many spectacular wineries for a glass or two because you don’t want to turn this convertible road trip into a night in the drunk tank. Be careful if you decide to partake in the wine, and maybe park the convertible and get a ride to the winery if you plan on doing some serious “tasting.”

BLUEBONNET TRAIL, TEXAS 

This drive is extremely beautiful thanks to the, you guessed it, Bluebonnet gardens that run alongside the road. You may not feel really rugged and cool driving through some flowers but it’s impossible to not be swept away by all the gorgeous views these flowers create. By the end of this trip, you’ll understand how a rugged person like yourself can still be swept away by the beauty of a flower and that’s totally okay. Go on this wonderful convertible drive to become a more well-rounded person.


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Destinations

Save Hundreds On Your Next Disneyland Trip With These Simple Tricks

It’s no secret that Disneyland is known as the happiest place on Earth, and for good reason! Thrilling rides and dazzling shows, immersive experiences and endless amounts of unbelievably delicious food. Everything you need for a fantastic vacation all in one place. All of these magical amenities come at a price, however, and quite a […]

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It’s no secret that Disneyland is known as the happiest place on Earth, and for good reason! Thrilling rides and dazzling shows, immersive experiences and endless amounts of unbelievably delicious food. Everything you need for a fantastic vacation all in one place. All of these magical amenities come at a price, however, and quite a steep one at that.

Tickets alone will run you over $100 a piece and on top of that, there are other things to account for like travel, lodging, food, and of course souvenirs. All these expenses adding up can really put a damper on your budget. 

Luckily for you, We’ve put together a list of tricks for saving money and getting the most out of your vacation!

 

1. Pack Smart

Unexpected factors like variable weather conditions can cause unnecessary expenses during your trip. So make sure you check the forecast for your destination so you don’t end up overpaying for last minute necessities like sunscreen, sweatshirts, or umbrellas. If you’re planning on enjoying the water rides, grab a poncho from the dollar store instead of paying $15 for one at the park.

 

2. Make A DIY Autograph Book

One of the best things about Disneyland is meeting your favorite characters and getting their autograph. It’s just another one of the many layers that make up a truly magical experience. What’s not so magical, however, is paying for all those odds and ends like the little notebooks dubbed “Autograph Books” sold at many places throughout the park.

 

They’ll run you between $15 and $20 each. It may not seem like much but it’s the little things like this that start to drain your budget, especially if you have a large family. Luckily you can make your own for less than $5. Just grab a notebook or journal from the dollar store and customize it with some markers, stickers, and glitter.

 

3. Use Shuttle Services

If you’re starting to see a theme here then you might have guessed that parking at the Happiest Place on Earth might leave you feeling a little deflated. Standard parking will cost you $25 and if you’re looking to get a head start with a spot near the entrance you’ll be forking over $50.

 

If you’ll be staying in the Anaheim area you’re in luck! Anaheim Resort Transportation offers day passes with lines running to Disneyland and they only cost $5.50 for adults and $2 for kids. And don’t forget to check with your hotel’s concierge as many properties near the park offer complimentary shuttle services.

 

4. Bring Your Own Stroller/Wheelchair

If you’re traveling with really little ones, and especially if your vacation is going to span several days, you’ll definitely want to bring a stroller. Of course, Disney thought of that too! You can rent one of their strollers for $15 a day. The same goes for wheelchairs. The park offers manual wheelchair rentals for $12 with a $100 deposit.

So don’t forget to bring your own strollers and wheelchairs. Your wallet will thank you.

 

5. Pack Your Own Snacks

As with anything else the Magic Kingdom has to offer, the food inside the park, though delicious, is not cheap. An average meal will cost between $20 and $25. Not to mention the inevitable snacks along the way like popcorn, churros, and cotton candy.

 

Sure, delicious treats are part of the fun of a vacation but you can lighten some of the strain on your budget by bringing your own snacks and eating breakfast before you hit the park. Disneyland and Disney World both allow you to bring in outside food and beverages (with some limitations) and most hotels in the area offer complimentary breakfast. Otherwise, book a room with a fridge so you can pack some cereal and milk or other easily prepared meals.

 

6. Book During The Offseason & Pick Value Days

Let’s be honest, Disneyland is always full of people but you can plan your trip around the park’s busiest times to avoid massive crowds and endless lines. Save on everything from lodging to airfare by visiting between mid-January through mid-March, mid-April through mid-May, or mid-September through mid-November – avoiding Halloween, of course. 

You can save even more by booking well in advance and checking for “value days” on the park’s calendar. Picking these dates for your vacation will save you $45 per ticket.

 

7. Bring Your Kids Before They Turn 3

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to plan your trip early, we’ve got one for you. Children under three get into both Disney Parks absolutely free. That will save you a whopping $140 at Disneyland and $124 at Walt Disney World. You can use those savings for some sweet souvenirs, closer parking, an upgraded hotel room, or a better flight.

 

8. Pick Up An Annual Pass

If you’re a serious Disney fan you may want to consider investing in an annual pass. They will cost you a bit up front but they pay for themselves within just a handful of visits. An annual pass gives you admission to both parks at Disneyland and all four parks at Walt Disney World. Not to mention the other perks pass holders get like standard parking and 20% off select merchandise and dining. 

 

 


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Guides

What You Need To Keep In Mind When Traveling For Your Nonprofit

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Traveling for a business or organization of any kind can be very stressful. There arer some people that thrive during business trips while others struggle. Getting into a flow during a trip is important if you make this trip regularly. You could be meeting with potential donors or other people that want to grow the nonprofit. Meeting someone physically is no longer required but when an individual is offering to donate a large sum of money, the extra mile is always recommended. You do not want to alienate a donor simply because you did not want to take a flight that would cost a few hundred dollars. Below are some of the things that you are going to need to keep in mind when traveling for your nonprofit. 

Communicating With Staff At Home 

Communication during and leading up to your trip is of paramount importance. You do not want everything to fall apart simply because you traveled for a few days. Assigning people additional tasks can be critical as you do not want a part of the nonprofit neglected. Volunteers can be crucial during these times as loyal volunteers might be more than willing to complete any tasks they are asked to do. 

The ability to finish work that you have in-house can be very important. Leading by example is a huge part of being a successful leader regardless of the organization that you are running. With technology being so advanced, you might be able to get all you have to get done remotely. In other cases, you need to delegate when you are traveling so everything does not unravel while you are gone. A good lead knows who to trust 

Keeping Your Expenses Organized

You want to make sure you keep expenses organized when it comes time for tax season. You want to ensure that the person handling the best nonprofit account software has the easiest time possible. Experience in accounting for a nonprofit can be so important when looking for employees or volunteers. 

Meeting With Current And Potential Donors 

You want to make sure that you meet with current and potential donors when in their city. Having the right materials for your nonprofit to showcase the work that is being done can be so important. You might even have to pitch your nonprofit as certain philanthropists want to ensure their money is going to a good cause. 

Enjoy A Bit Of Time To Enjoy Yourself During The Trip 

Taking a few hours to enjoy yourself during the trip is so important. Regardless of how passionate you are about your nonprofit, there are times when you simply need to unwind. Rejuvenating can allow you to be that much more passionate without worrying about burning yourself out. Take the time to research what you would like to do if exploring a new city.

Traveling for your nonprofit can be something you look forward to or dread. This is all about how you manage your time when you are traveling.

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