DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
PAUL BIRKHEAD
Digital cameras ranked in the top ten gift ideas for this Christmas, so there’s a good chance you might have found one under your tree. Some cameras were put to use immediately while others have remained in their boxes. Any new technology can be intimidating, but it may seem more so for someone who has only used film cameras in the past. However, Rowan Public Library has many books that can educate anyone venturing into digital photography.
“Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques for Getting Great Pictures” by Bryan Peterson, is a good book for those unfamiliar with digital cameras or photography in general. Peterson has a laid-back style of writing that puts digital novices at ease right away. Topics range from learning about pixel size to using software that will bring out the best in your photos. Peterson’s book is filled with digital photographs specifically chosen to show the right and the wrong way to do things.
Tom Ang, a full-time photographer, writer and television host, is the author of several books, including his latest “How to Photograph Absolutely Everything.” In it, Ang’s self-proclaimed goal is to show the reader how to photograph any subject in any situation they might encounter. His photographic recipe for success starts with the basic ingredients of color, light and space. Then he cooks things together with such techniques as exposure, framing and focus. The hundreds of beautiful photographs shown throughout the book were actually taken with the more common digital point-and-shoot cameras, seemingly proving Ang’s theory that proper technique and not fancy equipment make good pictures.
For those with a little more experience, “Shooting Digital: Pro Tips for Taking Great Pictures with Your Digital Camera,” is a good resource for learning how to take your photography to the next level. Author Mikkel Aaland published one of the first books on digital photography back in 1992 and has not stopped writing about the subject since. In this latest book, Mikkel Aaland goes beyond the basics and explains how professional photographers get the most out of their digital cameras. In each chapter, stunning photographs are featured. Then, the techniques utilized to make them great are explained in detail.
Whether you’ve recently acquired a digital camera or are contemplating a purchase, Rowan Public Library has plenty of books that will expose you to the world of digital photography.
Showing posts with label frank tadlock south rowan regional library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frank tadlock south rowan regional library. Show all posts
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
‘Tis the Season for Giving
Sara Grajek
December 16, 2007
The season of Christmas is filled with glittering lights, shiny presents, and many traditions. What we can also add to the holiday is a spirit of giving. Rowan Public Library has some books that can help you share this concept with children. From storybooks with beautifully illustrated pictures to short biographies, the public library has a great selection of books.
“The Quiltmaker’s Gift” by Jeff Brumbeau tells the story of an old, wise woman who makes the most beautiful quilts in the land, but only gives them to the poor or those who are homeless. When the powerful and greedy king demands one, she tells him he must give away all his possessions before she will make one for him. The king sends the old woman to various exiles as punishment, but each time she befriends the creatures who inhabit those far away places. As the king realizes how unhappy he is, he follows the old woman’s advice and slowly gives away his prized possessions, making those with less very happy. This in turn, makes the king poor, but happy, and the old woman makes him a beautiful quilt showing his journey.
Set in 1945, “Boxes for Katje” by Candace Fleming was inspired by true events in the author’s American mother’s life. In Holland, Katje’s family receives a box from America, “the land of plenty.” Inside is soap, wool socks, chocolate, and a letter from a little girl named Rosie. Katje writes back telling how much the box has brightened their day. Because of the war, it is very difficult to get anything sweet in Holland. Boxes containing food and clothing continue to arrive throughout the winter, much to Katje and her family’s delight. So many boxes come that the family shares them with the rest of the town. Letters back to America are only thing Katje can offer, until one day when a box of tulip bulbs arrive at Rosie’s door.
In the brightly illustrated book, “If the World Were a Village” by David J. Smith, the author asks you to imagine the world as a village of 100. This makes the current population of just over six billion, an easier number to understand. In the village of 100, 61 are from Asia, 13 are from Africa, while 5 are from Canada and the United States. 76 have electricity and most use it only at night. Of those, 10 have computers, 24 have televisions, and 42 have radios. 50 people do not have a reliable source of food and are hungry some of the time and 20 are undernourished. This book will hopefully bring about a realization that the world is a much larger place than just the small part many children encounter in their everyday life.
Biographies of humanitarians such as Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale and all those who work to make a difference can also be found in the children’s room of the library. These selections and more, from Rowan Public Library are a wonderful opportunity to share with children that each person can be giving and make the world a better place, in the holiday season, as well as everyday.
Sara Grajek
December 16, 2007
The season of Christmas is filled with glittering lights, shiny presents, and many traditions. What we can also add to the holiday is a spirit of giving. Rowan Public Library has some books that can help you share this concept with children. From storybooks with beautifully illustrated pictures to short biographies, the public library has a great selection of books.
“The Quiltmaker’s Gift” by Jeff Brumbeau tells the story of an old, wise woman who makes the most beautiful quilts in the land, but only gives them to the poor or those who are homeless. When the powerful and greedy king demands one, she tells him he must give away all his possessions before she will make one for him. The king sends the old woman to various exiles as punishment, but each time she befriends the creatures who inhabit those far away places. As the king realizes how unhappy he is, he follows the old woman’s advice and slowly gives away his prized possessions, making those with less very happy. This in turn, makes the king poor, but happy, and the old woman makes him a beautiful quilt showing his journey.
Set in 1945, “Boxes for Katje” by Candace Fleming was inspired by true events in the author’s American mother’s life. In Holland, Katje’s family receives a box from America, “the land of plenty.” Inside is soap, wool socks, chocolate, and a letter from a little girl named Rosie. Katje writes back telling how much the box has brightened their day. Because of the war, it is very difficult to get anything sweet in Holland. Boxes containing food and clothing continue to arrive throughout the winter, much to Katje and her family’s delight. So many boxes come that the family shares them with the rest of the town. Letters back to America are only thing Katje can offer, until one day when a box of tulip bulbs arrive at Rosie’s door.
In the brightly illustrated book, “If the World Were a Village” by David J. Smith, the author asks you to imagine the world as a village of 100. This makes the current population of just over six billion, an easier number to understand. In the village of 100, 61 are from Asia, 13 are from Africa, while 5 are from Canada and the United States. 76 have electricity and most use it only at night. Of those, 10 have computers, 24 have televisions, and 42 have radios. 50 people do not have a reliable source of food and are hungry some of the time and 20 are undernourished. This book will hopefully bring about a realization that the world is a much larger place than just the small part many children encounter in their everyday life.
Biographies of humanitarians such as Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale and all those who work to make a difference can also be found in the children’s room of the library. These selections and more, from Rowan Public Library are a wonderful opportunity to share with children that each person can be giving and make the world a better place, in the holiday season, as well as everyday.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
TAKE A HIKE
PAUL BIRKHEAD
OCTOBER 7, 2007
October is the perfect month to take a hike. Resplendent autumn landscapes seem to have the ability to beckon even the most sedentary people out of their cars and homes. Cool, crisp air invigorates the senses. And with temperatures dipping down to reasonable levels, you might not have to break a sweat.
Rowan Public Library encourages you to get outside and enjoy nature for awhile. Soon, freezing weather will be upon us and then you can sit inside and read to your heart’s content. In the meantime, if you just can’t quit turning pages, try these books.
Hiking North Carolina: A Guide to Nearly 500 of North Carolina’s Greatest Hiking Trails, by Randy Johnson is a book that’s sure to inspire you to get outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a backwoods adventure or a casual walk in a park, this guide will show you places that you might have never thought to go. Useful information, splendid photos and GPS-compatible maps make this a very valuable trip companion.
North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide, by Kevin Adams is another good read. Who doesn’t like discovering a beautiful waterfall at the end of a trail, ready and waiting to be photographed? While no one knows just how many waterfalls North Carolina has, this book impressively describes over 600 of them. Photographic tips are given about each waterfall as well as important details like accessibility, elevation, and a ‘beauty rating.’
Reading Wilderness First Responder: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent Emergencies in the Back Country, by Buck Tilton might actually save your life or someone else’s. How many books can you say that about? While somewhat disturbing (there’s a lot that can go wrong out there), there is some extremely valuable information inside. From cuts to cardiac arrest, Tilton’s book does a good job of teaching the reader how to assess and treat injuries outdoors.
If you enjoy hiking already or these book titles have whet your appetite, you should know the Frank T. Tadlock South Rowan Regional Library will be hosting ‘Take A Hike’ programs during the month of October. Sponsored by The Hillbilly Hikers and Rowan County Parks and Recreation, these programs are being offered to the public to celebrate the great outdoors. The schedule of events for the branch in China Grove (704-216-7727) include:
PAUL BIRKHEAD
OCTOBER 7, 2007
October is the perfect month to take a hike. Resplendent autumn landscapes seem to have the ability to beckon even the most sedentary people out of their cars and homes. Cool, crisp air invigorates the senses. And with temperatures dipping down to reasonable levels, you might not have to break a sweat.
Rowan Public Library encourages you to get outside and enjoy nature for awhile. Soon, freezing weather will be upon us and then you can sit inside and read to your heart’s content. In the meantime, if you just can’t quit turning pages, try these books.
Hiking North Carolina: A Guide to Nearly 500 of North Carolina’s Greatest Hiking Trails, by Randy Johnson is a book that’s sure to inspire you to get outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a backwoods adventure or a casual walk in a park, this guide will show you places that you might have never thought to go. Useful information, splendid photos and GPS-compatible maps make this a very valuable trip companion.
North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide, by Kevin Adams is another good read. Who doesn’t like discovering a beautiful waterfall at the end of a trail, ready and waiting to be photographed? While no one knows just how many waterfalls North Carolina has, this book impressively describes over 600 of them. Photographic tips are given about each waterfall as well as important details like accessibility, elevation, and a ‘beauty rating.’
Reading Wilderness First Responder: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent Emergencies in the Back Country, by Buck Tilton might actually save your life or someone else’s. How many books can you say that about? While somewhat disturbing (there’s a lot that can go wrong out there), there is some extremely valuable information inside. From cuts to cardiac arrest, Tilton’s book does a good job of teaching the reader how to assess and treat injuries outdoors.
If you enjoy hiking already or these book titles have whet your appetite, you should know the Frank T. Tadlock South Rowan Regional Library will be hosting ‘Take A Hike’ programs during the month of October. Sponsored by The Hillbilly Hikers and Rowan County Parks and Recreation, these programs are being offered to the public to celebrate the great outdoors. The schedule of events for the branch in China Grove (704-216-7727) include:
- Saturday, October 13 at 2:00 pm Wilderness First Aid Demonstration by Instructor Charles Seaford
- Monday, October 15 at 6:30 pm Movie Night - Continental Divide starring John Belushi
- Saturday, October 20 at 10:00 am Hiking Discussion with Bob Pendergrass
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