How to Take Candid Shots for Oil Paintings

By Pierrce Young

Have you ever wonder how to capture a picture which exudes the loveliest genuine expressions? The challenge here is not the techniques involved but rather, the spontaneity of the subject in action. Such candid moments capture wonderful slices of life and are just right for making into oil paintings!

We have seen the candid photographs of our family, friends, loved ones' and those are probably their best shots. These great snapshots of candid moments are great for oil paintings. Here are some ways which you can go about capturing candid pictures.

First you need to carry your camera around! Why, you might ask. Well, you can never know for sure when those unique moments arise. You have to be all ready to grab every opportunity which comes your way! Alternatively, should you forget to carry your camera, you can always use your camera phone.

It is nice to have a high quality, high resolution photo for converting into an oil painting. Nevertheless our artists are capable of turning a poorly lit, low resolution or blurry picture from a camera phone into a beautiful painting.

It is best that the people are unaware of camera. You might observe a change in behavior if they realized that they are being filmed. Such reaction occurs deep in the subconscious level of humans and even animals!

What gives a candid photograph its flavor is the spontaneity of the subject taken; something which is un-posed and unintentional. So keep the subject's mind off the lens and never intrude their personal space.

To be as unobtrusive as possible, use the zoom feature of you camera to remain at a distance. Also, it helps to turn off the flash. Even when you are outside of their personal space a blinding flash will always be distracting.

The trick is to continuingly take pictures of the subjects even if they are aware of your presence. Do so for some time and subsequently, they will shift their attention back to their previous task. So what's next up?

Take as many photos as possible! You don't have to save on film if you are holding a digital camera. So just keep snapping away even if it's the same moment you are taking! Having multiple shots allow you the option of choosing the most well taken photo out of the many you took!

It will also be good if you can make use of the continuous shooting mode of your camera. This facilitates multiple candid shots and creates that perfect shot for a perfect portrait painting.

Take pictures from multiple angles and perspectives. A popular approach is to aim the camera from an elevation below the subjects' eyes. People literally shoot from the hips. You can crouch down, or take a picture from the story above. Mixing up the angles make the photographs more exciting and creative.

Try to photograph the subjects when they are interacting with another subject or in the act of doing something. Since they are involved with each other, or their activity, their focus will not be on you.

The shots captured will definitely be more interesting as you able feel the level of involvement between the people or the activities. It injects life and emotions to the image.

This is in sharp contrast to traditional portrait photography where the subjects are posing and appear static.

With all these, you are now ready for candid photography and one step closer to creating your own beautiful oil painting. - 29975

About the Author:

Once you have captured that special moment on film, you can then go to Paint The Moment at www.paintthemoment.com and get your beautiful oil paintings made. The quality of the paintings that they make are unmatched, and it is still at reasonable prices!

Give Your Loved Ones the Perfect Gift- Precious Moments Figurines

By Craig Shinney

When you search for Precious Moments figurines, you are able to find them in a variety of different stores online, and in stores locally. Find an assortment of poses, and sayings at affordable prices for your wallet, and make sure the person gets a wonderful birthday gift.

For any one year old, you may want to get them something they can keep as they grow, this can be easy when you choose a Precious Moments figurine. They come in both boys, and girls showing a toddler in a high chair. They will be sure to keep it for a lifetime and more.

Little girls do not have to be difficult to buy for since they have various options available. One of the figurines offered is a little princess. You are able to bring out the princess in the birthday girl by presenting her with this figurine for her to cherish.

For both boys and girls you are able to get universal Precious Moments birthday figurines. You are able to choose the age you would like to place on the figurine of your choice. This allows you to choose the perfect figure for the perfect someone you are purchasing it for.

Little boys need something to remember their birthday by as well. You are able to find sports, or train related figurines to match their taste. If you prefer a gift set which allows them the benefit of a figurine as well as a picture frame, and collector's box. You are also able to purchase these for girls.

There are also animal figurines with the birthday number on them. This is a great birthday gift for the animal lover you are buying for. You are able to choose the animal, as well as the age your birthday person is turning to make a delightful gift that they will be sure to love.

If the birthday person is not a child, you are also able to purchase them a figurine for their age. You can choose from an assortment of poses, words, or animals. When choosing a Precious moment's figurine, there is something for everyone available.

Even though it seems like you can only purchase birthday figurines for the people in your life, Precious Moments also offers figurines for other occasions and just because Moments. Choose from various sayings, feel better wishes, or inspirational meanings. You can be sure to find what you are looking for with these figurines. - 29975

About the Author:

To find out more about used Precious Moments figurines, click through where you will discover to very best in Precious Moments ornaments and collectibles.

Using Precious Moments Figurines to Create an Indoor Sculpture Garden

By Craig Shinney

Need a creative solution for keeping your precious moments birthday figurines displayed and well kept? Try creating an indoor sculpture garden-even enlisting the help of your kids if you have them. Modeling a little TLC while creating a downsized version of the great outdoor sculpture gardens will prove an invigorating project that helps you showcase the value of your collection: both sentimental and monetary.

Not everyone intrinsically understands the basic principles that make collectible figurines so valuable. By highlighting the details in craftsmanship and artistry of each item, an indoor sculpture garden can not only transform a home but also transform the thoughts of a house guest viewing the collection.

The natural collector in you will gravitate toward giving birthday figurines and other collectibles to friends and family, even youth. While encouraged to do so, remember that children especially may need some support in learning how to display and care for a gift that celebrates one of their life's precious moments. Offer to help them start their own indoor sculpture garden or invite them to take a look at one you've created-it just may teach a worthwhile lesson in art appreciation.

Because these collections will often pass to younger generations down the road, a lesson in maintaining value presents itself as each piece for your indoor sculpture garden is removed from its box. Retain the original packaging and explain to your kids why this is important; perhaps you even want to add paper notes to the original container indicating whose it is, when and where it was purchased and the details that make it is so special.

After the packaging is safely stored, myriad ideas may zoom through a collector's head. Whether working with youth or not, a clever and theme-focused design will make the project more smooth and the results more astonishing. One idea for arranging collectibles includes grouping them in smaller arrangements by size, color or category. This way, the garden's visitors will see the collection on a more meaningful level.

If nervousness persists with the collectibles out of the packaging and multiple kids playing about, creating your indoor sculpture garden within the confines of a curio cabinet might prove the best option. Enhanced with lighting, mirrors and accessible heights for dusting, you may enjoy the look of your Precious Moments collection behind glass windows, and the security of Grandma's personalized 100-year birthday figurine locked in a case may help you breathe a little easier.

Over time, your indoor sculpture garden may experience many design changes, but the overall treatment and storage of each piece should persist: take care to keep pieces in dry places. Just as the memory of life's precious moments can be priceless, each piece can continue to recreate those memories for generations to come if cared for and displayed properly. - 29975

About the Author:

To find out more about cheap Precious Moments figurines, click through where you will discover to very best in Precious Moments ornaments and collectibles.

Becoming An Antique Rug Collector

By Zoey Callehan

Area rugs are now viewed as one of the most highly regarded collections. Area rug collectors are growing in number and with the increasing fan base these floor decors have because of their quality, beauty and adaptability as a decorative item, it will be no surprise if there will be more area rug collectors in the future. Collecting anything does require dedication. As a collector, you should exert effort to find the best deals and work hard to take care of your collection. You should be knowledgeable to differentiate what's valuable from not and what things to look out for. Collectors are like Sherlock Holmes - they investigate, snoop around and try to get to the bottom of the real deal.

As a collector, you must know not just the basics but the essential information on area rugs - the types, designs, rates, fabrics, etc. As you go around your hunting expeditions, you must have the important notes with you as your guidelines. Money should also be generously spared for buying your area rugs collection. A lot of rugs are not cheap. Some are actually as expensive as artworks.

Area rug collectors hover over numerous home decoration and interior design magazines and even newspaper sections looking for any information detailing anything about area rugs. This information is stored up as treasures of anticipated acquisitions. The next important thing that such collectors do is to make a detailed collectibles list for all available types of rugs and those in market demand, their manufacturers and design specifications.

This information is stored in little business cards that are easily tucked in a trousers or skirt pocket when the collector is going to an auction. The key notes are the description, size, available colors and current market value. Information about rugs should be summarized in details that are focused on identity, demand and value. An amateur antique rug collector must also make adequate room for these antiques and or collectibles in advance of acquisition. If the antiques rugs are large, he or she should make sure that he or she has a place to store them without causing damage to them.

Collectors are also after their money's worth. It's not necessarily based on the quantity but on the quality, the total value. Few valuable items are better than a lot of rubbish ones.

As a collector, you are not required to hoard and compete in number. Collections are all about the worth of the objects. It's about being a rare find, one with an amazing story or rich in history. Finally, being a collector is all about you. What may be trash for others may be treasures for you and vice-versa. Collect rugs that you personally like. Making it grow will always be an enjoyable venture because you love what you are doing. - 29975

About the Author:

Zoey Callehan is a home decorating writer for HouseofAreaRugs.com. Stop by for floor rug decorating ideas and all assortment of Persian rugs in every color imaginable.

Showing Off Your Personality With Custom Made Hardware

By James Spellman

Having custom made hardware in your home gives you many choices to select from. You have many materials, styles, and prices to choose from. You can pick a modern look or antique look. You can have a shiny or matte finish.

The hardware in your house starts with the entry doors. You have many metals, such as aluminum, red brass or yellow brass, stainless steel, bronze, wrought iron, and copper to have the door knobs and hinges made from. The front door of a home can make a statement about the rest of the home.

You also have the many room doors and hall doors that will need a door knob and hinges. These add to the overall decor of a house and everyone who enters the home will see them. They help set the style that you will continue throughout the house with all the other cabinet doors and drawers.

There are towel bars and rings for your kitchen and bathrooms. These add to the decor in these rooms as well as any other fixtures you have in there. You need to try to match the style of hardware to the style of fixtures so they look like they go together.

You also have other items in or around your house that are considered to be hardware. The door bell button and plate, the kick plates on the door bottoms, and the fasteners holding the shutters on the house all come into this category. Each one is an understated object of dcor that may be unnoticeable for the most part but adds to the whole picture of your home and personality.

All custom made hardware is made individually. Each piece is made one at a time and usually hand finished. Each type of metal has to made at different temperatures and can take different amounts of time to make. This is what creates the price variations. The different metals and time needed for the processes as well as the amount of pieces of each style being made cause the prices to differ.

Custom made hardware is made by casting each piece individually. The fabricators will help you if you want to design your own or will show you the molds they already have and let you choose from them. They will help you choose the right metal for the style that you want and assist you with staying in your budget if you have one.

So remember when you are making decisions about the home you live in or are going to live in that the hardware is one of the things you will need to consider. It will be in almost all the rooms in some form or fashion. Everyone that enters the home will see some of it. Make your personality known in an understated way that everyone will appreciate. Show off your style and imagination. - 29975

About the Author:

Want to find out more about custom made hardware, then visit James Spellman's site on how to choose the best tools for your needs.

Tips for Successful Antique Furniture Shopping

By Greg Holmes

If you love the look of antique or vintage jewelry, and shop at thrift and consignment shops often to find timeless styles, you may be interested in getting antique furniture for your home or office. There's nothing like vintage pieces to add character and originality to any space without having to blow the bank. One trick in realizing affordability is knowing where to shop.

Make sure you figure out where you want to put antique furniture in your room as you start your design process. How far do you want the "antique" look to extend; should it shine through every aspect of the room, or do you just want it to accentuate more basic pieces? How about an exquisite antique desk for your office, highlighted by modern touches such as a sleek, complementary credenza or a simple chair with a contemporary flair? It will typically save money if there is a general idea of what kind of statement you would like your space to make before embarking on a search for antiques.

After this, it's important to determine just how authentic you want your antique furniture to be, and just how old you want to go in your design. Simply browsing antique shops can be inspiring in terms of the look you want to create. You can then search for replicas and distressed pieces either online or at retailers such as Pier One or Z Gallerie to fully consider your options. Not only would it be easier on your pocket book, but it would allow you to alter the look of the piece by changing color, texture, or drawer handles without compromising the value of a genuine antique.

There are limitless online shopping resources. Websites such as eBay are rife with antique shops that do most of their business online. Beds, chest of drawers, desks, and night stands are featured online, and you may learn a few interesting facts about the pieces before you buy. If you are interested in selling antique furniture as well, the site has information for how you open your own shop, or resell the products you buy at a live store in order to make a profit.

You can obtain information regarding traveling road shows on antique-mall.com, become a member, and use it as a resource. One of the advantages of using www.antique-mall.com is that photos are provided which allow you to be better informed on the pieces you purchase. Once you catch "vintage fever" you may become interested in other valuable antiquities such as jewelry or car parts. Information regarding any classification of antique ware is available for purchase on www.antique-mall.com. - 29975

About the Author:

Find out more about all sorts of antiques and collectibles, from collectible antique bottles to sports collectibles, at the Best Antiques site.

Rare Collectibles - Start Finding Them from Three Important Sources

By Jon Moreno

People who are into buying rare collectibles have different reasons why they engage in such activity. A few say because they find them a good form of investment, some because they believe these items have intrinsic value, while most of them do so because they feel a sense of satisfaction whenever they find a rare item of some kind.

Although some people think of rare collectibles as pieces of junk, many still believe that they are expensive pieces of history. Now, if you are among them, then perhaps you are also on the lookout for these rare items such as old books and manuscripts, antique furniture, old coins, original artwork, and paper collectibles.

Actually, nowadays, it is so easy to find rare collectibles. They are anywhere in the world. And to begin your search, better check out these three important sources.

One of the first places that you can consider is the antique shop. They do specialize in antiques selling, so you are guaranteed that what you'll find there are rare finds. At times, their stock is sourced from estate sales and auctions so you can expect to find items that are sold at lower prices.

Next, you can search from flea markets or junk stores. This is a type of bazaar where you can buy inexpensive and secondhand goods. But you can also find a great deal of rare collectibles here ranging from clothing, antique furniture, wooden displays, and more. And would you believe that a person already found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence in a desk at a recent flea market?

Lastly, you can search online. Yes, there are lots of websites already selling these rare collectibles such as www.bid4rares.com. Just take your time browsing the site until you find one that catches your fancy.

Excited to get hold of rare collectibles? Then check out these important sources now! - 29975

About the Author:

rare collectibles are easy to find if you visit http://www.bid4rares.com/. Take a look at http://www.bid4rares.com/coins-paper-money/search/rare if rare coins are of interest to you.

Knowing All About Collecting Antique Furniture

By Manuel Vintagoli

Are you a collector of old things? Would you like to be a collector of antique furniture? If so, then you are going to need to get top know a few things about collecting furniture that you know are genuinely antique. You don't want to get out there and pay a god bit for a piece of furniture that ends up being just nice looking and not worth the amount that you paid for it.

If you find furniture that was made between the years of 1600 to the latter part of the 1800's, then you cab safely say it is an antique. Other furniture that is old is just that, old, if it was not made during these times. Learning what kind of furniture was made during these times and how to tell if it was is going to mean a lot in your collecting.

A lot of antique furniture has certain features that will give it away as being truly antique. Take for instance the Windsor chairs. These chairs had what is called an arrow foot as a distinguishable Windsor feature. If you have someone trying to tell you that the chair they are trying to sell is a true Windsor, look at the feet to make sure. There are many different kinds of foot designs that were used during the antique time periods like paw, claw, and ball. Learn the difference in these as you search for the furniture that you would like to collect.

Being new to the world of collecting antique furniture may mean that you might become confused with some of the terms used to describe some pieces of furniture. To be on the safe side and to make sure that you don't end up purchasing something that isn't what you thought it was, you will need to learn the different kinds of terms used to describe some antique furniture. Take the chifferobe for instance. Would you be able to determine the difference between it and an armoire? Knowing little details like this can help in ensuring that you get a genuine piece of furniture.

Would you be able to tell what kind of furniture was used in what rooms in the past eras? If you had a sideboard, what you use it for if you were in that time period? Would you know where to put an English chest and what to use it for? You will need to learn all you can about the specific time periods for different kinds of furniture and what this furniture was used for in the homes of that day.

Surfing the World Wide Web is one of the best ways to research and learn all you can about antique furniture and everything that you will need to know about collecting it. There are many antique dealers that are online that will be happy to answer your questions about certain things to do with collecting antiquated furniture.

Taking care of antique furniture is same thing else that you will need to know a few things about. You will want your furniture pieces to remain as beautiful as they be for as long as ever. You can find many tips on cleaning and refurbishing antiquated furniture online.

When you acquire a piece, learn its history and any stories behind it. This will make it an even more special addition to your home. - 29975

About the Author:

Collecting antique furniture is a hobby and past time for many people. If you like to begin a collection, you need to learn a few things about how to spot antiques that are authentic and worth collecting.