Content Writer PortfolioCreated by Lon Britton

Eye Catching Elements That Improve Your Photos

There are elements you can incorporate in your photograph when composing your subject that will draw the

viewer’s eye in and add interest to the subject. Follow these simple guidelines and the quality of your pictures

will improve dramatically. Adding them can make a drab photo come alive.

When you see a picture you like, you know you like it, but may not know exactly what it is about the picture

that really appeals to you at first glance. Chances are the picture incorporates one or more of these elements.

Once you recognize these elements you can incorporate them in your own photos to improve them vastly.

These elements are:

1. Framing

2. Reflections

3. Leading Lines

4. Pattern

5. Shadow

6. S-curve

7. Backlighting

8. Silhouette

9. Mood evoking

There are plenty of good sources for seeing examples of photographs with these elements in

them. Let’s discuss this from the angle that you are on a photo road trip. There is a twofold

bonus in it for the photographer here. Your sources: the local souvenir shop of the destination

you have selected, and the postcard rack in the motel lobby where you might be staying.

I say twofold bonus because these are also good sources for additional places you may not be

familiar with. Of course, you did your pre-trip homework, didn’t you? You can never cover it

all even with the most thorough of research. There’s nothing like being there for true exposure

(pun intended).

You might even get an idea for a shot from looking at the postcards. I’m not talking about

being a copycat. Yes, we all like to get the classic photo of a well-known icon, but once you

have that try to be creative and come up with your own imaginative shot. Enough with the idle

chatter, let’s get down to the brass tacks.

Framing

Most of us have seen the tropical beach scenic where the palm tree leaves hang over the shore often casting

a shadow on the sand with the ocean in the background. This is classic photo framing. The beach is the main

subject, but the palm leaves frame the subject.

In nature, trees are often found in abundance and consequently, are commonly used for framing subjects. In

the absence of trees, like in the desert, shrubs and cactus can be employed to fit the bill.

See how I have incorporated tree framing in the photo of the covered bridge. Natural

and manmade arches, rock formations, stairways, bridges, and statues are other objects that can be used

to frame subjects just to name a few.

Reflections

Reflections add spice to a photo. Natural reflections can be found on a lake, or other body of water, and

monument reflection pools are a typical example. Check out my reflection shot of Marquette Harbor

Light. Note how the reflection enhances the photo. Cover the reflection with your hand and compare the

before and after view to see if you don’t agree that the reflection “makes” the photo.

Look for reflections in other

objects like the shiny surfaces of

chrome bumpers, building

windows, and mirrors.

Sometimes a good rain can

produce reflections in the form

of puddles that are not ordinarily

there.

If your subject is near an ocean

environment watch for

reflections that may have been

produced by tides and wave

action. Often if wave activity

is sufficient water can collect

in pockets of eroded rock

formations, for instance, far

from where a typical high tide

might deposit some.

Leading Lines and the S-curve

Leading lines draw the viewer’s eye into the picture. Leading lines can be the main

subject, but typically, they lead to the main subject. Common leading lines include

fences, stairways, walkways, aisles, nature trails, highways, and piers. Note how the

elevated walkway leads right up to the Marshall Point Lighthouse.

The S-curve is another type of leading

line; however, it is S-shaped much like

the Yellow Brick Road that Dorothy

and her three cohorts took on the way to

see the Wizard. The ole brick highway

actually had many S-shaped curves as I

recall.

The classic S-curve is usually seen on

the likes of road atlas covers in the form

of a highway snaking along through a

scenic landscape. Find them in many

of the common leading lines mentioned

above including gravel roads.

Pattern

Pattern is another element that is pleasing to the eye. Natural patterns in nature include sand ripples, zebra stripes, and

clouds and those are just a few examples. As you can see from the examples given pattern doesn’t have to be geometric

or have order. Common man-made patterns include lines of telephone poles, fences, and farm crop rows which double as

leading lines as well.

Shadow

Shadow, especially the long shadows found during early morning and late evening improve a photo by adding an

artistic touch. Shadows incidentally also add definition and depth to sand dunes which you won’t find in the direct

overhead light of the mid-afternoon. The burned trees in this

Yellowstone picture illustrate the visual effect of shadow well.

Note that this photo has at least three elements: shadow,

leading lines, and pattern.

Silhouettes and Back lighting

I included silhouettes and back lighting together since they are related. A silhouette is really back

lighting at its extreme. Silhouettes are basically a representation of a subject as an outline where the

subject is solid and usually black. It can be achieved to varying degrees by underexposing a subject

with the sunlight directly behind the subject. Two stops under is a good start. Take a look the saguaro

cactus photo for an example of this element.

As a reminder when dealing with silhouettes and back lighting

never stare at the sun. Use your subject to shield your eyes

from the direct sun. A typical back lighting shot is one where

you see rays of sunlight streaming through trees and casting

tree shadows on the forest floor. Another example is when the

sun is obscured behind a cloud and the light radiates out from

behind. This also leaves that silver lining look around the cloud

edge. Shooting the underside of leaves with the sun behind

achieves good back lighting effect and if, for instance, an insect

is on the top side of a leaf you’ll note that the insect appears as

a silhouette.

Colors evoke moods as well. Shades of blue give a sense of coolness like you see in snow and

ice, whereas reds imply warmth or even hot temperatures, generally, but not always. The light of early

morning and late evening add mood to a photo as well. For instance, the pinks, oranges, and reds of

sunrise or sunset are a massive display of eye candy. See the sunset shot of a highway bridge in

Baytown, Texas.

Lightning and ominous stormy clouds

in a photo can also evoke moods of

foreboding.

Sometimes these elements may not exist

in a scene at a particular time of day, but

they can be found by returning at another

time of day, morning or evening, before

or after a rain, or even in a different

season. These elements can also be

combined to incorporate more than one in

the same photo. Try using them the next

time you go on a photo shoot for

improved images that will dazzle your

friends; no more boring vacation photos.

Authored by Lon Britton

© Copyright - all images property of Lon Britton

The First Barbeque

By Lon Britton

The sound of my hurled stone echoed as it ricocheted through the forest barely missing the slimy

scoundrel as he slithered away from the apple tree. The crackle could hardly be heard above the

cacophony of the other forest dwelling creatures rousted by the snake’s presence.

As I strolled through the once again blissful garden on my way home, I couldn’t help but notice

how vividly green the fig leaves were this year.

I arrived home to be greeted by my lovely wife. I asked her how her day had been as I plopped

down on our Zebra skin covered couch and propped my feet on an ivory stool. She cheerily

replied that she had been slaving away all day in the kitchen as she brought me a fresh squeezed

fruit drink. I sipped the refreshing beverage and noticed it had a taste foreign to me, but

continued with our conversation without query as to the contents of my drink. I told her my day

was pretty routine, but I had run across that nasty reptile again.

She continued to enlighten me on how her day had progressed and proceeded to describe her

cooking experience that day. She really didn’t mind all the effort necessary to prepare our meals

over a scorching hot fire pit. She told me tonight’s cuisine would be a real surprise. I began

salivating before even hearing what was on the menu. She announced we were having something

she had coined the word ―barbeque‖ which was made using a chest cavity meat slathered in a

spicy brownish crimson sauce.

I waited eagerly as she brought out the main course. Instantly, I recognized the familiar

anatomical source of our dinner. She placed the platter before me and said, ―Why, spare ribs of

course, Adam and for dessert, we are having apple pie.‖

I responded with, ―The devil you say, Eve. You shouldn’t have!‖ I knew that drink reeked of Red

Delicious!

“What is the prime Directive of seo,” captain KirK? Or The Importance of SEO

(Article Written as Intended for a Website)

In a Captain Kirk-like tone, I hear you ask, “What is the Prime

Directive of SEO?”

In a nutshell, the purpose and importance of SEO is to gain visibility on the internet for a website. If it is

a business website, visibility opens potential for more customers which ultimately leads to increased sales

that translate into piles and piles of those green paper bills called Benjamins. Benjamins, Captain Kirk,

are the prime directive!

Let’s proceed to explain the importance of SEO, but at a pace considerably slower than warp speed. Let’s

consider a leisurely saunter like Dorothy and her cohorts used as they traversed the Yellow Brick Road on

their journey to see the Wizard.

Definition of SEO

I thought it prudent to define SEO before we get too far into addressing the importance of SEO.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a methodology of strategies, techniques and tactics used to

increase the amount of visitors to a website by obtaining a high-ranking placement in the search results

page of a search engine (SERP) — including Google, Bing, Yahoo and other search engines. Reference the

webopedia link: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SEO.html

Importance of SEO

SEO is basically an internet marketing tool designed to help search engine robots to understand what a

particular website is about. The robot can then rank the website among other sites and pages on the internet

pertaining to the same or similar subject matter based on the content within. It is therefore, important that

website content incorporates SEO language to try to maximize ranking placement in the search engine

results page (SERP).

The use of keywords relevant to your website’s content is a valuable SEO tool. When an internet user

performs a search by entering a keyword(s) into a search engine the more relevant web pages pertaining to

that keyword(s) will be returned in the results. Choosing the ―right‖ (optimum) keywords when producing

content for a website will improve your website’s SERP ranking. Generally, if your website or some subject

matter from your site is listed within the first three pages of an internet search that is considered a high-

ranking result.

Naturally, it is preferable to have a high-rank which is conducive to gaining more visitors (hits) to your site.

Having your site show up as the first entry on page 1 of search results will practically make your toes curl.

There are search engine ranking checkers that check your search engine position ranking for any

keyword in the major search engines.

There are multiple keyword research tools, some free, and some for a fee, that assist in finding the

optimum keyword or keyword phrase to maximize your probability of a higher-ranking in search engine

results. I’ll discuss this subject briefly later in this article. It is a topic of its own, deserving greater

depth, but it is pertinent to SEO. Remember, Captain Kirk, we have dedicated this piece to the prime

directive, the importance of SEO.

Benefits of SEO:

Increased website visibility

Increased site traffic

Improved credibility through higher-ranking

Improved conversion rates* from more relevant traffic

Expanded markets

Improved competiveness

Maximized Benjamins

* The conversion rate is the percentage of users who take a desired action. The typical

example of conversion rate is the percentage of website visitors who buy something on

the site.

Statistics Supporting the Importance of SEO

The internet has been in existence long enough so that credible statistics have been

compiled, which illustrate the importance of SEO and why you should incorporate SEO

techniques into your website to increase traffic, be competitive in the marketplace, and to

increase revenue. There are many statistics citing the importance of SEO, but please

reference the following website with a subtitle of ―10 MIND-BLOWING SEO, Social & Web

Statistics‖ at http://zerogravitymarketing.com/seo-statistics/ for a few examples.

A Brief Discussion on Keyword Research Tools

As promised earlier in my article, I want to discuss keyword research tools, although slightly

off topic. I thought since I was writing an article on the importance of SEO that I should

naturally incorporate SEO in my article, duh!

As an example to illustrate how I went about deciding on what keyword to use, in this case

keyword phrase, to help optimize the odds of my article ranking higher placement in SERP, I

used one of the free keyword research tools. I recommend for a potentially flourishing

business, if you are a solo entrepreneur, that you tighten your belt a bit, forgo a couple of

designer coffees a week, and find a decent and affordable keyword research tool pay site.

These sites can give you regional as well as global information on how well certain

keywords rate. They will give you an idea of search volume, competitiveness for specific

words and phrases, and more. For example, a simple check using one of these tools prior to

writing this article found that for higher-ranking, it was better to use the phrase ―importance

of SEO‖ versus ―SEO importance‖ and to use the acronym ―SEO‖ as opposed to spelling out

―search engine optimization.‖

Remember what your mother used to tell you as you were jaunting cheerily off to

school, ―Don’t forget the importance of SEO when producing content for your website!‖

Mr. Sulu, prepare to engage thrusters!

Authored by Lon Britton

Basic Factors for Seniors to Consider

When Preparing to Move into a

Retirement Home(Website Article Written for Mr. Organize It, a Senior Relocation

Assistance and Organizing Service Company)

Basic Factors for Seniors to Consider When Preparing to Move

into a Retirement Home

There are several factors for seniors to consider when making preparations to move from a residence

into a retirement home. This is especially true if the residence is a house that has been lived in for a long

time. The subject is broad enough that this article will concentrate more on decisions that are not directly

related to picking a particular facility.

The subject of deciding on a particular facility and the things to look for will be covered in a separate

article. See “Choosing an Assisted Living Facility” at www.mrorganizeit.com

Facilities

The decision to move into a retirement facility can be filled with emotions. Whether you are a single

person or a couple, each person’s individual needs must be assessed. There are three main types of

retirement facilities where seniors can live outside of their own home. Other options involve in-home care

or hospices, which are not discussed here. Knowing the types of facilities that are available is tantamount

to choosing the right one for you.

Independent Living or what are often referred to as Retirement Communities – These are typically

confined to people age 55 or older and have little if any assistive services.

Assisted Living - There are two levels of assisted living, Type A and Type B.

Assisted Living facilities are designated Type A or B and each is licensed to

accept and care for different needs (more on these to follow).

Nursing Homes - Daily nursing and comprehensive support for disabled individuals.

Independent Living Facilities

Independent Living communities are for folks who are healthy and self-sufficient. The community may

provide services like laundry, group meals, local transportation, and planned social activities. These

communities are for folks you like the idea of spending their retirement in a community of peers and living

in a smaller home that is easy to care for.

Assisted Living Facilities

As mentioned above there are two levels of assisted living.

Type A assisted living facilities may only accept and care for individuals who can evacuate the residence

without assistance and who can follow directions in an emergency.

Type B assisted living facilities may accept residents who don’t qualify for a Type A facility because they

either need personal assistance to evacuate the building, or they cannot follow directions on their own in an

emergency or both.

The senior care industry has adopted what they call Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). There are six basic

categories of ADLs:

Hygiene (bathing, grooming, shaving, and oral care)

Continence

Dressing

Eating (the ability to feed oneself)

Toileting (the ability to use a restroom)

Transferring (actions such as going from a seated to a standing position and getting in and out of bed)

Typically, if you require help with any of these ADLs (depending on the extent of help needed) you will

likely want to choose an Assisted Living facility at a minimum as opposed to an Independent Living

Community.

Personally, I would stay in my private home as long as possible, and as long as I could keep up the

chores of the house like yard work and cleaning and if I were able to take care of my personal hygiene, feed

myself and the like, without help from others. That also takes into account my ability to drive and take care

of personal matters like buying groceries.

Assisted Living facilities are for folks who need some help with ADLs, but wish to remain as independent

as possible. They are a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes. They tend to provide

more privacy, space, and dignity than many nursing homes and at a lower cost. An Assisted Living facility

does not offer extensive medical care like a nursing home does.

Select a few facilities to visit and have a close relative accompany you. A professional caregiver at each

facility can evaluate you and determine your care needs.

A very important consideration when choosing a facility, is if an individual has a condition that will

likely worsen, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or some other

degenerative disease. In these cases, it is prudent to select a Type B assisted living facility or a facility that

has both Type A and B units on the same grounds. This makes transfer much easier, and it is less stressful in

the event a patient needs to move from a Type A level facility to a Type B when a condition progresses.

Nursing Homes

A nursing home is set up for people who need skilled medical professionals providing them care and

services daily. They will even administer prescription medication which is helpful for patients who may be

forgetful. Skilled nursing staff is available 24 hours a day.

These facilities are more expensive than assisted living facilities and the rooms are generally smaller and

with less privacy. When deciding on a nursing home check the ratio of nursing staff and other caregivers to

patient population. This is a good indicator of the level of care they will be capable of providing each

patient.

Major Considerations When Planning a Move

Your New Space and Downsizing

Naturally, you will want to know what size options are available for your new living quarters. Visit

some properties after you have selected some using the above criteria for the type of facility that fits your

needs best.

The staff should be able to let you tour and view living spaces available. Plan and begin shopping well in

advance of your move because in some cases they may have a waiting list.

Ask for room dimensions, floor plans, and brochures for each facility. You will need this information to

help you decide which property will accommodate your space needs. Your choice of new home will most

likely be considerably smaller than your existing home. This will require downsizing of your personal

property.

There are experts who can help you with the transition of finding a place, downsizing and preparing

for a move (check the internet for relocation assistance or your telephone book under Move Managers) if

you don’t have friends or relatives who can help. Also, check out Mr. Organize It at

www.mrorganizeit.com for professionals who will make your transition a smooth and thorough relocation

experience. You will want to preserve some memories in the process of downsizing. A few keepsakes and

decorations will make your new home cozier, but you will have to keep them to a minimum.

The floor plan will help you decide what furniture and other items to keep and what to get rid of. Consider

offering and giving away some of your items to your children, relatives, or close friends, or if budget is

tight sell them the items at a bargain price.

Also consider an estate sale as an option over a garage sale. You may be able to get more money for your

sold items.

Estate sales are especially good if you have a large home and a lot of high-ticket items and antiques. Estate

sale agents will be harder to come by for small houses, and if you do find one their profit margin will likely

be much higher than for a larger estate. However, even with their high profit margin hiring one can often

prove to be a significant advantage over conducting your own garage sale.

Medicaid

Keeping your existing home after a move into a new facility has its pros and cons. Your decision to move

should be a firm and permanent one. There are situations where you may want to hold onto your ―old‖

home, however. Naturally, upkeep in your absence will be a big consideration and possible source of

headache. Renting to a tenant is one idea for a way to keep the house, but being a landlord is no picnic, so

think hard on that one.

You may want to sell your existing home after moving into your new abode. If you plan to use Medicaid to

assist you financially with your new living arrangements be mindful that there are certain eligibility

requirements. Medicaid has limitations on income and other assets as a part of their qualification

program. The rental idea stated above will also be an issue with respect to assets if you go this route.

You will want to take these rules into consideration when deciding to sell your home or not. In addition, you

don’t want to jeopardize your situation or be in violation due to misuse of a government program. There are

penalties that can be assessed, and which could cause your eviction from your new retirement home!

It would be wise to check with a Medicaid office or your lawyer for current regulations should you decide

to consider Medicaid for housing assistance.

I hope these tips help minimize preparation problems for a retirement home transition.

Authored by Lon Britton

A Meck of a Hess(A Poem Written for Organizing Section

of Mr. Organize It Website)

A Meck of a HessBy Lon Britton

My house is truly a mess,it is not something I wish to confess.

Clutter, clutter everywhere,why there is even clutter in my hair.

Everything is in such disarray,I get down on my knees and cry mayday, mayday.

You know you seriously need to organize,when you remove the couch cushions and find uneaten pies.

This terrible mess I so despise,and soon hope to see sunnier skies.

I enlisted the help of some friends,and their thoughts and hands they did lend.

One began to utter,that all the clutter,made the house seem a gutter.

The other began to sob,and commented I was such a slob,but he would help with the job.

We had the place looking spiffy,in quite a jiffy.

With things back in order,I feel less like a hoarder.

Now my window lets in light,since my junk was previously well above that height.

Finally, I truly can say,I now have brighter days.

Photography Exhibit

By Lon BrittonOutdoor, Wildlife, and Nature

Images

Cullen Center Gallery, 500 Jefferson, Houston, Texas,

June 9 – July 11, 2003

Longmont Council for the Arts

1999 KID CARE Charity

Calendar Picture

Contest Winner

Lon Britton First Place

Winner in the

1999 Kid

Care Charity

Calendar

Picture Contest with four

photographs selected

representing the months of January,

September, November, and December.

There were over 600 contestants. (Winning photographs follow)

Photography Samples