With Spring, comes great photo opps.  Try these tips to take great candid photos.

Candid photography is by definition taking pictures of people when they are unaware.  Part of the fun in photography is catching your subject off guard so that your pictures have more emotion.  Photographers who work for magazines, like Time Life, have been able to get candid shots of their subjects.  Taking candid shots may appear easy although there are few techniques in the photography world that will make the candid shot worth more than just a snap shot of friends and family.

First and, of course, most important is to keep the subject in view while they are not paying attention.  The next step is training your eye to catch the moment.  You have to be able to move fast, but with design.  You need to have your camera set for the picture before you are even aware you will take the photograph.  The best way to do this if you have a digital or automatic camera is to keep it on the proper setting.  Manual cameras take moments to focus and can loose the candid shot if your subject becomes aware of you.

Candid photography relies on the light; however, you may not always get to choose the angle.  The angle could be where you are standing at the time.  As a photographer of candid photography, you know the importance of choosing the best angle at the right moment that is possible.

The entire point of candid photography is to gain the unguarded moments of a person’s emotions, whether it is tears, happiness, love, or other emotions.  While it is true, you need to have light, angle, and a good camera to catch the shot it is more important to observe.  Most photographers are trained observers.  Their eyes will wander over the crowds, landscape, or other setting searching for the perfect shot.  They will always have a camera ready.  It can be extremely hard when you are taking photographs of your friends because they tend to be more involved in the conversations or activity.

The key to taking candid photographs of your friends and family is to draw them away from the fact that you carry a camera.  If they forget, they are more likely going to act natural.  Some people tend to pose in front of the camera while others will shy away turning their backs when you get ready to take a photograph.  Knowing your friends will help you find the best way to take candid shots without their knowledge.

Observing, having the camera ready, and understanding the basics of photography will yield you better results when you try for a candid shot.  Posing or turning away from the camera will take away from the shot you hoped to attain so hanging to the side or a little ahead can get you the shot you may need.  Profiles make great candid shots because the person will not realize you are taking a photograph until you have already clicked the button.  Grab your camera and go for it!

Two of the controllers that are constantly going to be in your hands whenever you are playing the Nintendo are the remote, sometimes referred to as the Wiimote and the nunchuck. Not all games are going to need the nunchuck but some of them will not play unless it is inserted into the end of the remote.

Unfortunately, the nunchuck does not come standard with the Wii game system and must be purchased separately. This is an added expense that tends to frustrate many people who are trying to play games right out of the box. Fortunately, it is not a particularly expensive accessory but it is one that is necessary to play some games.

The Nintendo game system only comes with one remote so if you plan on playing with somebody else, you should pick up an additional remote and 2 nunchucks at the same time that you pick up your new game system. Not doing this is only going to frustrate you in the long run and it cost you another trip back to the store sooner or later.

Don’t purchase your additional remote and nunchuck by itself. For just a few dollars more, you can get the Wiiplay game that comes with both. This particular game helps you to learn the ins and outs of the game system and can actually be quite fun on it’s own. Many people have spent dozens of hours playing this particular game with friends and family and continue to do so.

One of the most common problems that people run into is that their remote is not responsive. It may be working to a certain extent but it could be moving your characters in a choppy fashion. There are several different things that may be causing this.

The first thing that you should check is to see if you are having a problem with low or dead batteries. There’s no need for you to replace the batteries in order to check this, it can easily be checked from the options menu on the Wii home screen. Look at the bottom of your remote in order to see which number it has been assigned. Match that number with the remote on the screen and you will easily be able to see how much life your batteries have left. Here is a great tip, buy yourself a battery charger and re-chargeable batteries and keep it next to the console, that way you will always have fresh batteries to play.

Two year old Muireann McLaughlin lost her life when she got tangled in a window blind cord. Young Sidra Afzal has to suffer procedures to replace skin and hair on her head because she suffered 25% burns from cooking oil in a home accident. Two year old twins, Betsy and William Woodbridge of Winkfield, Berkshire, were playing at home when a chest of drawers fell on them while they were playing at home. Unfortunately, they died from that accident.

These are just some real life examples of accidents that happen in the home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, home accidents account for about 2800 deaths each year among U.S. children.

As a parent, you cannot suppose that your children are exposed to danger only when they are outside the home. The home is an equally dangerous place, especially for children below the age of 5. Therefore, parents must not only be vigilant when out with the kids, but also keep a close eye on them when at home. This is especially true for parents with mobile babies and toddlers that are keen on exploring their environment. Home accidents occur very quickly. It is also most likely to happen when parents are in a rush, under stress or when there is a change in routine.

To beef up your children’s safety in the home, it is best to scan through the house and identify potential danger spots. Here is a list of common home dangers for you consideration:

KITCHEN
You’ve heard of children being scalded by hot water or oil. This happens when children pull on pot handles that are sticking outwards. So make sure when you are cooking, turn all pot handles towards the back of the stove. Watch where you place your knives. Make sure they are out of your children’s reach. The same goes for bleaching liquids or detergents you store in your kitchen. Wires from electrical appliances should be either taped up or wound around roll-up cable organizers. While you are cooking, do not carry the baby or child. They could be splattered by hot oil or could cause you to lose your balance while handling hot pots and pans. Do not procrastinate wiping up food or water spills to avoid slipping and nasty falls. Children also love to open drawers and cabinet doors. Install child safety locks to keep them away from medicine and breakable things.

LIVING / DINING ROOM
If you have blinds, watch out for the long strings or wires. They can cause strangulation. Bundle the cords up and tape them high enough so children can’t play with them. Glass tabletops make a home look lovely but they are a hazard around young children. A wooden topped table is a safer option. Also don’t forget to pad the pointed corners of coffee tables and other furniture. Children love poking their fingers into electrical sockets. So hide them behind furniture or purchase some child-proof plug stoppers. De-clutter the stairs and install stairway gates to prevent falls. Hot drinks or bowls of hot soup should not be left near the edge of the table. Toddlers may reach up to grab them resulting in hot liquid spilled all over them. If you have babies that love to put things in their mouth, keep your floors clear of small objects. Also be wary of toys that may have small detachable parts or sharp broken points.

BATHROOM
It’s a zany thing that children are naturally drawn towards water. Try not to keep water filled tubs, containers or pails. If you do, keep them covered and make sure the bathroom doors are always closed. There have been cases of children drowning when they fall in head first into a filled bucket. It is difficult for them to get out because they are top heavy. Never, ever leave a child below the age of five alone in the bathroom. If the phone rings while you are giving them a bath, let it be. If not, take the child with you. Children can drown in just 15cm of water. Hard to believe but it’s true. Another detail to look into is thoroughly rinsing away soap and shampoo. You definitely don’t want your child slipping around in there. A floor with algae is also slippery. So, scrub the floors often. Use bath mats and non-slip rugs in tubs. Again, latch drawers and cabinets that contain medicine or cleaning chemicals.

BEDROOM
A baby cot is not a place to stock up on toys, pillows and blankets. Do not crowd the baby cot with such things as the baby may suffocate. Don’t leave your curling iron and hair straighteners lying around. Avoid beds that are high off the ground. It’s safer to have the mattress on the floor. Secure shelves and dressers to the walls. Children will not hesitate to use the drawers as ladder steps.

A common concern among parents with babies around 15-24 months old is their abounding energy to climb everything. The question often asked is “how do I stop them from climbing?” The answer is “you can’t” and “you should not.” It is part of their development. Instead, focus your effort on educating them on how to climb up and down safely. Teach them what they are allowed to climb (like a low stool) and what is off limits (like the dining table.) Seeing that children love to climb, high windows and railings must be secured. Also be careful of bookshelves, TV stands and cabinets that are top heavy. If they are not sturdy, they might topple over when your child tries to climb it.

There are many things parents can do to make their home a safer place. Be not ignorant nor careless. Be wary of the dangers lurking in your home and take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety.

Are your kids complaining of boredom?  Here are 5 toys that could provide some excitement at your house.

Toy Number 1: Bratz Tokyo Remote Controlled 27 MHz Car

This is a go go - remote controlled car 27 MHz toy car. This versatile car is a wonderful little remote controlled vehicle from Bratz. This toy car is especially conceived for Bratz dolls and thus is a huge hit with girls. Girls just love having their own personal remote controlled car toy to play with just like the boys! The car will fit exactly two Bratz dolls that are designed to play with it. This car toy from Bratz is also available in a 49 MHz version.

Toy Number 2: The TycoRadio Controlled Terrain Twister

Young and old children alike around the world are raving about this great radio controlled vehicle made by Tyco. This vehicle takes on all types of terrain and even mud, water, grass, and twigs. This toy is a tough and easy one to maintain and it can always stand up to rough play.

Toy Number 3: Cadillac Escalade R/C 1:6 scale - 27 MHz Version

This is a hot toy that has been brought to us by New Bright industries and they also have developed this 1:6 scale great looking Cadillac Escalade. This is a great car for its value and comes compete with spinning rims and an awesome exterior. This toy Cadillac car can operate up to 100 feet and has 3 speed controls. This toy car is also available in 49 MHz version.

Toy Number 4: The Hover Copter Wireless Flying Saucer

The children will love this incredible Hover Copter. It is able to both hover and fly while being controlled by its remote control. Loads of fun comes with this toy from ground to sky.

Top Toy Number 5: The Nikko 1:10 Ferrari F1 R/C kit

This Remote Control vehicle is new from Nikko and requires some assembly. The Ferrari parts come partially assembled. It allows the feeling of accomplishment in the process of finishing the project then the joy of driving at top speed. With is smooth turning and anti skid features it is sure to be a winner this holiday season.

My son Blake loves to go to the skate park.  The local skateboard park, We’re Board, (clever name)  offers two days a month where they open their doors just to homeschoolers.  They give us a discounted rate and it is free to rent a skateboard, helmet, elbow, and knee pads.  They allow parents to leave if the child is 10.  This is great because it allows me to run a few errands with only two kids in tow.

Blake enjoys the skateboard ramps the best and is always anxious to show me what he has learned when I pick him up.  The thing I like the best is that he can skate in a Christian environment.  We are very blessed to live in a community that enjoys helping out homeschoolers.  Thank you We’re Board!!