Bring me along for the ride!

Be Your Own Stock Photographer

Taking Photos for Later

We know most Hubbers want to do the right thing by their fellow artists, but we also know that you don't always have the photos you need, and that it can be really tough to find just the right picture on Wikimedia Commons or other legal use sites. There will always be times we have to get creative with our photos or simply go without, but building your own body of photos to draw from can make a huge difference. Why not become your own stock photographer? Here are a few tips:

1. Take as many photos as possible. Take lots of photos everywhere you go. Take them of everything! You never know when you might need a photo of a fire hydrant or a parking meter, or a flowering bush.
2. Carry a camera, even if you don't think you'll see anything noteworthy. Trust me, you'll come across the best shots when you're not expecting them. Be prepared! I carry a little old digital camera around in my purse at all times for this very reason, and it's been a lifesaver.
3. Get to know your camera. Some shots are time-sensitive; a bird about to fly, a cool car stopped at a red light, a beautiful fast-fading sunset. Make sure you are familiar with your camera's settings and controls so you can snap those pics before they disappear forever. Your practice will pay off with some incredible images.

Christy Kirwan
Editor & Web Content Manager

Scrapbooking 101-toilet paper tube makes a "booty-ful" photo book

by paintgirlee published 25 hours ago

Save your empty toilet paper tubes and create a photo/memory book.

The Dangers Of Texting While Walking

by sassypiehole published 5 days ago

With all the advances in modern technology, it seems we have "missed a step" in the right direction. This article is intended to educate and guide you on the proper procedures for walking in public.

What is Modernist literature and How is it Different in Form From Realism

by Keanu94 published 22 hours ago

Modernism represents a wave of cultural revolutions that propagated through society during the 20th century; it toppled traditions and encouraged innovation of all disciplines, especially literature.

Career Options with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

by Torrs13 published 31 hours ago

Discover some career options that are available for human services majors.

World War II: The Downfall Of Fascism

by JKenny published 2 days ago

Fascism was and is a stark warning from history. This article highlights how a political viewpoint, which had ripped Europe came to a rather sudden and abrupt end...

Rocking School’s Out For Summer Music Playlist

by My Bell published 6 hours ago

Enjoy this rocking playlist from a "School's Out For Summer" indoor cycling class. Alice Cooper joins musicians through the decades here with songs about those last days of school.

13 Things Every Mommy Should Tell Her Daughter

by lilmissmontana published 6 days ago

Parents make choices for their children and about their own personal parenting style. However, these things should be shared with your daughter no matter your lifestyle.

Sally Hansen Insta-Gel Strips Review

by Leslie Duncan published 27 hours ago

I put Sally Hansen's Insta-Gel Strips to the test. Details on how to apply and how they hold up.

Coconut Oil Chocolates Recipe

by KarenCreftor published 3 days ago

A quick, easy and healthy chocolate recipe that tastes divine!

Xbox One and Kinect 2.0: A Review

by JohnGreasyGamer published 2 days ago

This is not the console I remember hearing about. It's better.

Trust Issues in Marriage: Advice for Couples

by Purpose Embraced published 6 days ago

Trust is vital for a strong marriage, and if you and your spouse cannot trust each other, this could destroy your relationship. But you can take steps to build or improve the trust in your marriage.

Mindfulness Meditation: A Quick Guide for Beginners

by Shandala published 25 hours ago

What is mindfulness? How does the brain respond? How do I get started?

20 Special Things To Do For Father's Day or His Birthday

by yougotme published 17 hours ago

Come on, make your dad feel special with these 20 suggestions! Let him be the best dad he is!

Getting Seeds to Germinate in Warm Weather

by The Dirt Farmer published 5 days ago

These 10 best practices for successfully starting seed will help your garden grow— even when it's hot outside.

Reasons Not to Give Up on HubPages - My Two Year Anniversary

by Victoria Lynn published 27 hours ago

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Frugal Living 101

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The economy is struggling, wages rarely cover a family's basic necessities anymore, and more and more people are looking for ways to save money. Here are some basic ways to embrace frugal living.

DIY Chicken Coop: It's Not as Hard as You Might Think

by modern housewife published 6 hours ago

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Ageism: Solutions for Change

by Rozalyn Winters published 3 days ago

As the bulk of the U.S. population reaches age 65, one might expect that there would be a re-welcoming of age as a positive societal resource, yet we still see rising levels of age discrimination.

Black Shuck and Other Ghostly Hounds of England

by CMHypno published 3 days ago

Could Black Shuck, the phantom black hound which haunts East Anglia, have been a real dog? Will the dog skeleton excavated by archaeologists prove to be that of the legendary hell hound?

How to Secure Your RV's Interior for Travel

by TIMETRAVELER2 published 4 days ago

Learn how to make sure everything in your RV is in the same place it was in when you arrive at your destination as it was when you left home!

No Selfie Summer Challenge

by Torrs13 published 5 days ago

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Things to Do In Rhode Island - Must Visit Coffee Shops

by Jay Connors published 44 hours ago

If you, like me, love a good cup of coffee, then be sure to check out these awesome coffee shops next time you are in Rhode Island.

At the market? Take some pics!

Pro Tips for Building Your Stock Library

While you're out and about with your camera, these are a few small things to keep in mind that will make your photography experience a lot smoother and more enjoyable:

• Ask permission before photographing people. It is legal to photograph people in public, but it may make some people angry or uncomfortable to be randomly targeted with a camera. You're probably safe taking pictures of crowds at large events, but if you want to snap a shot of a lone dog-walker, do the polite thing and ask first.
• Less is more. When taking photos, try to isolate the subject as much as possible. A cluttered background makes a photo difficult for your readers to focus on.
• Keep track of the sun. Photos with the sun directly overhead are more likely to suffer from potential lighting issues. Just after sunrise and just before sunset are the best times to get good lighting for your photos on sunny days, and overcast days offer better lighting all day long.
• Give your photos descriptive file names. This will make them much easier to browse on your computer. You may want to also consider sorting them into folders by theme (like Food Photos, Landscape Photos, Photos of Crowds, etc). You'll save yourself a lot of time searching for the right photo with good organization.

Check out these great photography tips for absolute beginners:
http://photodoto.com/basics-of-digital-photography/

This Week's Rising Stars

Below you'll find this week's  Rising Star winners. Our candidates showed off their skills in the Food and Cooking Topic.

Since Hubbers are only eligible for the Rising Star Competition during their first 60 days at HubPages, our winners represent the hottest new talent. Why not read their Hubs?

Christy Kirwan

Grandma's Carrot Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Old-fashioned moist 2 layer carrot cake with pineapple and craisins, topped with a melt-in-your-mouth orange cream cheese frosting. A delicious labor of love perfect for Easter or a birthday party!

A delicious, healthy South Indian Breakfast Recipe - "Idli with Chutney"

Idli is a very healthy and most popular South Indian breakfast recipe that is served either with chutney/ sambar & idli chilli powder as per your likings. It is a easy to prepare tasty and spicy dish.

How to Make French Crêpes for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner or Dessert

A step-by-step guide to making sweet and savory crepes plus a little history on this French delicacy.