Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Win the Meural Canvas II – Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display from @Ascending1 sponsored by @Netgear - Holidays Buying Guide Featured Pick!

Meural 2 Canvas Photo Frame
Meural Canvas II – Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display


How many photos are sitting in your camera right now?

If you are still searching for a meaningful holiday gift for literally anyone with a face, then I have the perfect solution for you! (It's an elegant gift not just for holidays but for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, congrats on your new job etc)


The Merual Canvas II - Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display is the last Digital Photo Frame you'll ever need.

Three Primary reasons you need this frame:

(1) Get those Amazing Photos out of your phone and into your home! You never get tired of seeing them as you can program your frame to rotate through your photos much like a music service lets you make a playlist.

(2) Don't feel you have enough photos? Then enjoy the free art that comes with your frame or purchase an annual subscription and turn your home into an art gallery/museum! There are paintings, photography and the display also plays video.

(3) Strong off-angle viewing (not even using your TV as a photo display is going to give you off-angle viewing as slick as this frame!) and let's not even mention the ambient light detection - when the light's are out, this frame knows it and turns itself off. (Perfect for any room but you definitely want this feature if you are going to use it in your bedroom)

Notable Features:

Meural's patented 'True Art Technology' brings 16.7 million colors to life and offers rich blacks and complex hues, you can either use it on its stand, or wall mount it - they literally even include a leveler to help you hang your Canvas evenly on the wall.

You can upload your own files to your canvas from your phone's camera roll using the Meural App or an SD card. Meural supports JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, SVG, MP4, and MOV files.

Motion Gestures: The Canvas II has motion sensors beneath the bottom and side borders allowing you to swipe your hand in front of the sensors to shuffle through your images or to adjust your devices settings. This feature has worked way better for me on the Canvas II than the first one. (Makes you feel fab and futuristic while doing it - also keeps it from getting fingerprints on it)

Async Art - If you are one of the cool kids already enjoying NFT art, note that with Meural you can showcase programmable NFT artwork from Async Art. These are digital paintings designed in layers that evolve over time and update on the Meural Canvas throughout the day allowing you to experience NFT art in a way that was not possible before. (Again with the futuristic and high tech vibes!)

My Take: The Meural Canvas II - Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display is a feature rich digital frame that any photography enthusiast would love. I can't think of one person it couldn't knock off your list. And with the ability to constantly push new photos to it, think of the joy it would bring to any parent or grandparent! It also makes a thoughtful "family" gift as well. If you are gifting someone Crypto art and present it to them in this frame it will blow them away!

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Enter to win our own Meural Canvas II – Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display by using the Rafflecopter Widget Below: (if it doesn't load, please refresh your screen)

Hurry! This giveaway ends on 12/30


Readers Sound Off: How many photos are sitting in your smartphone right now? For those using DSLR cameras, how many photos have you actually printed this year? Would you keep it if you won? If not, who would you gift it to?

Can't wait to see if you win and have to have it now? Order it on Amazon here:


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FTC Disclosure: I am a Netgear Blogger Brand Ambassador, the Meural Canvas II - Art, Photos, & NFT Crypto-Art Display was provided for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, October 29, 2021

Don't forget it is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at New York Botanical Garden this weekend! Here is a Video Journey with major #Fall and #Pumpkin Vibes! #HalloweenWeekend @NYBG

This month, I have been sharing my experiences at the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden, here is the link to my last post: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2021/10/catch-kusama-cosmic-nature-at-new-york.html

and a fun one from 2017 that gives you more Halloween and Pumpkin Vibes: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2017/10/check-out-giant-pumpkin-weekend-this.html

The artist, Yayoi Kusama utilizes polka dots to cover and conceal people, animals, the environment and pretty much everything around. She uses the polka dots as a metaphor of giving up identity, abolishing uniqueness, and becoming one with the universe-or "self-obliteration".

One of the most striking pieces on exhibit is called "Starry Pumpkin". A 2-meter tall sculpture whose surface is composed of a shimmering mosaic of blue and white squares that are neatly aligned in parallel rows, the iridescent blue tiles sparkle and gleam and give off colors fluctuating between shades of violet, emerald, and indigo according to the available light.

As I mentioned last week I have been using the On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software program to breathe new life into my photos. Travel and Photography are my passion and while I am happy to spend hours editing one photo, I know most people don't have the patience for it and want an editing software that will allow them to achieve a desired look with ease and in much less time.

Last week I posted a picture of the sculpture "I want to fly to the Universe" this is the very first piece you see when entering the garden through the main entrance (this is assuming you don't veer off to go straight to the Enid Haupt Conservatory instead). I posted my original un-edited photo and then another using On1's AI which auto formats the photo for you.

I wanted to do the same this week focusing on the piece entitled Starry Pumpkin. I compiled the shots into a video so you could view them with more ease and a bit less scrolling. I take you through the sculpture as you first see it, hidden a bit behind the plants and flowers, then as you approach it and another from a third angle. I don't want you to think you are going nuts, you will see my original photo, then one where I use the AI and Noise Removal AI on each photo and a third photo of each angle using a preset called "Golden Autumn" - I stuck with preset 'G6' for all of these - and with the exception of one where I made minor edits to the final outcome of the preset - I wanted to give you an overview of this particular piece and one very happy 'accident'! On the final slide of the video slideshow of photos I use one of my photos to make a Halloween Card. I got nit picky and wanted to edit some of the blemishes on the pumpkins where I planned to place text, apparently a slip of my clumsy hands  and not paying attention to which tool was selected, turned some of the pumpkins a bit of a teal hue - it wasn't on purpose but I really liked the result and left it in!

Also 1 of 13 children have allergies, if you see a teal pumpkin when you are taking the kids trick-or-treating it means that home is offering allergy free options that are safe for children with allergies. I'm kind of glad I ended up with some teal pumpkins in the final edit.

NOTE: PRESS THE SQUARE ON THE LOWER RIGHT HAND OF THE VIDEO TO MAKE IT FULL SCREEN HD. (JUST HIT ESC KEY WHEN YOU ARE DONE AND YOU WILL COME BACK TO THE POST AUTOMATICALLY)




My Take:

Unfortunately with Covid very much still being a buzz 'kill' this exhibit didn't get the foot traffic or word of mouth it truly deserved, it was a feast for the eyes and it was fun seeing the art on exhibit in the library as well. I even met a 'camera twin' - in this age of every photo being taken on a cellphone I am always excited to see a photographer shooting with a DSLR. I met one shooting with my same exact camera (Nikon) and someone shooting with my former camera (Canon) although I hesitate a bit to say former because I still like shooting with it, it is just a bit heavy for me these days.

I wish my surgeries this summer and one this fall didn't keep me from seeing the exhibit sooner.

This is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden - so if your Instagram feed needs a pop of fall color and pumpkin goodness (no not just a photo of your pumpkin spice latte) then you need to hit up the Garden this weekend. And even though I didn't snap any pictures of  them (because not cool), I love seeing families taking photos of their babies with the pumpkins!

I am not the greatest with step-by-step tutorials, but I am trying to get better at it. However, I will tell you something very contrary to popular photographer opinion: "The AUTO Setting on your DSLR camera is NOT the devil". Not everyone has the luxury of setting up every shot they take, not all public spaces are easy to navigate with a tripod or don't allow them, not to mention carry full on lighting. While I am trying to get better at memorizing exposure speeds and shuffling quickly to get the light right, I want you to know getting a photo that means something to you is getting what I call 'life' from it - yes even from plants or flowers. Your technical skills can be on point but if you don't have an eye for it, they won't take you very far. And Photo Editing software is your friend. It's obviously more complex than your social filters, but I found On1's AI gives you the feeling of using a filter but with richer results with more detail and depth.

By all means continue to improve your skills, but there is nothing wrong with the Auto setting and post processing either! ;)

And stay tuned Butterflies, your chance to win your own copy of On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software is coming up very soon! This year my Holiday Buying Guide will be focused on thoughtful gifts for (aspiring or pro) Photographers!  Get your photo on!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no monetary compensation has been received.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Catch Kusama: Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Garden + Giant Pumpkin Weekend at @NYBG THIS WEEKEND!

On a super cloudy and overcast day I finally got the opportunity to check out the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden. I had been wanting to catch this exhibit all summer, but with a surgery early in the summer and some smaller procedures following, I needed time to heal.

Description: Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations.

Exclusively at NYBG, Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery. Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.

My apologies to my local readers, as this post is normally accompanied by a ticket giveaway, I will work on something hopefully for the holidays. I am ramping up slowly and working on some fun surprises for our annual holiday gift guide which will have some gift suggestions that are sure to please!

The interconnectedness of things is a theme explored in this exhibit, and I was first greeted by this installation: I want to fly to the Universe (I took tons of photos as usual, but I plan to space them out!)



ABOVE: Original, un-edited Photo, I want to fly to the Universe by Yayoi Kusama, October 2021 taken at New York Botanical Garden. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

I am partnering with a very unique Photo Editing Software this year (hint, hint - stay tuned for something fun for YOU very soon!) I am testing out the software and after photo editing this shot, I was able to add some brightness and make the photo appear less overcast.













ABOVE: Same Photo edited using On1 HDR 2021 software

The enhancements are slight but make a world of difference, especially on the tree on the right hand side. My blog template is a little weird, so feel free to press on each photo individually to make them larger, you can hit escape to get back the article after you have viewed the photos. My template accepts JPEG photos so I have to convert the RAW files. I find the RAW files show more detail, but you can see the difference that the Photo Editing Software On1 made with this photo. (I will feature more photos from this exhibit counting down to Halloween). 

If you hit the New York Botanical Garden THIS weekend, you would get a chance to enjoy final days of the Kusama: Cosmic Nature Exhibit and also Giant Pumpkin Weekend. It would literally provide all the fun photo opp goodness you need in your social feed life right now! Here is me dorking out the last time I visited during Giant Pumpkin Weekend, check out this post HERE. (I was so focused on catching the different elements of this exhibit and the Farmers Market that I forgot to visit the Pumpkin Patch while I was there!)

NOTE: You must provide proof of vaccination along with your tickets upon entry. For a completely contactless experience have your app with proof of vaccination (yes you can show the actual card too but the app saves you time checking in and provides a more 'contactless' experience) and have your tickets handy on your phone also ready to be scanned. You will be given a time to visit the Kusama exhibit which means you won't have to worry about too many people around you, which I have to secretly admit I greatly appreciated! I also was asked to show my tickets to the exhibit to enter the gift shop so please note that just in case so you are not caught off guard.

Readers Sound Off: If you are visiting this weekend, please tag me on Twitter or on Instagram so I can see your cool photos! (@Ascending1 on both Twitter and Instagram and also use the Garden Hashtags and tag them as well @NYBG) Which photo above did you like best, the raw un-retouched version or the one I edited using On1? Also, what Photo Editing software are you using? (Did you know you can utilize On1 on both your computer and your phone, both Apple and Android? and the latest version also plays nicely with software you may already be using like Lightroom or Corel - for full disclosure I use multiple software!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no compensation has been received.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

#WordlessWednesday This one is for you #Squirrel Friends! #Photography #NikonD3300

I thought things couldn't get worse after the Fourth of July fire, last night I found out that my Aunt passed away, so for the first time ever, I am very much truly wordless!

This photo was taken by me using a Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera.

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Fourth of July FIREworks now have a whole new and not so good meaning for me, this #WordlessWednesday photo is definitely worth a thousand words!



I have never truly come close to a true wordless 'Wordless Wednesday', but today will be the closest I have ever come. A bit after midnight on the Fourth of July we were awakened to the sound of someone pounding on our door yelling "FIRE!" "FIRE!".

Someone threw illegal fireworks off the roof and set the building ablaze.

I have more photos of the destruction that the FDNY left in their wake, but I think my battered bible says it all:

Bible, Battered Bible, Post Fire Bible

Unfortunately, this is the second time there was a fire in my apartment complex. This time around I am saddened by not only the things that were lost that can't be replaced, photos, the family bible pictured above, trinkets from my travels but also these things that leave me angry:

- FDNY - The firefighters were so RUDE. They let us know that we were SUPPOSED to go up to the roof and stop people from throwing illegal fireworks, um, it was late at night and I was asleep and two, I am NOT a cop. There has been quite a bit of gang activity in this area and he thinks I am supposed to risk my life confronting criminals?

- My Neighbors - People we have lent a hand to when they were locked out their apartments, held their packages when they missed Fedex/UPS - and when the worst was over everyone closed their doors, not one person asked if we would like to stay with them or needed water or anything.

- My Fair Weather Friends - Remember when it was popular to ask 'Who is your 4 am?' - meaning if anything were to happen to you and you could not call your parents, siblings etc who would that person be that would be there for you in the middle of the night. I should have already known this from my health scare in 2011 - but this, really helped hit home that I do not have a 4 am.

- My Landlord - There should be better security measures in this building and if this isn't proof of that, then I do not know what is.

Readers: Have you ever experienced a fire? 

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Win a pair of tickets to @NYBG 's The Orchid Show: Orchid Evenings #OrchidNYBG and #SpringIntoPhotography with @Ascending1 #PhotographyChallenge

Orchid Show Signage at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
 New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018
Old Man Winter and that groundhog seem to want to  keep New York City in their Vice Grip of cold weather and this butterfly who is a Spring Baby (my birthday is coming up in April) yearns for signs of Spring and sunshine.

I found some amazing signs of Spring at the Media Preview of The Orchid Show at NY Botanical Gardens this week and I can't wait to share!

Daniel Ost Floral Artist New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
Daniel Ost, Floral Artist
The annual Orchid Show, now in its 16th year, showcases thousands of dramatically displayed Orchids in the NY Botanical Garden Enid A. Haupt Conservatory featuring a series of installations designed by one of the world's leading floral artists, Daniel Ost.  Ost uses flowers as a means of expression and his large-scale artworks were tailored to compliment the landmark Victorian Styled Conservatory and it's an explosion of texture, form and colors!

If you read my last post you know I made the switch from shooting with Canon to shooting with Nikon and that March is "Spring Into Photography" month on Ascending Butterfly to celebrate all things Photography. At this point in my journalism career I am just as much a Photographer as I am a Writer and last year's PDN Photo Plus Expo really got me fired up about upping my photography skills. This event was the inaugural run with my new Nikon and I am definitely happy I made the switch.

Orchid Flower Wall Installation at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018, Daniel Ost, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Flowers, Flower Wall, Orchid, Orchids
Orchid Flower Wall Installation at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018
So to celebrate you will see tons of activity on my Instagram so be sure you are following me there. I really want to grow my Instagram a bit more this year as it was one of the last social channels I adopted. All my photos on Instagram this month will be hashtagged: #SpringIntoPhotography and #AscendingButterfly - if you would like to join us add those hashtags to your photos.

There will be fun giveaways in honor of Spring into Photography month, and this one is the first one. Whether it's a Digital Camera or your Smartphone, a good photo is about that combo of hardware and a great subject, and I can't think of a better backdrop for a fun photo challenge.

"Orchid Evenings" from 6:30 - 9:30, combines Music by DJ X-RAY, Cocktails (check out the Dancing Lady Signature Cocktail by Edible Bronx's Head Mixologist), Live Performers and the sublime beauty of the delicate orchids that are allowing visitors to make unique connections on themed 'adult only' evenings that allow for a romantic date night, or even a way for singles to connect and meet. Orchid Evenings are being held Saturdays, March 17, 24, 31, and April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 - you are admitted based on the time on your ticket, Entry Times are at 6:30, 7:00 & 7:30 p.m.

$28 for Members and $38 per ticket for non-members, the ticket includes one complimentary beer, wine or cocktail of your choice. Head to the show before your time and hit the gift shop or dine at The Pine Tree Cafe where you can enjoy a special event menu.

If you are into the hashtag trend of taking photos and selfies in front of interesting backdrops like flower walls you are going to LOVE this exhibit, so dress up a bit!

Here's My #FlowerWall #ThinkSpring moment:

Ascending Butterfly #FlowerWal New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
A quick video about the exhibit:



WIN IT

Ascending Butterfly and The New York Botanical Garden want to help melt away those winter blues and put some 'Spring' back in your step! Enter to win a pair of passes to Orchid Evenings at The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden! This Giveaway and ends SOON so you will have a better shot at picking the dates you want to go! Prize does NOT include airfare, hotel or transportation and is based on availability.

Use the rafflecopter widget below to place your entries! (If reading this put the widget to sleep you may need to refresh the page again to get the widget to show up for you so you can place your entries.) Remember Orchid Evenings are on Saturday Night's Only, and you must be 21 years of age or older to claim your passes as there are cocktails being served, this is an ADULT ONLY giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway MY TAKE:

The New York Botanical Garden is one of my favorite 'Urban Oasis' places in Bronx, New York. Being there just adds instant zen to my day. I always love attending the Orchid Show annually, it truly gets me looking forward to all things Spring.

Whether you are single and ready to mingle or lost in love, The Orchid Show has a little something for everyone!

Tip for my "Guy Butterflies": If you are planning to get engaged, this is the perfect backdrop for popping the question!

I took almost 300 photos, so check out Ascending Butterfly's Insta and Pinterest during the month of March for Additional Photos, I knew I couldn't get them all into one post.

Have you ever cultivated an orchid? What is your favorite flower?

(Remember you get extra credit in the giveaway for answering this question as a comment below!)

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received to post our recap of the show or host this giveaway, and all opinions are 100% my own!  We were provided media access to the show for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Made the switch from @CanonUSA to @NikonUSA with a ton of inspiration from @PhotoPlusExpo I am making March #SpringIntoPhotography Month on #AscendingButterflyBlog

Last year's PDN Photo Plus Expo definitely inspired me, like most expos I am hoping to be able to work more closely with some of the exhibitors so I can bring you more in depth coverage on the hottest products instead of a broad overview that doesn't give enough 'meat'.

I am going to make March 'Spring Into Photography' month on Ascending Butterfly and I plan to open with a great giveaway that will help you improve your photos!

I also made the jump from Canon to Nikon - after 7 years of shooting with Canon pretty much exclusively this wasn't an easy thing to do. Before my Canon I had an Olympus Digital Camera and it was also hard making the switch. My Olympus had been with me for a ton of significant life moments and milestones. It was hard to wrap my mind around a new Camera - but my blog had picked up a lot of momentum by then so when my Olympus conked out I knew I needed an upgrade and that camera was a big upgrade.

But I really want to focus a bit more on my photography and my Canon wasn't giving me the same results it was giving me in the beginning. Instead of waiting for it to die out on me totally I thought I would put the decision in my own hands this time.

Just like when my HP desktop died and I switched to a gaming rig laptop from ASUS, I have been finding change to be a very good thing, and I hope it works this way with my new Nikon as well.

I am going to be honest I am tempted by SONY and I still plan to test them out - if you are wondering - *weight* is a factor that swayed me to NIKON - my CANON was *HEAVY* and I wanted something lighter as I do a lot of commuting throughout the city during the day, I wanted a lighter DSLR but I didn't want to give up picture quality.

I also wanted to be able to transfer photos from my Camera to my Phone wirelessly and Nikon has me covered there as well.

So here is my very first photo shot with my new camera:

Tarot Cards, The Lovers Tarot Card, Strength Tarot Card, The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Cards, Photography, Nikon D3300
I keep these Tarot Cards on my mirror, I was so eager to shoot something I grabbed the first thing I saw, but they are pretty good for a motivation Monday right? Who doesn't want love, strength and fortune?

MY TAKE:

So there is a bit more change on the way as I am contemplating either a site redesign or a complete re-branding. I'm an Aries, so I have a built in need to pioneer and re-invent myself. I have this strong need to revamp literally *everything* this year. On a personal level it's hair, I'm ready for a chop so if it is long enough I will donate the hair to a cancer charity like I did last time with Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

I have been keeping true to my personal and blog theme this year - "Self-Care" and just recently getting over the FLU (which was horrible this year by the way), taking some time for Self Care has been more important than ever.

I will be attending one of my favorite annual events at a New York City Landmark on Tuesday! Another reason I wanted to break in my new camera so I could be ready, this event is a photography lovers dream! If you aren't already make sure to follow @Ascending1 via Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!

Spill Butterflies: Do you shoot with a Digital Camera/DSLR or do you mostly use your smartphone for capturing the moment? (Your answer may just sway an upcoming giveaway so answer with care and stay tuned!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT sponsored  post, nor is it compensated and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

{#TechThursday} Found out why the @ASUS_ROG is the first product reco in my #AmazonStore #ROG #Technology

NOT SPONSORED OR COMPENSATED

ASUS ROG Gaming Notebook PC G752 with Webroot Unboxed

For the past few years me and gadgets, me and appliances and tech haven't had a very good run. You already know I tend to test stuff for MORE than 30 days to make sure it survives until warranty and I am NOT afraid to update a review if a product dies on me before it should.

A little over a year ago my desktop died out on me. I brought it to the well known Geeks and they could NOT fix it, (they of course offered me the option to escalate it to a higher level of support for an additional fee - I declined on that, um nah!)

I lost a ton of photos, I had all my music backed up but ran out of room on my back up drive and ended up losing more photos than I would have liked.

I have stepped up my photography and I thought only a desktop would be able to handle everything I put a system through in a typical day - I am a Life Coach, Social Media Consultant, Freelance Writer, Blogger and I edit A LOT of photos - RAW, hi-resolution photography, usually have a ton of client databases open and very few systems seem to be able to handle what I dish out.

While at the Geeks I decided to start looking over systems - my gut told me they wouldn't be able to fix it, and I was right. I let them know what I put a system through and asked almost off-handedly if a laptop was even an option for me. What did they recommend that could handle such a heavy workload. They recommended three different systems, unfortunately I ruled the HP out because after 2 decades of using them almost exclusively I was replacing them too quickly and my last one just did not last long enough to justify trusting them with my hard earned cash again.

So that left us down to two.

I took a shot of both spec sheets on my phone, and while I was in the store I toyed around with both machines. When I got home I immediately got on social and polled my tribe: friends, family and colleagues and read pretty much every consumer review from a ton of online sources and narrowed my decision down.

When I got the final call saying my HP Desktop could not be fixed, I went to the store to pick it up and left with one of the recommended laptops the Asus ROG G752VL-DH71.

I will admit I put a three year extended warranty on this little puppy. And vowed that if it survived me for a year and I was just as happy with it as the day I bought it I would share about it.

I am already an Amazon Affiliate, but I also recently got approved for their influencer program, where you can build a store with your custom recos to share with your online tribe via social media. I LOVED this idea.

And because this laptop really has been able to dish out anything I have thrown at it, I thought I would make it the first item in my 'online influencer amazon store'.

You will obviously want the NEWER model which is the G752VS which I am linking you directly to it.

I can whole-heartedly recommend the ASUS ROG (ROG = Republic of Gamers) - this is a 'gaming rig' and so far it has been able to dish out everything I have thrown at it.

PROS:

I operate two different browsers with an average of 30 tabs on EACH of the browsers, several client databases, and I also do a ton of RAW photo editing SIMULTANEOUSLY. This system does NOT hiccup or cough.

I know this is probably the most off handed and weird thing a reviewer might mention in a tech review, but out of all three laptops I played with, I LOVE the keyboard, it just helps me types faster, and I already type pretty fast, I test out at 90 WPM with 0 errors. and it of course has backlight so when my nightly insomnia hits and I decide to write, the keyboard being lit means I do not have to put on the light or break my flow and train of thought.

Cons:

This bad boy is HEAVY. I want something lighter for Press Trips.

And for some reason this is an issue across brands for me, but it does not wake up well from 'sleep mode' but in all fairness it is probably because I had a million things open and I should just shut down more and let it update.

What computer are you currently using? Desktop or Laptop? If you love yours, feel free to drop the model name in your comment, I prefer 'real reviews' and your reco might help someone who is narrowing down choices before they get ready to buy.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn @QualityMeatsNYC #Photography Gear and Pro Tips!

NOT a compensated post, however it does earn me an entry into a special competition!

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap

















This Butterfly about town is currently attending the Photo Plus Expo (which you can best believe I have already been tweeting about and will bring you highlights from the show as soon as possible) in New York City, so since this is going to keep me wrapped up for a few days I thought I would warm you all up on the idea of me talking some heavy tech and photography by sharing about a great "Lunch and Learn" event I attended recently hosted by Techlicious, The Consumer Technology Association, CES and Lifestyle Blogger Danielle Wilson

The Venue: Quality Meats in New York City

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap


@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: You know I am all in when it comes to a nicely set table that is welcoming, inviting and filled with ambience and warm glow!

The Menu:

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Appetizers included: Green Goddess Chopped Salad, The QM Crabcake, Hamachi Sashimi; Entrees Included: Filet Mignon, Tuna Au Poivre and East Coast Halibut; Desserts Included: Chocolate Cream Pie, Passion Fruit Tart and Bellini Sorbet

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: They brought out all three apps to the table and we were able to try a bit of each one!

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: All about that Halibut!

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: YES to that Chocolate Cream Pie which I wish I had right now!

The Speakers:

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Suzanne Kantra of Techlicious

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Tyler Suiters, Consumer Technology Association

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Alex Podstawski, Nikon USA

This was one of my favorite tips: VR is useful, but a tripod is better for very long exposures (I totally agree!). Use low ISOs for best quality and use high ISOs to stop movement at night. (Don't you love that effect?)


The Products Featured (and showcase sponsors):

Shutterfly Framed Shadow Box
Shutterfly Framed Shadow Box

Shutterfly Watercolor Patterned Frames Coaster
Above: Shutterfly Watercolor Patterned Frames Coaster

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Silver

Nikon D3400
Above: Nikon D3400

Panasonic Lumix ZS70



Epson Expression ET-2750 EcoTank Printer


Tiffen Steadicam Volt
























Tips For Taking Better Photos:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Burst Mode to ensure you get the shot - In Burst Mode you are able to take multiple shots with one press of the shutter button.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Sports Mode To Stop Action - While this mode is not always as good at capturing true-to-life skin tones, it helps you capture a moving object with more vibrant color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use HDR Mode- In this mode your camera takes two or more shots at different exposures and then combines them so both the light and dark areas of your photos are shot properly yielding in a much better end result than if you didn't use High Dynamic Range Mode.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tripod - Holding a camera or phone still long enough to get a clear, crisp shot is difficult no matter how steady of hand you may think you are, start using a tripod and you will notice a difference in your images. I do have one, I need to find the right carrier, and I saw one at Photo Plus Expo that I really like!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Fast Lens"- A fast lens will let more light through, enabling you to take pictures faster, and reducing the potential for blur. How can you tell how 'fast' a lens is? Look at the maximum aperture (the shutter behind the lens) called the "f-stop". The lower the number, the wider the aperture and the more light the lens will let in. A good camera choice will come in at f/2.8 or lower.

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Cool Halloween Trick Shots:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Ghosts in your photos with multiple exposure mode- Take a shot of a scene, and then another shot with a person in it - the multiple exposure setting will combine the two shots, making the shot with the person somewhat transparent - Ghostly! The key here is to use a tripod so the background remains EXACTLY the same in each of the two shots.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Add Ghostly Writing to a Scene - You can add Ghost Writing by using a Long Exposure, ideally 30 seconds, again you want to use a tripod here to keep your camera steady, a light source (flashlight or glow stick) and black gloves to hold the light source. Once you've started the exposure, draw shapes or words with the light source. With your hands in the black gloves they won't be visible in the final shot. If you're writing words, they'll show up backwards in the image, but that's easy to fix by flipping the image afterwards!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Spooky Silhouettes - Find a spot with a clear line of sight to the western sky and have your subject stand in front of you with the bright sky behind them, turn off your camera's flash about 20 minutes before sunset for a perfect Halloween Backdrop.

 My Take:

I consider this more of a 'who I met' and 'what I got to see', these are NOT product reviews! You all know my motto on events is this: SEEING product is NOT the same as me putting it through its paces. And I have gone back and amended reviews if a product failed me while still in warranty. This butterfly is always going to be transparent, honest and just plain 100%.

I have followed up with everyone and offered them a shot at an actual product review and also the offer of doing something neat for my butterflies too!

We were provided with the Tiffen Steadicam Volt, which I have not yet had the opportunity to test as I tend to carry my DSLR to document most events. I will try to test it as soon as possible and come back to you guys with a full review.

Lunch at Quality Meats was fantastic, and I enjoyed getting the tips as well as I am constantly striving to improve my photography skills as a Lifestyle Blogger and Social Media Influencer it is a critical skill set. So while I am at the Photo Plus Tradeshow, I leave you with some homework of your own:

Visit the websites and read the product specs, then come back here and let me know which of the products featured above would you most want Santa to slip into YOUR stocking this year and why?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post, this was a press event one not open to the public, this is an event recap. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.