A Day in the Life at Saint Louis University

A Day in the Life at Saint Louis University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Patrice is a St. Louis tutor specializing in Chemistry tutoring, Biology tutoring, ACT prep tutoring, and more. She is a 2012 graduate of Saint Louis University with a degree in Biochemistry. Check out her review of her alma mater: VT:Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Patrice: Saint Louis University (SLU) is a medium-sized campus in an urban area. Its a very beautiful campus. When it is warm out, there are tons of people hanging out in the quad, relaxing. Often there are events going on outside through campus. Because it is in an urban area, there are safety concerns and incidents do happen. However, many incidents can be prevented by being safe and smart. Examples are calling an escort to walk or drive you from one part of campus to another when it is dark outside and traveling in groups at night. A bike or car is not necessary but they are helpful. Most people can walk from one end of campus to another within 10-15 minutes. There is a shuttle that takes people from the main campus to the medical campus. Also, the campus does provide transportation services over the weekend to shuttle people to the mall, grocery store, Wal-Mart, and Target. Public transportation stops for the bus and train are also near campus. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Patrice: All of my professors and TAs had regularly scheduled office hours. If their hours did not fit within my schedule and I needed to meet with them, it was easy to set up an appointment. All of my professors were open to meeting with students and were usually prompt when responding to emails. I never had any issues meeting with academic advisers. However, I did only meet with them when necessary. They do get busy during certain parts of the semester and it may be difficult to meet with them then, but my advisers were great with squeezing me in. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Patrice: The living arrangements vary on campus. There are traditional freshman dorms which consist of two people to a room with community bathrooms. There was also another option for freshmen which consisted of 3-4 people to a room with a private bathroom in each room. The upperclassmen housing ranged from typical dorm rooms, suites (where two rooms are connected by a bathroom), and on-campus apartments. There are a variety of dining options. There are cafeterias in the freshman dorms, the student center, library, and other buildings and dorms. I did enjoy the variety of dining options as an upperclassman. However, I felt that the options in the smaller freshman dorms werent always vegetarian friendly. The chefs and managers do often ask for feedback and there is also a vegetarian-only restaurant on campus. The weekend options on campus are very limited. It was very easy to socialize and make friends. I lived on a floor where many of the students had the same majors and were often in the same classes. Additionally, during the first week of freshman year, there are a ton of activities on campus and by the RAs to help everyone get to know each other. I also met many people who received the same scholarship as I did because of the requirements that often brought us together. During the beginning of the year, there is a large Activities Fair in the quad. There, clubs and organizations set up booths so people can learn about the different organizations on campus and get involved. Clubs are a great way to make new friends. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Patrice: In my opinion, many students studied Health Care or Business. A lot of students at SLU are pre-med, Nursing, Physical Therapy, or Business. I was a Biochemistry major enrolled as pre-med. With so many students enrolled as pre-med, there is an office dedicated to helping those students. There are advisors who are helpful and some resources there as well. However, most pre-med students have to be proactive and become familiar with the advisors there. I chose Biochemistry because I fell in love with chemistry in high school and I thought it would be a good back-up plan if I chose not to go into medicine. The Chemistry department is a fairly small department, which makes it easy to get to know the professors and peers. There are also ample opportunities to do research within the department or become a TA or grading assistant for the large Chemistry lectures. The head of the department also sends out job opportunities and internships opportunities from local companies that recrui t Chemistry students. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Patrice: I found that it was pretty easy to make friends and overall, people on campus are very friendly. I did not choose to get involved in Greek life but there were a number of sororities and fraternities on campus and I would often see them fundraising on campus, volunteering, and going to Greek events. One does not have to become a member of Greek life to make friends but it is a good opportunity to make friends and build strong bonds with other members. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Patrice: The Career Center is helpful. They offer help with interviewing and resume writing. This is a very good resource for students applying to graduate or professional schools and for people who are looking to intern or begin their careers. They also have a website so you can find jobs on campus. When you sign up for the website, one of the representatives will look at your resume and approve it or offer help to strengthen it before you begin applying to jobs. Additionally, there are a number of career fairs and graduate school fairs that allow companies to recruit on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges?Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Patrice: There are a number of study spaces available. The library is spacious and has been recently renovated. I have often found rooms to study in in the student center, study rooms in dorms, and other classroom buildings. While there is ample space to study, it becomes very difficult to find space during finals and mid-terms. The library is open 24 hours and the student center has extended hours during mid-terms and finals. During those times, my friends and I have relied on each other to find a quiet space for us to study. It was very helpful to have others secure a place to study. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Patrice: Because it is in a city, there are a number of things to do that are fun. Making friends and going out with them to explore the city is a memorable part of my undergraduate years. The Delmar Loop is a great place for people to hang out, eat, and visit local shops. There are a number of attractions like the Gateway Arch, City Museum, the Zoo, and Art Museums all of which are very affordable. I attended a number of concerts. Our campus has an arena where touring artists perform and sometimes there are discounted or even free tickets for students. The Fox Theater is also within walking distance of the campus. The theater houses a number of musicals and performing artists as well. There are a number of neighborhoods, such as Soulard and Lacledes Landing, where students go for nightlife. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Patrice: SLU is a medium sized school. I was pleased overall with the class sizes. I had a few larger lecture classes such as General Biology and History. However, with History, there are smaller courses offered. With the larger lecture, 2 lectures in a week were in the large lecture hall and the third lecture day in the week happened in a smaller class with a TA. Because I was a Biochemistry major, my Chemistry classes were about 30-40 people versus 200-300 in the normal Chemistry lectures. I also felt labs were appropriately sized so that the TA could effectively assist everyone. Classes such as Math, Theology, Philosophy, and English usually ranged from 20-50 people. My Foreign Language classes, Piano, Dance, and jewelry-making class had no more than 12 people. With those classes, a lot of one-on-one is needed with the teachers and because they were so small, it was very easy to talk to the professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.Patrice:One of the classes that I took really stands out in my memory - Jewelry-making and Metalsmithing. I learned a lot and the class allowed me to be very expressive and work on problem solving in a hands-on manner. I was able to create things I never knew I could. It was a great experience and it inspires me to be creative. Check out Patrices tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Valence Electrons

Valence Electrons Valence Electrons Chemistry is a study of different atoms, an atom is the smallest particle in matter. An atom consists of three major subatomic particles, which are electrons, neutrons and protons. The protons are the positively charged particles. The neutrons are the neutral particles. The electrons are the negatively charged particles. The neutrons and protons are located inside the nucleus of the atom. An atom has nucleus in the center, around the nucleus are electrons arranged in various orbits depending on the atomic number. Valence electrons definition: Every atom has a unique atomic number. The number of electrons an atom has is equal to the atomic number of the atom. Initially the atom fills electrons in the inner most orbit and then the outer orbits. Theses electrons are arranged in orbits around the nucleus. The electrons that are present in the outermost shell of the atom are called as the valence electrons. Identifying the number of valence electrons for each atom is a very useful concept which can be applied in chemical bonding and many other chemistry topics. The following is a table to understand the number of valence electrons the atoms in the periodic table have: Periodic Table Group Number of valence electrons The Alkali metals (Group I) 1 The Alkaline earth metals (Group II) 2 The transition metals (Group 3 to 12) 3-12 Group III 3 Group IV 4 Group V 5 Group VI 6 The Halogens 7 Noble Gases Group (VIII) 8 Writing Electronic Configuration for finding the valence electrons: The electronic configuration of an atom can be written according its atomic number. The number of electrons of an atom are arranged in sub energy levels at the ground state of the atoms. The electronic configuration of an atom starts by filling the lower sub energy levels. Given below is the chart that helps to identify how the electrons are filled and the order in which the electronic configuration is written: So the order in which the electrons are filling is 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s and so on. Valence electrons of few atoms: The following are examples of finding the number of valence shell electrons using the electronic configuration of the given atom. Valence electrons of Hydrogen: The atomic number of Hydrogen is 1. The electronic configuration for Hydrogen is 1s1. The number of valence electrons is 1. Since the 1s shell is the outermost shell it has only one electron in it. The orbits for the Hydrogen atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Helium: The atomic number of Helium is 2. The electronic configuration for Helium He is 1s2. The number of valence electrons is 2. The number of electrons it has is 2. The diagram for the Helium atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Lithium: The atomic number of Lithium is 3. The electronic configuration for Lithium Li is 1s2, 2s1. The outermost shell of Lithium is 2s. The number of valence electrons is has 1. The diagram for the Helium atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Beryllium: The atomic number of Beryllium is 4. The electronic configuration for Beryllium Be is 1s2, 2s2. The outermost shell of Beryllium is 2s. The number of valence electrons is has 2. The diagram for the Beryllium atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Boron: The atomic number of Boron is 5. The electronic configuration for Boron B is 1s2, 2s2, 2p1. The outermost shell of Boron is n = 2. The total number of valence electrons it has is 3. The diagram for the Boron atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Carbon: The atomic number of Carbon is 6. The electronic configuration for Carbon C is 1s2, 2s2, 2p2. The outermost shell of Carbon is n = 2. The total number of valence electrons it has is 4. The diagram for the Carbon atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Nitrogen: The atomic number of Nitrogen is 7. The electronic configuration for Nitrogen is N 1s2, 2s2, 2p3. The outermost shell of Nitrogen N is n = 2. The total number of valence electrons it has is 5. The diagram for the Nitrogen atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Oxygen: The atomic number of Oxygen is 8. The electronic configuration for Oxygen O is 1s2, 2s2, 2p4. The outermost shell of Oxygen is n = 2. The total number of valence electrons it has is 6. The diagram for the Oxygen atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Fluorine: The atomic number of Fluorine is 9. The electronic configuration for Fluorine F is 1s2, 2s2, 2p5. The outermost shell of Fluorine is n = 2. The total number of valence electrons it has is 7. The diagram for the Fluorine atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Neon: The atomic number of Neon is 10. The electronic configuration for Neon Ne is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6. The outermost shell of Neon is n = 2. The total number of valence electrons it has is 8. The orbits of Neon atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Sodium: The atomic number of Sodium is 11. The electronic configuration for Sodium Na is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s1. The outermost shell of Sodium Na is n = 3. The total number of valence electrons it has is 1. The orbits of Sodium atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Magnesium: The atomic number of Magnesium is 12. The electronic configuration for Magnesium Mg is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2. The outermost shell of Magnesium Mg is n = 3. The total number of valence electrons it has is 2. The orbits of Magnesium atom looks like this: Valence electrons of Aluminum: The atomic number of Aluminum is 13. The electronic configuration for Aluminum Al is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p1. The outermost shell of Aluminum Al is n = 3. The total number of valence electrons it has is 3. The orbits of Aluminum atom looks like this: Shown above are the valence electrons for atoms with atomic number 1 to 13. The same concept applies for finding the valence electrons of all the atoms in the periodic table.

The 10 Things Everyone Ought to Know About Personal Branding - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / The 10 Things Everyone Ought to Know… About Personal Branding - Introvert Whisperer The 10 Things Everyone Ought to Know… About Personal Branding Personal Branding is a Fairly New Term.   Tom Peters, a well-known business expert, coined the term “a brand called you” in the late 90’s and 2 years later the first Personal Branding consulting firm was launched. As trendy as Personal Branding is, it’s a seriously misunderstood term.   When it’s not misunderstood, its simply a gap in the understanding of even the most serious career professional. Despite the gaps that exist, it’s an important concept to understand and manage if you have any intention of growth and promotions.   A poorly projected Personal Brand can be the one single thing that will limit even the best and brightest. Here are the things 10 things you need to know to help you with your own understanding of Personal Branding: It’s about the opinion others have about you. It’s your reputation. It’s the value people place on what you do or don’t “bring to the party”. It’s developed by what you do consistently to reinforce how people see or experience you. It’s what you focus on. It’s not just one thing. It’s a recipe unique to you comprised of the things most visible to others. Your Personal Brand is always showing, even if you do nothing to shape it. You can spoil your Personal Brand in a New York minute. You can rebuild and change your Personal Brand but it does require a bigger effort and consistency. Your Personal Brand is within your control. Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Famous Painters and Paintings

Famous Painters and Paintings Renowned Paintings and the Masters that Rendered Them ChaptersPablo Picasso, the Artistic WolfVincent van Gogh: Not Exactly a LambThe Artist Who Tried to Not Be OneThink back to your days of studying art history: which artists and art movements featured in your curriculum?Surely you learned about the big names but what about Artemisia Gentileschi â€" unusual for being female in the male-dominated world of Italian Renaissance art?What about Paul Cezanne who was so prolific that he painted more than 1,300 canvases in his more than 40 years as an artist but didn’t sell a single one?Humans have always had a need to create art; proof is found everywhere from the Lascaux cave paintings to the images etched in stone in the highlands of Peru.Accordingly, there are/were those who would sacrifice everything from their physical well-being to their sanity for a few more brushstrokes, one more etching, one last depiction...Today, your Superprof takes an artistic turn: we look at two legendary painters at opposite ends of the art spectrum and one w ho considered himself a failure even though, in his lifetime and still today, he is considered one of the most famous artists in the history of art.Put down your gouache and come along! FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPablo Picasso, the Artistic Wolf Picasso's most renown painting is a tribute to the Battle of Guernica Image by Almudena Sanz from PixabayWolves are generally described as instinctual, intuitive and intelligent. Such characteristics describe Picasso to a T.Born into a middle-class family in Malaga, Spain, little Pablo had as great a sense of destiny as he had a need to draw. An apocryphal story relates his first word â€" not ‘Mama’ or ‘Papa’ but ‘Pencil! Pencil!’Maybe there was a reason for young Pablo to crave the graphite instrument: his father was a museum curator and a painter of wildlife and landscape art.Still, his father must have been intent on him following in his footsteps. When the boy turned seven, his Dad started giving him lessons in drawing. He also taught his son painting techniques.So driven was Picasso (or so talented) that his work soon surpassed anything painted by his father. Picasso Sr, having by this time relocated his family to Barcelona, made use of his position at the Academy of Fine Arts, where he was teaching, to secure an audition for his now teenaged son.Pablo did not disappoint. In fact, he shocked, surprised and overwhelmed the admissions board with the breadth of his experience, rare in one so young and undisciplined.Discipline was indeed a problem for Pablo. His ability to paint amazing works of art was not in question, what was missing was the capacity to take instruction and follow rules. He spent a lot of his time in Barcelona getting acquainted with decidedly non-scholarly pursuits.Pablo Picasso’s arrogant streak would dominate his life. Uncaring of critics and their sometimes stinging reviews, he would paint what he liked, as he liked and he didn’t care if anyone liked it.Once on the Parisian art scene, Pablo Picasso moved easily among the various circles, impressionist and expressionist alike. As he became more open to new ideas, including eroticism, his work took on new dimensions.It was the Demoiselles D’Avignon, a large oil on canvas representation of a bordello â€" well, the unclad occupants of a bordello that scandalised the art world. Most decried it as vulgar and ugly; even Georges Braques was repulsed yet fascinated by it.Henri Matisse, Picasso’s lifelong frenemy, rejected the work outright.Braque, a French painter who couldn’t quite get on board the fauvist movement, saw the oeuvre as a gauntlet thrown down.Picasso claimed that this work that eschewed both perspective and classical form liberated him in some fundamental way, permitting him to create an original style of art. Braque agreed.With Picasso and Braque as the fathers, the Demoiselles gave birth to Cubism, a seemingly discordant art movement that ended, some say mercifully, in the late 1920s. Vincent van Gogh repeatedly painted his self portrait because he had no money for models Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayVincent van Gogh: Not Exactly a LambAt the other end of the ‘vainglorious and cocksure’ spectrum, we find the haunting story of a man dragged into being an artist by destiny.Born into a devoutly religious family, this Dutch painter failed to make any positive impression on the art world until after his death. Indeed, he initially didn’t see himself as having any future in art; he came to the discipline accidentally.Vincent was a quiet child who liked to draw; his mother gently encouraged him but by no means treated him as the prodigy Picasso’s parents cultivated.Looking over events in Vincent’s early life, it is easy to recognise several destabilising elements:an emotionally distant parentliving in close proximity to a grave with his name on it (and being repeatedly brought to said grave)being the oldest childbeing sent to a boarding school far from hom ebeing mentally illAll of this resulted in a socially awkward person who, by all accounts, suffered rejection at every turn â€" romantically, professionally, religiously and socially.Vincent van Gogh offers a cautionary tale of ‘fake it till you make it’.First as an art dealer and then a missionary; as a teacher, a suitor and a painter, narratives all tell the same story: Vincent started out enthusiastic and energetic but things soon went awry. He would find fault with the plan, the process or the person imposing on him, the net result being rejection, again and again.Vincent had three saving graces: his brother Theo, the comfort he found in people (women) at the lower end of social ranks and painting. It was art that finally provided him with an outlet for self-expression.Virtually untrained in everything from wielding a brush to mixing colours, the last 10 years of Vincent van Gogh’s life were nothing if not productive: he turned out more than 900 impressionistic canvases.Un able to afford models, he painted the people and scenes around him. As his madness grew and he was confined to an institution, he painted what he saw out of his window. The more people shunned him, the more he turned to his brushwork.Unlike the self-assured Picasso who was certain his destiny was painting (whether that destiny was shaped by his parents’ wishes is a moot point), Vincent’s lifelong struggle was for mere acceptance.This might lead you to think that, had their paths actually crossed, a wolf like Picasso would chew up and spit out a craven creature such as van Gogh but the truth is that the Spanish artist was in awe of the Dutch post-impressionist painter.Another incomplete thought: Vincent van Gogh was not as meek as his need for acceptance would seem to make him. Quite a few people turned away from him because of his unpleasantness and, at times, his raging temper.Paul Cezanne, his contemporary, knew all about those raging fits. So did Paul Gauguin, who was stridin g away from him when he cut his ear lobe off. Leonardo da Vinci tops the list of famous painters even though he hardly thought of himself as one Image by Free-Photos from PixabayThe Artist Who Tried to Not Be OneFrom the painter who embraced his destiny to the one who struggled to find his, we now travel about 450 years back in time, to a period when being a painter was absolutely the best job anyone could have.The circumstances surrounding Leonardo da Vinci’s arrival in the world were certainly not auspicious; being illegitimate held certain stigmas, especially in Italy, the seat of Catholicism.Leonardo knew nothing of all of this; he was shielded from the worst society could heap on a person by being treated like every other legally-begotten child.He lived in his father’s house â€" a man of good social standing, received the requisite education and, when the time came, was apprenticed to a local artist’s workshop.Teenage Leonardo was both handsome and talented; it is commonly accepted that he posed for several works and also that he lent a hand with some of his mentor’s paintings. He learned how to draw and paint alongside Botticelli, Perugino and other great names of the Early Renaissance period.Did you know that only Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, rivals the Mona Lisa in fame?It wasn’t long before word got out about da Vinci’s extraordinary painting skills; soon he was dodging commissions left and right â€" meaning that he would accept the commission, start working on it and get distracted, leaving the work incomplete.Still, there were a few paintings that he did not shirk from, among them:The Annunciation (Uffizi Gallery), oil and tempera on poplarMadonna and the Carnation (Munich), oil and tempera on poplarThe Adoration of the Magi (Uffizi Gallery), oil on woodLady with Ermine (National Museum of Art, Kraków), oil on walnutThe two most famous paintings of da Vinci’s bear special mention.The Last Supper was commissioned by his patron, the Duke o f Sforza, to adorn the newly-built refectory on his compound. As he was living in the duke’s court, he could not neglect this assignment lest the duke expel him.Perhaps the most famous painting in the world is the Mona Lisa.This painting too was a commission, given him by a relatively wealthy client at a time when Leonardo was a free agent â€" not a member of any court. Keen to build up his bankroll, he accepted the job but then neglected it in favour of other projects â€" map-making, weapons design and engineering.Strangely enough, while all of Italy was throwing commissions at Leonardo, he mentioned his ability to paint almost as an afterthought. He preferred to bill himself as an engineer a cartographer; two functions he fulfilled brilliantly.Yet, as his life waned, he thought himself a failure in spite of the impact he would have on the painting world for centuries to come. In his last months, he put the final touches to his magnum opus, his Mona Lisa, expressing regret at hav ing squandered his great talent for art.Mona Lisa now hangs out at the Louvre museum, smiling her enigmatic smile, knowing that his dying thoughts were off the mark.Picasso gave us Guernica and a whole range of artworks; van Gogh left behind Starry Night, self-portraits and sunflowers; some of the world's most expensive paintings â€" ironic because he only sold one work in his lifetime.Leonardo da Vinci, who billed himself as anything but a painter, not only left behind remarkable insights into his mind but also his visions of the future... and two of the world's most famous works of art.Now learn about the father of impressionism...

Where to Find A Photography Course in Glasgow

Where to Find A Photography Course in Glasgow Find Photography Lessons in Glasgow ChaptersLearn Photography Skills from a Professional PhotographerTaking Pictures During Photography LessonsAttend Photography School in GlasgowOnline Photography ClassesSituated on the River Clyde â€" perfect for trade and industry, Glasgow's expansion into Scotland's largest city was inevitable.Sadly, very little of Glesga's medieval architecture remains. Still, there are some stunning edifices to be captured, either on film or digitally... or by a hybrid camera.Are buildings not your preferred photo subject?Perhaps you would rather wield your camera at any of Glasgow's numerous festivals: the Glasgow Fair, Celtic Connections, the Merchant City Festival among them.If your shots really merit, you may display them during the biannual International Festival of Visual Art!Maybe you prefer capturing people, in the full of life, enjoying the sights and the feel of the city deemed the friendliest in the UK.With such a reputation, it would be no stretch to imagine all of the tourists who fl ock to the city, either for the sights, sounds and tastes, or to witness for themselves the Old Firm.How much do you want to bet that every one of them brings a camera, of one sort or the other?Do you fret because you don't have an eye for composition?It's OK, not everyone does!Are you delaying investing in quality photographic equipment until you know exactly what metering means, in reference to photography?Metering is just one term applicable to the art; in fact there is an entire lexicon pertinent to photography.Perhaps you have already conceded that such things are best learned from a master, or at least a professional photographer.If that is the case â€" and if it is not yet the case, allow us to direct you to photography classes.Find photography courses Glasgow. Or if you live in the capital, learn about London photography classes.fifty types of image capturing specialties, each require individualised technique and equipment.Although you could use base equipment, such as a cam era body and certain lenses â€" provided they are suited to the job at hand, for the most part, you would need to invest in specific tools to ply your exacting art.With that thought in mind, we choose two of the most popular (and lucrative) aspects of professional photography, and present qualified teachers you could select to learn from.Read about learning photography in Birmingham.Wedding photography has proven to be most lucrative! Source: Pixabay Credit: Gloria AgostinaGordon McGowan: Wedding PhotographerA fellow with the Master Photographers Association, this wedding and portrait photographer now turns his passion to teaching aspiring photographers how to compose a photo, conduct a shoot and the particulars of studio lighting.He offers courses for beginners, intermediate photographers and those with substantial experience behind the lens.He conducts workshops in elementary subjects such as 'Get to Know Your Camera', all the way to 'The Creative Use of Backgrounds'.Throughout hi s courses, he emphasises the importance of the least little pose detail, ensuring a perfect and memorable capture of each photographic moment and setting.Mr. McGowan is one of only three wedding photographers with fellowship in all of the major professional photography associations.You can rest assured this instructor is fully qualified to instruct on everything from the  basics of photography to digital enhancement of your best shots.A full day master class will set you back £395,  or £600 for two people attending together.These workshops are generally student-led: you would pose your questions and receive detailed answers, complete with examples and workarounds to your particular situation.They are meant to improve your skill base by creating a cooperative learning environment, exposing you to queries over situations that you've maybe not yet encountered in the course of your photographic adventures.If a day-long commitment doesn't suit you, perhaps the half-day course ( £150) o r beginner's course ( £50) would fit the bill.What we really like about Gordon McGowan's workshop is that students walk away feeling they were heard, understood and empowered.Being behind the lens can sometimes be more daunting that being in front of it, especially where wedding and fashion photography are concerned.Professional photographers have a duty to capture not just the moments at hand, but the mood of that singular point in time.Gordon  effortlessly teases out innate skills of burgeoning photographers â€" the keen eye, the ability to compose a shot and preserve the moment.What we like less: fees are fairly stiff, especially if you request models, which costs £50 extra per model.Learn photography in Edinburgh too, or join a photography class in Belfast.Photography Training with Going DigitalRemember the selfie stick craze of a few years back?These days, anyone walking around with a SmartPhone is armed with a camera, whether s/he uses it or not.Judging by the millions of sna ps on social media, the supposition that said cameras are not being used is ludicrous.Still, there are photography buffs and â€" to a degree, purists who believe that only a genuine camera can render a quality photograph, suitable for framing and displaying.And selling!We'll leave aside the debate on whether digital or analog cameras are best, to focus exclusively on a photography courses meant for the digital camera owner.Going Digital's most popular one-day workshop is titled Get off Auto â€" the setting a surprising number of beginner photographers seem stuck on.While there is nothing wrong with auto for general shots, a photographer would need a completely different aperture and shutter speed to shoot an action photo or for night photography.Under their guidance, you can learn basic photography skills in picture-worthy settings, such as the Botanical Gardens.If you sign up for their beginner photography course in conjunction with their more advanced lesson, Developing Skills, yo u can benefit from a price discount  as well as expanded knowledge of how to use your camera.Through their photography workshops, you will get hands-on experience, plying your camera on such diverse subjects as flowers and insects.Those lessons would be especially valuable to anyone endeavouring to specialise in macro photography!Or, you could turn your lens up to any of the glass houses, to capture the sparkle of light on the panes.Whether you aim to branch out into commercial photography of any type, or if you just want to capture all of the smiles at your next big event, knowing all you can about the art of photography is a necessary step.Taking your photographing to the next level with this group would set you back £85  for the photography basics course.Signing up for both  of their Explore Your Camera courses would run you £155.What we really like about this photography class is that you learn, in depth, the many features your camera has, shooting in a live setting, and captu ring any type of flora you like.What we like less is the fact that there is little studio photography involved.Still, if you intend to capture images on location, maybe as a photojournalist, these would be fantastic tutorials for you.If you're a Mancunian, this article on photography in Manchester is for you.Known for it's similarity to Hogwarts, Glasgow University is a great spot to snap some photos. Source: VisualhuntTaking Pictures During Photography LessonsA quick glance online reveals that Glasgow has more than ten associations, groups and/or clubs dedicated to photography.Whether you know all about digital SLR or you just want to learn how to photograph, surely any of the camera clubs around town would benefit you.Here we present two that took our fancy.The Penilee Camera Club, now in its fourth decade, welcomes those learning photography, as well as those whose technical skills behind the camera afford them the career of their dreams.Listed both with the Scottish Photographic Federation and the Glasgow District Photographic Union, Penilee routinely sponsors members' artistic efforts in regional competitions.They make available a digital darkroom and a colour printer, as well as a studio, complete with lights and backdrops â€" should portraiture be your specialty.We like that they have a well-projected syllabus on their website, so that you can pick and choose which events to attend, schedule permitting.Of less appeal to us is that their focus is overwhelmingly on digital imaging, with less attention given to film photography.Not so with Eastwood Photographic Society!Based in Scotland, this is a club for anyone interested in photography: young and old, DSLR owners and legacy Leica lovers alike.The eight months' activity their calendar advertises is jam-packed â€" with tutorials, workshops, guest speakers and outings.Are you a fan of landscape photography? Go with them to learn how to use your filters for optimum results!Furthermore, senior members of EP S espouse a mentoring environment to any who want intensive photography lessons.Would photography classes in Leeds suit you better? Read our blog.That is what we love about this organization: that more experienced members coach and counsel those who have only just gotten their introduction to photography.What we're less fond of is the limitations on the schedule: they only meet one night each  week, and they are not open year-round.Meaning: you may not have access to the club's equipment throughout the year.Still, when friendships are forged, you don't necessarily need a clubhouse to go to, do you?Find a photography course in Cardiff!Attend Photography School in GlasgowAnsel received his first camera on his seventh birthday. Film was expensive, so he quickly learned to shoot only unique subjects, taking his time, framing his shots with painstaking care.That would be Ansel Adams, arguably the world's  most renown landscape photographer.If you too want to learn everything from the fun damentals of camera operation to lighting techniques, enroling at Glasgow School of Art would be the perfect way to get your photography degree.Unlike the impoverished Mr. Adams, who could not afford to attend school; who had to discover everything about his art by himself, you would benefit from group sessions and gain tips from teachers.  This all-inclusive course of study includes everything from the history of photography, all the way to new technologies to enhance your images.Too far away from Glasgow? Learn about photography courses in Liverpool.How to shoot and retouching photographs, both digital and film, are a part of the curriculum, as is a segment on Fine Art Critical Studies.Glasgow School of Arts' four year Bachelor of Arts programme was the first of its kind in all of Europe.It covers all aspects of photographic art, from  photography of  architecture to capturing all of the fantastic scenery in and around the city.This is a good example of the bit of ancient architec ture left in Glasgow Source: Pixabay Credit: BrigsteerOnline Photography ClassesIf you wish to pursue photography as a profession, your education could start with The Photography Institute, a strictly online instruction platform.Their curriculum consists of twelve modules that address everything from camera components to advanced photography techniques and specific shooting instances, such as documentary photography.Their course is meant to be self-paced, which removes the obligation to rush off to class after tea or on your lunch break.Their expectation is that you dedicate a minimum of four hours per week, completing the course in approximately six months â€" family and work obligations notwithstanding.And why wouldn't you want to get your certification as soon as possible?Whether you have only ever wanted to see the world through a camera lens or if you are contemplating a career change â€" to macro photography in the Amazon basin, for instance, online photography courses  might be the right fit for you.What if photography workshops and photography schools simply aren't for you?Superprof boasts a cadre of trained photography professionals who are all ready to impart photography tips, one on one, via webcam.From questions about exposure timing to how to use Photoshop, our tutors will deliver the instruction you need, when you need it, in the comfort of your own home.Whether you want to learn commercial photography or artistic composition, for pleasure or for profit, you now know of a multitude of ways to learn photographic techniques in Glasgow.Do you now feel confident in your desire to move beyond point and shoot?Find photography courses throughout the UK on Superprof or read more about finding photography courses  with our dedicated blog.

Introvert Entrepreneurs, How to Prevail past Likely Limitations - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Introvert Entrepreneurs, How to Prevail past Likely Limitations - Introvert Whisperer Introvert Entrepreneurs, How to Prevail past Likely Limitations It is obvious that introverts, by nature, are hesitant when it comes to human interaction. They are more shy and tend to get anxious when it comes to being the center of attention. These qualities are perceived as limiting when it comes to entrepreneurs, however, there are many qualities of more introverted people that important for climbing the corporate ladder. While there are likely limitations to being an introverted entrepreneur, here are some ways you can overcome the challenges. Talking to Vendors An entrepreneur has an idea for a company, product, etc. and this idea is one that they need to sell to others. Unless one comes into a large amount of money, those looking to start a business will need to have investors fund their company. This means talking to multiple lenders to sell your thoughts and ideas, as well as to ask for their financial support. This is can ultimately seem like a hurdle for those looking to be a “behind the scene” style leader. However, there are ways to work around this. Most introverted entrepreneurs find other ways to market themselves. With the business world being so digitally based, most entrepreneurs use the internet and social media to get in contact with vendors. Sometimes all you need is a good promotional campaign. Another option would be to hire a marketing consultant to help talk to vendors on your behalf. Finding someone who is just as passionate about your ideas as you are is a great idea. That way that can expressively communicate your company as you would naturally. Misjudgement from Others Most introverts can unfairly be labeled as weird, snobbish, insecure, or antisocial. This is something that introverted entrepreneurs have struggled with in the past and it makes it hard to relate to others. This can be a problem when trying to relate to vendors but it can be a roadblock when trying to collect a workforce of employees. In startup businesses, many candidates going for a position at the company like to be able to relate to the owner/creator. This is understandable because they want to make sure the organization is a good fit for them and their professional personality. This is a struggle for introverts because they are misjudged and can be portrayed as standoffish. One way to overcome this is to be open and honest that you naturally a quieter person. Let them know this is your way of communicating or have another person working for you fill the interviewee in. That way they are fully prepared and can adapt for how to interact with you and they will be aware that you ar e just a quieter person. Public Speaking Public Speaking classes or a presentation in school was very difficult for introverts. Entrepreneurial introverts might have to present their ideas to others who work for them or to vendors in order to present their good ideas or wins for the company. This is something that so many successful introverts have struggled with but find different ways to overcome. Many prominent company owners are trained to speak publicly in the proper way and this is something that is necessary when speaking on behalf of a company professionally. While an introvert may be extremely nervous to talk in front of a crowd, with the proper training, the introvert can know the right tricks to make it seem as if he or she is an eloquent speaker. If this does not make them comfortable, they can choose to have a partner or another trusting colleague be the face of the company and give these talks. If you want to be an entrepreneur but you have a shyer personality there is hope for you. Working on trying to improve your interactive skills and being more personal is one option, but there are many other options one has, including using social media and other technology to market one’s company. Take into account that there are other successful introvert leaders of the world, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. If introverts try to find creative ways of interacting and follow other famous introvert examples, they are sure to be successful. Bio: Amanda  Peterson is a contributor to the site  Enlightened Digital  and a software engineer from New York City. Her aim is to explore how changes in technology affect personal business growth and professional development, especially for women.   Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Building Great Relationships with Your Students

Building Great Relationships with Your Students At the core of a successful teaching strategy is a good teacher-student relationship. When students feel connected to their teachers, theyre more invested and willing to put forth effort, which leads to better academic outcomes. Here are a few tips to help you build quality relationships with your students: Get to know them. Remember things about them. Show interest in who they are as people outside of your classroom. Pay attention to the little things. Let them get to know you. Share a little about yourself so the relationship doesnt feel one-sided. Be genuine. Ask their opinions. Treat your students with respect and show them by listening intently that you are interested in what they think and have to say. Establish a trusting relationship. Put them in the drivers seat whenever possible. Let them try new things and encourage them to take some risks. Set expectations and always follow through when you say youll do something. Express your passion. Your enthusiasm for what you teach and for helping students learn can be both inspiring and contagious. Have fun. Make your classroom a vibrant and enjoyable place to learn. Find ways to make lessons more engaging and interactive. Remind them often that youre there for help. Above all, make certain that your students know you care. Offer office hours throughout the week and encourage students to come in (or email you) if they need help or want to talk. The more you foster good relationships with your students, the more your students will feel comfortable in your classroom. This enhances your teaching, making for more effective instruction and deeper student learning.

English Job Interview Preparation Filling the Gaps

English Job Interview Preparation Filling the Gaps When I am preparing Spanish speaking students for interviews in English, most of them are surprised by the attention paid to dates and the chronological order of  work experience on curriculums in interviews in Britain and the United States.One of my students was asked how to explain a gap of one year in his work experience on his curriculum during a job interview in English. Thankfully, he had an answer prepared!Do you have gaps in your curriculum? Here are some ways of explaining them. Be careful to keep your explanation as simple as possible and always tell the truth!Click here to contact us if you would like to take an English class to prepare you for a job interview.1. UnemploymentIf you were unemployed during this period, then say that. This does not have to be a bad thing. If unemployment prompted you to undertake further study, re-evaluate your career path and actively embrace work when you finally found it, then state that proudly in the interview.2. StudyIf you took a break from work to study even a short or seemingly irrelevant course, this is an important addition to your curriculum and should be mentioned in your interview. It just might be the interesting individual detail that could set you apart from other candidates.  3. Live In A Foreign CountryYou might not like to remember your year long holiday romance in Turkey, but did it make you learn another language or have a unique job experience? Did it teach you a valuable life lesson? Remember to focus on the positive aspects.4. TravelIf you spent a year or years traveling around the world then this is also valuable information in an interview. Most employers view this as showing independence as well as cultural interest and awareness.5. Alternative Forms Of WorkDid you work part-time, maybe freelance or in consultancy? Maybe you worked in a coffee shop? These work experiences are still valid and should not be overlooked in interviews  as a result of  the job skills and workplace experience they gave you.Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.