Tuesday, May 7, 2013

How to take great cycling photos

Cycling as a sport has gained much recognition over the years, thanks in part to the Tour de France, one of the most famous bicycle races in the world. Photographing cycling can be tricky because of the extremely fast movement involved, but with a little advance preparation, you can achieve maximum results in no time.

• Be prepared to move around with your camera.

• Use a long lens to get tight compositions, and try not to use a flash.

• Be prepared to increase the ISO when using fast shutter speeds or in lower light situations.

• Remember that where you position yourself for the shot is critical to ensure those awe-inspiring pictures.

With the District’s Bulldog Benefit Ride this Saturday, here are some thoughts for brushing up on your photography abilities or learning a few new tips before the weekend arrives.

Many times for cycling events you will want to use a long telephoto zoom lens to isolate and capture the action from either up close or far away - using a 300mm lens to narrow down the background and focus in on a single cyclist or a small pack.

Set the lens to continuous focus (for me I use a Nikon so the setting would be AF-C). This way the camera will continue to focus as the subject – the cyclist – keeps moving forward.

In cycling, the rider is constantly exerting him or herself, and a compelling photo will capture the sweat, the grimaces, the pain and determination. That struggle is best illustrated in the face of the athlete.

Be ready for fast-paced close-ups of the cyclists. Set the lens to AF (Autofocus) and select continuous focusing (AI AF-C Nikon) and keep the sensor points inside the viewfinder tight on the rider’s face.

Take multiple pictures of the athlete while the shutter is opening and closing. You'll get motion blur in the background, but (when done correctly) you will have a sharp rider. Turn the mode dial to M (Manual mode) and set your shutter speed between 1/10s - 1/60s, which ensures that camera movement will cause a blur. You’ll want to have a tight aperture (say f/8) to ensure that the athlete is sharp with blurred surroundings. Then press the shutter release and rotate with the subject throughout the opening and closing of the shutter – it is important to follow through to obtain the full effect.

Follow the flow vs. the ONE person. If you are more interested in a particular athlete…follow them, but lock in….keep the shutter going and look at your photos later. Taking the time to view and see how you did…you are only going to miss that one shot that you watched vs. captured.

One of the beauties of digital photography is the high volume of photographs you can take without having to switch out a roll of film or the memory card. When the action is fast, vibrant and explosive, you don’t want to miss any action, so use the continuous shooting mode on your camera to capture 2, 3, 4, or 5 photos in a couple of seconds.

Carla Ehrhardt is a Stow Resident, Booster Club Treasurer, and a mom with 2 graduates from Stow, and a Junior at Stow-Munroe Falls City High School.



 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Fishcreek 5K Raccoon Run with NEW 1-Mile Fun Run to Be Held April 28

It’s almost time to put away the snow boots and pull out your running and walking shoes! The 2nd Annual Fishcreek Raccoon Run will be held on Sunday, April 28 and will consist of a 5K and 1-mile Fun Run centered through the neighborhoods of Fishcreek Elementary School. The Raccoon Run promotes the health and wellness of the district’s students and the community as a whole, while supporting some of the district’s PTA organizations.

“Last year, we took a risk by thinking outside of the box with a fundraiser like this, but it paid off tremendously, not only for our school, but for the entire community of Stow. We look forward to the additional offerings we have this year, which include the 1-mile Fun Run, a Pasta “Carb Loading” Dinner, and a Pancake Breakfast on the morning of the race,” said Fishcreek PTA President, Jennifer Taylor.

The Pasta Dinner mentioned is a fundraising event of Stow’s Highland Elementary and the Pancake Breakfast, which will be held at the race on the morning of, is a fundraiser of Kimpton Intermediate School. The Pasta Dinner, which will be held in the evening at Heritage Barn on Friday, April 26, 2013, is open to everyone and more information can be found at www.HighlandPTA.com. The Kimpton Pancake Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee or hot chocolate. Advance sale tickets will be available at packet pickup on Friday April 26 at Fishcreek Elementary OR you can order online.

“To our committee, this isn’t just about fundraising. We want our event to be as awesome as possible, so we welcomed the help of some of the other PTA groups within the district to help with additional race related events. It’s all reciprocal. They promote our race and we promote their fundraisers that support the race, as well,” said Taylor.

Last year’s inaugural race had over 600 registrants, and with the addition of the 1-Mile Fun Run this year, the organizers expect 800-1,000 participants, many who will come from all over Northeast Ohio to compete. This year’s timing company will be Ohio Running Events, which is known nationally for its professionalism and accuracy with timing and reporting of results.

Last year’s 5K overall Raccoon Run winner was Jonathon Blake, with a finish time of 18:19. The first female finished at 19:41 and that recognition went to Tracy Meder. The first Fishcreek student was Nick Yanky, coming in at 26:24.

For more information about the Raccoon Run, visit www.FishcreekRaccoonRun.com. You can find all information about participation, business sponsorships, as well as volunteer opportunities. You may also register as a participant at www.active.com.

2013 Participation Costs:

5K & FUN RUN - $20.00 until April 13 | $25.00 after April 13

1-MILE FUN RUN only - $10.00 until April 13 | $15.00 after April 13

Monday, January 7, 2013

2013: New Year, New Start, and Refreshed Ideas for Studying!

The holiday season is over so it is time to get our children back on track in the New Year with STUDYING! No two teens will study the same; however, there are some general techniques that are likely to produce good results for the second half of the school year.

As a parent, the first thing YOU will need to do is be sure you know your access to Progress Book. Progress Book is your way to keep connected with your child’s assignments, instruction, grades and academic progress. Do your best to know your child’s assignments, which is increasingly difficult the older they get. You can almost be certain that they won’t tell you if you don’t ask!

Develop Strategies for Better Writing

It is a scenario all too familiar with me (from my own high school experience). Students put off papers until the night before they’re due, just to get the assignment done, which means they are putting very little effort into developing the skills required to be a clear, concise, and organized writer.



If your child doesn’t already, encourage him to start developing outlines for each paper, which will help him see the structure and stick to the important topics. There is nothing wrong with (multiple) revisions of an essay or report. Learning how to edit his own work will help your student develop into a more skilled (and confident!) writer. Also, encourage your child to get into the habit of asking somebody else to look over each writing assignment.

Establish Good Study Skills

Being able to self-motivate and study on a schedule is a necessary skill for both academics and life beyond school. If your student doesn’t already have a set schedule for homework and studying, encourage him or her to identify the most alert and motivated time of day—whether it’s immediately after school, after dinner, or in the early morning—and set aside that time for schoolwork. A study schedule should always be subject to change to find the best fit for your student.

A study area should be separate from eating, sleeping, or lounging areas and should be organized, quiet, and free of distractions. Yes, that means NO ELECTRONICS! Easier said than done in our house, that is for sure. A good study spot is quiet, comfortable, well-lit and should be stocked with the study essentials - pens and pencils, paper, reference books, etc. – to eliminate unnecessary distractions.

Manage Time Effectively

High school students are old enough that they shouldn’t have to be reminded of each task, chore, and school deadline. In terms of school assignments, I recommend your student also make it a habit of checking Progress Book on a daily basis. Teens are at a stage in life where they must learn and be expected to maintain a to-do list, prioritize assignments, and manage time to accommodate school, extracurriculars, social life, family, and possibly work. Remember, college may be just around the corner for many of them and independence without time management can be an ugly thing. Studying at the last minute because of poor planning or lack of motivation is almost always futile.

Ease Test-Taking Anxiety

Being nervous about tests has nothing to do with intelligence and everything to do with preparation and confidence. If your child has a tendency to test poorly, remind your student that practicing good study habits will best prepare him or her for tests and exams, rather than pulling an all-nighter. Before big tests and exams, make sure your child has had a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast.

Here are some great things to encourage your student to do on the day of the big test to ease the anxiety:

• Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late. There will be another time when you can squeeze every ounce of the class change out for socializing.

• Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work.

• Read the directions slowly and carefully.

• If you don't understand the directions on the test, ask the teacher to explain it to you. There is no point in letting the teacher know you didn't understand after the fact.

• Skim through the test so that you have a good idea how to pace yourself.

• Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you won't worry about forgetting them.

• Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.

• Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.

• If you don't know an answer to a question skip it for the time being (come back to it later if you have time), and remember that you don't have to always get every question right to do well on the test.

• Focus on the question at hand. Don't let your mind wander on other things.

Connect with Teachers

Many students are afraid to approach teachers for extra help or advice, but a teacher is their best resource. Whenever information presented is unclear or confusing, and if your student needs extra help, encourage him or her to consult with the teacher. Also, remind your child to ask questions in class whenever he doesn’t understand something, and (gasp!) to participate in class discussions.

Don’t wait until you see poor grades on Progress Book or a report card to get in touch with your student’s teacher. Ask the teacher for ideas about how you can help, by possibly finding a tutor or simply monitoring your child’s work and study habits more closely.

As a parent, you may have to sit back and watch your high school student figure out life on his or her own, but there’s no teenager who doesn’t do better (at almost anything, right?) with a little help from Mom or Dad. Students, welcome back and parents, good luck!
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Anne White is a local blogger that lives in Stow, with three children in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Permission to NOT do everything this holiday season

It’s funny that the holiday season, for many of us, inevitably will become another source of stress and chaos in our lives. Focusing on rest, reflection, celebration and togetherness with friends and family often takes a back seat, but we can plan to change that this year.

Without further ado, let’s talk about simplifying the holidays!

Who is home for the holidays? Family gatherings are often a universal dilemma for young parents, and it’s a dilemma for the parents of those young parents as well. None of us want to disappoint our families, especially around the holidays. But remember, it is a holiday to be enjoyed by all. This year, consider some rescheduling, think outside of the box, and re-arrange when you can. All of the celebrating doesn’t have to occur over a couple days, and a slumber party with grandparents the week before a holiday could be just as memorable as spending a crazy, distracted day with them.

Simplify your to-do list. Ask yourself “what will happen if I don’t get this done?” Then, only do the tasks that absolutely HAVE to be done. Get rid of the rest, and get rid of the guilt for not doing them.

Decide what constitutes a meaningful holiday for you and your family. It’s easy to shift into autopilot, assuming you must follow our consumer culture's pre-scripted plan for what we should do, be and buy.

Do you remember who sent you a holiday card last year? That’s okay, I don’t either. With social media playing such a huge role in our lives right now, if you are short on time this holiday, skip sending cards to those that already know how beautiful, talented and smart your children are. Send cards only to those that you keep less in touch with throughout the year, and better yet, if your mind is set on sending cards, throw everything off by doing it AFTER the holidays in January (Wishing you a Happy New Year!), when you have more time!

Give of your time and talents. Nothing helps you gain perspective and diffuse the stress of the holiday season like volunteering, especially when it is a family affair. You and your family can prepare care packages for the homeless, make a visit to a local nursing home, or volunteer at an organization to help those in need during the holiday season. And then, make a habit of volunteering throughout the year!

What matters most this holiday season? For you and your family, if is it about time spent with family and friends, instead of the adults receiving presents this year, money that would have been used for gifts could be collected and given to a charity, perhaps even through a scholarship in honor of a loved one that has passed away. One example would be to donate the money to an organization that purchases and provides medications to people with cancer who would not normally be able to afford the medications. To find an organization, a good place to start is http://www.cancerfac.org/members.php.

What do you remember most about holidays growing up? Often, the simplest and easiest things are the most cherished memories. Take the time to build a snowman and make cocoa, take a walk to look at the decorations in your neighborhood, or just catch snowflakes on your tongue. And, can we all agree that the most fun part of making cookies is applying the sprinkles, so frost and decorate pre-baked cookies. Use a kit to make a gingerbread house instead of baking from scratch. Watch a favorite Christmas movie or special with the lights out and a shared bowl of popcorn.

Now you can cuddle by the fire and celebrate the season!
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Anne White is a local blogger that lives in Stow, with three children in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Indoor Photography Tips

Its indoor sports time!

It seems like a few weeks ago we were anxiously checking the grass to get outside and play baseball…then we blink and fall sports are already over. Now it’s time for holiday plays, recitals and indoor sports!

I can’t say indoor photography is my most favorite; however, at times it can be a bit easier than taking pictures of outdoor activities. There are a few constant factors - no wind, lighting is consistent and time of day doesn’t matter.

Here are a few tips for taking indoor photos:

• Keep it simple - use your built in flash. Lighting is the most important aspect of any photograph. The flash exposure is controlled by the camera and only fires as much light as it needs for each shot. I use AUTO ISO all the time. The only catch is that as soon as you turn on a flash, ISO stays at its minimum. This is great for daylight, but to lighten backgrounds indoors, you'll need to set a higher manual ISO so your shutter speeds can remain reasonable.
  
  
• If you use an external flash, be sure you aren’t too close to your subject. You can easily turn your photo into the Ghost of Mrs. Muir! Keeping your distance is key. You can always crop to get the close up later. Cameras, lenses and accessories are completely irrelevant unless you have good enough light to make a good photo.
  
  
• Practice a few shots, glance and see if you are happy with the photo before you take one that you REALLY want to keep.

If you’re interested in checking to see if any of your favorite high school sports photos are on my website, feel free to check it out at www.photosbycarla.smugmug.com They are posted by year, by sport….who knows, YOUR player, band member, cheerleader, etc. could be in there!

Carla Ehrhardt is a Stow Resident, Booster Club Treasurer, and a mom of two graduates from Stow, and a junior at SMFHS.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Snapping the best pictures of your kids

As a mom of three...spending many hours at sporting events is common for my family. Over the years, I realized that sitting with my husband in the stands, rooting on the boys; we weren’t REALLY watching together! He morphed into another dimension. “The DAD Zone”

Ladies, you understand - these crazy one sided conversations they have from the stands to your child “Great Job”! “Didn’t you see the ball!!! -  “That was such a bad call”. Then of course, the other dads chime in, and you have no idea what is going on. The visual of why the moms and the dads sit separately during these games….it’s becoming so clear now!

It was at that time, I toyed with the idea of “what does the ESPN photographer see” when they gaze at the play of each game from the lens. What close up would REALLY show the determination of the player, the sweat of the summer day, and the dirt I was about to tackle once we got home.

I developed a love of photography while taking pictures at football & baseball games, basketball events, etc. Sometimes parents would ask me to catch a certain shot or angle. Since then many of my photos have been featured in the SMF School District’s calendar and on the website as well as a few walls in Beef O’Brady’s.

I’ve found a good camera is a great asset. However, it's not the camera that takes the photo; it’s the person holding the camera, looking through the viewfinder.  

Tips for action shots: Don’t follow Johnny and watch for when he does something you want to capture, odds are - you will have missed the moment. Instead, follow the play – delete what you don’t want AFTER.

Tips for still images: Know what you just focused. Did you focus on the face or the background.

Often the best pictures are candid….The most precious photo is when they didn’t see you taking the shot. Think of it this way: how many times have you come across a photo that you LOVE, BUT you got that shot on accident when they weren’t looking. 

If you’re interested to see if any of your favorite high school sports photos are on my website, feel free to check it out at www.photosbycarla.smugmug.com They are posted by year, by sport….who knows, YOUR player, band member, cheerleader, etc could be in there!

Carla Ehrhardt is a Stow resident and mom with children in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Back to School Pins

If you’re like me, back to school means running in a hundred different directions, making sure that the kids are fed, teachers are appreciated (from day one of the new school year!), and daily tasks are done, all while developing our children into healthy, responsible and independent individuals.

You know, just another day in the life.

Some days are more difficult than others as a parent of school age children. Because of that, I appreciate the parents that have gone before me or have tackled different issues in ways that I would have never thought of. That’s where Pinterest comes in at our house.

If you haven’t heard of (or joined) Pinterest, it is an online community where you can “pin” online ideas or images to a topic board. Pinterest is the best way to see others’ ideas and projects, categorize, and refer to them later for your own use.

Simply awesome.

I have considered what my main struggles are now that we are back into the swing of things with school. In no particular order, they are: 1) making creative and nutritious lunches that will be eaten, 2) finding gifts to show the teachers in our life how much we appreciate them, 3) organizing all of the artwork and “keepers” that come home on a daily basis, 4) how to stay organized, for Moms and kids, and 5) making after school snacks that are filling so that, an hour later, I don’t have kids begging for dinner.

To help me out this school year, I turned to Pinterest!
 

School lunches
 

Simple Bites


To the Moon and Back


Green Lil Bites

Teacher gifts

Dollar Store Crafts

Metal Expressions Etsy Store

Art work organization

I heart organizing

The Sleepy Time Girl

I heart organizing
 

Mom / Kid organization

The 36th Avenue



 

After school snacks

Tablespoon

Good Life Eats

And, finally, this Pinterest find is one that just touches my heart. So much of a child’s life is focused on them and their needs but this blogger gives some fabulous ideas of what she did with her young children to show random acts of kindness to others in their community. Plus, kids of any age could benefit from this selfless interaction!

Tickles to Giggles

Do you have some great pins to share? Leave them in the comments! Like I said, as a Mom, I appreciate how other parents have figured things out...
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Anne White is a local blogger that lives in Stow, with three children in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.