When creating web content, people use all sort of words and phrases to describe one thing. One of the biggest problems is trying to filter out what things these words are referring to. Text can have a variety of meanings which makes searching the World Wide Web and its infinite possibilities difficult at times.
An attempt to mitigate this problem and add context to web content is what is called the “semantic web.” However, this idea has faced many problems and has never become standardized.
Metaweb has essentially created a solution to the problem of adding context by flipping the problem on its head. Rather than each content producer having to add semantic context to their content, Metaweb has created a huge database of already categorized content that producers can refer to in their websites.
One example Metaweb gives is the University of California, Berkeley. This university is also referred to as CAL, UCB, UC Berkeley and many others. Yet, all of these synonyms refer to the same “entity” – which is a lot like a noun — a person, place or thing. Metaweb has cataloged this particular entity in its database, therefore when a person using their software refers to CAL or UC Berkeley it will point to the cataloged reference of University of California, Berkeley.
This “mapping” from plain text to “entities” provides many benefits including being able to better define relationships among web content, easier content updating and far better search features.
By acquiring this company, Google is making a statement that they support this technology and hopefully we will see it being integrated into their current product line. This could be a huge plus for not only web developers and content producers but also offer web users vastly more accurate search results.
So you need to take portraits for your website or for headshots – here are some quick tips to get that great photograph. Nothing shows character more than an on-location portrait, show people in their comfortable setting. The viewer will be able to connect with them easier than a white background. Here is our resident model Kris Carter, to help show my points. Keep the few things in mind when shooting next round:
1. Focus on the eyes – It’s that simple. The eyes are the most important part of the photo – so make sure they are tack sharp. Manual focus will help you get the results you need.
2. Framing – Do not center frame everything. Diving into some photography ‘rules’ – you want to practice the “Rule of Thirds.” Imagine the picture with a tic-tac-toe board over the frame – you want the focus to be on a “line” or “corner” in 1/3 or 2/3 of the frame. This example will help you imagine the lines.
3. Separate the subject – While on-location portraits are also about the environment the main focus is on the subject. Separating the subject from the background will get your great results. This is achieved by using a longer lens; 50mm or ideally 80mm+ achieves great results. In conjunction with a long lens, a shallow depth of field is achieved with the use of open F –stops i.e. ƒ1.8, ƒ2.0, ƒ2.8. Here are examples showing the difference.
4. Click & Process – Once you have your settings dialed in, focused on the eyes and properly frame – release the shutter. After the picture is taken, that isn’t the end though. Upload to your computer, open your photo-editing software and being processing the image. A few basic things to enhance the image – contrast, sharpening, saturation, color temperature. See below images for before and after.
I hope this has given you a little insight on getting better on-location portraits. Small increments make the big differences, but there is a lot to keep on your mind when you’re ready to release that shutter. Happy clicking!
With this year’s W³ Awards drawing more than 3,000 entries from interactive agencies, public relations firms and creative professionals submitted worldwide, Onyx Group is thrilled to announce it has been honored with a silver W³ Award. The International Academy of Visual Arts (IAVA) recently announced the winners of its 2009 W³ Awards competition, awarding a Silver W³ to Onyx Group for the Acadian Sea Planes website they designed. To view the award winning site visit www.acadianseaplanes.com.
“It’s an honor to have the work we do for our clients recognized by The International Academy of Visual Arts as embodying creative excellence in web design,” says Nadia Kamal, Agency Principal. “We’re devoted to producing outstanding work that will continue to distinguish our clients in their fields.”
The W³ Awards honors creative excellence on the web, and recognizes the creative and marketing professionals behind award winning sites, videos and marketing programs. For more information about the W³ Awards visit www.w3award.com.
The W³ is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, interactive, advertising, and marketing firms. IAVA members include executives from organizations such as Conde Nast, Coach, Disney, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Estee Lauder, Fry Hammond Barr, HBO, Monster.com, MTV, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Victoria Secret, Wired, Yahoo! and many others. To find out more about IAVA visit www.iavisarts.org.
The last month has been quite busy for us, especially with website projects. We’ve had three website go live in the last couple weeks:
Crews & Pesquera, P.A., an Orlando based Personal Injury and Criminal Defense firm. This website features the new (Onyx created!) Crews & Pesquera, P.A. brand, as well as both English and Spanish versions of the site. Check out the site at www.crewsandpesquera.com!
Landmark Systems, a leading provider of technical forest and natural resource management services and products. This eCommerce website allows for Landmark Systems’ customers to easily purchase products through the site, as well as download informational support software and manuals. Check out the website at www.landmarksystems.com.
TALCOR, Tallahassee’s leader in commercial real estate for the last 20 years. Users of this website can search TALCOR’s properties, get updated on the latest TALCOR news, and contact TALCOR’s agents and offices. Check out the site at www.talcor.com!
To find out more about Onyx Group web design and creative services, give us a call at 850.877.3930!
