Sony Idou Review - 12 Megapixel Sony Ericsson Idou Phone

The 12-megapixel-resolution camera phone, Sony Ericsson Idou, became an instant hit at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress. "Idou" in Japanese means change, indicating the phone will come with a plethora of changes. Idou is just a temporary codename for the model. It shall operate on 5th edition of software platform of S60, which is a path breaker for Sony. The Sony Ericsson Idou comes with a lot of interesting features, some which have been noted below:

Camera:

As mentioned before, its camera is of 12-megapixel resolution. This camera comes with a host of features that one can look forward to like a Xenon flash for photography, auto focus, LED flash useful in recording videos, face detection, geo-tagging and Smile Shutter technique. The Smile shutter concept is interesting because it captures the image only when the individual smiles. The handset allows touch focus, so the user can just touch a region to focus. It also provides auto-rotation.

Trendy features:

Sony Ericsson Idou has the features of other up-market sets like Bluetooth, HSDPA, A-GPS, Wi-Fi that is DLNA-certified, USB 2.0 connectivity, an accelerometer (motion sensor), and microSD memory card slot. It also comes with touch screen display of 3.5 inches having an amazing 360x640 pixels resolution. All these features only make a mobile phone enthusiast's heart beat accelerate.

Symbian OS:

Sony Ericsson Idou uses Symbian OS. Despite the fact that the Idou uses S60, it should be noted that the user interface is actually quite dissimilar from S60 UI of Nokia or Samsung's TouchWiz UI.

External features:

Idou measurements of 111 x 54 x 15mm are comparable to Nokia 5800 with 111 x 51.7 x 15.5mm measurement. This mobile phone is bulky especially when compared to a Nokia 5800. When compared to Sony Ericsson's own XPERIA X1, Sony Ericsson Idou comes across as larger. But to incorporate the high-resolution camera, the bulk is a small thing.

It looks sleek with the software that blends black and transparent plus transition in between. The three colors seen below the display are comparable to Nokia 5800.

Idou has options that will offer you the option of making video calls. You'll also get to access an ear speaker and helpful technology like light sensor. The ambience light sensor is noteworthy because it helps to control the amount of brightness in the display plus also the keyboard depending on the surrounding light.

The power button and the loudspeaker button are located at the upper half of this handset. The fast port and lock switch along with microSD memory card slot is placed on the left of this phone. It is a wonderful relief that this memory card cannot be accidentally broken. It can also be opened easily. Camera buttons such as playback button and volume or zoom rocker, image/video alternator, the shutter button are located at the right side of this handset.

The user-friendly phone combining good looks and effective UI holds a lot potential for prospective users. So, if you are in search of a new handset, the Idou can be a nice option for you.

Bolstering the manufacturers portfolio is the new Sony Ericsson C903 Cybershot phone released alongside the Sony Ericsson Idou, for further information please see our website - Phones Limited.

Buying a Waterproof Digital Camera in the Future?

Just like the rest of technology, when you finally come around to purchasing a digital camera, there is a new one coming out! Over the past couple years there has been a strong push for good waterproof digital cameras. Having a waterproof digital camera allows you to have many more options. Whether you are scuba diving or snorkeling on vacation, out on the beach with the kids, or enjoying one of many water sports with your friends and family, a waterproof camera is essential. With so many choices on the market, this article will explain a couple of the more popular ones.

Olympus Stylus :

This brand has five different styles: 850, 1050, 1030SW, 720, and 770SW. Of these five, the two that have had the best reviews are the Olympus Stylus 850SW and the Olympus Stylus 1050SW.

-The Olympus Stylus 850SW has 8MP (megapixel) with a 3x optical zoom. It has a 2.50inch HyperCrystal LCD with perfect shot preview mode, waterproof to 10 feet, and shockproof to 5 feet. This model runs around $210. Even though it is a little cheaper than the following model, it has proven to be the best camera for the money.

-The Olympus Stylus 1050SW has 10.1MP with a 3x optical zoom. It is waterproof, shockproof, and a crushproof design. Also featuring face detection and smile shot, perfect shot preview, and shadow adjustment. This model runs around $235.

Pentax Optio :

The best waterproof design for this brand proved to be the W20. This model features 7.0MP with 3x optical zoom. It has a couple unique features, which include high-quality extended movie captures JPEG (640 x 480) at 30fps with editing functions that are built in. This model runs around $260.

Vivitar : The best-reviewed model is the VIVICAMAM-6200W. It features 6MP with 4x digital zoom. This model is specifically designed for divers to take brighter, colorful pictures underwater up to 30 feet. Another cool feature is that it records movies up to 320 x 240 at 24fps. A lot of the reviews I have seen for this camera say that it is an overall good camera for the money and takes pretty good pictures. This model runs around $140.

In summary, the best waterproof digital camera (for the money) on the market today is the Olympus Stylus 850SW. However, if you plan on taking pictures and video more than 10 feet under the water, the model to go with is the Vivitar 6200. If your not feeling up to investing the money in a waterproof digital camera, there are the disposable cameras you can look into. Although the quality of the picture is taking a hit, the camera is pretty durable.

Dan Augspurger is an aspiring e-entrepreneur who writes on a range of subjects. You can learn more about waterproof digital cameras at my blog, http://waterproof-digitalcamera.blogspot.com/

Video Editing - Uploading

With the proper video editing program, you can upload film footage from YouTube, the webcam, and your house film recordings to the computer. You can create it longer or shorter; add graphics, music, and extra film footage. Check your computer; is the model too old or is it still new? In video editing, nearly all the space in the computer is concerned by the video files. It would be best if you have today's modern computers.

Upload the clips on the computer. If you're using a video camera, a firewire or USB port is required to upload the film recordings on the hard drive. For those using Hi8, mini DV, digital 8, and disk cameras, you can see the port outside the situation or you can search for it on the different compartments. If you can't discover the A/V cable, you should purchase a new firewire cable.

Older camcorders only have the A/V cable (red, white, and yellow) and if you are using the same equipments, you have access to video converters like Pinnacle DVD recorder. The connector will have plug-ins for the audio and video receptacle on the camcorder and the USB connector on the other end. The converter will convert all the video clips to audio video facts (AVI) so that you are able to start editing them.

For starters, you can make do with the WMM but if you want more advanced programs, you can test Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, Pinnacle Studio, and Muvee. The WMM provides the basic features of standard video editing software so you can start working on it if you're still new in video editing.

If your computer doesn't have the WMM, you can download it gratis by merely looking for the program online and get the latest version.

Start capturing the video to the program you're using. If you are using a converter, make certain that a box will appear which shows the device option. Double check the audio to make certain that the program is also capturing it.

You will notice many screens where you are asked to label clips and where to file it. Saving the file is significant so that you won't save too much video on the hard drive, you can utilize the 'My Videos' initially but as you work with more projects, make certain that you create specific file names.

You will also be asked of the format that you prefer for the film footage. The most common formats are WMV and DV AVI; these formats save space and the latter is much preferred by videographers. Once the format is picked out, hit the button 'Start Capture'.

After uploading all the film footage, stop the capturing process. The clips will be loaded in collections. Play the clips and drag those that you like to edit to the timeline. If you can't observe the files you've saved on the hard drive, you can discover them by planning to My Computer, and then click on My Documents. Click on My Film recordings and select 'Views' on the menu bar. Click 'details' and then click 'date modified'. The last edited video clips will be shown.

Uploading video clips to the computer for video editing is not very difficult. On condition that you know how to follow the directions as mentioned previously, you will finish the task very fast. You can now edit the video clips to create a whole video or short movie.

Jeffant has been writing articles online for nearly 3 years now. Not only does this author specialize in weight loss, fitness and diet, you can also check out his latest website on contemporary table lamps and tiffany floor lamps.

Holiday Planning Is Essential

Before you start on your voyage there is a lot of excitement. You may miss certain small yet important items while packing. Imagine if you cannot find your toothpaste or other such essential items on the first morning of your holiday!

To avoid getting sunburns you may remember your blue wide-brimmed hat. But while dreaming of a lazy stroll on the deck with your hat on, thinking that its color matches well with the ocean you are likely to miss your sunglasses. On the other end, over stuffing your suitcase is also unwise. You may have packed a whole lot of irrelevant stuff for cruising. So holiday planning is crucial.

Some useful packing tips for your cruise that may be helpful in your holiday preparation:

Generally people tend to remember cameras, alarm clocks and CD players.

Remember to pack your electric razor and not leave it behind where it is normally kept, if you use it on your departure day. Electric gadgets work with batteries. So, make sure you carry enough for all your electric appliances.

Another area where people tend to be careless is prescription medication. Please carry a copy of your prescription along with the original, if you can. This would come handy as a backup if you happen to lose one piece of your luggage. Also, it is sensible to put two bottles of your medication in separate bags in case the first one gets misplaced or lost.

You must carry atleast two pairs of bathing suits. For an aesthetic reason you may not want to be seen wearing the same pair everyday. For a practical reason your suit may not dry when you wish to wear it.

If you wish to use large beach towels then you must carry your own as on the cruise the towels available are bath-sized meant for the bathrooms.

Your packing list could also include sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses and few flip-flops.

Carry essentials like memory cards, batteries or films for your camera.

You may also carry a notebook with you. This would help you to log in all your impressions while they are still fresh in your mind and make you feel like a sea explorer on an adventure. Plus, these impressions will strengthen your memory more then what you can remember from the video or the pictures alone.

Cruise stories are a huge hit with people. If you possess good skills at writing then who knows your impressions may be a bestseller some day!

Concentrating on the area of Benidorm, the reviewer writes articles primarily for http://www.alicante-spain.com . You can find his articles on Costablanca and Costa Blanca over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Monitoring Employee Internet Usage - Getting Proof of What Your Employees Do Online

Are you considering monitoring employee internet usage? In this article we are going to talk about getting proof of what your employees do online.

When you have employees that have to have the internet to do their jobs you never know what they might be doing. This is especially true if they have their computers behind closed doors in their own offices. Monitoring employee internet usage should not be a problem since they are supposed to be doing as they are told in the first place. Let's now go on to talk about getting proof of what your employees do online.

Random Checks

If you want to catch your employees in the act of using the internet improperly you could always have random checks but this never seems to work out well. You may catch them doing something improper but if you don't have any proof you may not have a grounds to fire them.

Hidden Cameras

You could always put hidden cameras in the room and aim them towards the computer. This would give you somewhat of an idea of what they are doing, unless they put their heads in the way or make some sort of obstruction in front of the camera. If they find out you are recording them they could be pretty upset as well.

Undetectable Keyloggers

The best option that I have found was that of an undetectable keylogger. No matter how savvy your employees are with the computer they won't be able to tell that this keylogging software is on their computer. The software will be able to tell you all of the keys that they hit, what applications they ran and much more.

You can also set up the account where it will email you the log report. If you don't want it emailed you can also have it sent to a special website where you can look at it from anywhere. There are many options with this software and it's pretty inexpensive as well.

Conclusion

It is important to know what your employees are using your computer and internet service for. This not only involves the security of your business but the productivity of your employees. Monitoring employee internet usage is critical! Take action now!

Are You Ready To Get The Information You Really Want?

Find out what your employees are really up to with Max AllInOne Keylogger now.

Click the link: http://www.squidoo.com/Best-Employer-Spy-Software-Monitoring-Employee-Internet-Activity

The iPad Comes to Canada - Media Calls Unboxing Videos "Porn For Nerds"

Friday, May 28, saw Canadians across the provinces lining up at outlets to get their hands on the latest from Apple. The iPad hit the U.S. over a month ago, selling a record million units in less than four weeks. Canadian sales will probably be a little less brusque, but no less exciting.

In Calgary, people lined up at the Market Mall and many "camped" as if waiting for concert tickets to the latest pop band. What won't be counted this week are the number of Canadian gadget freaks who crossed the border to get theirs in the States when they first arrived in late April.

Unlike in the USA, Canadians aren't stuck with one wireless carrier for their iPad either. Both Rogers and Bell offer data plans for the iPad (and iPhone). In the U.S., only AT&T customers can connect their iPad or iPhone to a cellular data network.

While Apple isn't releasing any numbers on Canadian sales yet, it's expected that at least a hundred thousand units will be sold the first weekend and triple that may be the total by the end of June.

=== Beware the Knockoffs

While they aren't likely to be too prevalent in Canada, the ubiquitous Chinese knockoff of anything tech is also happening with the iPad. Barely three weeks after the U.S. release of the iPad, Chinese markets were showcasing knockoffs running everything from Android to Linux to Windows.

Called "shanghai" (fake), these have been available in China for some weeks and are now filtering into other world-wide black markets. Some may surface in Canada as they have in the U.S. (generally via online sellers).

=== To buy or not to buy?

This question plagues many people because, well, they like having the latest cool thing and think that the iPad might be useful, but aren't sure about spending so much money on one. This is understandable, since the iPad can cost a week's salary to many. Is it really justifiable?

So far, user experiences in the U.S. have shown that it's hit-and-miss. eBook enthusiasts aren't generally thrilled with the book reading performance of the iPad. Others, who might have expected that the gadget would be a netbook or similar small computer were disappointed to find that it's really just an iPhone with a larger screen.

Most, however, have been happy (so far) with their purchase. The Internet is full of message boards and blogs with people touting the 10î screen and its performance playing movies, surfing the Web, and otherwise doing general on-the-go smart phone computing. It should be noted that it's not nearly as portable as it's cousin, the iPhone, so it's not a "shove in your pocket and go" item.

All in all, your purchase of an iPad is up to you, but it's logical that most will not really have a good use for one.

Having said that... I rushed out on launch day (just before lunch) and bought myself an iPad. As a devotee of the Apple brand I just 'had' to have one. And if you'd like to see yours-truly unboxing his shiny new iPad, you can check out what some media outlets are calling "porn for nerds" - it's my iPad unboxing video.

JAMES BURCHILL Shows individuals and companies how to profit from the innovative use of Internet technologies, strategic content and social media marketing. James' innovative and creative solutions are the select choice for those seeking an advantage, and Jim's valuable money making, marketing, technology and business advice is published regularly on his website. You can find out more at http://www.JamesBurchill.com/about

Canon PowerShot SD790IS Reviewed and Taken to the HOT Seat

I admit it. Yeah, I'm a digital camera fanatic. And many of the point-and-shoot digital cameras I own were bought impulsively and on a whim. And it's NOT a very good idea! The last 3 or 4 cameras I've had performed way below my expectations. Blurred, hazy, unclear - that's how I'd describe MOST of the images I've captured with those crappy digital cameras, and that's being nice!

Heck! Some of the photos I've taken were beyond recognition. I was utterly disappointed, and I decided to replace them with a digital camera that delivers GREAT and not mediocre photographs. BUT this time, I made sure that I'm going to wiser when I shop to buy digital cameras.

This is where I first encountered the Canon PowerShot SD790IS.

The features do look great like the -
- 3 inch LCD screen
- 7 Megapixels
- 3x Optical Zoom
...do look great.

It seems like this addition to the Canon PowerShot series is a MUST-have. BUT bent on not making the same mistake again, I took a few days checking out forums, reviews, etc. just to make sure I'm informed before I buy it. As far as reviews go, Canon PowerShot SD790IS sounds impressive. So I summoned my courage, contemplated about this digital camera for a couple of minutes, and then I hit "Checkout".

I was planning to use it on a trip so I opted for a faster deliver method that brought this Canon PowerShot to my hands after 3 days. What made Canon PowerShot SD790IS impressive, in my opinion, aren't the reviews or the ravings about it, it's the quality it delivers! Not to mention the 3 inch LCD screen of Canon PowerShot SD790IS was really hard to ignore. I mean I have seen 2 or even 2.5 inches of LCD screen for other digital cameras, BUT this was my first seeing one with 3 inches.

And it didn't fail me! The images on the LCD screen of Canon PowerShot SD790IS are crystal-clear, amazingly detailed, and colorful, enabling me to shoot for great pictures in almost any angle. And the photographs delivered by Canon PowerShot SD790IS are nothing short of amazing, too! And The result?

This is absolutely a camera that deserves your look if you're after quality. Check out this in-depth review of Canon PowerShot SD790IS.

LG Prada - Touch Sensitive Device

For fashion conscious mobile users, LG has recently launched a unique new phone, the LG Prada . Both LG and PRADA have combined together and the result is awesome - a unique mobile device. Endowed with touch screen interface -- unveil the secrets with a single touch of your fingertips. Its touch screen is similar to the most popular LG chocolate, but control buttons are located at the bottom.

Its a very thin phone with only 12mm in depth and weighs only 85g - hold the phone comfortably in your hand or slip into the pocket. Boasting a large 3 inch LCD TFT touch screen at 240 x 400 pixels resolution provides excellent visual impact to the user. And with touch screen, it eliminates the conventional keypad approach. The phone runs on Macromedia Flash and provides an effective user interface.

In addition to its slim and sophisticated look, LG Prada is loaded with uncompromising multimedia functions. Featuring a 2.0 mega-pixel camera with Schneider Kreuznach lens, ensures perfect picture quality. The digital camera is combined with a LED flash, zoom and more camera features. Additionally, it also offers video recording facility, capture and play videos in several popular formats such as MPEG4, H263 and H264. Viewing videos and pictures on a large 3 inch touch screen is a real pleasure.

LG Prada also offers music features and is packed with an integrated music player, FM radio and more - enjoy every beats of music on the move. Supported with several music file formats such as MP3 and AAC, the device allows you to download music tracks comfortably. Tune in to your favourite FM radio station and listen to all time hit music.

Moreover, the device can also be used to organize your professional world - incorporated with advanced messaging services such as SMS, MMS, EMS and with document viewer, you can keep in touch with the people wherever you go. Send texts, images, songs and video clips or synchronise emails - with LG Prada , this world is not enough.

Supported with MicroSD card, connectivity features and WAP browser - the device has everything. Touch and explore unlimited possibilities.

LG Prada

Alice Erin is an expert Author.He has written several good quality articles on Mobile Phones .

Take a look at Sim Free Phones

Samsung U Series-Unleash the Power of Slim

The U series is the latest presentation from Samsung mobile phone makers. The Samsung U600 and Samsung U700 are the latest of the second generation Ultra Edition mobile phones that have hit the market just to bedazzle consumers using mobile phones. The phones are indeed a pleasure to the eye with the very appealing sleek and sliding design. The Samsung U700 measures only 12.1mm in depth and the Samsung U600 measures 10.9mm. Now this is called the real slim phone.

The Samsung U700 has a 2.2 inch display screen and a VGA camera in the front. This VGA camera can be used to meet your requirements of video calling while the other camera is a more superior 3 megapixel camera with integrated flash, focus and 4x digital zoom facilities. The phone supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and HSPDA data. The phone has a Bluetooth microSD expandable memory. The music player of the Samsung U700 gives an incredible experience. The clarity of the sound is crystal clear and it supports MP3, MPEG4, AAC, WMA, WMDRM, H .263 and the real formats. The mobile phone has an inbuilt memory of 20 MB which can even be expanded as per the user. The handset can also be used as an HTML browser and has a Java MIPD 2.0 support that gives the phone the support for the various functionalities.

The Samsung U600 is a more upgraded phone that has much more to offer. With an integrated camera of 3.2 megapixels helps the users to capture stunningly beautiful and clear pictures and video shoots. The camera also supports a flash, focus and 4x digital zoom. The phone display has a resolution of 240x320 pixels with 262,144 colours. Like the Samsung U700 the music player of this phone also supports MP3, AAC, ACC+ and e-AAC+ formats and has a first-rate sound quality. A stereo headset, which is supplied by Samsung, can be used or even a Bluetooth headset can also be used.

So now the choice is yours........whether it will be the Samsung U700 or the Samsung U600 that will enhance your personality.

If you want know more about the latest Samsung U series mobile phones like Samsung U100 with best contract mobile phone deals please visit: Mobile Phones.

Recycling Thieves Hit the Streets

The recycle thieves know no bounds; they steal manhole covers, catalytic converters, copper pipes in homes being built, the list is long. Then there are the jokers who drill a hole in your gasoline tank (hopefully they become Darwin Award winners one day) to steal your gas.

This is just insanity. Public Utility companies lose millions of dollars from theft each year, copper wires, etc. About the only good thing is that all these increases in recycling payouts has encouraged people to go out into the desert and collect all the abandoned cars, appliances and junk that has been littering our deserts.

Anything of metallic not bolted down will be stolen if it has recycling value, and even if it's bolted down you are not safe, it merely improves your odds a little. Who are stealing all these things? Well some are homeless folks, picking up what they can find, others are druggies who need to score some crystal meth for the night, and still others are organized groups going for the big kill.

Did you know home builders are moving to plastic pipes instead of copper, not only to save costs, but to prevent theft? And this leads to more broken pipes and problems for the homeowners later on. Some cities now are replacing the $300 stolen manhole covers with composite plastic manhole covers. In some regards this is good, they are lighter so there are fewer worker's comp claims, do not rust and they cost a little less.

Still, this is a huge problem that must be dealt with, we must put an end to this recycling theft, it's costing tax payers, business owners and government agencies a bundle.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Who Could Use a Go Pro Camera?

Go Pro cameras such as the Go Pro HD Naked and the Go Pro Motorsport are portable and highly durable cameras that attach to a vehicle or helmet to enable users to catch high quality footage of a range of outdoor activities etc. This then has a vast number of uses for many individuals and can be a great gadget to help increase enjoyment and ease in many scenarios.

Of course the main use for either the Go Pro HD Naked or the Go Pro Motorsport is for use with extreme sports. As the name suggests the Go Pro Motorsport is specifically designed for being used during motorsports such as scrambling, Rallying, Le Cross and many others. The Go Pro HD Naked meanwhile is far smaller and will attach onto an individual's helmet or gear for an up-close view of the action from the bottom of a paintball gun, or pointing back from the handle-bars.

This has many uses and can be useful for almost anyone. Of course Go Pro cameras are always going to have a use for your stereotypical 'adrenaline junkie' who can use the cameras to film themselves windsurfing, snow boarding or anything else in order to show friends and post online. For webmasters or bloggers who publish pictures and writing about their favorite sporting activity video can also make a great supplement for their site which will be interactive and captivating making a Go Pro a must buy.

However even if you're not an ardent 'junkie' as such or a webmaster, you're still likely to engage in these sorts of activities from time to time, whether on a holiday or as part of a gift. For example many people who would not class themselves as adrenaline junkies have still been skiing or sky diving, and when it's a one off situation they're even more likely to want to get photographs of the occasion (without paying through the nose). If you think about your average person they are likely to do something like this at least a few times a year, even if it's only on holidays and more placid activities like white water rafting or going on a safari.

At the same time a sport doesn't have to be 'extreme' or even a sport to benefit from a mounted camera. For example football, martial arts or even just hiking can be a great opportunity to capture some great scenery and action shots on film. Similarly you can use the Go Pro HD Naked to get creative and start making footage especially once you have one available. For example you might decide to go outside and look for wildlife, or to start pulling pranks on people and utilising the small nature of the cameras. You can wear the camera around your workplace, university or school for a while and then make a fun montage of your friends and family set to music. Or why not try to create a viral hit and become your own internet phenomenon?

In short then to answer the question posited in the title of this essay - anyone can benefit from a Go Pro camera and their compact nature, simplicity and durability means they can also be used for almost anything.

Go Pro HD Motorsport and Go Pro HD Naked are being used by sports enthusiasts all over the world.

How to Choose a Portrait Photographer

It might seem like anyone could take a portrait. And while it's true that many people could, it's a kind of image that takes a lot of skill to take well. This article provides useful information to make it easier to choose a great portrait photographer.

When taking a portrait, the goal of the photographer is to capture your unique essence. It's about more than making sure you look good in the shot, but really ensure your individuality can be seen. Take the following steps to ensure you find a talented portrait photographer and one who is right for your needs.

Make a List
The first thing to do is to narrow down your search by both location and specialty. While you may be willing to travel several hours for a great portrait, you probably aren't willing to travel to the opposite coast. Also, be sure to search by specialty. While a wedding photographer might be very talented, he or she may not be the best choice when looking for a portrait photographer. If your portrait is for a child, be sure to find a photographer with experience photographing children.

Once you narrow down your selection, make a list of questions or requests. Call each photographer and start to gauge who will best be able to meet your needs. You should then choose several to meet with to see their work.

Ask to see Examples
Any photographer should be happy to share his or her work with you. Ask to see different poses and different settings. Look for both the quality of the images and the range of the photographers work. Be sure to ask to see examples of the same type of shots you are interested in.

Personality
While you don't need to be best friends with you photographer, it;s important that you and he or she get along. Someone expressive and personable will be much easier to work with, and will put you at ease while in front of the camera.

Ask For Recommendations
Know a friend who recently had a portrait taken? Don't be afraid to ask. Even if you don't know someone personally, you can look for shots you see online or even in magazines that you like. Then look for the photo credit and you will find the photographer's name. If the photographer is recommended, whether by a friend or a publication, you are likely to be satisfied with your portrait as well.

Ask About A Makeup Artist
Sure you can look for your own or even do your own makeup, but finding a photographer studio who has an in-house makeup artist or works closely with one can really be a huge advantage. The makeup artist will know how the photographer works and what he or she likes in addition to being able to highlight your best features.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask! Once you have chosen a photographer take the time to ask his or her opinion about anything you aren't sure about. By following these steps you will not only find a talented portrait photographer, but enable him or her to the best work possible by knowing your needs.

Mike Kortoci is a unique, creative fashion photographer with a modern and distinctive style. He specializes in fashion and beauty photography, working with top modeling agencies in the New York City area. Mike has also photographed the finalist from hit show "America's Next Top Model", CariDee English and has appeared in the Bravo Reality TV Show "Real Housewives of New Jersey" as one of the premier fashion photographers of the Tri-State area.