I came across some amazing animal photos this past couple of weeks and wanted to share them with you. Below are my Top 5 animal themed picks for the week. Sure you’ll understand why they made my list- enjoy!
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/ WikiMedia Commons
Icaricia icarioides fenderi, or the Mission Blue Butterfly, is found only in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
According to Wikipedia, the mission blue butterfly, Plebejus icarioides missionensis, is a blue or lycaenid butterfly subspecies that is native to the San Francisco Bay Area of the United States. The mission blue butterfly was added to the Federal Endangered Species List in 1976.
I love the blue hue on this butterfly- stunning! So sad to know such amazing creatures are endangered.
This one above is a species of glass frog, Hyalinobatrachium pellucidum, named after its translucent skin.
This frog is completely see-through!
5.Purple and Orange Starfish
Photo: Mark Walz AKA TheMarque on Flickr
Wow, it doesn’t even look real! Wait…is it?
Hope you’ve enjoyed my Fun Friday Photos! Which is your favorite?
If you have a comment about any of these, I’d love to hear from you! You can leave your comment below or contact me on Twitter at @PamelaSD and I’ll be sure to get back to you. Talk soon
Adventures in Parenting is hosting a ScanDigital Giveaway for a $75 gift card- so hop over to the site and enter for your chance to win! All you need to do to enter is leave a quick comment on which of our services you need and tweet about it for an additional entry. Good luck!
Our old VCR just broke down. Are we the only ones who still own one of those dinosaurs? Ahhh…It has served us well, playing our collection of Disney Classics on VHS tapes – (Snow White, Fantasia, The Prince and the Pauper – I love those! Now that these are available on DVD, the tapes are obsolete.
And of course, we have our home movies on VHS – my son singing at Christmas and my daughter’s ballet recital, and even our wedding is still on a VHS tape! My husband even has old reel-to-reel tape of a Christmas past when he was growing up! (8mm or Super 8, who remembers what those were!)
Those precious memories, there they now sit in my cabinet…
It’s time for me to FINALLY convert those memories into digital format, not only to preserve, but to make accessible. It would make for great family nights to watch those tapes, to have a good laugh and to share our family history.
Since you know I am big on promoting family time, I am thrilled that ScanDigital came along to offer you my readers a giveaway to do just that. ScanDigital is the premier photo and home movie transfer service. They convert old photos, slides, negatives, videos and reel to reel film to digital format, allowing you to effortlessly preserve, organize, share and enjoy your old memories again. They can even convert your scrapbook into a CD/DVD, with a free online gallery to share your scrapbook with friends and family.
ScanDigital is giving away a $75 gift card to the lucky winner.
It’s very simple to enter:
**Go to ScanDigital’s really easy to navigate website, come back and leave a comment on which service you need.
**Optional for another entry in the drawing, tweet about this giveaway with @RaisingKids, and a link to this post. (It’s easy to set up a Twitter account if you don’t have one.)
Pass this along to friends and family. I know we all know people with old photos and tapes around that would love ScanDigital.
This giveaway will end on June 30, 2009 at midnight PST. Shipping addresses outside of U.S. get the free product but pays for shipping. Winner will be chosen randomly by random.org. Make sure you leave me a valid email to contact you.
Using photos is probably one of my favorite ways to decorate. Photos are simple, unique stories that capture a moment that you can save forever. When decorating with photos, they don’t have to be of professional quality, all they have to do is speak to you. The other day, I was going through my photo library, revisiting my travels over the past couple of years. Peter Island, Kona, Paris, Cinque Terre, Sienna, Salzburg, Munich…and the list goes on. I seem to forget how many amazing pictures I have taken over the years. Every time I visit my photo library, I realize that I should have some of these memories displayed around my house so that I can see them each and every day!
The challenge:To actually take those photos that I love out my photo library and have them framed or printed onto a canvas.
Sometimes I have to go through thousands pictures to find 5 or 10 worthy of displaying. But the end result of having a memory as part of your home, either hanging on a wall or resting on a shelf in my living room is definitely worth it! I had to devise a plan, establish a few steps to actually get my project going…otherwise those photos would still be sitting in my photo library, lost among the thousands.
Here are a few tips that I used to get me started:
Don’t overwhelm yourself; choose no more than 5 photos to start your project. Pick photos that speak to you, that evoke emotion and that compliment the color scheme in the room.
Upload those photos to your favorite online printing place. (I recommend trying a canvas print from ScanDigital, they are AMAZING! http://www.scandigital.com/harvest/)
Play with your photos. Keep the color version of the photo or convert it to black and white or sepia. Or add text. Just have fun with your photos.
Choose the size of your photo(s) prints. Consider your space- for example, you don’t want to clutter a small wall with huge prints.
Frame them! If you decide to have the photo professionally framed, Michaels offers an inexpensive framing service or just ask your local framer!
We’re a pretty hard working bunch here at ScanDigital, but every year in late May and June you’ll catch a handful of us making sure we’re getting out of the office with plenty of time to make the NBA Finals – ESPECIALLY when the Lakers are playing in the finals.
We even had two employees take the day off to attend the championship parade. So in honor of the 2009 NBA Champion LA Lakers, here are photos from each Finals they’ve ever won. You’ll be scrolling down for a bit – there are 15 of them (16 if you count the championship they won before they moved into the NBA).
Vacations are always filled with great experiences that create long-lasting memories. The best way to preserve these memories is to take photos to document your activities, meals and surroundings. A simple photo can help you remember your vacation forever.
Here are some tips for the next time you go on vacation:
Always carry your camera.
Don’t ever go anywhere without your camera. You never know when there is going to be a chance to snap a photo. Even if you are just going to lunch, grab your camera because you might see something interesting. You never know when you will have the urge to snap a photo!
Take a LOT of photos.
Never take just one photo. Digital cameras allow us to see the outcome of the photo instantly, but you never know how the print will come out. You can always delete pictures so there is no such thing as taking too many! With 35 mm or non-digital cameras, you never know how the picture will come out until you get them developed so it is important to at least take two to be safe. So, snap away- there’s no going back!
Be creative.
Taking ever picture from the same angle could get boring. Try bending down or standing on something to get a better look. Take a variety of pictures; ranging from scenic shots to pictures of people. Try zooming in, playing with your camera’s settings, and moving the main image from the middle. Just have fun with it!
Prepare your camera beforehand.
Always make sure your camera is charged enough for the whole day. If your camera dies mid-excursion, it will cost you capturing those fun times! If your camera runs on batteries carrying an extra set never hurts. If you are planning on bringing a new camera on your vacation, play around with it before you leave so you know how to work it comfortably. Also, make sure to bring plenty of available storage space or film, so you don’t feel limited while on vacation. Always better to be overly-prepared.
Capturing photos is the best way to remember your fun times. For your upcoming summer vacations, make sure you bring a camera and follow these tips so you can share your vacation with friends and family and remember it forever.
If you have any questions about this post, feel free to contact me at 888.333.2808, on Twitter at @MelissaSD1, or by email at Melissa@scandigital.com. Thanks!
Turn Photos To Digital Memories For Lifelong Preservation
Historic El Segundo Photos Show How One City Is Saving Its Past
El Segundo Boulevard in 1911. A Boy Scout troop in 1928, weary from a Topanga Canyon hike. The Aerospace Corporation, breaking ground in 1963.
These historic El Segundo photos would or will be lost if not for today’s photo scanning technology.
Converting old photos to digital memories is a smart and easy way to preserve history. This is a step that all towns, small and large, can and should take. Even if images from the 50s and 60s are still around, they are likely weathered, faded, wrinkled and yellowed at this point. Turning those photos to digital would keep them from disintegrating further, and allow future generations a chance to see the city in its pioneer days.
As El Segundo experiences new development and an exciting transformation, it’s more important than ever not to lose sight of its storied past. New transplants to the South Bay can visit the city’s library – in person or online – to learn more about their new hometown, and young students can research historic El Segundo photos for projects and civic-boosting pride.
The online archive features more than 200 nostalgia-laced photos in black and white and sepia. Among them: a 1917 picture of Carl Rueger, El Segundo’s first mayor. There’s even an idyllic shot of Rosecrans Avenue, lined with tall trees in 1940 (rush-hour traffic was probably inconceivable back then). Old-timers, too, may recall the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, c. 1930.
Today’s El Segundo looks remarkably different, with houses spaced much closer together, increased traffic and a posh shopping complex that draws visitors from neighboring cities. If not for the historic El Segundo photos, many residents would be without any perspective about the growth of their town.
Thanks to the city’s efforts in turning old photos to digital, they and future citizens will have a chance to appreciate the path of their predecessors.
It was once very popular to capture memories on slides and without a working slide projector, chances are you haven’t seen those images in years. We receive a lot of slide orders here at ScanDigital because once converted, you can enjoy these memories at the click of a mouse. First I’ll share what a slide actually is and then go on to how I process them.
But first, check out this video that explains our slide scanning process:
A slide, which uses reveral film, is a mounted individual transparency meant to be projected onto a screen using a slide projector. It is a positive image on a transparent base. The Autochrome Lumière Process, patented in 1903, was one of the first additive color photography process available and remained the most popular until the invention of Kodachrome for still cameras in 1936. Kodachrome was the first commercially successful color film to use the subtractive method for producing color. Professional photographers often chose to use slides for images intended for reproduction in print media because the film has high resolution and high contrast.
The most common slides we get are 35mm mounted in cardboard. When scanning these slides, the first step is to sort through each stack and make sure that they are all facing the same direction so that they are inserted into the scanner correctly. Then I go through the stack again and remove all dust from the slides, using an air duster. I also sometimes have to use a non-abrasive wipe to remove excess dust that doesn’t come off with the air. If the slides are really old and extra dirty I use an emulsion cleaner to wipe them down and safely remove anything that is stuck to them. Preparation, including sorting and cleaning, is extremely important to capturing a good scan.
Next, I begin scanning them, making an individual folder for each stack depending on how the customer has labeled them. The scanners have to be monitored closely to ensure the sharpest scan possible. As each stack is going through the scanner, I look through each digital image and make sure that they were scanned correctly without any lines or dust spots. If all goes well the Nikon scanner will go through the stack automatically without having to be reset.
A less common form of slides we scan are the 2.25 inch slides. I clean these the same way but they are scanned differently. For these slides I use a flat bed Epson scanner, so only a couple can be scanned at a time.
After scanning is complete, we use Digital ICE to remove and dust and scratches from each individual image. Since many of the images I scan are old family snapshots that have been passed down through generations, it never surprises me to see slides that are dirty, scratched, and faded in color. Many are also deteriorating as a result of the aging process. Luckily we are able to use Digital ICE technology and computer editing to remove these blemishes during the process of converting the images to digital, protecting and preserving the memories forever. After I complete this first step of editing, the digital images are passed along to our editing technicians to further enhance the images by hand.
If you have any questions about this post, scanning slides, or anything about our service, feel free to contact me at 888.333.2808, by email at jenny@scandigital.com, or on Twitter at @DevirianSD. Hope you hear from you soon!
It’s about time I formally introduce you to Ashley- she’s one of our scanning rock stars and has recently begun stepping it up on the customer service front as well. She joined our team a few months ago and meshed with everyone right from the get-go. We’re so happy to have her as the new “creative, passionate, and loud” member of our ScanDigital family!
Ashley answered our silly New Employee Spotlight questionnaire below as a way to welcome and introduce her to our team. Who knew she’s a huge country and oldies music fan? Or that she likes to ride dirt bikes? And designs really fun hair accessories? (Well, I knew that one because I LOVE the one she made for me :) )
Learn more about Ashley below:
Name: Ashley Miller
Marital /Family Status:In a relationship
Previous Work Experience:Print Lab Operator/ Customer Service for a photo hosting website and print lab for photographers.
Places Lived: California, Colorado, Arizona
Hobbies, talents, special interests: I make fun hair accessories.
Favorite Travel Spots:Palm Springs to relax and Jawbone to go camping and dirt bike riding.
Favorite Food:Anything Mexican or Italian!
Favorite Drink: Can’t live without water.
Least Favorite Food: Anything that looks or smells funny.
Best Vacation: Going to Hawaii with my brother and my parents when I was younger.
Favorite Restaurant:La Villa, Lomeli’s, and La Capilla
Favorite Movie: Boondock Saints and all Kevin Smith films.
Three words to best describe me: Creative, Passionate, Loud
Ability I wish I had: To play the drums or the guitar really well.
Last book read: Smashed by Koren Zailckas
Favorite Music: Classic Rock, Country, Oldies
Always wanted to try: Skydiving
If I won the lottery: I would make sure my family was well taken care of and invest smartly.
Something Few Know About Me: I started a small Custom Hair Accessories company last year.
If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things):Camera, Toothbrush, and a Rain Coat.
Thanks for agreeing to answer the silly get-to-know-you questions, Ashley. Some would argue it’s a mild form of hazing, but you got through it with a smile. That’s why we love you- because no matter the situation, you bring a smile and your sense of humor to everything!
Welcome to the ScanDigital family! We’re so glad you’re a part of our team!
If you’d like to reach Ashley directly, you can do so on Twitter at @AshleyMillerSD, by phone at 888.333.2808 or by email at Ashley@scandigital.com.
AARP Magazine + Price Is Right + Create & Decorate + Saturday Night Magazine + Brides + Blogs = Another amazing press month here at ScanDigital! We’re always so honored to be included and take it as huge compliment. Plus, it’s just plain cool to see your company in the news. So the next time you find yourself browsing at Borders, check us out!
Here are snip-its from our recent press features:
AARP Magazine (page 19)
AARP Magazine is notably ‘the world’s largest circulation magazine’ reaching millions of readers each month and we were ecstatic to find ourselves in their June issue. It’s the one with Dolly Parton on the cover
Protect Your Priceless Photos
by Lee Gimple
Scan ‘Em
Home scanning of the average photo collection can take up to 100 hours. Hiring a bulk scanning company is more efficient, says photography expert Jeff Sedlik of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Californai. Some photo shops off the service; mail-order companies include ScanDigital (888-333-2808; scandigital.com)… Ideally for safety, have photos scanning in the U.S. – not overseas.
It was so exciting to see ScanDigital on The Price Is Right! The episode aired on Friday, May 8 which happened to be their Mother’s Day show. In honor of the holiday, contestants were called up in twos, a mother and child competed together to win prizes.
Check out my post about the history of the Price Is Right, even if for no other reason than some great trivia for your friends. The show first debuted in 1958, but what year was the Big Wheel introduced? Or my favorite mini-game, Plinko?! (1975 and 1983 for those too lazy to click the link :) )
Here’s a clip from our big moment:
Create & Decorate Magazine (page 34)
Create & Decorate Magazine is a great home magazine that covers all things home, decorating and craft-related. ScanDigital was featured in ‘Learn How: Restoring Old Photos’ about ways to bring your old photos back to life. If it weren’t already exciting enough, the story actually made the June cover too!
Back to Life: Restoring Old Photos
by Erin Manning
Online Scanning Services:
A Web search yields a variety of scanning services. I recently used ScanDigital.com to scan and clean up my old photos, and had a great experience (Fig. 2). Just send them your old prints, slides, or negatives (they also accept videotape and other old film mediums) via a trackable shipping service like UPS or FedEx. ScanDigital does an excellent job scanning, cleaning, and adjusting images, and the results had good color, contrast, and detail. The scanned images can then be viewed and downloaded online, and they are also stored on CD, which is sent back to you with your originals. See the full article below.
Saturday Night Magazine is a super cool, lifestyle magazine geared toward college students and covers everything that’s hip. Anderson Schoenrock, CEO and Co-founder, was interviewed in their ‘Destination Success’ section for being such a go-getter from such a young age.
Picture Perfect: Anderson Schoenrock of ScanDigital
By Jillian Gordon
Preserving memories in the digital age isn’t always easy. After all, most of us did not grow with digital cameras or camcorders capturing out first steps. As technology continues to evolve, our parents now have stacks of old photos and family videos collecting dust. It was precisely this predicament that spurned Anderson Schoenrock and his buddy Mike Mothner to launch one of the smartest companies of the future, ScanDigital. In an effort to increase the longevity of your most precious moments, ScanDigital is a service where customers can send in their photos, slides and videos and have them digitized to ensure their protection. We think Mom would appreciate having those adorable (and embarrassing) baby pics all the more accessible. Schoenrock took a moment to tell us more. Saturday Night Magazine article here.
Brides is all things, sure you could have guessed, bridal. It’s a beautiful magazine and extremely popular amongst engaged couples. ScanDigital’s Slideshows were included in all 16 of their local magazines.
Slideshows Made Easy
Slideshows have become a rehearsal-dinner staple, but if laziness or lack of computer skills has been holding you back, the services of ScanDigital.com will be mighty helpful. Send the company your old photos, as well as digital photo files and momentos, and in less than a week you’ll receive a custom DVD slideshow set to the music of your choice. $100 for up to 250 photos.
Blogs
GeekGirlfriends- Reviewed and hosted a giveaway for Mother’s Day
A Fresh Space- Featured on the ‘Shopping- Cool Stuff You Can Use’ page
Simplified Living Solutions- Wrote review after meeting us at the NAPO Conference
To see more of ScanDigital’s press placements, visit our In The News section.
Want to know why we’re so famous…
As always, if you have any questions about our service, please give us a call at 888.33.2808 or find us on Twitter: @ScanDigital We’d be happy to hear from you!
One of the best parts about my job is that I constantly receive feedback from our customers about how thrilled they are with our service and their newly digitized materials. Many this feedback is accompanied by details of the story behind the images or movies we have just digitized for the customer and more often than not I am completely amazed at the interesting and noteworthy stories our customers have to share.
I was sharing a particularly unique customer story during a marketing meeting about 6 weeks ago when Pamela Weiss, our Director of PR/Marketing had a great idea. With the cooperation of our customers, why not provide details on some of these stories with our other customers and community through our blog.Every couple of weeks we¹ll profile someone for our new ‘What¹s Your Story?’ series.Pamela has been hard at work for the last few weeks lining up interviews with our customers and other noteworthy individuals, documenting their stories and preparing to share them.I don¹t want to spoil her fun by giving away our first guest, but his story is pretty incredible.
I am really excited to read the stories and see the images as they’re posted.Stories are so tightly integrated with images and home movies. In a recent PMA article called ‘Tell Me A Story,’ Glenn Omura, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University, talked about the importance of story telling.“This is embedded in our culture.People want to tell stories.When you¹re at afamily gathering, the storyteller is the hero.”Omura went on to say, “For the imaging industry, marketing a storytelling platform allows us to make our customers heroes by helping them tell better stories.”
We hope to help our customers share their stories and be better story tellers.If you have a story you wish to share with us let us know.We always want to hear interesting stories.What¹s your story?
