Photography at a higher level
Monday, April 12th, 2010
We are all aware of the usefulness of satellite photos particularly when lost and Google maps come to the rescue. But who would have thought that satellite photos could actually be really beautiful?
The Guardian newspaper now publishes a monthly series of satellite photos of Earth that are really amazing and prove that satellite photos are indeed very interesting photography. The current “Satellite Eye on Earth” features photos from European Space Agency and NASA satellites, as well as pictures taken by astronauts. Normal occurrences such as storm clouds, sandstorms or snow create beautiful as well as overwhelming abstract shapes. Below are two examples of satellite images. The first image highlights sand dunes in the Fachi-Bilma erg (sand sea) in the central-eastern part of the Ténéré desert, whereas the second reveals clouds in an anticyclone over the South Pacific.
So for those of you who may be getting bored of the same old photography, why not try some from space? Sky’s the limit!
The Touchnote team.
Interesting photography
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
The photographer chose some very unique and hairy models for his photo-shoot this time around…
You are probably thinking that this very interesting image has been digitally manipulated but in fact, photographer Tim Walker decided to get creative and actually brushed these cat’s fur with talc, mixed with pigment colour to create a beautiful ice cream pastel effect.
According to Tim, the cats were not arranged but just gathered together at the bottom of the steps. So in some way this image is quite a naturalistic portrait - apart from the colour of course.
You are also probably wondering if this goes against some sort of animal rights, but the process was completely safe and according to the owners, the cats are so vain that they absolutely loved all the attention and pampering they received.
Well, that’s definitely some interesting photography!
Did you find any Easter eggs?
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
For those of you who were hiding or hunting for Easter eggs this weekend, I hope you were aware of any suspicious looking obstacles near your backyard. I’m not trying to scare you but would you have guessed that this stack of logs is in fact someone’s home?
Situated in the middle of the forest, this simple wooden cabin is in fact the nesting area for musician Hans Liberg. The timber house is characterized by cross-sections of stacked logs and a row of window that floods the interiors with natural light. Inside the cottage are the few things that this nature dweller needs for survival - a recording studio as well as a bathroom and kitchen. And as Hans often moves his camouflage home around in search for musical inspiration, you never really know where he could be lurking…
So before you go hiding or looking for an Easter egg under a log next year, maybe take a minute to suss out your surroundings first.
Touchnote integrates with Heathrows X-ray scanners
Thursday, April 1st, 2010
LONDON, 1st April 2010 - Touchnote, the photo postcard company, has announced that it will be integrating with the new X-ray scanners installed recently by the UK Airport Authority. Travellers passing through the X-ray devices will be able to log onto the UK Airport Authority’s website to see their scan and then send it to friends and family as a postcard from as little as £1.49 to anywhere in the world.
Raam Thakrar, CEO of Touchnote, commented, “There are specific benefits to both parties using each other’s technology. The airports get a new revenue stream and customers get a physical postcard at their doorstep; meanwhile Touchnote enjoys access to the X-ray scanners’ incredible technology. You really can see every square inch, the resolution is amazing.”
UK Airport Authority spokesman Ike Anseeyu observed that “the scanners haven’t been everyone’s cup of tea and we have received some bad press. However, we see this as a really fun way of showcasing our technology. Plus lots of travellers will have been working out before their holidays and will want to show off to friends and family how fit and thin they have become.”
Touchnote’s technology will automatically preserve traveller’s modesty by using either mosaic blurs or black out bars to hide chest and genital areas. However, for an extra 50p, customers will also be able to enlarge the mosaic blur or blacked out bar. Ike Anseeyu said “as the rooms often have very strong air conditioning, we don’t want any traveller to be embarrassed”.
Don’t forget Easter
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
When’s the last time you received a personalised card made just for you? It’s really quite nice, so why not design and decorate your own Easter card this year to send to family and friends?
As well as the beautiful Easter cards available in our image gallery you can use your own photos to make cards. There are even fun stickers available that you can add to decorate and make them really festive.
So get creating everyone, you don’t have much time to send them out. And don’t forget our Special delivery option which guarantees next day delivery!
The Touchnote team.
Easter is here
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Easter is coming soon and I hope you’re not waiting for Peter Rabbit to sort out your cards for you this year. I can assure you he won’t. So it’s time get those Easter cards ready!
You can create beautiful cards from your own photos and add personal touches such as stickers, paint and colour to make them as festive as you like. If you don’t have your own photos or a creative hand, you can also choose one of our many beautiful Easter cards found in the image gallery. So no need to panic!
Just don’t leave it too late!
The Touchnote Team
Tips on taking baby pictures
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
Baby pictures are wonderful, heart-warming and every single parent takes them. They actually take them in the hundreds, especially in the few months following the birth of their child. Taking this in to consideration, we thought that since all these new parent’s are going to be taking pictures, maybe it would be a good idea to give them some tips on how to really capture the cuteness of their baby.
Tips
• When you plan to have a photo-shoot, make sure your baby has plenty of rest. A tired baby is a crabby baby and this will show in the photos.
• Place your baby against a simple background as this will focus the entire picture on your baby. Using soft materials such as blankets, will also emphasise the softness of your little one.
• Get down to your baby’s level to take a picture. Don’t shoot from above as this may distort the photo as you are much taller. Your photos will have a baby’s perspective and if the baby can see you, there is a greater chance for eye contact and maybe even a cheeky smile!
• Try not to use the flash as by using natural light you will produce a softer, more realistic look.
• Babies can move much faster than you think. So make sure to use fast shutter speed and good image stabilization features with your camera.
• Sleeping babies also make for great pictures and can be much easier to work with. The angelic look on their faces, the odd positions they may be comfortable in and the fact that they won’t move as soon as you have a good shot can result in some very adorable photos.
Just remember that the best and cutest baby photo opportunities will come when you least expect them, so keep your eyes open and your camera close by.
Happy snapping!
Spring babies!
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Aaaahh spring.
The sun comes out from hiding, the snow melts away, the grass changes from brown to green, and you can feel the warmth of the air at last. Everyone just seems to be happier in the spring.
But another reason spring is so special, is because for many happy couples spring is a popular time for the arrival of their babies!
So, we thought we would provide you with some beautiful baby cards that you can congratulate new happy families with.
Enjoy!
Team touchnote
IKEA gets cosy at the metro station
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Now this is really a fantastic idea.
IKEA has developed an interesting promotional campaign, displayed in four of the most important metro stations in Paris. Furniture collections have been set up with sofas, side tables and even IKEA interiors printed on the walls, to bring a homely feel to the usually bland uncomfortable seats found at most train stations. The displays located in high-traffic spots, give potential customers a chance to interact with the brand by checking out and using the products whilst they wait for the train.
The subway station has been completely transformed and actually looks quite cosy! I sure wouldn’t mind hanging around for a train in that station!
The Touchnote team
Dont forget mum!
Friday, March 12th, 2010
Too busy or just haven’t gotten round to it yet? This is no excuse to forget the most important woman in your life, your mother!
So time to get thinking as with Mother’s day just 2 few days away. Seriously, please do it.
