Emphasize Design – Blog

Found these shots on Smash&Peas Photography Blog and thought they were quite impressive. Smash and Peas (quite and interesting name I must say) provides some excellent tips on how capture crisp high-speed / extreme sports photography. Underneath the photo’s you will find some suggested techniques on how to produce such unique shots:

• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action, you may have to use a wider aperture and/or a higher ISO.
• Try using the ‘AI Servo’ focus mode (on Canons).  Your camera will continuously re-focus on a moving object, so you can grab the all important shot.
• When photographing fast moving objects, try setting your lens to manual focus and focus on a particular spot where your subject will pass through, then try and press the shutter release at the right time.
• Set your camera to continuous shot mode and press the shutter release before you need to, so that you get a sequence of shots that you can choose the best from.
• Try and get in close to the action for those ‘in the action’ shots, or use a telephoto lens if its not safe to do so.

Webdesigner Depot is one of my favorite blogs to keep an eye on. They always seem to post really unique designs.

Follow this link and take a look at some really unique photo manipulations:

Webdesignerdepot.com

Found some really cool and unique long exposure shots. Follow the link and enjoy:

www.abduzeedo.com

I may talk about the concept of balance frequently in my blog since it is a practice that both Mike and I make certain to work into both Emphasize Design and Reel Rydes, and will encourage our staff members to pursue – that is, once we have staff members. The concept of balance seems like one of those “common sense” things that isn’t so common anymore to so many people. Obviously creating balance will mean different things for different people; the secret is finding out what it will take for you to feel comfortable and feel at peace with what you do on a daily basis. Consciously dedicating time and energy to “balance” daily can and will lead to a happier and more comfortable life.

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to spend 8-12 hours a day working our asses off trying to make enough money to survive. It is my opinion that humanistic greed, desire for power, and sickness of the collective mind has created the unconscious society we live in today. Most people are so concerned with achieving more and accumulating wealth that they forget that “life happens when you are busy making plans for the future”. This addiction to power and riches tricks people into thinking that they will not be happy until they reach their end goal. I disagree, and although I’m not an expert in this area, I do want to share my opinion and hopefully more people will stop, breath, and simply enjoy the present moment. Another quote that comes to mind is “it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey it took to get there”.

Mike and I are fortunate in the design world that we are not limited to certain work hours. Of course there are exceptions to this as we still have to make ourselves as available as possible for our clients, however this does not limit Mike and I from living a balanced life to ensure we are happy, healthy, and motivated. The most rewarding part about having the time and ability to consciously create balance within my life is that the more balanced and at peace I feel, the better my work gets and the more positive things naturally happen around the businesses. Mike and I truly live by the mantra “Work Smarter, Not Harder”, and we encourage everyone to think about this and work on integrating it into your life to create balance in your life.

I have read several books that have discussed the concept of life balance. I have found them extremely motivating and have very much helped me creative the life that I want, rather than work in the shadows of someone else’s path. Books such as “The Saint, The Surfer, and the CEO”, “The Greatness Guide”, and “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma are great inspirational reads that will challenge you to ask questions that have the potential to facilitate a balanced and peaceful lifestyle.

I started thinking about balance today when i was taking my dog “Koston” for a walk. It was a beautiful morning, sun was shining, birds chirping, all that poetic stuff lol. But, it was very calming, and I couldn’t help but stop and realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to dedicate the time to things I love doing and still remain passionate and dedicated to Emphasize Design and Reel Rydes. I hope you can all share in the peacefullness of a balanced life.

Emphasize Design is unique in the sense that in order to succeed in what we do, we consider it critical to learn about what you do. We also understand that it’s the people that really make the difference in all aspects of a successful business.

Understand that you are dealing with a genuine, passionate, and dedicated team when you partner with Emphasize Design. Let’s meet our team:

MICHAEL LE

Michael Le has a combination of strong qualities that he executes within the Emphasize Design environment on a daily basis. Michael’s formal training includes attaining his Web Design and Development Certificate through SAIT, yet he genuinely grasps that innovative design and a true “graphic eye” cannot simply be taught – it is a mindset that must be earned. Michael maintains a remarkable talent and understanding of the web, graphic design, and online psychology, which has enabled him to complete numerous projects for many clients that happily provide positive word of mouth recognition for Emphasize Design.

JOEL FOURNIE

Joel Fournie is an honorary graduate from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship program at Mount Royal College (Calgary, AB) and maintains expertise in multiple segments of small business such as marketing, professional selling, business communication, advertising and sales promotion, leadership and development and business strategy. Further to these skills, Joel has a genuine passion for unique and creative design, both from a business aspect as well as in all forms of graphics, animation, and media. Joel also understands how to initiate and uphold a unparalleled customer experience, which is exactly what he wishes to extend to the entire Emphasize Design client portfolio and community.

AMY LE

Amy Le brings a unique blend of skills to the Emphasize Design team. Amy’s ability to genuinely work with people and extend a superior customer service approach is truly exclusive. Amy’s past work experience was heavily based from a customer service and marketing basis, and she wishes to take and enhance what she has learned and actualize it within the Emphasize Design environment.

Above all else, Emphasize Design thrives off a family atmosphere with a huge focus on team building and chemistry. We have a unique team, we complete unique projects, and we want to further the uniqueness that is YOU.

May 21st – 24th marks the first round of Canadian National motorcycle racing! Round # 1 takes place at Calabogie Motorsports Park, Ontario, a world-class facility that boasts the longest track in Canada consisting of 20 turns, measuring 40 feet wide, and features a 2,000 foot long straightaway!

The first race of the season is always exciting!! New motorcycles, new rider additions to the paddock, refreshed attitudes, same intense rivalries! Riders will want to establish their presence in the Championship with a strong finish as they adapt to their new machines and settle in for another year of intense competition.

Clint McBain (#9) and Cody Matechuk (#111) of the privateer Acceleration Racing team started their season strong with a 4th place finish from McBain in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, and a demanding 1st place finish from Matechuk (5.661 seconds ahead of 2nd place finish) in the Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike Championship!!

Now, besides Mike and I being passionate race-heads, you might be wondering why we are making notable mention of a motorcycle race? Well, if you take a look at the design on the 2009 Suzuki motorcycle, the Joe Rocket suit, and the team shirts – yup you guessed it – these were all designed by Emphasize Design!!

The distinguished design has received incredible feedback so far, and most importantly, Clint, Cody, and the rest of the Acceleration Racing team love it!! The design applied to the gas tank is extremely unique and provides great recognition for the Acceleration Racing team. This same type of design was applied to the suit on the back and on the inside of the legs. You can also view the Acceleration Racing’s website (www.accelerationracing.com) which has also been designed and developed by Emphasize Design.

We wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate Clint and Cody on their season opener! Keep up the great work guys and thank you very much for the opportunity to design for a winning team.