Team BetterPhoto

You're in for a treat....the 2-for-1 Super Sale is back!

© Jim Miotke 

Pssst.... pass it on.... for a limited time, the 2-for-1 Super Sale is back!

The details:

• April 11th - April 14th - Monday morning to Thursday night
2 years of a Deluxe or Pro BetterPholio website for the price of 1 year
applies to new sites or renewals

Whether you have been considering a new Deluxe web site or need to renew, get two years for only $199. For those who want the super-charged version, the Pro website or renewal is also on sale... two years for only $349.

With a Deluxe or Pro website, you get to showcase your work with a site that has your own domain name and unique design. You can be online in a matter of hours. And, just ask anyone... you'll find it amazingly quick and easy to update your website.

Offer good for both new sign-ups and renewals. This offer applies to only those orders paid in full. The 2-for-1 Super Sale cannot be used in combination with any other discount.

Even if your website is not up for renewal in the next few months - take advantage of this super offer now, and get two years added to your current expiration date!

If you missed out on the last sale, now's your chance. Get your 2-for-1 special offer at: http://www.betterphoto.com/sites4Photogs.asp

Keywording for your digital photos is great!

Have you ever thought, "I would LOVE to have more people see my photos on Better Photo and out on the internet in general???"

Keywording is your best friend for your BetterPhoto website or Basic BetterPholio... you say No..., What?, Why?, It can't really matter!? Well, it does matter, and should be important! Have you thought about how people will find your images other than by your name, or if someone comes to BetterPhoto looking for an image... how will they find one you created?

Each word you use for your photo's title and in the description of your photo will lead someone to your photo when they enter one of those words into the search box on the BetterPhoto website.

Just look at one of your images. If you were a person looking for a photo of a sunset photo, and you have a great sunset photo... like this one 

© Philippe Vieux-Jeanton

you could use at least a dozen words to describe that image and it doesn't need to be in a list. You could write about it in prose... Not only about the location (state, country...), but words like sunset, twilight, rocks, ocean, beach, coastline, waves, clouds... can you say something about colors, colorful, is it abstract?, HDR?, used a filter or PSD trick?, silhouettes (you didn't know how to spell that word? give the other versions of the spelling as well), something about the exposure (is it slow?)... what are all the synonyms for those words?

If you have a BetterPholio Website, you are in luck!!! You have an additional set of tips and techniques to get your images noticed on the web as well. Look at your Design tab in your Admin Center, and there you will see a whole set of tips under Tips: Search Engine Optimization. Here's Tip #1...

One of the most important aspects of SEO is discovering what people are most often searching for. This process is called keywording. It's not an exact science -- different words and topics are popular at different times of year, and trends come and go. Plus, the more you read about SEO, you'll find that everyone has a different theory on the best keyword practices.

Never fear, it's not as complicated and convoluted as it may seem, especially for a site like your BetterPholio™. There are some simple tools to help you find good search phrases to get you started. Wordtracker is one of the most reputable keyword-generators on the internet, and they even have a free trial so you can see if it's something you enjoy doing.

Google also has a very helpful keyword tool -- and it's free!

The idea here is to look at every aspect of your site (the galleries, photos, articles, the links section, everything!), and think about how to describe them in words and short phrases. Then get into the mind of who might be searching for that item.

• Gallery of flower photos
• Cute baby pictures
• Photography workshops in San Francisco
• Photo trip to Yosemite

Take some of the words and phrases that describe a particular section of your site, and type them into Google's keyword tool. When you submit your entry, Google will retrieve a list of suggested words and phrases related to your search, starting with the most popular. Simply start a log of ones you like.

The most important tip: Implement these hot keywords, phrases and topics whenever applicable in Tips 2, 3, 5, and 7.

So why not get started?

Red Exclamation Point In Place Of Drag & Drop Upload Window - Mac Platform Only

by Jeff Moore

I can't say with certainty where the problem has come from, but it appears that if you're using OS X 10.5.x or 10.6.x, and use the Drag & Drop Image Uploader, you may run into a new issue. If you suddenly see a coffee cup (Java) image with a red exclamation point on top of it instead of the usual three-pane folder view window, you are affected.

Since Apple provides the Java software for all Macs, they have complete control over it. If you are affected by this issue, re-running Apple Software Update will not solve it. Apparently Software Update only looks to see if the software is installed. Not whether it's installed and operating correctly.

The solution to this issue is to manually download and install the latest Java for Mac software from Apple. I am providing links for Leopard (OS X 10.5.x) and Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.x). I have not seen this occur with Tiger (OS X 10.4.x) or any earlier versions.

For Leopard (OS X 10.5.x) click here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL971

For Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.x) click here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL972

Click the Download button on the resulting page. Download the file, then double-click it to mount it and execute the installer. Accept the defaults throughout the installation process.

Once you've completed the manual installation of the Java for Mac software, close all browser windows (Safari, Firefox, etc.). Open a new browser window and navigate to your Drag & Drop Image Uploader page. You should be able to upload photos without issue now.

If this does not solve your image uploading issue, please contact Image Uploading support at image.uploading@betterphoto.com.

SCARY SAVINGS! BetterPholio Websites - 2 years for the price of 1 - now through 10-31-10!

Back by popular demand!  Sign up to renew or order a new Deluxe or Pro BetterPholio today through Sunday, October 31st, and get 2 years for the price of 1!!!!

Don't miss this fantastic offer - and don't forget to tell your friends and family!!

Just in case you are still undecided about treating yourself to one of our Deluxe or Pro BetterPholio websites to showcase your photography, here are some words from our current Pro and Deluxe BetterPholio owners - you can also click on their name to see their beautiful BetterPholios:

"I wanted to be able to manage my own web site and make changes when I needed them to be made instead of relying on someone else to do it for me on their own time! The layouts are very professional looking and show off photographs well with the neutral color background choices. The price is very reasonable. I really like the fact that I can make changes to my site any time I want. I also like the private galleries for proofing client prints or to use as a place to present a selection of images for publishing companies to view. Supplying the link and password is like creating a personal lightbox for my clients which is a very professional and efficient way to feature a selection of images to be viewed. I am fascinated by the tracking feature. I am amazed how many hits I have to my site through searches/referrals- and from all over the world. I like the fact that the basic html is done for me, allowing me to upload, label and move on! I would rather be behind my camera much more than in front of my computer and this feature helps me do just that! Also, the customer service is top rate with questions being answered thoroughly and quickly." - Wendy Kaveney

"One of the great things that you offer is not allowing visitors to right click to down load our work. Big! Big! You guys are great with help when asked. Thanks bunches!" - Pam Cooley                               

"I like the image sales feature and I really like all the pages that are included with my website. When I have a problem with something about the website, you all are always so prompt and helpful to get it straightened out for me." - Kathy Hobbs 

Afflicted with BBB - Blank Blog Brain

by Jeff Moore

Okay, I'm sitting here, it's late, I'm up against a deadline, and I can't think of a single thing to blog about. Typically, I like to blog about the technical aspects of BetterPhoto.com membership. You know, the "How Tos" and such. I find that to be compelling subject matter. In my position at BetterPhoto, I work with members every day, helping them solve challenges with their BetterPholio galleries and websites, uploading images, domain issues, you name it. I typically pick whatever issue seemed to be the most prevalent in the past week and write about the solution. 

I suppose it's not a bad thing that I can't come up with any one major support issue this week. Unfortunately, that gives me jack squat to write about! You see, I'm not about writing about things outside of my work in this or any other blog. I'm a fairly private person and prefer to keep my personal life, interests, etc., close to the vest. I've worked in the computer technology field for nearly twenty years, but that doesn't mean I embrace all that technology has brought our way. Ebooks? Nope. I much prefer the feel of paper in my hand and the experience of reading the printed word, be it a novel, a magazine, or the back of a cereal box. Blogs? I would much rather have an intelligent conversation with a person right in front of me. Plus, what could I have to say that anyone would even want to read?

Don't get me wrong - I love technological advances. I'd be lost without my Blackberry smart phone, my computers, and my DirecTV HD DVRs (OMG, how did I live before I could time shift TV???). The thing is, I'm not a slave to technology. I ask what technology can do for me. Not, how can I twist and bend myself to adapt to a given technology? It better make my life easier or more interesting or I won't jump on the band wagon. No "technology for technology's sake" here.

Well whadda you know - it's a beautiful night, technology has served me well today, I'm at home with my lovely wife and three spoiled dogs and life is good. And it would seem my case of BBB has gone into remission! Until next week, I bid you farewell. 

photo credit - BetterPhoto.com Instructor Jennifer Wu 

Astronomy - The Ultimate Photography Playing Field

by Brian Lobdell

We live in a changing universe, and few things are changing faster than our conception of it.  - Timothy Ferris, "The Whole Shebang"

Reach for the Stars, a PhotoShop creation by BetterPhoto member Cherie Kirks

I have always been fascinated by astronomy, with all the wonder, questions, theories, and just plain beauty of the night skies that surround us in a daily cycle.  Thanks to some incredibly specialized fields of photography, we now have breathtaking images for evaluating our universe that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

During my lifetime I have been fortunate to observe some of the awesome phenomena that we can observe here on earth - without telescopes, including some very active and mesmerizing  occurrences of the Aurora Borealis, several partial to full eclipses of the sun and moon, as well as meteor showers and a few comets.   I could have easily gravitated towards the field of astronomy, but high-end mathematical skills are not my forte. (I do OK with everyday math – “Those donuts cost how much?”)  But astronomy research and exploration is 90% complex mathematics in nature, so I’ll stick to my DSLR - and the donuts.

Lone Tree - by Better Photo member Arthur Rosch

Today, our technological advances in the study of our solar system and the galaxies beyond, are providing exciting new answers – and new questions – about our universe. Celestial photography, through complex telescopes and spacecraft cameras play an increasing role in these developing stories.  Listed here are five discoveries and events I think you’ll find interesting and even surprising. Do yourself a favor and click on the links furnished with these and get yourself up to speed.

 

1. The eight planets in our solar system
You may already be aware, that as of a couple of years ago we now count 8 planets in our solar system – not 9. Sorry Pluto, you’re out as an official planet. Come back when you can bulk up and meet the planetary admission requirements. Speaking of Pluto - here are 10 interesting facts about Pluto that might surprise you, including why its been downgraded to a “dwarf planet”.

Eastern Eclipse of our moon, by BetterPhoto member Abdullah Yassen
2. Our shrinking moon
Our moon is shrinking – a revelation just announced this month. Not to worry however, the shrinkage is slow. ( I wish my bank account would shrink as slowly!) 

3. Discovery of new solar system similar to ours
The discovery of a distant solar system (127 light years from earth) was just announced this week. It’s the first solar system found with a cluster of 5 to 7 planets resembling our system, including one not much larger than our earth. (Most other discovered planets are behemoths and dwarf our earth, and generally only one or two are found orbiting a common sun.)

4. The Aurora Borealis
This is not anything new, but I can only say if you’ve never seen a display of the Northern Lights, you should seize the opportunity if it ever presents itself in your corner of the world. You might have to stay up late, and drive away from the city, but there’s no light show that can compare. Briefly, this disturbance in the earth’s ionosphere happens when high energy ion particles are thrown out from the sun in a high speed solar wind, and collide with the earth’s magnetic field, reacting with atmospheric gases to form the colors we see as the Northern Lights. One of the better informational sites I’ve seen is posted by  The Lynden Lodge of Northern Norway, a location which offers frequent sightings of the Aurora.

aurora by BetterPhoto member Ron LaFleur

5. The Hubble telescope
The Hubble telescope – OK, before you read any further (and know that If you do skip ahead, a rogue asteroid will be coming to ruin your day.) tell me this: How many years has Hubble been orbiting the earth and taking those astonishing pictures? 
If you know (or guessed) this year celebrates the 20 year anniversary of Hubble’s launch in 1990, then you’re a smart cookie! (We’ll be naming a distant nebula cluster after you). Hubble has orbited the earth over 100,000 times! Check here for a very interesting history of the Hubble, scheduled to be retired in 2014.

I’m sure you’ll agree, the Hubble images astronomers are collecting are just amazing!. And while we can’t shoot pictures like that from here on the planet, we can do a lot with our individual  photographic and artistic skills to capture some of the mystery and wonder of the night skies, like a few more of these awesome photos taken by our BetterPhoto members:

Wheel in the Sky, a 4.5 hour exposure by BetterPhoto member Steven Sohn.

The Great Refractor, Lick Observatory, by BetterPhoto member Allen Hughes

Magnetospheric Magnificence- by BetterPhoto member Gary Minish

Hale Bopp Commet Over Water- By BetterPhoto member Arthur Rosch

Oh and finally, if you happened to see the story circulating about Mars appearing tonight (August 27) the same size in the sky as the full moon, don't rush outside - its a hoax...again! My advice, stay inside with some milk (and a good donut) and check out some more BetterPhoto.com photos like this great candid!

Perception-by Better Photo Member Rachel Barner

 

 

Trouble with your Photo Sort Order? Reverse the order of your photos BEFORE they are uploaded

by Jeff Moore

I've received a number of support requests recently from Deluxe/Pro BetterPholio members wondering how to reverse the order of photos in their Photo Categories. The quick answer is to go to the Photo Sort Order page in your Admin Center, pick a Photo Category, and drag the photos into the order you wish them to display. That works easily enough for Photo Categories with a small number of photos, but not so well for ones with hundreds of photos. It's especially troublesome for wedding photographers and others who need to display the photos chronologically, beginning with the oldest photos.

If you're still reading this post, you're either a raving BetterPhoto fan (yeah!), or you already know that when you upload photos, the order is reversed when they appear in your Photo Manager (or a specific Photo Category). There is a reason for this. Over the years, we at BetterPhoto have learned that the vast majority of members prefer to have their newest photos displayed first in their galleries. While this has proven best for the masses, this can be problematic for any photographer who needs to present photos from a particular event in chronological order.

There is a solution to this and it involves a little ingenuity. This tip will allow you to unlock some of the "hidden" power of the Drag & Drop Uploader. Please note that in order for this tip to be effective, the photos you wish to upload must have file names that are in numerical order. Your camera will automatically name the files in such an manner (img_0109.jpg, img_0110.jpg, img_0111.jpg, etc.). I encourage you to leave the file names intact as they were written by your camera.

Now on to the meat of this tip. You're all familiar with the Drag & Drop Uploader window in the screenshot below. This is the default view, with folders listed in the left pane, and thumbnails in the two right panes.

Once you have dragged all the photos you wish to upload into the lower-right pane, right-click anywhere in the lower-right pane and click Details from the context menu that appears. This will change the view in that pane from Thumbnails to Details, and is shown in the screenshot below. Note that the files names are in numerical order, beginning with the lowest number.

 Once you're viewing the lower-right pane in Details view, click the word "Name" in the first column heading to select it, then click it ONE more time. This will reverse the order in which your photos are listed, placing the highest numbered photo at the beginning of the list. This is illustrated in the screenshot below. Note that every time you click the word "Name," the order will reverse, so don't get too click-happy. It's a good idea to confirm that the highest numbered photo is at the beginning of the list prior to clicking the Upload button.

 Once you have confirmed the photos are listed beginning with the highest numbered photo, click the Upload button. You will find that the Photo Category you chose as the destination for these photos will display the photos beginning with the oldest. This should make life a bit easier for many of you!

Trouble Uploading Images? Follow These Quick Tips

by Jeff Moore

As the primary support contact for Basic, Deluxe, and Pro BetterPholios at BetterPhoto.com, I receive support questions regarding difficulties when uploading images. I'm going to provide two quick tips that will solve 99% of all issues you might encounter when uploading photos using the BetterPhoto Drag & Drop Image Uploader.

TIP #1 - Clear Your Browser's Cache Files

Your browser stores content offline for websites you visit frequently. The purpose of this is to speed up your browsing experience by using the local copy of information for websites where information has not changed since your last visit. This is all well and good (especially if you have a slower connection to the Internet), but these offline files can develop corruption over time and cause problems with sites you visit, including the Drag & Drop Image Uploader page for your BetterPholio website, gallery, or Campus Square/Portfolio.

The solution is to delete your browser's cache files. The method varies depending on browser and version, and it's impossible to cover them all in this short post. Search the Help menu of your browser for the word "cache" and the method for clearing or emptying the cache for your browser should be one of your returns. Note that Internet Explorer calls their cache files "Temporary Internet Files," so search for that term in that browser.

Once you've cleared your cache files, close all browser windows. Open a new window and navigate to the Drag & Drop Uploader page and try your uploads again.

TIP #2 - Uninstall and Reinstall Drag & Drop Image Uploader

If you followed Tip #1 and still have problems uploading, read on. When you first tried uploading photos using the Drag & Drop Uploader you were prompted to install either an ActiveX Control (Internet Explorer) or Java Applet (all other browsers) before you could do so. This installed the Drag & Drop Image Uploader component locally on your computer. It may be necessary to install a "fresh" copy of this component from time to time. Again, the methods for uninstalling and reinstalling this component vary by operating system and browser, so please refer to the comprehensive instruction page for this task here.

If all else fails and you are still unable to use the Drag & Drop Uploader after trying the tips above, you can contact me via the BetterPhoto.com contact page. Select the subject "I'm having problems uploading photos" so your message is correctly routed.

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that BetterPhoto also has a non-drag and drop image uploader available? It's called the Alternate Image Uploader and is available at the bottom of each "Prepare To Upload" page (the page where you select the camera used, etc.). The Alternate Image Uploader is limited to uploading 15 photos at a time, but it is a viable option if you have trouble with the Drag & Drop Uploader and need to upload photos immediately.

Software Development: The Art of the Quick Huddle

© Sabrina L. Ryan

An uncertain development team is an unproductive development team.  It's a development manager's job to sense this and react this it as quickly as possible.  If you are getting conflicting stories from different team members about time lines, feature lists, or other expectations the "quick huddle" is often the solution.

A quick huddle is nothing more than a 5 minute meeting that can often save your team from big misunderstandings, mistakes and wasted time.  Forget the formalities and use them frequently.  You don't even have to schedule them.  A quick IM, phone call, or shout down the hall is the best method to get them started.

After 5 minutes, your team will likely have cleared up the problem, know what action that needs to follow, and will be on their way to the next successful code release.

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