Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

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10 Tips for Getting Started Investing in Real Estate – Nelson Partners

Real estate investing can generate real wealth, but it takes tenacity, dedication, and smarts. Here are ten tips from firms like Nelson Partners to get you started:

1. Don’t try to be a real estate expert

Understand that you won’t know all the rules when you’re starting out. That’s okay. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t find, finance, or manage a rental property with ease — your first few deals will likely be frustrating and take longer than expected.

2. Start small and build from there

If possible, buy one house to live in while you’re learning the ropes. Then, once you understand how to buy property, get a feel for managing tenants and can predict repair costs, expand your holdings.

3. Be patient

Real estate investment is long-term in nature. Don’t expect to make money right away or become an overnight success — though it certainly is possible to get wealthy quick through real estate. Patience and dedication are required to succeed in this field.

4. Be willing to fail — a lot

You’ll encounter a lot of bad deals during your real estate career, so expect them. If you don’t lose money on a property or sale, consider yourself lucky. Successful real estate investors learn from their mistakes quickly and move on.

5. Learn your market and location’s limits

If you’re considering buying a property, know the median home value, typical rental rates, and typical purchase prices for homes in your area. You can find this information easily online or by talking to local real estate agents and landlords. Uneducated investors buy properties that are too expensive for their market, leading to bigger losses.

6. Never buy without an exit strategy

Investors fall in love with properties and lose sight of their goal: making money. Don’t let yourself get attached if you think you might not make a profit — it’s okay to walk away from a deal that doesn’t look quite right. There will be other, better opportunities.

7. Evaluate each potential deal on its own merits

Different properties have different value propositions and aren’t all profitable or equally worthwhile investments. Just as stocks in one industry sector don’t perform the same as those in another sector, so too do properties with vastly different characteristics produce widely varying returns. Property evaluation is critical.

8. Know the true cost of ownership

When buying, don’t forget to factor in other costs beyond the purchase price — such as property taxes and other recurring fees. Add up all these expenses and compare them to your potential rental income to see if the deal makes sense. If you’re selling, be sure that your asking price accounts for all the expenses of ownership as well as a reasonable return for your time and effort.

9. Calculate risk before you buy

Potential losses from depreciation, interest rate changes, and cost overruns eat away at profits over time in real estate. Take a look at these risk factors to determine if a potential investment has a positive or negative overall risk/reward ratio.

10. Don’t get in over your head

Investing is best when it’s done within your skill and comfort level — so don’t take on too much risk or borrow more than you can afford to repay. Start slowly and work your way up, learning as you go along.

 

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Tips for Shooting Black and White Photos – Ashwin Khubchandani

Black and white photography is an art form in itself, with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. However, there are many great photographers like Ashwin Khubchandani who have mastered the art of black and white photography. Here are some techniques you can use to shoot black and white photos.

The Light

The best time to shoot a black and white photo is during the golden hour, when the light is soft, diffused by dust particles in the atmosphere due to excessive humidity or pollution. This kind of light helps give great tonality to pictures. Also, try to avoid mid-day light since it is harsh and can create contrast between light and dark areas. If you have to shoot in the middle of the day, then use your flash or reflectors to fill in the shadows with light – this will help reduce the overall contrast between light and dark areas.

The Use of Color

If you are using color film, try to limit the colors in your frame to blue, gray, white, and black. If you are shooting digital, it is best to convert photos into black and white using software like Photoshop. However, for those looking for a picture editor free solution, Adobe Express can be a great tool to ensure that all potential color information is removed before actually starting to shoot.

The Rule of Spaces

One powerful way to make a black and white photograph more aesthetically pleasing is to frame your subject within a space. This could be in the form of different alleyways, brick walls, or winding garden paths, for example – all of which can help create great context in black and white photos.

Shooting Details

The closer you are to your subject in terms of perspective, the more you will see detail. Details can make a black and white photograph stand out as long as you don’t overdo it. Be sure to pick wisely as to which details you want to be prominent in your image.

Use the Negative Space

Another great way of creating a powerful black and white photo is what photography experts refer to as “using negative space.” The idea here is to have a large amount of empty space around your subject so that it stands out from everything else in your picture. Again, this can be combined with the rule of spaces and framing techniques to take awesome black and white photos.

Plan Ahead

You must plan ahead and know what kind of black and white photo you want to take before actually starting to shoot. This will help ensure that you do not miss important shots and will also give you a sense of direction as far as framing and other techniques are concerned. By planning ahead and utilizing the above-mentioned tips and tricks, you will be able to shoot some awesome black and white photos.

Choose Your Backgrounds Wisely

Always pick a background for black and white photos very carefully. Make sure that it is clean, clear, and simple to avoid unnecessary distractions from your subject. It is best to shoot black and white photos with nothing else but the sky in the background since this will help focus all attention on your main subject.

Composition

The composition can make or break a black and white photo. You should avoid using the rule of thirds when composing your shots, instead opting for symmetry to create more balanced images. Also, make sure that there are no distractions in your frame before you take your shot since they will only serve to ruin it.

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Five Tips for First-Time Dog Owners

The prospect of welcoming a new dog into your family is always a big deal. Most dog owners would agree that bringing in a new loyal companion that will love them unconditionally brings tremendous joy to the family.

While welcoming a new pup into the family can be exciting, it can also be a daunting activity, especially for first-time dog owners. It involves a considerable commitment and decisions you’ll want to think through. However, your dog will soon feel at home with a little patience and determination. Anytime you are preparing a new dog for your homestead, it’s best to prepare ahead of time and get an idea of what to expect. Here are the top things first-time dog owners can do to make the transition easier.

Prepare Your Home

Dogs require a room to relax and decompress making it necessary to prepare your house ahead of time. Preparing your home may require more little work, especially if you’re bringing in a puppy to your homestead. Puppies are champion chewers and tend to get into things they should not. But no matter the dog’s age coming into your house, as a first-time dog owner, you’ll want to do some preparations ahead of time.

Create a barrier for your dog or puppy where they can’t damage your belongings or eat something that would make them sick. You could add sliding barn doors that are trendy and functional. You can shut the doors to any room you don’t want your new dog going into. You can keep your dog in safe areas of the house when you are not around to prevent them from having housetraining accidents.

Purchase Supplies

Your dog will require all kinds of stuff in his new home to make it comfortable. How do you decide what your dog wants and what they need? Perhaps they will require both. Take time and research through the world of things your dog may require to discover more. Here are some of the things you may need to get started as a first-time dog owner.

  • Food and water bowls
  • Collar and sheath
  • Crates
  • Dog poop disposal bags
  • A dog bed
  • Toys like tennis balls

When it comes to toys, it’s always a good idea to start with a few items while you get to know about your dog’s preferences and personality.

Choose a Dog Training Class

Every dog needs training. Dog training enables you to control your dog and allow them to grow to be well-adjusted and healthy adults. It’s why you will require to find a training class before bringing a dog to your homestead as a first-time owner. Suitable classes will have:

  • A calm atmosphere without lots of barking which can be attributed to stress
  • A friendly trainer who is ready to help the dogs in a positive way
  • An environment where dogs should are not allowed to play uncontrollably

Find a Vet

At least a few health problems are bound to come up at one stage of your dog’s lifetime. Finding a vet is an essential activity before bringing a new dog to your home, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. Your vet will be vital in ensuring that your pup lives a long healthy life.

When looking for a veterinarian, there are certain factors to consider. Think about issues like clinic hours and location due to cases of unexpected emergencies. Knowing your preferences in time will help you narrow down your vet options.

As a first-time dog owner, you might ask yourself, how do I get a good veterinarian? The answer is simple, word of mouth is the best method. Ask for recommendations and reviews from your friends and relatives. Online reviews can also be resourceful, but suggestions from close friends are way better.

Prepare for Behavior Problems

No dog is perfect. Bringing in a canine companion to your homestead means you’ll have to deal with some behavior issue caused by the dog at some point. The problems can range from simple activities like excessive barking to destructive chewing.

You may also experience more serious issues like aggression or separation anxiety at times. You might find out that your dog has problems from urinating or other health-related issues. You have to be well informed about the dog’s issues before they become problems for you and your canine companions in all situations.

Getting a dog for the first time can be overwhelming and exciting. However, if you’ve gone through these five tips, you’ll have an easy time laying a foundation that will last a lifetime with your new companion.

 

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4 Of The Worst Cities To Raise A Family

Raising a family is a long-term commitment, and finding the right place for your family to grow takes work. You may not know yet exactly what you need or want in the “right” place, but knowing what you don’t want is easy.

You don’t want a high crime rate, low property values, or bad quality school if you’re looking for a great place to raise a family. Check out a little info on a few of the worst cities to raise a family to start getting a better idea of what you do want in your future spot.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia certainly has plenty of reasons to visit or vacation, but raising a family in this area may not be your best bet. The crime rates in the city of Atlanta and the surrounding areas are some of the highest in the nation, and it doesn’t get any better in the suburbs.

In one Atlanta suburb, you have a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of a crime. Atlanta also ranks as one of the worst cities for car accidents. If you’re not safe driving or at home, then where are you going to feel comfortable?

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is another spot you don’t want to lay your family’s foundation. The violent crime in Memphis, Tennessee ranks in the top ten percent of the nation. For every 100,000 residents, there are 1,082 violent crimes reported each year.

Poverty is another big issue in and around the city of Memphis. In the nation, an average of 20 percent of kids live in a poverty stricken household. In Memphis, Tennessee, 30 percent of kids live in poverty.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

When children live in a place where crime rates are high, they experience higher stress levels. Excess stress produces excess cortisol in the body, which can cause some lifelong physical issues for your child. Albuquerque, New Mexico makes the list of places you don’t want to raise a family mainly because of its high crime rate.

The high school graduation rate in Albuquerque is less than two-thirds of students. Only two other cities in the nation have a lower graduation rate than Albuquerque.

Gadsden, Alabama

Gadsden, Alabama makes this nefarious collection due to a mixture of poor educational outcomes and high crime rates. Though the two often go hand in hand, Gadsden seems to champion the reaction.

Preschool enrollment in the area sits lower than 40 percent, and high school graduation rates are lower than the nation’s average. The violent crime rate in the Gadsden area is in the highest ten percent in the nation.

 

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How Soon Can You Get Your Family To Live In Canada?

Canada is a great place that will provide families with a better quality of life. Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising why so many residents want to bring their families to this country as soon as possible. As long as you meet the criteria to sponsor your family members, you can bring your family members to Canada through family sponsorship.

If you have yet to process your family sponsorship, you can always contact a professional lawyer at total.law to help you with your application. After all, a professional can help you sort out legal matters and other concerns regarding your family sponsorship.

Now, just in case you don’t know, here are the following requirements you need to meet to become an eligible sponsor. Here they are:

  • Must provide proof that you can give financial support to the family you’re sponsoring
  • Must be 18 years old and above
  • Must not be jailed or indicted with a serious offense
  • Must not be suffering from bankruptcy
  • Not assigned with a removal order (for permanent residents)
  • Must live in Canada and prove their intent to stay in the country once the sponsored family members enter the country
  • Must be willing to support the sponsored members until a particular period while also ensuring that these members also create efforts to support themselves

Now, this begs the question: how soon can you get your family to live in Canada? Here are a few factors that can affect family sponsorship processing times below.

Who are the Family Members You’re Sponsoring

Your processing date begins right after you turn in your complete application. From there, you simply have to wait for the embassy to make a decision about your application. Depending on the family member you’re sponsoring, the length of the processing can vary. Based on the relationship with the family member you’re sponsoring, the process can take longer or shorter.

In general, Canadian Immigration takes up to twelve months or more to process various applications. In addition, multiple factors can affect processing times for different applications. Here they are below:

Factors Affecting Processing Times for Applications

  • The total duration you require to hand out your biometrics
  • The evaluation is done for the sponsor and the family member being sponsored
  • The course needed to ensure that you meet all the stated criteria for sponsorship

Other than the following factors above, your application’s processing time can also be affected by the following factors:

  • The kind of application you sent
  • If the application you turned in is complete or incomplete
  • How fast applications get processed by the embassy
  • How quickly your details can get verified
  • How quickly you respond to matters related to your application
  • Other factors

Moreover, the Canadian embassy favors applications with complete documentation. Therefore, you must submit accurate information and include all the required documents. This will make sure that your application has better chances of getting approved.

Approximate Processing Times Per Family Member

You’re now aware of the following factors affecting specific application processing times. Next, let’s find out the approximate processing times per family member. As previously mentioned, the Canadian Embassy takes a minimum of twelve months to process each application. However, the time needed has taken much longer due to the pandemic.

  • Spouse or common-law partner residing within Canada: 12 months
  • Spouse or common-law partner residing outside of Canada: 12 months
  • Dependent children: Depends on the country where the dependent child/children are coming from
  • Grandparents and parents: 20 to 24 months
  • Adopted children or other relatives: 28 months

Again, these processing times are just an estimate and can still vary depending on your type of application. Furthermore, processing times are also affected based on the total number of people that apply for immigration to Canada. If this number ends up being higher than what the Canadian embassy can accommodate, then you can expect longer processing times.

Final Takeaways

In general, it will take at least twelve months or more before you can get your family to live with you in Canada. It also depends on the family members you’re sponsoring as well. If you’re having problems dealing with your application, you can always reach out to a professional lawyer. After all, they can significantly help you with all your application concerns.

Moreover, there are chances that your application might end up unsuccessful even with the most minimal errors. With that being said, getting legal help might be your best bet to ensure that your application is filled correctly and includes all the necessary documentation. Therefore, with the aid of legal professionals, you can ensure that your sponsorship application gets submitted with excellent chances for approval.

 

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The stress-free guide to eating out with the kids at Christmas

We’ve all been there. We’ve been sat in a restaurant, only for all hell to break loose as the kids run riot. Eating out was once one of life’s rewards. When the kids come along, it (can) be anything but.

Of course, all of the above is the very worst-case scenario. In truth, if everyone is on tip-top behaviour, dining out at a restaurant is another glorious family moment. There’s no doubt that things can get tricky in the peak periods, though, with the upcoming Christmas weeks being one of these.

Bearing this in mind, if you are plotting a Christmas restaurant trip with the family, read on for some top tips on how to manage it.

Pick your location extremely wisely

Put simply, some restaurants are more child-friendly than others. If you take to somewhere like Covent Garden, the options are endless. However, visit the other side of the city, and the situation can be very different.

So, what suggests that a restaurant is suitable for children? A kids menu is the obvious one, but if you’re wandering around the area and spot lots of little people heading in and out, it’s usually a good sign. Another one is high chairs; if a restaurant has a stack of them, you’re sure to be in good company, and things will be easier going!

Do you have to visit at rush hour?

There’s rush hour, and then there is Christmas rush hour. Neither is desirable, but the latter is something you should look to avoid at all costs. The last thing you want with busy stressed shoppers is to head into a restaurant in the thick of it.

The busy period tends to last between 12 pm and 1.30 pm. If you can visit outside of these hours, it will be a much more tolerable experience!

Assess the Christmas meal options beforehand

This again reverts back to the famous question of if a restaurant is child-friendly or not. As we all know, some children are fussier than others – and some festive menus (regardless of the cuisine) can get a bit too complicated.

This is where you should assess the menu beforehand. Sure, we’re all for being spontaneous, but if you can research where you’re going before heading out, it will make things a lot more seamless. You won’t be frantically trying to get everyone in order and finding out what everybody wants – it will all be arranged, and you can concentrate on the other finer details!

Book if you can

Finally, did we mention that this was the most chaotic time of the year in towns and cities? Taking kids into a hectic environment tends to be a recipe for chaos, so at least try to bring some organised factors to proceedings by reserving a table in advance. There are no wait times this time, and you’re at least taking control of the situation somewhat. Again, it might feel like it is excessively planned, but in truth, this is the best formula for Christmas dining with the family.

 

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5 Common Pests in Chicago and What to Do About Them

Chicago, Illinois, has a population of 2,693,976 and is one of the best places to reside in Illinois. Living in Chicago provides inhabitants with an urban vibe. In addition, Chicago is home to a large number of families and young professionals.

Like any other big city in the U.S., living in Chicago has its advantages and disadvantages. There are always good places to go, like their numerous pubs, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks in Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago is the city’s most well-known museum.

However, hidden under the different nooks and crannies of your homes lies potential problems. Common pests such as ants, cockroaches, and other pests may be hiding in your home without your knowledge. They can irritate your skin and cause significant medical problems, especially if they contaminate your food and water. So it’s critical to understand what these pests are and how to control them. The most common pests in Chicago include:

1. Ants

Ants are common pests in your home, with over 1,000 species found in North America alone. Although ants appear to be similar, they differ widely in behavior and appearance. Carpenter ants are the most common type of household ants.

Carpenter ants like chewing and burrowing inside damp wood to make their nests. They might be black, red, brown, or a combination of these colors. Inspect for signs of infestation, such as sawdust-like shaving.

Carpenter ants can damage your home’s wooden structure. Make sure to caulk any cracks around your windows and doors since they can allow ants in. Severe infestations can cause extensive property damage. If the infestation is severe, fumigation may be necessary.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that prefer to hide in the dark, confined, and moist environments. For example, they can hide in cabinets, so getting them out is critical as soon as possible. Even if you see one cockroach, it can indicate hundreds more hidden in every dark and vacant crevice. Cockroaches are exceptionally hardy and resilient creatures. They have a robust immune system and enzymes that can break down poisons.

Inspect and clean common hiding areas such as large appliances and cupboards regularly. To dissuade cockroaches from hiding, inspect moist areas such as sinks, pipes, and bathrooms and make sure they are dry. Baking soda can help keep them at bay.

3. Rodents

The vast network of underground sewers in Chicago can serve as breeding habitat for rodents. They can spread disease, and they can chew through furniture, contaminate food, and wreak havoc on your home’s foundation. They can go inside your house through open windows, doors, or even the drainage system. Look for rodent droppings in concealed parts of your home as early symptoms of an infestation.

The first step in preventing rodent infestation is to eliminate any potential hiding places. Don’t pile rubbish near your house since rodents prefer to make a home out of it. Rodents like to climb through cracks in the foundation of a house, so seal them. It is important to take action right away so that the infestation does not worsen. Call in Chicago pest control services to eradicate the problem quickly.

4. Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are a nuisance that can infest your home in large numbers. They are black with red or orange markings and three stripes on the back of the skull. They usually do not cause property damage, but they can discolor surfaces. In addition, they can become a nuisance if they try to move inside your home during fall to search for a warm place to spend the winter.

Seal your home, especially during the summer when they aren’t as active. Replace or repair damaged screens in roof and soffit vents, as well as fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Once they’re inside, the only way to get them out is to remove them physically.

5. Opossums

There are several species of opossums, also known as possums. The most well-known is the common opossum, the only marsupial present in North America. Opossums are scavengers and will frequently visit your home to scavenge dumpsters, garbage cans, and other containers.

Maintain a tight cover on your garbage can and avoid leaving food out in the open so you do not attract opossums. To deal with opossums, it is essential to consult with a professional wildlife removal business.

Protect Your Family

Your house should be a safe and healthy sanctuary for your family. Do not allow pests to infiltrate your home and endanger your health and possessions. Instead, seek expert help to protect your family from these pests.

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5 Common Pests in Chicago and What to Do About Them

Chicago, Illinois, has a population of 2,693,976 and is one of the best places to reside in Illinois. Living in Chicago provides inhabitants with an urban vibe. In addition, Chicago is home to a large number of families and young professionals.

Like any other big city in the U.S., living in Chicago has its advantages and disadvantages. There are always good places to go, like their numerous pubs, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks in Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago is the city’s most well-known museum.

However, hidden under the different nooks and crannies of your homes lies potential problems. Common pests such as ants, cockroaches, and other pests may be hiding in your home without your knowledge. They can irritate your skin and cause significant medical problems, especially if they contaminate your food and water. So it’s critical to understand what these pests are and how to control them. The most common pests in Chicago include:

1. Ants

Ants are common pests in your home, with over 1,000 species found in North America alone. Although ants appear to be similar, they differ widely in behavior and appearance. Carpenter ants are the most common type of household ants.

Carpenter ants like chewing and burrowing inside damp wood to make their nests. They might be black, red, brown, or a combination of these colors. Inspect for signs of infestation, such as sawdust-like shaving.

Carpenter ants can damage your home’s wooden structure. Make sure to caulk any cracks around your windows and doors since they can allow ants in. Severe infestations can cause extensive property damage. If the infestation is severe, fumigation may be necessary.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that prefer to hide in the dark, confined, and moist environments. For example, they can hide in cabinets, so getting them out is critical as soon as possible. Even if you see one cockroach, it can indicate hundreds more hidden in every dark and vacant crevice. Cockroaches are exceptionally hardy and resilient creatures. They have a robust immune system and enzymes that can break down poisons.

Inspect and clean common hiding areas such as large appliances and cupboards regularly. To dissuade cockroaches from hiding, inspect moist areas such as sinks, pipes, and bathrooms and make sure they are dry. Baking soda can help keep them at bay.

3. Rodents

The vast network of underground sewers in Chicago can serve as breeding habitat for rodents. They can spread disease, and they can chew through furniture, contaminate food, and wreak havoc on your home’s foundation. They can go inside your house through open windows, doors, or even the drainage system. Look for rodent droppings in concealed parts of your home as early symptoms of an infestation.

The first step in preventing rodent infestation is to eliminate any potential hiding places. Don’t pile rubbish near your house since rodents prefer to make a home out of it. Rodents like to climb through cracks in the foundation of a house, so seal them. It is important to take action right away so that the infestation does not worsen. Call in Chicago pest control services to eradicate the problem quickly.

4. Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are a nuisance that can infest your home in large numbers. They are black with red or orange markings and three stripes on the back of the skull. They usually do not cause property damage, but they can discolor surfaces. In addition, they can become a nuisance if they try to move inside your home during fall to search for a warm place to spend the winter.

Seal your home, especially during the summer when they aren’t as active. Replace or repair damaged screens in roof and soffit vents, as well as fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Once they’re inside, the only way to get them out is to remove them physically.

5. Opossums

There are several species of opossums, also known as possums. The most well-known is the common opossum, the only marsupial present in North America. Opossums are scavengers and will frequently visit your home to scavenge dumpsters, garbage cans, and other containers.

Maintain a tight cover on your garbage can and avoid leaving food out in the open so you do not attract opossums. To deal with opossums, it is essential to consult with a professional wildlife removal business.

Protect Your Family

Your house should be a safe and healthy sanctuary for your family. Do not allow pests to infiltrate your home and endanger your health and possessions. Instead, seek expert help to protect your family from these pests.

 

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A Review of Modern Jazz Artist Jakim Pearson

Modern jazz? What is it exactly? I never know how to define the genre. Thankfully, Jakim Pearson knows what he’s doing. His creativity on this album will make you think of artists like Jacob Collier and Snarky Puppy. But Jakim does it with electronic sounds only, using his keyboard as both drum and bass, and even his vocoder as a saxophone.

The album starts with “Clockwork.” A jazzy ballad that immediately shows you that you’re in for the unexpected. The opening track also has one of my favorite lyrics on this album:

“Why can’t we see through time? I guess because everything is in a circle.”

Jakim slowly builds melodies with his “mandolin” (a term I use loosely here because it’s a keyboard) while layering and mixing that bass and snare on top. It feels like this track never ends. The intro just grows and grows until it finally stops for the sake of transitioning into the next track.

“Time Lockers” is where it becomes clear that Jakim is not trying to mimic artists like Jacob Collier (though I think he’s better than him). Instead, he has his style, using some non-traditional melodies on top of pretty complex chord changes. There are some strong disco vibes on this song, with an almost Daft Punk-like beat. The use of the vocoder makes me think that he listened to Shai or Michael Jackson.

“To Borrow Time” is a “jazzy” jazz tune with fantastic piano work and melodies. This track takes its time to develop, but I’m fine with it because it’s just so pleasant to listen to. The chords have a lot of dissonances, but the melody is very tonal and “modern” sounding. Halfway through, a saxophone even comes in to accompany the piano. It ends with a long jam session from Jakim, who is clearly at home on the keyboard.

This song is so good I’m going to listen again.

“He Who Wants To Live Forever” starts with a groovy bassline, once again making me think of Daft Punk. The chords on the piano are simple but very effective in their simplicity while still having some unexpected turns. This song has more of a groove, and a few more elements come in as the song continues. The bass even becomes a lead!

“A Matter of Time” is my favorite track on this album. It’s funky and jazzy yet feels modern at the same time. I’m not sure how Jakim does it, but he seems to have found some sonic sweet spot in this track. The chord changes are complex, but the melody feels simple and lighthearted. The vocoder comes back for one more appearance here, playing an almost doo-wop melody that goes very well with the style of this song.

“North by North West” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad, which acts as a sort of album-prequel to “To Borrow Time.” The chords themselves are the same, and the structure is the same. It’s a great way to end this short but sweet album. Jakim’s music has that ability to make me feel emotions I’m not used to feeling from instrumental songs. Seriously, he can tap into feelings that I don’t even have a word for.

In conclusion, Jakim Pearson has made a great modern jazz album that goes beyond anything he’s done before using electronic instruments to make complex chord progressions and melodies. He seems to be constantly exploring new ways to make the music he wants to hear, which is refreshing in this day-and-age musical stagnation.

 

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Making Your Photographs Stand Out with Eugene Bernshtam

In the words of Henri Cartier-Bresson, “To me, photography is the simultaneous recognition that a special moment has arrived along with a certain potentiality for it to be that way. It’s an awareness of the possibilities and then seizing on one.” This quote perfectly describes what this photographer set out to do in his life.

The beauty of photography is that everyone has the potential to make stunning art. So we asked photographer Eugene Bernshtam for some tips on making your photos stand out, and he gave us some great advice.

Don’t be in a hurry to take photos

Take time to think about what you will shoot over the next few days or weeks, then go out there and do it. Think of your images as art, not snapshots.

Learn composition

Get a book on photography. Learn about shutter speed, aperture, exposure, lighting, and how to take portraits. The more you know, the better your photos will be.

Look at other people’s work

Try visiting Flickr or 500px so you can see what other photographers are doing with their cameras. Look at all types of photography, not just what you like. The more images you see, the better you will notice a good one when you come across it.

Learn the art of photo editing

When you take your images home or back to your studio, spend time editing them. Again, look at the colors and lighting and see how you can make each image stand out from the rest of your work.

Take a course in photography

Make sure that every photo you take is good by learning how to do it properly. You can learn this through self-study, taking a course in photography, or by looking at books.

Don’t be afraid to experiment

Play around with different angles, lighting, and shutter speeds until you find something new and interesting. Try using bright colors in your images instead of the same old dull tones everyone else uses. Have fun!

Take photos of strangers

Many people are afraid to ask strangers for permission to take their photographs, but you can learn about different cultures by taking photos of unusual people in the street.

Take your camera everywhere with you

When shooting images on digital platforms, take as many photographs as possible because even if they don’t turn out great, you will only have to delete them once.

How-tos on photography are not enough

To be a good photographer, you must dedicate your life to the art of taking photos, experiment with different techniques and styles until you find something that works for you. Spending time reading how-to books will help you understand what makes an image special, but only by testing out the different techniques yourself will you learn how to take a good photo.

Develop your own style

Don’t be afraid to try something new even if your friends and family members don’t like it. If you like what you do, that is all that matters, as long as it makes you happy. By taking the time to think about your next shot, trying out new techniques, and learning from others, you will get better every day.