Tweet anyone?

My new mode of reaching the outside world is a wonderful program called Twitter. Twitter is a free "micro-blogging" service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.

It's a social networking tool that's recently become popular among the mainstream. I have received more positive feedback and knowledge than ever before from some very cool bloggers, actors, writers and corporations. I started several months ago without looking into it much, but since I've been frustrated so much by the lack of local insight and common interests, I've found a new audience and mode of reaching out to like-minded businesses and artists!

Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends (delivery to everyone being the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, SMS, RSS, or email, or through an application such as Tweetie, Twinkle, TwitterFox, Twitterrific, Feedalizr, and Facebook.

If you don't already have an account you should try it before you think it's another MySpace or Facebook deal (wich I happen to be on as well).

Jump in and see what I'm talking about first hand. Follow my Tweets: http://twitter.com/markwolfe

Who's idea was this? Advertising mistakes exposed.

Ahh, the good old days of advertising, when litigation was almost never heard of. These ads were actually used and are not changed in any way.

Window Dressing

I miss the "old school" window displays especially this time of year. When I was groing up in Indianapolis we'd go downtown and I'd see these amazing mannequins and all the dressings the designers would come up with. Fortunately there are some stores that are around that still do that. I often travel to Columbus and in Short North there is an antique mall that does up their display windows so beautifully. For those who have missed out on such a thing, here are a few shots I've taken through the year.

Taking better candid shots.

I recently taught another digital photography workshop and the second most asked question behind. "How do I put my batteries in" was how can I compose my photography better? Here, in a nutshell, is what I told them that may help you out too this season:

Watch your lighting!
Hallways and small rooms will bounce light around, which can cause hardness of the flash. Look for high ceilings and stand farther away, like 3 to 4 feet from the wall behind you.

Don't pose subjects too much!
People look more relaxed and more importantly comfortable when they're engaged in activity. Anything that keeps their mind off you taking their picture is best.

Use your eyes!
Forget that your camera has a viewfinder and an LCD. Get everything in focus, then hold the cam in front of you and rely on your own sight. This lets your subjects warm up to you and helps you read their expressions.

Shoot first, ask questions later!
Be cool about finding that "perfect" shot while the camera is in your hands. Move around, get as many angles and takes of your subjects as possible. Click quick and click often.

That's why there is Photoshop!
Back at home, you can refine your raw material into a beautifully composed candid. Purists shun this software use as a kind of photographic half-truth; for the rest of us, there's Photoshop.

Keep it simple!
Avoid clutter in the shot. Less is more.

Be Cool In Public Places!
While in a public place, it's basically fine to photograph people. If they complain, you need to stop. If you're not sure, ask permission before hand. Your subject may be alright to pose, but explain what you saw them doing and ask them to continue as if you were invisible.

Experiment!
Go ahead – Try different angles, lighting and locations. Look at photos shot by others for inspiration.

Hope these tips make for a better photographic experience!

Googie Architecture: What I love to shoot!

I love finding bits of remaining architecture called Googie

For more shots I've taken of this wonderful, fading example of Americana go to my Flickr account!

In-Store display

Happy Birthday MWD

This July will be my 13th year as Mark Wolfe Design. What a long strange trip it's been, but what a great one.

My clients have come and gone, some have changed to other design shops, etc., but for the most part I have a strong average of repeat clients that has kept me busy over these thirteen years. I'd like to thank them and all my friends who have supported me through peaks and valleys of stepping out on my own.

The ability to work with so many people from all over the U.S. has taught me many things; most important is service. Without the ability to provide my clients the maximum service out there, I might as well pack it in. I remain just as dedicated to being consistent, up-to-date and results oriented.

The next thirteen years will be just as challenging and rewarding, I'm sure. I'm proud to have served so many wonderful businesses and folks who believed in me!

Please stop by www.markwolfedesign.com and see what MWD has been up to.