Optimizing PDF Files
September 12, 2008
PDF files that are created for press and printing can have high resolution and large file size. This can make it difficult to view these files on the Web or send them via email. In some earlier versions of Acrobat, you could simply go to File > Reduce File Size and you were done. The Reduce File Size option was a quick and easy way of downsizing your PDFs, but with the introduction of Acrobat 8 we’re presented with a much more full-featured tool; the PDF Optimizer.
Keep in mind that performing this Optimization can result in reduction of resolution and compressing certain file components. This is not recommended for files that are bound for press.
A Technical Review of Baby Registries
September 10, 2008
I feel like ever other article I write mentions the fact that I’m expecting my first baby, but this time it really is relevant, I promise! You see, over the past couple of weekends, my wife and I have been bouncing from store to store trying to get registered for lots of baby stuff and i became aware of some serious mistakes.
I figured that in today’s tech age, registering would be an easy task. I was right for the most part, but in one case technology totally got in the way. In another, it was totally the store’s fault.
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Beginning Photography Tips – Don’t Underestimate Snapshots
September 8, 2008
I personally have two cameras. I have a DSLR which I use in my professional work, and I have a smaller point-and-shoot which basically serves as a knockaround camera, or one that I can easily take with me when I don’t have room for my pro rig.
I’ve got so much gear which I use with my DSLR that when I get the point-and-shoot in my hands, I feel like it’s not even worth taking out of the bag. On many occasions, such as holidays or family functions, I’ve neglected to take any pictures because the only camera I had was my measly little point-and-shoot.
Midweek Geek Links for 9-4-2008
September 4, 2008
It’s time for this week’s Geek Links!
- Google just released a public beta of their new browser, Chrome. For in-depth reviews on the broswer, check out Ars Technica and LifeHacker.
- More Google tidbits; Geekabout.com gives us the 17 most bizarre sights on Google Earth.
- Last Google entry, I swear! Here’s 101 Google tips, tricks, and hacks. Seriously, no more Google stuff today.
- Steve over at PaxtonPrints gives us a good tutorial on Using Textures to Create Scratches and Distress Your Images.
- Even though it feels like the Adobe CS3 install disc is still warm from our disc drives, it looks like Adobe CS4 is not that far away.
- For all you science geeks out there, check out the Periodic Table of Videos, where you can see a video presentation on each element.
Beginning Photography Tips – Fill the Frame
September 3, 2008
In one of my college photography courses, one of the most helpful (and simple) tips I learned was from my black and white photography professor when he said, “If you’re having trouble with your photography, try getting closer.”
After thinking on this for awhile I looked back over my shots and saw that, for any given subject, I was backing up or zooming out so that I was sure to get the most content within the frame (frame, here, meaning the confines of your camera’s sensor, not the big wooden square hanging on your wall). To many beginning photographers, the concept of “filling the frame” means “fill the picture with as much extraneous content as humanly possible,” which is exactly what I was trying to do. The subject of my pictures was unclear because I had included a lot of its surrounding environment.
