photographs

Looking for an unreliable way to see if you'll have lasting love . . . or just an endless marriage? Scientists say look no further than childhood photographs.

Always smiling? Good for you! You're three times as likely to have a strong marriage than this poor, probably-now-single girl who doesn't want to be at the Jersey shore. Can you blame her?!

How did researchers come to such a damning conclusion for frowners? They asked almost 650 adults, ages 21 to 87, for pictures from their final year of school. Those with the weakest smiles were three times more likely to be divorced than smilers that beamed their way into the future. A second study, working with pictures of children as young as five, confirmed the findings. Ack!

What's the connection? Possibly, happy people attract others and are more likely to work their way through rough spots in relationships. But, really, what does smiling have to do with happiness? Show me two women who send out picture-perfect holiday cards every year, and I'll show you at least one dysfunctional family.

Admittedly, I sometimes use editing software to touch up North's pupils but, when a pal asked about the phenomenon of red, yellow, blue, or green eyes in animal photos, I found myself rambling on like a quasiscientist. Just call me Dr. PetSugar . . .

When taking a picture, eye discoloration often occurs if a flash goes off with someone (or something) looking straight at the camera. I know I'm not the only one bending down to capture my pooch's cute antics and look at these baby blues! North's pupils aren't really that color, but learn why they look that way and read more

Sydney-based photographer Roger D'Souza shoots interiors, exteriors, and portraits all with equal skill and expert composition. Many of his photos happen to feature stunning architecture, though D'Souza highlights the gorgeous buildings with his expert use of natural light. Whether documenting worn floor boards and peeling paint or sleek, newly erected homes, he manages to give every photo a beautiful polish. To see more of his photographs, read more

Lights! Camera! Family! It's time to snap that perfect shot. We looked to the professionals at Classic Kids to get some tips for taking the most memorable photos. According to the company's founder, Julie Floyd, the key is to keep your subjects relaxed and remember that children do not need to be perfectly posed in order to get a great image. She also recommends:

• Never say “smile” or ask the children to say “cheese.” The mouth will smile, the eyes will not. You must work for your smiles by entertaining your subjects.
• Get down to their level. The photographer needs to bring the camera down to eye level. Even lay on the floor if necessary.
• Fill the frame with your subject. A nice close shot is far more interesting to the viewer than seeing a lot of background.

To read more of Julie's tips, including some to keep in mind when going to a professional photographer, read more

If you think your lil love is the next big superstar, take a gander down to GAP for their Casting Call. Here are some tips on how to handle the day!

• Make sure your child is well rested. If they need to nap, let them. A bright eyed child will be more inclined to smile for the camera.
• Dress your kid comfortably just as you would on any other day. Make them a part of the process by allowing them to help select their attire.
• Bring a snack and small toys to occupy them in line. In case there’s a wait, it’s nice to have something to entertain or distract your tot.
• Kids are hams, when they get in front of the lens, let them do what comes naturally. Children take the best pictures when they are being candid.
• Don’t pressure your child, encourage them.

For information on how to submit your photo, click here.

Sherwood Forlee is the New York-based design engineer who created the HomeHero Fire Extinguisher, the winner of the 2007 IDSA Gold Award and a much blogged about home-safety item. But, Forlee's forté isn't only in saving lives, he also rescues photos. With framing costs high and limited space in our homes, many of our photos get thrown by the way side, never seeing the light of frame. With his Instant Photo Frame though, Forlee has made it possible to frame every photograph we take. By downloading this frame for free, cutting out its interior, and placing it in front of your camera before you take your photo, you'll have an instant (and free) frame for every photo you snap. To see how it works, read more

The days of sitting for an oil portrait may be long gone but that doesn't mean you have to forgo the beauty of a canvas hanging on your walls. The magic of the Internet and Paint Your Life allows parents to take a digitally uploaded photograph and convert it into an oil painting in just over three weeks. With a team of professional artists on staff, the company recreates your photo using the medium of your choice — oil, watercolor or charcoal — and uploads a photo of the piece for your review. After approval, the canvas is finished and you receive the portrait in the mail.

Prices start at $120 for the smallest oil painting so you may want to start working your way through Summer photos to get a head start on some holiday gifts for the grandparents.

We recently chatted here at Sugar HQ how pet lovers love to share – and sometimes overshare – about their furry friends. I know I'm guilty of whipping out my cell phone the minute someone asks what kind of pooch I have . . . and could go on and on singing North's praises. While I don't carry a big enough wallet for anything more than the essentials, I've got a whole gallery on my BlackBerry. How about you? Do you have your pet's pictures on your phone or in your bag?

Source