West Virginia, WV

West Virginia is a state in the Appalachia / Upland South region of the United States. West Virginia broke away from Virginia during the American Civil War and was admitted to the Union as a separate state on June 20, 1863 (an anniversary now celebrated as West Virginia Day in the state).

It is the only state formed as a direct result of the American Civil War. It is the only state to form by seceding from a pre-existing state. West Virginia is one of the Border States.

The Census Bureau considers West Virginia part of the South because most of the state is below the Mason-Dixon Line, though its northern panhandle extends adjacent to Pennsylvania and Ohio with Weirton on a parallel with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The unique position of West Virginia means that it is included in a wide variety of geographical regions (though often only marginally), such as the Upper South, the Upland South, the Southeastern United States, the Southern United States, the Mid-Atlantic, Appalachia and even the Midwestern United States and Northeastern United States.

While West Virginians recognize that their state is part of Appalachia, many do not welcome the term for purposes of self-identification. WVU Social and Cultural Study The state's Northern Panhandle, and North-Central region feel an affinity for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Also, those in the Eastern Panhandle feel a connection with the Washington, D.C. suburbs in Maryland and Virginia, and southern West Virginians often consider themselves Southerners. Finally, the towns and farms along the mid-Ohio River have an appearance and culture somewhat resembling the Midwest, see: An Introduction to West Virginia's Ethnic Communities.

The capital and largest city is Charleston. The state is noted for its great natural beauty, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its labor history.

It is also well known as a tourist destination for those people interested in outdoor activities such as skiing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and hunting.

 

 

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "West Virginia"

Digital Photography Secrets - Recognizing different types of light

by Michael Kitada

One of the greatest digital photography secrets that everyone should know is recognizing the quality of light. The vast majority of photographers just put the camera to their eye and start pressing the shutter. Without thought or perception about the quality of light.

There are some basic categories to consider:

1) Light can be harsh.

This is direct sunlight that makes your subject squint when looking directly into it. This is the midday sun that beats down on our subject and casts harsh shadows on faces and creates contrast that few cameras can even record.

2) Light can be soft.

This is the beautiful light that comes around sunset and sunrise (though most aren't awake to capture it). This is the coveted light that National Geographic photographers work in almost exclusively.

Next time you see a copy look at the time of day that most of the photos were taken. You can tell by the shadows. Almost every single image is taken near sunrise or sunset. If these acknowledged professionals only shoot at this time of day, when should you shoot? Soft light can also be found on overcast cloudy days.

Here's a digital photography secret, the smaller the light source the harsher the light and the larger the light source the softer the light will be.

For example, the noon day sun is just a small point of light in our sky and the shadows are very harsh and defined, right? On a cloudy day, the sun's light is dispersed over a large area and the shadows are very soft and undefined. Viola. Now you see the difference! Soft shadows are nice to our subjects and harsh shadows are hard on our subjects.

Here's another quick lighting secret: If the light coming through your window is too harsh, try taping a semi-clear shower curtain over the window. The light will be soft and diffused because the light source will be enlarged to the size of the curtain. A giant soft box just like the professionals use that you bought at Wal-Mart at a tenth of the cost!

3) Light can be bright.

This is usually, but not always, found outdoors and allows the photographer to handhold their camera and shoot at a low ISO (That's the sensitivity to light setting on your camera. Try 100-400 for outdoors).

4) Light can be dim.

This is usually found indoors or early or late in the day. The ISO setting should be between 800-1600. A tripod or monopod should be considered to keep your images sharp.

Your assignment is to begin recognizing and identifying these different qualities of light. Practice seeing them before you press the shutter and you will quickly be on your way to seeing like a professional and unlocking the digital photography secrets that everyone should know.

About the Author

Michael Kitada is a professional photographer with more than 20 years experience. His work has appeared in People Magazine, Forbes, TV Guide and the cover of Newsweek magazine. To learn more digital photography secrets visit: http://www.takebetterphotosnow.com