Tips on Capturing the Moment

Summer is finally here! I’m of the opinion that sunshine, beaches, concerts, BBQs and vacations need to be well documented now so we can reminisce and feed off of the memories in the hibernation state of winter. You may not always feel like bringing out your bulky camera, but your trusty smart phone will do a more than decent job capturing the moment. Here are my tips for making the most of your phone camera. Some of these suggestions are specific to iPhones because that’s what I use, but many tips apply to any smart phone device.

Fight the blur:

Low lighting or lots of movement can lead to some sadly blurry images. To fight the fuzzies, steady your phone with two hands, holding as you would a normal camera. Pin your arms to your sides for stability and breath out before taking the photo. Also try releasing your shutter button instead of pressing it. (The camera shutter isn’t actually released until you take your finger or thumb off the shutter button.) Pressing the “+ Volume” button on the side of your iPhone also controls the shutter and is a handy way for it to feel more like a traditional camera.

Zoom with your feet, not the camera:

Most smart phone cameras use a digital zoom to process an image instead of zooming with the lens like a normal camera. This will cause your images to come out looking grainy. Try moving closer to the scene or using photo editing apps or software to zoom in afterwards.

Don’t forget to clean the lens!

I don’t know about you, but my iPhone isn’t always pristinely clean. It sloshes around in my purse and in my pockets, gets tossed about my coffee table, and my cat probably steps on it when I’m not looking. Plus I don’t always pay attention to where my fingers are landing when I grab for it. Grubby hands = grubby phone. If your pictures are blurry or strangely foggy when you use your flash in low light, try polishing your lens with a clean cloth.

Composition matters:

Centering everything can get a little monotonous. Try changing the angle of your shot for an interesting perspective. Your iPhone can assist you in finding an interesting balance by turning on “Grid,” under “Options” in the camera. Using the rule of thirds with your grid can really help the composition of your images.

Make light your friend, not your foe:

Direct sunlight on your subject can create harsh shadows and lots of squinting-friend faces. If possible, try shooting when the sun is diffused by clouds or with the sun to your subject’s back. If you’re still not satisfied with the lighting, try turning on the “HDR” setting under “Options.” HDR, high dynamic range, takes several photos in a row and then combines the best sections of each automatically for a more evenly lit photo. HDR is best used when shooting outdoors.

Photo apps:

With some of my favorite free apps, I have turned my mediocrity into majesty, and so can you!

• The obvious favorite is Instagram. For many, this app has become more than just a photo editing device, but its ability to transform your images is still a huge draw. Cropping your images down to a square can help focus your composition, and with filters to fit every mood, this app will quickly become obsession.

 

• Snapseed by Google is a new favorite of mine. As a designer, I rely on Photoshop to tune my images at home or work. When I’m on the go, I use Snapseed. This app lets you adjust lighting, contrast and color, AND allows you to have control over their effect filters to produce truly personalized images.

• Color Effects is also a pretty fun app that allows you to change your image to black and white and pull out specific areas of color. On top of that you can colorize different areas to add shades that weren’t in your original photograph.

• Pixuru prints preserve the moment. Finally, to truly bring your memories to life, consider ordering a print of your photos. Henson’s super cool new client Pixuru has a fantastic range of sizes and mediums to turn your images into works of art. Explore their site to see what your images would look like on canvas, wood or metal. Use the code ‘Hamilton88’ and get 20% off on your order!

 

 

 

 

#Hashtags

With millions of users, including major brands, logging on to Twitter and Instagram on a daily basis, there are certain rules and tools that you must understand before successfully establishing your position and voice in this dynamic platform, whether you’re conducting business or just socializing.

One popular social media tool is the hashtag. A hashtag is meant to label a post so it is easily searchable, encourages conversation, or adds visibility to a social media campaign. It’s great for organizing information, especially since there are a variety of platforms that support hashtags including Instagram, Twitter and Vine, and it can help build your audience within each of these areas.

In recent days, I’ve found the overuse and misuse of hashtags to become not only a nuisance, but rather annoying for followers, who have to filter through keywords and subjects of posts just to keep up. If your tweets have too many or inappropriate hashtags, you dilute the usefulness of them by fragmenting the conversation and will probably lose followers in the process.

Here is a list of my guidelines for utilizing hashtags successfully:

1. Be Specific: Ensure your hashtag is concise, and that it also conveys meaning and is easily understandable.

Do:

 

Don’t: My #Favoritethingstodointhesummer are packing a picnic and heading to the beach

2. Learn What’s Trending: Applying trending hashtags allows you to stay engaged in popular conversations happening within the social media stratosphere. If you’re using a brand’s account, find a strategic way of entering the conversation appropriately.

Do:

Don’t: Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is available online.

3. Don’t Overuse: A major mistake is to #hashtag #every #word. Not only does this lead to an unreadable tweet, but your message will also come across as spam.

Do:

Don’t: #Happy Weekend #SummersHere #Sunshine #Warm #Weather

4. Be Creative: Pick hashtags that will make your posts stand out and that will be recognizable when you start your own conversations. This will better help a user track followers that are engaging in the conversation.

Do:

 

Don’t: Create some soap opera drama & u could win a trip to Hollywood #soapopera

While there are no official rules, taking the time to understand social media etiquette and how to properly use its tools will ensure follower engagement and interaction. Whether it’s your personal account or the voice of your client, be certain you’re always putting your best foot forward!

Year One: 12 Things I’ve Learned in 12 Months at HC

A year ago, when I first walked in to HC, I had no idea that I would be working at PR News’ Small PR Firm of the Year. I was coming off a few months of freelancing and simply happy to be back in the office (and out of my yoga pants) at what looked to be an exciting boutique. Boy did I luck out. One calendar year later, I’m working on projects for leading consumer brands and exercising my creativity every day. It’s a very good thing.

Starting a new job is always daunting. It’s like the first day of school. What should I wear? Will they like me? Who am I going to sit by at lunch? However, HC was a seamless transition, and the year has flown by. So in honor of my one-year anniversary, I’ve put together a list of the 12 things I’ve learned while being an Art Director/Designer at HC (things listed in no particular order).

1)      Be gracious and kind – It’s no secret that this is HC’s motto. It’s a lesson you learn as a child, and I’m thrilled to work in an environment that recognizes it.

2)      Drink lots of water – Our fridge is stocked with La Croix sparkling water, and it’s become a staple in my daily routine. I don’t know how I ever got through the day without it! Bonus: When you’re well hydrated, you have more energy to take on challenging projects.

3)      Take field trips – On Fridays, we have “Friday Fun Lunch,” which gives us an opportunity to get out for a bit and try some of the fabulous restaurants and eateries we have in River North. You can’t work in a city like Chicago and not eat!

4)      Channel your inner fashionista – One of the first things I noticed about HC was the snazzy sense of style of every one of my colleagues. I go by the motto that if you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, it makes all of the difference. HC has a lot of inner confidence, and we show it on the outside as well.

5)      Thank your colleagues – A simple thank you goes a long way. Sometimes when caught up in a stressful project, I can forget to thank people for their help and support. HC has definitely taught me to voice my gratitude.

6)      Celebrate accomplishments – When one of us does particularly well at something, it’s recognized and applauded, which only adds to our team spirit.

7)      Dark chocolate increases productivity levels – I knew this before, but it has only been reinforced by the endless availability of the good stuff at HC. I can’t think of better reason to take a break! J

8)      Bring your thinking cap – We often have team-wide brainstorms where we cozily gather in our conference room and come up with creative ideas for projects we’re working on at the moment. There are really no bad ideas in that room!

9)      Laugh – A sense of humor gets me through everything in life and during tense times, laughing is sometimes the only thing you can do.

10)  See opportunity everywhere – One of the things that Kathleen is so good at is connecting people to other people, clients to other clients, and so on. I’ve learned to be better at networking and connecting the dots.

11)  Every office should have dog mascots – Boomer 1 and Boomer 2 light up the office every time they’re here. My only complaint is that their productivity levels are quite low due to their constant napping.

12)  You CAN say no to Crumbs – Given my penchant for sweets (see #7), I was worried about the delicious cupcake joint being so close to the place I call home five days a week. Fortunately, I’ve been able to find some will power. It’s been ten days since my last cupcake…okay, six.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What the Heck is 3D Printing?

Given that I love writing and have avoided science as much as possible my entire life, it’s no shock that the first time I visited our new client, The 3D Printer Experience – to learn about this emerging technology – I was shocked. As I started to understand what 3D printing is, it’s implications for the future, and how it’s the start of the next big thing (similar to the creation of the computer, internet or iPhone), I was beyond excited to be in the midst of the next technological innovation. So for those of you that may be in the same boat as me, saying, “What the heck is 3-D printing…?” let me explain.

 

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing can create almost any object you can imagine. How, you ask? 3D printing uses commonly available software to direct the assembly of an object, usually plastic (although a wide variety of materials could be used), layer by layer.

What can I expect at The 3D Printer Experience?

The 3D Printer Experience offers three areas within the retail space where you can explore how to use this cutting-edge technology. You can have your head scanned and replicated as a 3D portrait, and printed in just a matter of minutes – who doesn’t want a mini version of their head?? You can also channel your own creativity and design a one-of-a-kind pendant with a custom, fun and easy-to-use application available within the retail space. While waiting for your 3D print-out, kick back and relax in the “Inspiration Lounge,” where you can select an item and see it made before your eyes, or check out some of the artwork and items in the gallery, all of which are on sale.

What sort of things can be made by 3D Printing?

Anything! Anyone (yes anyone, that includes you) can channel their creativity, concept an idea and create a physical object, from a file. Let your imagination run wild! I’m already looking forward to creating my own customized iPhone case.

Why should I care?

3D printing technology is the way of the future. After all, as President Obama said in his 2013 State of the Union Address, “3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.”

 

In my lifetime alone, we’ve gone from typewriters to computers, landline phones to car phones, cell phones to touch screen personal devices, and cassette tapes to CDs to downloadable music. Get involved in the beginning of this next technological boom – right here in Chicago.

 

About The 3D Printer Experience – A MetaSpace Business (MetaBusiness)

Located in the heart of River North at 316 N. Clark St., The 3D Printer Experience is the only retail destination of its kind in the Midwest. With more than 20 3D printers in-house and exciting new modeling applications for visitors to try, The 3D Printer Experience is introducing a bright future of personal, desktop manufacturing dedicated to helping people down a new path of greater creativity and independence. Additional information can be found at www.The3DPrinterExperience.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My 6th Baby

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and it was certainly filled with cards and homemade gifts and a super fab pair of earrings given to me on bended knee by my littlest Henson, Finley (for the record, he wanted to propose and asked me to put on my wedding dress). All day long, I felt special and loved and was reminded yet again what is most important in my life – my husband of nearly 16 years and my five precious kids. I was also able to spend time this weekend with my wonderful mother, Shirley Kenehan, and my mother-in-law Grechen Henson, who both battle chronic health issues and yet remain strong and loving despite it all. A testament to being the best of mothers.

I returned to work today with a sense of thankfulness for the gift of being a mom and having a place to work at that was truly created because I first became a mother. Way back when, after returning from my maternity leave at a big PR firm after my first child, Emily Ann, was born (OK, where HAS the time gone?) I quickly realized that I wanted to first put my focus on HER and not my job – but wondered if I could actually do BOTH? I never wanted to apologize for attending the school conferences or taking care of a toddler with a fever. So, was it possible to be a good mom and be good at my job? I decided I needed to find out by hanging up my shingle (after a brief stint at a tiny boutique firm).

Voila, a 7^th grader, 6^th grader, 4^th grader, 1^st grader and a preschooler later, I am certainly juggling with the best of ‘em. When people (quite regularly) ask me “How DO you do it all?” I answer the same thing – there is no such thing as perfect “balance,” and you just have to figure out what works for you. My own firm provides me the freedom to work on clients I respect and enjoy and work among people I love. Anyone who knows or works with me knows I unapologetically stay true to being “me” – a wife and mother first …and yes, also a PR agency owner. I firmly believe that if you can be the best “you” you can be, you end up giving better thinking and service to your clients. I feel super lucky every day to get to come downtown to HC and then get to return to the original destination of HC – my home. (For the record, my first office was next to the sump pump in the basement – far from glamorous, that is for sure!)

So, as I reflect on Mother’s Day I am not only thankful for my fab five, but I’m also grateful for my sixth baby – Henson Consulting that has grown and evolved and changed these past 12 years (just like my kiddos). And, I’m a proud momma, for sure!