Thursday, July 2, 2009

Free image of the month "Tropical Sunset"


TROPICAL SUNSET
© Ptoone | Dreamstime.com


Description:
A sunset beech view of Israel taken from Jordan.


ID: 8642952
Resolution: 3264x2176 pixels (7.1 MP)
Print size: 10.9" x 7.3"@300 dpi


Visit http://port.ptoone.com to download for free or click here.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

House of Cards Greeting Cards go on sale at Pride


A picture of the beautifully decorated 'house of cards' stand at this year's Toronto Pride Parade. For more info and to check out the designs, please view the house of cards website by clicking here or pasting http://www.thehouseofcards.ca in your browser box.  A big thanks to everyone that took part!

How to install a Favicon on your website


A favicon is the little icon that appears on the left of the domain on your browser window. All well known websites have one and here are four quick and easy steps to ensure you can have one too. You can see ptoone.com uses a black and white "pto one" icon. 

1. Make an image that is 16 pixels by 16 pixels exactly.

2. Save it as or rename it favicon.ico.

3. Upload it to your server in the same directory as your main index page.

4. Edit the code of your index page, somewhere between the and tags, insert the line , and remember to put your own domain name in.

Done! you may have to refresh or clear your cache and then your little icon will appera next to your domain. It will also be saved whenever someone bookmarks your site.

I assume the name 'favicon' come from putting 'favorite' and icon together. Some other names for the favicon include; website icon, shortcut icon, url icon, or bookmark icon.



Monday, June 29, 2009

The Man In The Panama Hat


This young man in a Panama hat and silk suit, likes the way he looks, but knows better that to think it matters. Fully scalable vector illustration. Click here to view or buy image rights.


Monday, June 15, 2009

ptoone announces greeting card line


ptoone is thrilled to introduce a new line of greetings cards called "House of cards," which aims to fill the void in the marketplace for greeting cards, saying it how it really is with a bittersweet edge. Each with an exclusive, expressive visual from the flourishing archives of the ptoone image portfolio. 

Based in Toronto, Canada the House of Cards are getting set to initiate the launch at the 2009 Toronto Gay Pride Festival. Come and check us out and get the first glimpse of our new designs, cards, stickers and all round good time. Otherwise the website (thehouseofcards.ca) will be going online later this month. 

Links


Date: June 27th and 28th, All day, FREE


Friday, June 5, 2009

ptoone books get picked up by Amazon.com


Good news for me and the millions of book buyers that use Amazon.com. As requested by Amazon ptoone books will soon be appearing in the vast international marketplace of the amazon domain. To see the current book list to be included click here.

As revenue from paid content continues to rise, more ptoone content will be available free of charge. These items will not be appearing on Amazon. 

Monday, June 1, 2009

Off Topic: My Week Of Glory

My Week Of Glory 

To any confirmed smoker, the thought of stopping the dependency of nicotine scares them to half to death. "Will I ever be the same again?" It is as if the poor smoker fears quitting like losing a limb. I was the same as I would regularly confess my love for the precious weed.

For the last few years I have been telling myself "I need to quit," and being told the same thing by friends and family. The only question in my mind was choosing the right time. A time that I envisioned zero stress in my life and plenty of fun activities to keep the nicotine monster out of my brain.

That time didn't seem to come. My time came randomly when looking at the books on a friends bookshelf and picking up a book called, "The EASYWAY to stop smoking" by Allen Carr. A fascinating read for any smoker, x-smoker or even non-smoker.

While reading the book I soon realized this was my time to quit and the best part about reading the book is that you are encouraged by the author to chain smoke while reading. So I picked up a couple packs and went with my book to just about the last place you are allowed to actually smoke in a urban public environment, the park.

While reading I began to encounter greater confidence in myself that this was it. I was going to last far longer than any previous attempt to stop. I credit the certainty that I could quit my heavy smoking of 11 years cold turkey to the knowledge and understanding I accumulated from Allen's book and information found online.

I could not wait to finish the book and while reading the final page, I consciously smoked my last cigarette, taking deep puff's to ensure I got my fair share of all of the cigarettes precious ingredients like; ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic, butane, hydrogen cyanide, lead, mercury, vinyl chloride, methane, carbon monoxide and of course nicotine. I felt excited to begin my journey becoming a non-smoker, allowing my body to begin the amazing healing process from knowingly poisoning myself for eleven years.

The first day was the hardest. As you would expect when going from smoking 30 a day to 0 overnight. As I had done my research and read the great book by Allen Carr, I was prepared and knew exactly what to expect. I was surprised when I found the whole thing a lot easier than I expected. The craving's seemed more mild than all previous attempts and I barely suffered any physical withdrawal symptoms.

When day two eventually arrived (day one felt like a month), things dramatically improved. My breathing improved, energy levels increased, my happiness and well-being doubled, I felt fantastic and continue to get higher than any high I could get from smoking.

After 72 hours the worst is over and I continue to look forward to every day as a non-smoker, richer, healthier, faster, fitter, happier, more free, better smelling, better tasting almost as though I was born into a new body. The feeling of this new found freedom from the weed excites like I am a child again.

I can now only pity my ex-fellow smoking pals and urge them to take the same leap. You have nothing to fear and so much to gain. I hope reading this blog plants the seed. I have included several links to sites that I found of paramount importance in my journey.

Leading web site for advice on quitting.

Allen Carr has helped millions butt out for good.

Watch 64 free video quit smoking lessons.

A message from Bryan

Some facts.

Quit smoking article.

Cigarette Advertising
© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Free vector of the month "Wild Boy"


Free download with royalty free license courtesy of ptoone and Dreamstime. 

Resolution: 8333x8333 pixels (69.4 MP)

Print size: 27.8" x 27.8"@300 dp

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Importance of Keywords





Friday, May 22, 2009

Electronic Props And The Wooden Laptop Computer


When using modern day electronics in a photo it is always important to remember not to include a brand or logo. They can be hidden, covered, cropped or photo-shoped, so they will no longer be recognized as a specific brand.

I however went down a different path and made use of my wood finishing skills, to build a custom unbranded modern day consumer electronic prop. This laptop does not work like it should, but then again it is made from solid wood. Bevelled rounded corners and edges, inspired by a computer company named after a fruit. The details were to be essential to ensure the wooden shell looks like plastic.

When using wood in photography or film, it is best to shoot wood that is flat matte with as little glossy shine as possible. The sheen will otherwise cause a reflection. To avoid mirror like gloss, I used a custom mix of less than ten percent sheen flat matte lacquer. I tinted the lacquer and built up the finish, finally applying some clear coats for added depth and lustre. I rubbed and smoothed the finish with wet and dry auto finishing paper in between coats to remove any unwanted blemishes.

With a veneered walnut trackpad and twenty six solid walnut round buttons from a cabinet maker friend it was then ready to be hinged together by a custom sized piano hinge. Two little clear rubber stoppers were aligned in each corner of the screen to prevent wood touching.

After many days (and some nights) of work, I finally had a laptop appropriate for commercial purposes. And some thing to take with me on the go and write a blog like this.

Wooden Laptop Computer
© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Free iPhone/iPod Touch Icon Set Download



FREE IPHONE ICON SET 
A set of 15 different icons designed specifically for iphone and ipod touch. Sized at exatcly 57 pixels by 57 pixels. They are saved in PNG file format without glossy glare and rounded box as that is applied automatically by apple.

free download by ptoone.

http://www.ptoone.com/iphone_icons.html



Thursday, February 19, 2009

Where to host your website


Web Hosting Pad

Many people have been asking where to host their website. Look no further:

Best value and most reliable web hosting on the internet. No need to buy a new domain as you receive a domain name for free for life when you sign up. Unlimited email accounts and bandwidth. Very easy to update your site with little html knowledge. Use this link to sign up and receive special discounts and promotional coupons: http://www.webhostingpad.com/743.html

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Over 500 approved images as ptoone goes exclusive on Dreamstime

Floral Dream
© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Music in the city
© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com


With over 500 approved images and new images every week. The vector illustration versions of ptoone art is available exclusively on Dreamstime.com

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Alphabetic (And Some What Poetic) Gist Of 'Ology' Jobs


eBook and soft cover available only from ptoone.com. Release sometime next week!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

A guide to the best stock photography/illustration sites to buy and sell top quality images.

Developer Stock Photo's & Illustration's.


Sunday, March 2, 2008

Website Redesign at ptoone.com


For those that check back to the ptoone.com site regularly, you may have noticed some bigger changes in the last update, Yes finally a fresh start. All content is the same as before. The design was inspired by a few comments from visitors informing that the old site design was difficult to navigate. The new design is far more consistent through out with simple larger icons in the tool bar. This makes navigating pages on a Handheld/PDA device more accessible. Enjoy the new features...More on the way.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Saving eBook's on the iPod Touch/iPhone


There's no doubt that the iPhone and iPod Touch are fun and elegant toys to own. While there has been some criticism on saving documents that don't originate from itunes. There are numerous ways to import your documents to itunes, iphoto and mail.

A major factor into purchasing the iPod touch was its ability to display eBook's (pdf's). While it is not quite that simple as there is no PDF software available and no way of saving the document.

The solution to saving eBook's on the iPod Touch:


When you are viewing a PDF document on your computer (Adobe reader/Preview etc).

Click > Print.

At the bottom left of the print screen you will see a 'PDF' box. Click on the box and a list of options for saving the document as a pdf come up.

Somewhere down the list you will see the option to 'Save as PDF for iPhoto.'

It will take a short time to convert, meanwhile you can open iPhoto.

When converted a small box will come up from iPhoto asking you to import your PDF and where. Create a separate folder for each PDF you upload otherwise they will all save together.

When you next sync your iPod Touch, upload the chosen folder from iPhoto and bingo you have an eBook saved on your iPod!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Could the itablet be the next iPod gem for apple?


eBooks...I for one foresee this phase to be as big as the ipod/mp3 boom, may be larger. The hold up has lasted many years with technology firms unable to reach the masses with an accessible and user friendly device. Some big names in the technology have tried and miserably failed to produced a low light, e-ink screen to display ebook's. It may seem hard to believe in 2008 as companies invest billions into getting in the mind of the consumer. How can they miss what is important in an eBook reader?

The first problem with many big name readers such the Amazon's Kindle and Sony's long list of failed eBook readers is ACCESSIBILITY. People do not want to pay $300 for a reader, plus cost of the content (e.g. eBook) and an additional usage cost for each time you download, save or move your already paid for content around. The added and hidden costs only deter people from investing in a new age of media. Especially a new age of media in desperate need of a kick-start.

Accessibility and ease of use is number one to reach full market potential. CEO's are already foreseeing this as the next big earner, a way to earn huge profits from doing very little - restrict the market. It is a shame these companies have been so blinded by greed before they even do the research or hit the drawing board.

Alike communist dictator's, these CEO's are so worried about how people use these readers. They are restricting them to only open a particular file of eBook. One that has to be converted, at a cost. The cost is then past on to the consumer as they are now locked into reading only what the company allows them to read. Each time paying a fee for downloading, saving and converting the file. Three steps that are unnecessary and preventing a lot of people (myself included) from investing in the industry.

Some small publishing firms have foreseen which way the wind is blowing and developed their own reader with no restrictions. Hardly brain surgery you might think, others have gone further into implementing the much loved and easy to use 'SD card," as a way of saving and transferring files. This is the same chip you may find in your digital camera, it can securely save video clips, music, pdf's and any other document. A step forward for moving information from your phone/camera to your computer.

Once companies get over their restrictive greed, you can be certain some will fail over the next hurdle...The internet. Nothing new on a hand held device although only one company that I know provides free wifi on a hand held and that is the much loved/hated 'Apple.' The new ipod touch does just that offers users a free wireless internet once they have purchased and set up the ipod touch. While the speed of the service reminds us all what dial up was like during business hours, the quality of video' on sites such as YouTube is unmatchable. After testing the device I was impressed and only one factor prevented me from acting on impulse the ipod touch is not geared towards eBooks.
It does everything else well, but lacks an 'e-ink' screen that allow people to read text from a screen without the strain on the eye.

In recent months speculation over the release of eBook reader by apple has been growing over the web. The timing for this much desired product couldn't be better. An who better than Apple to reap the rewards of several years of failure in a industry that was set from the get-go. The iTablet or so it has been rumored to be named has been much anticipated. I for one was disappointed to not see it released in January 2008. An insider has also been rumored to suggest that there have been unforeseen problems with launching the revolutionary product.

I for one, am hopeful and holding my breath for Apple's eBook reader. For everyone else in the world like me, this could be the device we have anticipated for years.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Mixing Shellac - Making the Cut


Mixing shellac is simple, although you may wonder why you'd want to when it can be purchased premixed. Shellac has a six month shelf life once mixed with alcohol using an older solution of mixed shellac will result in longer drying times and more prone to water spotting.

Shellac flakes are the raw material of mixed shellac and when stored away from heat and sunlight offer a much longer shelf life. By buying shellac in flake form you can mix only what you intend to use.

To make a solution, shellac flakes are mixed with denatured alcohol. The amount of shellac and alchol can vary depending how thick or thin you want the mix to be. It is worth keeping in mind that the thinner shellac is easier to apply smoothly and dries a lot faster. Once mixed the shellac flakes start to dissolve almost immediately. To make a pint of sealer use the 2:16 ratio (2 oz. of shellac flakes dissolved in 16 oz. of alcohol).

Sunday, January 13, 2008

The SD card and the eBook industry




While publishers face many short fourth comings with the eBook market, many large electronic companies have recently released their own digital eBook readers. Sony has been trying to become the iPod of the book world for the past three years, yet it's latest improvements of its electronic book readers are disappointing to say the least.

In a technologically progressive society Sony's new product will stand out like sore thumb offering an abundance of restrictions (imposed by Sony) and a reminder of what technology was, ten or more years ago.

While Sony continues to fail miserably, other companies are starting to understand the complexities of this foreseen market. Franklin and Palm seem to have been successful in their PDA versions of electronic readers. Unlike the Sony reader, the existing PDA's have the ability to surf the web, send email, and open files without restrictions.

The E-ink screen is nice touch for trying to improve the experience of reading on-screen. Using no backlight and sharp text similar to quality of a laser printer. Could these little touches attract the masses to the efficient advantages of reading on a screen. Although the sales on eBooks are growing, they still account only a fraction of the market.

Recently Amazon launched its own digital book reader, 'Kindle.' On sale for $399 US, it stores up to 200 books on its standard memory. What's different from other portable media devices, is the Kindle does not need to be loaded with content from a PC. Instead content will arrive via wireless. A nice innovation, but not great to debit users for content that is available free of charge to other web users. Even sending a file already purchased, users will incur a ten cent charge for sending over the wireless network. Every user is granted a Kindle email address to send Word and PDF documents that the device automatically converts into a readable file.

On the plus side, the Kindle has buttons that link it directly to the Oxford American Dictionary and Wikipedia. The memory is extendable by the SD card, a small chip that digital camera users are now very familiar with.

For an electronic reader to be successful, the media stored on it needs to be accessible and trusted. The SD card has allowed users to open, share and store a variety of media. This card played a big role in the transition from manual to digital photography. Can the same card revolutionize the eBook industry. The timing of introducing a new unified media format couldn't be better, as the previous era of tapes has almost completely been phased out. Could the SD card one day replace CD's and Dvd's, grant all people unrestricted and easily accessible access to all formats of media on one little card measuring a little over two centimeters.