Shea butter is so beneficial that some African nations even call it godsend. What is special about it? Shea butter contains magical combination of fatty acid, minerals, vitamins and proteins, and all these components make shea butter a perfect moisturizer. Furthermore, it is natural product and it can be used unrefined for various purposes. If you've ever been looking for skin-care or hair-care products in a store, you had definitely seen cosmetics containing shea butter. What is this newly discovered product?

Shea butter is not a milk-based butter as we know it. It is made out of nuts of Shea tree (also known as Karite tree), that only grows in Central and West Africa. The process of manufacturing the butter is quite simple and often mechanized nowadays. Raw (unrefined) and pure shea butter is the best for all the purposes it is used for, however the most majority of shea butter exported outside of Africa is refined. Why should you care if shea butter you use is refined or not? The natural shea butter nourishes the skin and helps healing minor skin diseases; the refined butter usually has the same outcome however its effects are weaker. This happens because refining process doesn't add anything to the paste, it reduces the smell, makes the butter creamier and makes it last longer. This may sound good, but the components that provide smell and keep the natural condition have useful qualities; that's why some of the benefits are lost in process of refinement. Although it's clear that natural shea butter has more benefits, refined one is not something spoiled. The latter can be used for longer periods of time which is important especially if you don't live in Central/West Africa and you can't afford transporting fresh shea butter personally for you. Unrefined shea butter is exported out of Africa as well. Pure shea butter has all the useful properties mentioned above, but it is also used as a component of many body-care and hair-care products.

What shea butter is good for? It has been used for skin and hair protection for centuries. It is also used as lamp fuel or cooking oil, but it's mostly valued for its cosmetic and medical properties. Unlike synthetic moisturizers, shea butter doesn't make skin oily, but makes it absorb more moisture from the environment. It can be used as daily moisturizer and as lotion for dry skin. Shea butter is extremely popular among pregnant women, as it prevents stretch marks and naturally pampers the skin. It has sunscreen properties and it even can be used to heal sunburn or itching and peeling skin after sunbaths. Proper humidity makes skin regenerate faster, although each of us is unique in some way and our skin reacts different to environment and cosmetics. As a moisturizer shea butter heals minor burns, skin cracks and wrinkles. It has antiseptic properties which can help treating skin rash and reducing acne. Shea butter is also used for hair-care: it helps if scalp is dry or hair is tends to break. It strengthens the hair and makes it shinier.

There are many articles dedicated to fashion trends: trends for men or women, trends for kids and even for dogs. What about teens? Try to do a web search and you will see that finding nice guidelines about teen fashion trends is not as easy as it may seem. Why is it this way? The reason for this lack of information is teen fashion being more complicated than any other. Teenagers are fighting against society; they put a lot of effort to be different, but they also invent new trends and fashion styles.

The latest trend is EMO (emotional) style. EMO style is definitely for those who adore bright colors. Green, pink, red, yellow matched with black will undoubtedly make you noticeable. If you are into this style, you must have an appropriate hairdo: Zelda hairdo for girls and jet black mop top for boys. Pencil or at least cigarette-shaped jeans with studded belt is also a must-have. Rules for top are not that strict, you may choose anything you want, just be sure it's close-fitting and bright colored. You must wear large amounts jewelry and it's even better if you pierce your face (small lip ring would do perfectly). EMO style is perfect for those who wear glasses - it's a great accent and EMOs love nerdy ones.

Hip hop never goes out of fashion. Music that speaks street language is definitely for young rebellious souls. Hip-hop style for teen boys and girls is rather different. Boys are usually wearing baggy pants and t-shirt, while girls chose sexy outfits. Cap is a must for both. When it comes to colors - choose anything you want. Boys usually prefer blue jeans and white-colored top while girls are totally unpredictable. Girls wear big rounded earrings and boys must wear at least one ring.

What fashion designers have come up to this season is gothic youth. Although this fashion has existed for a number of years and has been discussed in various ways, it is the first time it is fashionable. Dressing all-black, coloring your hair black, using only black makeup means or even whitening your face to make everything else look even blacker is a hot trend. Choose big shoes with chunky heels; go for metal details all over your clothing and accessories and you're a perfect goth. No matter if you are wearing a short or a long skirt, a close fitting top or a loose one - it's ok as long as it's black.

Bohemian style is also fashionable among teenagers. Loose light colored clothes, wraps and wooden, stone
or amber accessories will make you look like a real bohemian girl or boy. Peop…

"A picture speaks more than a thousand words." - How true this statement is! A camera captures moments and conveys them much more effectively than words can ever attempt to. The right kind of photograph can speak volumes about a certain subject. The same holds true for fashion photography.

Fashion photography is that wonderful branch of photography that focuses specifically on 'fashion'. The trained eye of a skilled fashion photographer can work wonders for a fashion accessory, model or a show, and add to its beauty. This report seeks to study all about the field of fashion photography, including its evolution, the nitty-gritties of the life of a fashion photographer, the career as well as the scope.

This report has been prepared using a number of sources of secondary data, and an attempt has been made to design as comprehensive an account as possible.

Table of Contents

* Section 1: What is fashion photography?

* Section 2: Evolution of fashion photography

2.1 : The origin

2.2 : The 1920s

2.3 : The 1930s

2.4 : The 1940s

2.5 : The 1950s

2.6 : The 1960s

2.7 : The 1970s

2.8 : The 1980s

2.9 : The 1990s

2.10 : The 2000s

* Section 3: Job description

3.1 : Pre-shooting

a) Briefing

b) Deciding upon the stylist

c) Deciding upon the models

d) Deciding upon the make-up and hair

e) Preparations

3.2 : Shooting

3.3 : Post-shooting

* Section 4: The must-haves and must-dos

4.1 : The must-haves

4.2 : The must-dos

* Section 5: Scope of fashion photography

* Section 6: References

Fitness has a lot of advantages for one’s health, however not everyone chooses to workout. Regular exercising makes a person healthier, and busy life can’t be a reason to abandon your health. People are discouraged from fitness by many factors: busy schedule, laziness and fear of trauma are just a few reasons to mention. If you wish you could be fitter, have more energy and live healthier, perhaps all you need is a good advice and some support?

• Don’t take exercising as a torture, have some fun! You may feel exhausted, especially on the beginning, but take a step aside and see if you could enjoy what you do. Turn on a radio, ask some friends to join you, exercise in a park instead of home and try out anything else that could help you feel great while you do your routine. Workout doesn’t have to be boring!

• Choose a workout type that fits your capabilities, lifestyle and schedule. You may want to consult your doctor, especially if you hadn’t been exercising for a while. A physician can advise so that your workout program and intensity won’t be injurious to health. This step is vital if you have any medical conditions. There are many things you can choose to practice: weight lifting, yoga, aerobic dance and many others. Choose the one that fits your personality, but make sure it fits your situation as well. If you have neither space nor money for home gym, you can simply do a run around a block or cycle a bike regularly.

• Warm up and cool down. Exercising is not a complicated thing to do, but don’t forget to warm up before the workout so you don’t damage your muscles. Take some time to relax after the practice; let your body to cool down and wait till your hear beat is normal again. Do not skip these steps and don’t forget to have a shower! It’s not for hygienic reasons only: hot shower or bath will soothe your muscles.

• Find appropriate wear and equipment. The clothing should be comfortable, loose fitting and they shouldn’t constrain your moves. Make sure the equipment is suitable for you: weight set a friend generously borrowed you might be too heavy. Some exercise programs don’t require any specific things, but if yours does - make sure you have equipment of the right size and type.

• Do not torture your body and immune system. If you are sick, it’s a clear sign of a weak immune system. If you exercise while you’re sick, you will drain your energy even more. Fitness right after meal doesn’t do any good for one’s health also. Wait a little until your body digests food and you are ready to exercise. Workout after eating is not healthy, that is why most people feel a little sleepy and passive after dinner or lunch - it’s just not the right time for physical activities!

• Do not risk your health! If you feel pain, stop to check what is wrong. You may want your doctor to consult you again to make sure your workout doesn’t do any damage. Learn to breathe correctly: it is key for every workout routine. Each program has its own do’s and don’ts; they are there to help you and protect you, so make sure you follow them.

• Workout regularly and take it to a new level once in a while. Regular routine is much easier for your body than occasional workout. You will adjust to exercising quicker if you do it systematically. Once your current routine becomes too easy for you, consider increasing the efforts to keep your muscles active. Our bodies adjust to a certain load of work after some time, so you need to increase it.

• Don’t give up! If the routine doesn’t work the way you’ve expected, you may need to change it. If you want to shape your body, some changes in your diet might be needed in addition to your exercise routine. If you feel too tired and hopeless, ask your friends and family to support you or even join your workout.

Decorate in high fashion with new fashion window shades. Go in to your local home decorating or department store, or browse online websites that feature roller shades and you will see the wide varieties of window shades available, new colors, and fabric materials. You can find just the right shades or patterns to match your remodeling project or new home. Remodeling with new fashion roller shades can beautify your home with a small investment.

No longer are roller shades plain white, or dark. No longer do you have to struggle with adjustment mechanisms to get just the right level you want. Today's roller shades are fashionable, versatile, and durable. No more pin holes, cracking and breaking, or edges that turn inward. Materials are sturdy PVC coated vinyl, and fabric coated vinyl. Decorator shades feature designer woven fabrics with many colors, patterns and weaves. For an extra modern look, use solar screen roller shades that filter out light but allow a view.

Window shades can be further enhanced with scalloped or fringed bottom trim. They can be mounted to roll up or down. You can mount roller shades within the window frame, or outside the frame. Mounting inside the frame gives the shade a framed look when closed. Mounting outside the frame covers more light, and makes windows look wider. They can be used with or without a decorative valence at the top to cover the roll. With smooth looks, however, these shades are just fine all by themselves, without additional window treatment. This gives a more modern look then when combined with curtains.

The best feature of roller shades, besides fashion for your room, is that they help you save money by controlling light and heat coming into or exiting a room. Allowing more light into the room at dawn or dusk hours and during the day can reduce your electric bill. Using denser materials can reduce your heating bill and fabric covered roller shades that block heat loss and stop cold window drafts. Fabric covered shades are denser than vinyl or smooth materials.

In addition to helping reduce electric bills and controlling coolness and heat in your rooms, you can use roller shades to adjust the room environment. Using light colors will brighten and lighten everything in the room; all of this variety is unique among window shades. Darker colors are used for sleep window shades and blackout roller shades. These are the best choice when you want to have darkened rooms for sleeping purposes during the daytime. They are a good alternative to heavy curtains that always are visible, while the roller shades can be rolled up and almost out of sight when you want light in the room.

Privacy is another issue that your fashionable roller shades can help you attain. With roll up shades, you can block off the lower part of the window where passersby can view inside. It is good for blocking ugly views while allowing plenty of light into the upper area of the window. With roll down shades, you control summer heat by blocking the upper window from direct sunrays and adding shade to cool your room.

Fabric roller shades are available in a range of colors, from white to black, with pastels of blue, green, gray, and different shades of browns and tans. The fabrics themselves can be plain, silky, linen, woven, and patterned. You can get a smooth looking fabric, or rougher looking weaves that are heavier materials. The texture is one feature you do not have with vinyl shades. You can get faux wood roller shades, or even wood slats. But high fashion with new fashion roller shades is most easily achieved with the fabric coverings.

About the Author

Judith Persit is a student of interior design. She started in this direction due to a search for design options in window treatments. Ms. Persit writes about roller shades. Roller shades can be interesting; you can learn more about window shades at her website with many pictures.

Taking pictures is fun; sharing pictures is an even more interesting experience. Either you're an amateur photographer or it's your main source of living, sharing your works is beneficial. Your can print your photos and put them in a photo album, but only your friends and family will be able to appreciate the pictures this way. You can reach a much wider range of people by making a photo-book or holding an exhibition, however not each of us can afford these measures. Fortunately, almost everyone can hold a virtual exhibition, receive plenty of visitors and win recognition on the internet.

World Wide Web gives an opportunity more valuable than a regular exhibition. Posting a snapshot online won't make you an artist, but it can attract many viewers, appraisers and even professional judges. The more people see your works the easier it is to sell your photos. If you are not looking for earnings, think of the recognition you can win. Every form of art requires a viewer, and where you can find more viewers than the Internet connects? Exhibitions attract people who are interested in certain trend of art, certain artist or simply photography itself, but the internet attracts much wider auditory. Are there any other advantages of posting your works online?

Photography websites often provide more than just a virtual space to upload pictures. They provide tools to edit photos and create slide shows, offer prints of your own pictures or someone else's work, organize photography contests - you just need to find which website fits your needs. Attending online contests is beneficial: you will receive prizes in case of victory and more attention for simply taking a part.

Prepare yourself for criticism. Being part of an online community means sharing opinions and different opinions can help you to improve your portfolio. Professionals can help you on technical details and new ideas; regular visitors can cheer you up and point out pictures that attract the most attention. Each review and each comment is valuable if you go deep into essence of the matter. Even negative critiques can bring positive consequences and help you to improve your photos in the future.

Sharing photography online may have unwanted effects as well as positive turns. Be careful and read user agreements before uploading pictures and make sure you post photos on appropriate websites and categories. Your photos might create a negative image of you if manage them without care. Posting glamour/nude pictures is restricted in some galleries, especially if all the images are available for teens and minors; car crash pictures can trigger hate if accidentally posted in "Food serving" category. If you take pictures of people, ask them about posting their photos online. Sign contracts if needed; that might help you prevent misunderstandings in the future. Internet makes you anonymous, but it shouldn't make you irresponsible.

If you don't want anyone using your pictures for one's own end, you have to make it clear in advance. Websites dedicated to photo galleries take measures in preventing image theft. Some of them simply put a watermark on a picture, some of them use programming tricks that disable "Copy" or "Save as…" options, some prevent non-registered visitors from browsing photos, and some of the websites use all the possible techniques in order to keep copyrighted images safe. If you post photos on your personal website only, these measures might be difficult to fulfill on your own. Preventing image theft is worth the investment, especially if photography is your main source of living.

What should you consider before and after uploading your photos? Make sure the website you chose is reputable and protects your rights. If the gallery allows posting 100 pictures a day, it doesn't mean you have to post the exact number of works; upload only the best shots you make. 100 almost identical photos won't bring you fame. Take your time and go over your photos to find the one that says more than a thousand words; mind that technical aspects are as important as great idea. Don't be in a hurry to upload or delete images right after you take them. The best analysis can be done with a fresh eye.

If you chose a public photo gallery website over a personal website, remember that you are not the only one who uploads pictures. Your experience may be valuable for other members and photos posted by your competitors may help you learn new things. Each person is different and each one has a different point of view; that's why browsing pictures can inspire you and give some new ideas for your own projects.

Cocktail dresses are frothy, appealing and arresting. Also referred to as a cocktail gown, this garment comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths. Depending on the current fashion trends or wardrobe acceptability, the length of a cocktail dress varies. Some cocktail dresses stop just above the knee, while other selections end around two inches from above the ankle, known as a tea length cocktail dress. When a cocktail dress touches the ankle, it is "ballerina length" - this is commonly associated with being an evening gown, with the differences between the two hard to tell.

Selecting the right attire:

Today, cocktail dresses come in an array of beautiful materials, with silk, satin, and chiffon being the most popular choice. Selection of appropriate color plays an important role in finalizing a dress. The colors differ as per the season the dress is worn in. Floral prints, pale green, yellow are more suitable for summer, whereas darker shades look more graceful during chilling winter. Though black is a universally accepted dress code for cocktail dresses, jewel-tones, and bright shades translate well to this outfit. The most popular choices are the well-known "little black dress". Shoshanna, Cynthia Rowley, Jil Stuart, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Anne Klein, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and BCBG Max Azria are a few to name; offering popular dress collections.

Most of the cocktail dresses are plain, and it depends on the wearers' preference to accessorize and get the 'all the more appealing' look. The apparel should be accompanied by flattering jewelry, handbags, and other accessories to give the wearer an appealing look. Right pair of shoes should also be selected to set off a cocktail dress, especially if the wearer is sporting an outfit in short length; shoes become an important focal point. The silhouette of the apparel should be adjusted to fit the figure of the woman, keeping the top and waist slim and fit; for the choicest look. It should be kept in mind that the dress should not to too tight and should not pull anywhere.

Trend Radar:

* Halter top necklines: These necklines will become popular going with the woman who is tall. The diagonal running to the neck divides the shoulders and makes them look broader. This makes the waistline appear smaller and the gives a 'swan like' look to the neck. Traditional V-cut apparels charm the attention to the bust.

* Asymmetrical handkerchief and jagged hemlines: They are back in style. They give a fresh and new look in mid calf length, but they also make the legs appear shorter. Similarly jagged skirts break the line of the leg and give them a shorter look. Petite women should avoid these patterns. This pattern should be worn with fewer jags where the highest and lowest part of the hemline is only couple of inches apart. The hemlines should be of mini skirt, or knee length.

* Flowing skirts: Flowing skirts in chiffon, silk and cotton, are showing up everywhere in the season; especially in floral prints and sherbet-hued solids. Empire waisted baby doll dresses suppress short women and give them the 'school girl' look. Form fitting chiffon dresses will be in vogue without using yards of fabric.

* Loose strips: Strips of fabric and ribbon are to be seen all over dresses this season, hanging from the waist, and shoulders. But this style would not suit women with shorter height as it will make them look bulk and heavier.

* Party Dresses: The current season foresees big circle skirts which are flattering to almost any figure to make a comeback. This is the best trend for those who like romance. Big and fluffy circle skirts will be the hot trend for the season. Form fitting tops and full skirts, white and lacy outfits laden with pink roses will be in fashion.

* Sheaths: Sheaths will be a strong style for this spring. Hot trends will be seen in solid hues; textured or brocaded with halter top or strapless look.

Cocktail dresses with their glitz and gloss sets the tone for the day. Classic, stylish and season less, the dress encompasses simple elegance like no other fashion attire. The outfit has an ultimate versatility and makes the woman feel beautiful, and fashionable.

As is the case with a number of things, Westernization has had its impact on Indian clothing as well. A significant part of the Indian population has turned to Western garments such as jeans, trousers, skirts, T-shirts, suits and shirts, and prefer them over traditional clothing such as sarees and dhotis. There is, however, a certain section of the population that prefers to stick to traditional Indian clothing. Interestingly in the last decade, a beautiful amalgamation of Indian and Western clothing has become popular, which has come to be known as 'Indo-Western' garments or 'Indo-Western fusion' garments.

Indo-Western fusion garments are being largely preferred by Indian consumers males, females and children alike and have now become 'the in thing'. These garments are gaining acceptance in the Indian mindset, and are becoming the choice of apparel at formal and informal events, as well as for work wear. There are several designers who have taken to the designing of Indo-Western fusion garments. Consequently, there are several such pieces of apparel available in the market.

Indo-Western fusion garments are usually a combination of Western-style patterns and Indian designs. Usually, in Indo-Western style salwar kameez, decorative stoles are used as an accessory for added effect. Another way of fusion commonly found in today's times is the use of ethnic embroidery styles from different parts of India - such as Phulkari from Punjab and mirror work from Rajasthan - on dresses with Westernised patterns. Sometimes, more elaborate embroidery styles such as Meenakari, Kundan, Resham and Zardozi work are also used. Denim jackets and pants with Indian-style embroidery and other embellishments on them are all the rage in India today. A shorter version of the kurta, called 'kurti', paired with denim pants or trousers is also quite popular, both among males and females. Another piece of Indo-Western fashion wear that is highly preferred in India is a kurti paired with a straight-cut pant-style salwar and a dupatta. With the passage of time, newer fusion styles are being developed such as short dupattas, pants with slits and sphagetti-style tops in case of salwar kameez. Patiala-style salwars worn with short shirts is yet another example of Indo-Western fusion wear largely preferred by youngsters in India.

This trend of Indo-Western fusion wear has also gradually spread to bridal wear. Sarees are being draped in the Grecian style, and saree blouses are becoming more and more Westernised in pattern. Lehengas worn with halter tops is another example of Indo-Western fusion fashion that is being accepted as wedding wear.

This amalgamation of elements from the Indian and Western cultures is found in accessories as well, especially in case of jewellery. Usually, a light Western touch is added to Indian traditional jewellery, so as to make it suitable for wearing with fusion wear. Apart from this, large, dangling earrings, beads, and fancy bracelets are also in vogue with fusion garments.

Coming to the reasons as to why Indo-Western fusion fashion has become so popular in India, several can be cited. Indo-Western garments have an elegant and trendy appearance, without losing the touch of Indian culture, making them suitable for wearing at all kinds of occasions. They are the perfect blend of elements from both Indian and Western cultures, balancing both, i.e. neither too Americanised nor too ethnically Indian. It is, thus, suitable for wear by almost all age groups, and is all the rage among the youngsters in India today. Indo-Western fusion garments are available in different styles, from daring ones to modest ones. They suit the Indian body type rather well. Fusion wear is more comfortable to wear, as against the cumbersome traditional Indian dresses, which is why it is being largely preferred by the working class.

So, the next time you are out shopping for something trendy but comfortable to wear, don't forget to stop for a few pieces of Indo-Western fusion wear!!

As is the case with a number of things, Westernization has had its impact on Indian clothing as well. A significant part of the Indian population has turned to Western garments such as jeans, trousers, skirts, T-shirts, suits and shirts, and prefer them over traditional clothing such as sarees and dhotis. There is, however, a certain section of the population that prefers to stick to traditional Indian clothing. Interestingly in the last decade, a beautiful amalgamation of Indian and Western clothing has become popular, which has come to be known as 'Indo-Western' garments or 'Indo-Western fusion' garments.

Indo-Western fusion garments are being largely preferred by Indian consumers males, females and children alike and have now become 'the in thing'. These garments are gaining acceptance in the Indian mindset, and are becoming the choice of apparel at formal and informal events, as well as for work wear. There are several designers who have taken to the designing of Indo-Western fusion garments. Consequently, there are several such pieces of apparel available in the market.

Indo-Western fusion garments are usually a combination of Western-style patterns and Indian designs. Usually, in Indo-Western style salwar kameez, decorative stoles are used as an accessory for added effect. Another way of fusion commonly found in today's times is the use of ethnic embroidery styles from different parts of India - such as Phulkari from Punjab and mirror work from Rajasthan - on dresses with Westernised patterns. Sometimes, more elaborate embroidery styles such as Meenakari, Kundan, Resham and Zardozi work are also used. Denim jackets and pants with Indian-style embroidery and other embellishments on them are all the rage in India today. A shorter version of the kurta, called 'kurti', paired with denim pants or trousers is also quite popular, both among males and females. Another piece of Indo-Western fashion wear that is highly preferred in India is a kurti paired with a straight-cut pant-style salwar and a dupatta. With the passage of time, newer fusion styles are being developed such as short dupattas, pants with slits and sphagetti-style tops in case of salwar kameez. Patiala-style salwars worn with short shirts is yet another example of Indo-Western fusion wear largely preferred by youngsters in India.

This trend of Indo-Western fusion wear has also gradually spread to bridal wear. Sarees are being draped in the Grecian style, and saree blouses are becoming more and more Westernised in pattern. Lehengas worn with halter tops is another example of Indo-Western fusion fashion that is being accepted as wedding wear.

This amalgamation of elements from the Indian and Western cultures is found in accessories as well, especially in case of jewellery. Usually, a light Western touch is added to Indian traditional jewellery, so as to make it suitable for wearing with fusion wear. Apart from this, large, dangling earrings, beads, and fancy bracelets are also in vogue with fusion garments.

Coming to the reasons as to why Indo-Western fusion fashion has become so popular in India, several can be cited. Indo-Western garments have an elegant and trendy appearance, without losing the touch of Indian culture, making them suitable for wearing at all kinds of occasions. They are the perfect blend of elements from both Indian and Western cultures, balancing both, i.e. neither too Americanised nor too ethnically Indian. It is, thus, suitable for wear by almost all age groups, and is all the rage among the youngsters in India today. Indo-Western fusion garments are available in different styles, from daring ones to modest ones. They suit the Indian body type rather well. Fusion wear is more comfortable to wear, as against the cumbersome traditional Indian dresses, which is why it is being largely preferred by the working class.

So, the next time you are out shopping for something trendy but comfortable to wear, don't forget to stop for a few pieces of Indo-Western fusion wear!!