National Camera Day

Everything comes into focus on June 29th each year when we recognize National Camera Day. The day commemorates photographs, the camera, and their invention. A camera is an irreplaceable tool used to record and replicate memories, events, and people/places. Before the invention of the camera, the only resource to document a vision was a painting. Capturing an image of a person or place in a drawing took time and skill. Very few people can perfectly draw the likeness of someone, let alone capture the essence of an event.

The power of a camera provided many with a simple, inexpensive, and fast solution. George Eastman, also known as “The Father of Photography,” brought the camera to the masses. While he did not invent the camera, he did develop many additions improving the use, ease, and production of the camera. His developments made the camera widely available to homes around the world.

While the first cameras were large and bulky, each later design evolved until some cameras were as small as a pen. Today’s digital cameras have many features and variations, making them appealing to people of all ages for personal and professional use. The portable and easy-to-use features not only allow us to take photos quickly, but we can also edit them on the fly. Smartphones with built-in cameras include features that allow us to share photos instantly, too. 

Taking photos has become so easy. According to Business Insider, in 2017, we took over 1.2 trillion digital photos! From a large boxy camera to one that fits in our pocket, cameras have come a long way.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CAMERA DAY

Whether photography is a hobby or your profession, celebrate the day by taking photos. Snap a picture of something or someone you enjoy and cherish the memory. But taking pictures isn’t the only way to celebrate.

  • Take a photography class.
  • Teach someone how to take outstanding photos.
  • Expand your photography skills by learning more about your camera.
  • Try a different style of photography or camera.

Post photos on social media using #NationalCameraDay.

National Black Diamond Month

National Black Diamond Month is observed annually in January.

New Year, New Dreams! The New Year is a time to slow down.  The majority of people are thinking, “What can I do better this year?” What about today?  The Black Diamond Collection jewelry pieces are designed to remind us to be present, allowing us to incorporate meditation, peace and style into our daily routines.

While black diamonds are rare like thier gem grade whites they are not as rare as other diamonds of color. Diamonds of color are not imitation, simulated or created. Each natural diamond must possess specific elements to make thier color. Many are famous, The Hope Diamond is actually blue. Other colors include Champagne, Red, Green, Pink, and Yellow.

Diamonds are always a girls best friend, no matter their color. The same 4 C’s are just as important these colorful gems as they are in white diamonds. Many colors have a ranking system for color intensity as well.

History

Carole Shoshana, founder of the Black Diamond Collection, trained with a Grand Master of Feng Shui in Hong Kong for 16 years, and became a Grand Master herself upon his passing. The “Black Diamond Collection” was inspired by Carole’s spiritual journey through the sacred images of nature depicted in the philosophy of Shan Shui art.  As an art form, Shan Shui evokes a sanctuary of peace, patience and harmony.  Based on the teachings of the I Ching, Shan Shui captures the emotion and atmosphere of the mountains and waters, and Carole wanted to design a line of jewelry that also depicts the beauty she found in her personal journeys in the Far East. The black diamonds represent the reflecting stones she saw in the mountain streams as she walked with her Master and learned valuable lessons.

The Black Diamond Collection emerged from something called cracked ice, which is about finding breath and energy.  Each part of the collection is symbolic of the wearer. The jewelry pieces are considered “portable energizers,” meaning that they provide support for wearers.

“My jewelry was inspired and designed to evoke and maintain those same meditative qualities in whomever wears it, to follow them throughout their day and to remind them of their dreams and desires,” says Carole. “Like all of my designs, every piece in my Black Diamond Collection works like a life compass, keeping the wearer on course toward personal happiness.”

More Jewelry….

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take some time to think about your dreams and desires. Post on social media using #BlackDiamondMonth.