Best Sources of Stock Photography to Build and Market a Local Website

kayaker October 27, 2017 0 comment

Imagery is a great way for businesses to establish an emotional connection with their clients. Businesses often turn to stock photos, which they can create, modify, or distribute without having to ask for permission. Here are some of the best sites for finding great stock photos.

Best Stock Photography Sites

Gratisography

Gratisography offers users high-resolution images that they can add to their projects. Brand new pictures are added every week without any restrictions.

StockSnap.io

StockSnap.io has a very large selection of free stock photos and images. The search feature makes it easy for you to look for the image that you want. StockSnap.io also looks at views and downloads, so that you can always see which images are popular.

Unsplash

Unsplash has become one of the most popular sources for stock photos. The team judges every submission and tries to feature the best images on their page.

Death To Stock Photos

Death To Stock Photos sends a monthly pack of photos to your inbox that is based on particular category. You will have lots of options to use for your projects.

Kaboom Pics

Kaboom Pics has many different types of free stock photos. Some of the popular categories are food, fashion, abstract, and landscape.

MMT Stock

MMT Stock has many different high-resolution images. Some of the more popular themes on MMT Stock are nature, computers, and work-spaces.

FoodiesFeed

If you are a food enthusiast, then FoodiesFeed is perfect for you. FoodiesFeed has thousands of high-resolution food pictures.

Burst

Burst provides free stock photos through Shopify. Burst was initially started to help entrepreneurs create better websites. Most of the pictures on Burst are in a house and centered around trending business issues. There are a few general photos as well.

How To Use Photos To Create A Great Website

We consulted M Marketing, who specializes in SEO and web design/development services, to get ideas for using photos to create a modern, appealing site. Here are some of their suggestions:

Take some time to think about what your primary goal is. You must use the right images to convey your message. Try to focus on using a set number of images to showcase your website to avoid overloading it, which could make your website run slower.
For your layout, try to use a black or white background, as that will help your photos naturally stand out. If you have a lot of vertical images, then you should use a long scrolling display. Use a thumbnail display for horizontal images.
Try to have at least two visually appealing images on the homepage to help grab the reader’s attention. The gallery is important as well, so make sure that you are showcasing your best pictures there as well.
The about section will give readers the opportunity to learn more about you and your business, so it would be a good idea to add personal photos here so that the readers can understand more about you and your company. Another good strategy would be to add some images of work that you have done for previous clients. That would enhance the reputation of your product.

Manhattan Storage Company Tips on Cleaning and Storing Camping Gear

kayaker March 30, 2017 0 comment

Purchasing quality camping and hiking gear can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for name brand equipment. To cut down on additional costs while making sure that everything stays in good condition, it’s important to properly care for your items after a trip in the great outdoors. Living in an Airstream means that we have […]

DC Relocations – Most Picture-Perfect Neighborhoods in Washington DC

kayaker December 13, 2016 0 comment

We recently had the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C. to attend a dear friend’s wedding. While we were there, we stayed at the Monaco Hotel in the quaint DC suburb of Alexandria, VA, which was positively gorgeous at the peak of fall foliage in November. The neighborhood was charming and proved to be the perfect backdrop for some of the best pictures I’ve taken this fall. During our long weekend, we ventured into other areas of D.C. proper to see some of the other lovely neighborhoods this area offers.

Capitol Hill

Occupying 2 square miles and home to approximately 35,000 residents, Capitol Hill is D.C.’s largest historic neighborhood and one of its oldest. Its east and west boundaries are the Anacostia River and the National Mall respectively. This neighborhood was created from land devoted to agriculture dating back to the late 1700s. While its tree-lined streets are graced by 19th century row houses of varying architectural styles, each one has unique features that differentiate it from its next-door neighbor. According to local mover cheapmoversdc.com, this area sitting in the shadows of the U.S. Capitol building is a lively place to call home.

A favorite spot for Capitol Hill residents is Eastern Market that was established in 1873. Here residents may shop for fresh produce and meats straight from the farm, which is a dying opportunity in our modern age. On weekends, Eastern Market is a mecca for flea market lovers. We got to experience a Sunday afternoon at the flea market, but unfortunately, since we flew I couldn’t buy anything to take home.

Another unique feature afforded by this neighborhood is that Capitol Hill has its own newspaper, “Hill Rag” that has been continuously published since 1976.

Woodley Park

This affluent neighborhood sits in NW DC, just 9 minutes from the White House by public transportation. Home to about 6,000 people, two of this neighborhood’s past residents include Lyndon Johnson and Herbert Hoover. We happened upon the Woodley Park thanks to our excursion to the nearby Washington National Zoo (I had to go see Bei Bei the panda while I was in town!) Woodley Park’s other immediate neighbor is Rock Creek Park, a large urban greenspace that is part of the National Park Service. This neighborhood’s exquisite architecture and cool boutique shops made for a perfect afternoon of exploring.

Shaw

Since the 1920s, Shaw has been the top neighborhood in DC for African-American residents and especially for students matriculating at Howard University. This Northeast Washington area is a frequent haunt for Barack Obama who often hosts events at what is formally known as Walter E. Washington Convention Center. One of its native sons was jazz/soul musician and entertainer Duke Ellington whose statue adorns Ellington Plaza. While we strolling through Shaw, we stopped for a latte at Kafe Bohem, a local coffee shop frequented by Howard co-eds.

Penn Quarter

Deemed by many to be the new name for Washington, DC’s Chinatown, most residential units in Penn Quarter are situated on the upper stories of area businesses. A steady stream of foot-traffic along its sidewalks and the fact that there’s always a light on or a neon sign aglow makes this area a residential calling card for young adults and those who prefer a trendy lifestyle. We stopped here because of its proximity to the National Mall and the International Spy Museum. From food trucks to historical monuments, there were plenty of photographic shots to be taken in this interesting and thriving corner of DC.

If you’ve never visited DC, then you need to add it to your bucket list. As these picturesque neighborhoods show, this area is an incredible place to see and photograph!

What to Do with a Sunny Weekend in Austin

kayaker November 29, 2016 0 comment

Austin, Texas, the capital of the Lone Star State, is home to an eclectic music scene, delicious restaurants, and the University of Texas Longhorns. Austin also often keeps its almost 900,000 residents basking in sunshine and offers tons of fun things to do outside, which is why it’s one of our favorite places to spend […]

7 Reasons We Love Our Airstream Life

kayaker September 19, 2016 0 comment

You can recognize an Airstream trailer on the highway because of its bright silver color and unique design. Living in an Airstream has changed nearly every aspect of our lives. Though it comes with its fair share of headaches, overall, we are so happy that we took the plunge and bought a Texas Airstream trailer […]

Getting to the Northern Lights from New York City

kayaker September 14, 2016 0 comment

Often my work takes me to New York City, where my photography is on display at a gallery in Chelsea. Often, my weeks spent in the bustling city leave me aching for nature and a reprieve from all of the flashing lights and noises. If you’re one of the millions of residents who calls New […]

Best Foods to Pack for Your Next Camping Trip

kayaker September 10, 2016 0 comment

No one has time to cook 5-star cuisine when they are camping. You want to enjoy the great outdoors! These are some of our favorite recipes for car camping, which makes it easier to bring everything along. Read on to learn some easy and tasty campfire dishes you can make with simple ingredients, a lot of aluminum foil, and some determination!

Breakfast

Orange Muffins

Who knew you could bake muffins in a campfire? Just cut some oranges in half, scoop out the insides (which you can save for juice to drink with your breakfast), and pour your favorite muffin batter inside. Top the filled halves with empty orange halves, wrap them in tin foil, and place in the coals. Soon you’ll have delicious, easy muffins to eat for breakfast or to take on a hike.

Baked Apples

If you want a breakfast that is equal parts delicious and nutritious, try making baked apples in the coals. Wash and core one apple per person and fill it with your favorite fixin’s: Nutella, peanut butter, oats, brown sugar, raisins, you name it! Wrap in tin foil, bake in the fire for a few minutes, and enjoy.

Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

If your family is more into savory breakfasts, try making loaded baked potatoes. Pre-bake some potatoes until they are mostly soft, slice in half, and scoop out most of the insides. Then, crack an egg in each half and top with pre-cooked bacon, cheese, or other toppings. Toss them into the Dutch Oven until eggs are cooked to your liking.

Lunch and Dinner

Dutch Oven Lasagna

If you’re craving Italian while you’re in the woods, here is an easy way to make it! Bring lasagna noodles, a jar of pasta sauce, some shredded cheese, and your favorite meat or veggies and you can make a tasty lasagna in your Dutch Oven! This is a filling meal for a cool night or after a day of intense kayaking.

Korean Bao Sliders

Hamburgers are a staple food of American grilling, but this recipe kicks the traditional patty up a notch. We took one of our favorite Blue Apron recipes for Korean Bao Sliders and made it campfire friendly (checkout this analysis for the full recipe from Boxed Mealz). Prep your patties and the mayo sauce ahead of time; keep ingredients in an iced down cooler until you’re ready to grill. To make things easier, we swapped out the steam buns the recipe calls for with our family favorite, King’s Hawaiian rolls. Cook the patties in a cast iron pan, then cover in foil to retain the heat. While the meat is resting, roast sweet potatoes in the burger grease over the open flame. This delicious twist on a basic burger and fries is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Kabobs

These are the most versatile of campfire foods. Bring a variety of meats and vegetables so each person can customize their kabob. Then simply place them on a grate over the fire to cook. Fast, easy, and delicious!

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

This fun idea is so easy but looks fancy! Slice a loaf of bread, then tuck cheese, sliced roast beef, peppers, onions, and mushrooms inside. Wrap it in aluminum foil and place it over the fire to cook until it’s gooey. The whole family will love this one!

Snacks

Banana Boats

For a (sort of) healthy snack, slice bananas lengthwise, then stuff with chocolate and peanut butter chips, coconut, or marshmallows. Wrap in foil, place in the coals until melty and enjoy. It’s a less messy alternative to s’mores!

Cheesy Campfire Fries

Make these fries as a side for dinner or a filling snack. Tuck some frozen fries in foil and cook over the fire. You can add a can of chili and cheese and cook again to spice it up!

If you love camping as much as we do, we think you’ll enjoy these great campfire meals! For more camping advice, check out our camping gear storage tips.

Relocation Guide – Great Getaways from Killeen, TX

kayaker September 7, 2016 0 comment

Texas has some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the country. Why not explore them first hand in a kayak? We fell in love with the scenery of this expansive state on a trip there this summer. Check out the list below for some of our favorite destinations for kayaking (or canoeing or camping!) in the Lone Star state.

1. Lady Bird Lake

If you are lucky enough to live in Austin, and want to take a scenic kayaking trip without venturing too far from home, head out to Lady Bird Lake. Located in downtown Austin, this lake makes for a beautiful natural escape smack dab in the middle of the city. The lake, fondly known by Austin natives as Town Lake, offers paddling loops ranging from 3 to 11 miles long, as well as hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots. If you don’t own a watercraft, there are plenty of docks along the lake where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP board for the afternoon.

2. Brazos River

For the more experienced and adventurous kayaker, the Brazos River offers a taste of Texas’s wild side. There are no rapids here, so you can paddle along easily while taking in the views of granite cliffs and the Palo Pinto Mountains. Paddle from Possum Kingdom Lake to Highway 4 for a 19-mile trip, or make it longer by going to Highway 180 (about 38 miles). There are no public campsites along the Brazos, but brave outdoorsy types are welcome to set up tents along the sand bars, which are public land.

3. Guadalupe River

The Guadalupe River has it all. Smooth sections, Class III rapids, lush banks full of mature trees, clear water, and year-round trout fishing. This is a great destination for those who want to see (and photograph) some of the best natural beauty Texas has to offer. If you don’t know where to start, the part of the river near Canyon Lake has the best fishing opportunities and most varied paddling trails. Or, book a trip with the Guadalupe Canoe Livery, which also offers rentals and convenient riverfront campsites.

4. Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou

When you visit Caddo Lake, you will think you left Texas and landed in Florida! It is the only natural lake in Texas and has over 26,000 acres of swamps and bayous. Check out one of the lake’s ten official paddling trails, which offer over 50 miles of paddling adventures for kayakers! Fish for over 70 different species or just take in the scenery, with its moss, cypress trees, and occasional alligator sightings!

5. Morgan’s Point Resort

Just outside the city of Killeen, TX, you’ll find an area known as Morgan’s Point Resort. Sitting on the edge of Belton Lake, close to Fort Hood, this is the perfect launching point for 3 popular paddling trails: Tanyard Springs, Camp Kachina, and Mother Neff. These three trails take about 1-3 hours each, winding paddlers along the tall bluffs and through the lake’s still coves. We were originally told about this delightful kayaking area by friends of ours who were stationed for a few years at nearby Fort Hood. On move-in day they asked their Killeen moving company for some advice on local attractions. The movers suggested investing in kayaks and exploring Belton Lake on their own, rather than renting them from the base recreation area (BLORA). The waters of Belton Lake soon became a favorite weekend destination for the whole family.

6. Lighthouse Lakes

Despite the name, the Lighthouse Lakes are not lakes at all. They are actually a series of flats and tidal channels on the Texas Gulf Coast. Here you can paddle through sea grass as you watch marine birds or take advantage of the amazing fishing opportunities. This destination is perfect for beginner kayakers, as the four marked paddling trails range between 1.25 and 6.8 miles long. Don’t forget to look for the Civil War era Lydia Ann Lighthouse for which the “lakes” are named that is still in use as a private navigational aid today.

Reasons Canada Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

kayaker September 3, 2016 0 comment

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast that loves camping, hiking, climbing or skiing then you really need to add Canada to your bucket list. Repeatedly named as one of the most livable places in the world, Canada has wide open spaces, virgin Forests, mountains and coastlines bordering three oceans. The people are incredibly friendly and there […]

Our Favorite 14ers to Hike in Colorado

kayaker August 22, 2016 0 comment

Colorado has more than 53 14ers in the state, making it a paradise for hikers, climbers and skiers but not all of these peaks are accessible. Between the terrain and private land ownership some of those peaks are a little too hard to get to for the average climber. Some of the others are easily […]