Photography Tips for Different Types of Photography

Photography Tips for Different Types of Photography Photography Techniques for Taking Different Types of Photography ChaptersWhat is Contemporary Photography?What is Humanist Photography?Landscape Photography TipsPhotographs that Have Marked HistoryThe Evolution of Food PhotographyPhotojournalism, aerial photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, digital photography, artistic photography… the art of taking photographs is anything but limited.Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, every genre of photography is open for you to express your creativity!The profession of photography is also incredibly accessible thanks to the many avenues that can be pursued when it comes to training for a career in the area.But just how much do you know about the origins of the art and the cultures within it?To be a photographer is also to have an appreciation for the history of photography and bear it in mind when creating your own photographic art.If you’re a beginner and considering getting into photography, what do you need to know before you get started; what are the photogr aphy basics? AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Contemporary Photography?Throughout the history of photography, the artistic styles used within the practice of taking photographs have been incredibly varied.From the emergence of photography towards the end of the 19th century to the growth in popularity of Instagram in the last few years, photographers have come a long way.So, what is meant by the term ‘contemporary photography’?Often referred to as modern photography by amateur photographers, contemporary photography corresponds to an era defined by precise dates.Contemporary photography includes every photograph taken from the year 1980 until the modern day â€" that’s quite a large photo album!Even the photographs you post on Instagram are classed as Modern Photography! ¦ source: Pixabay - Webster2703Sandro Miller, Sabine Pigalle, Thomas Ruff, Terry Richardson and Richard Avedon are just a few of the many contemporary photographers who have brought artistry to the world of photography.Any budding photographer must be aware of the different movements within contemporary photography.One such movement is that of fine art photography.This movement is defined by photographic works which are more creative than documentary photography found in the press. They exist to communicate the creative vision of their artists (or photographers), rather than to document specific e vents.Other contemporary movements within the discipline of photography include subjective photography, which is a depiction of the artist’s inner psyche rather than the outside world.Fashion photography is also a large part of photography in the modern age. This fashion photographer holds an extremely important position in contemporary society.What is Humanist Photography?Artists including Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa emerged as humanist photographers in France in the period between the world wars.During the aftermath of the Second World War, France was in a state of devastation.Its economy was in tatters and everything has to be rebuilt. The horrors of war had shocked and scarred the minds of many.Amongst the distress, certain photographers sought to capture the simple pleasures that they saw in life on camera.Robert Doisneau photographed a couple kissing in the street. This photograph became the symbol of the incredibly French artistic movement that is humanist photogr aphy across the globe.Artist puts Man at the heart of their creativity.The most popular subjects among humanist photographers are men, women and children going about their daily lives. Schoolchildren, labourers, housewives… everyone is important to the humanist photographer.This movement went strength to strength as more and more artists began to see art in the everyday.Some photographers were particularly interested in photographing the societies of certain defining periods of history.This style of photography is close to war photography and photo journalism.This era also saw the birth of the very first photography agency in 1947: Magnum Photos.Photographers became more independent in their work and had an opportunity to choose their own subjects and develop a personal style. Most of their photos were published in magazines such as Life and Paris-Match.Humanist photography remains a popular area for exploration among modern-day photographers.This documentary-style of photography is largely used in news articles, but it is also displayed in art galleries. AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLandscape Photography TipsAnother popular genre is landscape photography.Landscape photography is as old as photography itself. Throughout the history of taking pictures, landscapes have fascinated professional as well as amateur photographers.Landscape photographers capture the essence of a landscape or scene. If you decide to learn more about photography in online photography courses or on beginner photography courses, you'll learn all about white balance, the aperture of a lens, shutter speed and editing images with photoshop.So, what do the experts recommend when it comes to taking photographs of landscapes?There are several things you should consider if you want to get the most out of the landscape and your equipment.Be inspired by nature as a landscape photographer ¦ source: Pixabay - bosmanerwinFirstly, you need to choose the right material. Choosing the right material doesn’t mean buying the best quality and therefore most expensive equipment. You need to define your needs as a photographer before you begin your search for equipment.Most photographers advise that you use a tripod. This will help to stabilise the camera, which will ensure sharper photos and give you the opportunity to take long-exposure shots.You should also work on your composition. To do thi s, you will need to practice choosing a good frame and working with the rule of thirds.As an amateur photographer, this is the best piece of advice I have ever been given: either rise early or sleep late.This advice is based on the fact that the sunlight at dawn and dusk makes for more aesthetically appealing photographs as sunrises and sunsets bring an aspect of originality to a scene, casting shadows and contrast.This can also be true for the weather.Thunder and lightning, rain, and fog can bring a particular ambience to a landscape which makes for interesting nature photography.So, zip up your coat and go outdoors, even when the weather isn’t so inviting â€" you will be rewarded!As a photographer, you should try to find inspiration in the everyday. Whether it’s looking for a good landscape photos while walking your dog or taking note of the best places to see the sun set, working within areas that are familiar to you will help you regularly practice your photography skills as well as expand your portfolio.You can also look to other photographers for ideas on the direction in which to take your work.Of course, taking inspiration from others doesn’t mean copying them, but understanding what you like about their style.Landscape photography is first and foremost about knowing how to observe and capture your favourite element of the scenery in a photograph.Photographs that Have Marked HistoryThere are many famous photographs which have captured the minds of the public.Whether it’s because they’re particularly striking or thought-provoking, these images span a variety of genres and carry different messages.So, what are the names of these big-impact pictures?The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville - Robert DoisneauThe Vulture and the Little Girl - Kevin CarterAfghan Girl - Steve McCurryTank Man - Jeff WidenerHeart in Voh - Yann Arthus BertrandV-J Day in Times Square - Alfred EisenstaedtNapalm Girl - Nick UtThe Agony of Omayra Sànchez - Frank FournierManaus Woma n Resisting Eviction - Luiz VasconcelosSaigon Execution - Eddie AdamsThe Death of Aylan - Nilüfer DemirPortrait of Che Guevara - Alberto KordaThe Falling Man - Richard DrewBliss - Charles O’RearThe Burning Monk - Malcolm BrowneBehind each one of there photographs lies a story.The story of a man, of a woman, or the destiny of a Buddhist or revolutionary.These are unforgettable stories which have marked history and humanity by being caught on camera.The Evolution of Food PhotographyWe’ve all taken photographs of successful recipes and restaurant meals before.In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity of culinary photography for both amateur and professional photographers.Culinary photography is a type of commercial photography and a genuine profession â€" but who do you end up working for?Professional culinary photographers can work completely independently if they so wish. The main type of work you will find as a food photographer will be working with businesses on th eir advertisements.Good cookery books need good photographers to sell them! ¦ source: Pixabay - RitaEWhether you work with restaurants or producers, you’ll never be short of places to look for clients.It is also possible that you will become a full-time employee of a business as a culinary photographer. For instance, you may find yourself taking pictures to appear in cookbooks.After all, what would be the appeal of a recipe book without photographs to tempt you to try them?If you want to get into the business of culinary photography, all you have to do is take a photography course on the subject!Photography is first and foremost an art, and culinary photography is the still life painting of the photography world.By taking lessons in photography, you will learn about working with different photography techniques and learn to understand how natural light can affect an image.Once you have learned and mastered the basics of photography, you’ll be ready to specialise in any area you wish with advanced photography classes, which may include tutorials on portraiture, street photography or studio photography.Taking a photography class can give you the level of skill you need to learn how to shoot photographs professionally and pursue a career in your passion.It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on what other photographers are doing. Follow the Instagram accounts that inspire you as you improve your photography skills and develop your personal style.So, whether you'd simply like some home photography tips and tricks from a professional instructor, or you're considering a career as a photojournalist, taking photography lessons can help you take your shooting to the next level.

What Every Parent Should Know About the Common Core Assessments

What Every Parent Should Know About the Common Core Assessments Our approach to education has changed a great deal in recent years. For instance, students of all ages must complete a growing number of tests in order to ensure that they are learning and retaining information. This reality can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you take into account the jargon and regulations that surround each exam. Perhaps you have heard of the Common Core State Standards Initiative and its related assessments. With 43 states participating in this initiative, many families may be wondering how its annual exams will affect their students. This guide aims to help. Here is what every parent should know about the Common Core assessments: They vary from state to state The 2014-2015 school year is the first year in which students will be tested on their understanding of the Common Core State Standards. Assessments will be offered by two consortiums PARCC, or Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Each approaches assessment differently. Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Rhode Island plan to give the PARCC exam. (Pennsylvania has expressed an interest, but has not yet committed.) The PARCC assessment is computer-based and consists of two parts. There are also two optional tests one at the beginning of the year and one in the middle. The second group, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, consists of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium will also utilize a two-part end-of-year exam. The first portion will be adaptive, while the second section will not be. Both will be computer-based. Each state chose its specific assessment or chose to abstain Each individual state was responsible for choosing which assessment would be provided to its students. However, while some states are working through the two organizations discussed above, others are developing their own comprehensive exams. You can help to prepare your student(s) There are several things you can do to help your student preparefor the Common Core assessments. First, introduce him or her to different technologies, such as video and electronic text. (This is especially important if your child is young.) These 3 ways can help you better utilize your electronic textbooks. Both assessments focus on comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing information, so you can also practice these skills with your student. Encourage your child to respond to questions using a computer, and practice computer skills manipulating graphs, typing, and so on. These are some great tips on how to create a good study environment. Students will be asked to write on the assessments, which may differ from past exams that were largely based on multiple-choice questions. Many students will find it useful to complete sample prompts, as this allows them to perfect their timing. These are some great tips for writing an essay. Finally, ensure that your studentis making real-life connections to the test material. When they can connect, they will be more likely to truly learn and remember the exam content. As always, be sure to check your states Department of Education page for the most recent and relevant information on Common Core assessments.

Three Tips to Find a Qualified Tutor Online for Higher Education

Three Tips to Find a Qualified Tutor Online for Higher Education 0SHARESShare Higher education is always challenging as it includes specialization in particular subjects where student learn subject much more in detail.   Homework and assignment and test preparation also gets complex and harder in higher degrees. If you are taking any higher education course and get stuck up with your difficulties, it is advisable to find qualified tutor online for higher education. Here are a few tips to find qualified tutor online for higher education: Qualification: Depending on your level of higher education degree, seek online tutor with qualification at least one or two degrees more than your level. E.g. if you are seeking online tutors for college degree then tutor should qualified post-graduate or Ph.D in your subject. The higher the level of tutoring you are looking for the higher should be qualification requirements. The tutor should be well aware about the subject that you are specializing. Experience: Experience is more important for higher education degrees. The experienced tutors are more matured have devised ways to keep student engaged and motivated on targeted success. There is college education degree which prefers tutors who have real time professional experience in the particular industry. However, highly experienced online tutor will take premium charges for their services. Recommendation/Reputation: Higher education students should seek registered tutors from reputed online tutoring service providers. They are screened, thus hold accountability for the tutoring. You can also seek word of mouth from family and friends pursuing online tutoring  from the service provider. These three are the most essential parameters that concern find a qualified tutor online for higher education. [starbox id=admin]

Five Tips for Reviewing the Midyear Report Card

Five Tips for Reviewing the Midyear Report Card Its a brand-new year and a brand-new term of school. That means the midyear report card has come home, which might be a source of stress, a source of pride or a little of both. As Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says, this is a great time for parents and their children to have open and honest conversations about school. We always encourage parents to think of the midyear report card as much more than something they should read through and file away, says Huntington. The report card presents an opportunity to review childrens strengths, areas that need attention, study habits and so much more. Most importantly, this time of year is ideal for parents and children to talk about school. When reviewing the report card, Huntington offers parents these five tips: Focus on progress. Pay attention to progress indicators and benchmarks on the report card to see how your child is moving toward mastery of grade-level standards. Look at the report card prior to this one. How do your childs grades in each subject compare to those on this report card? Talk about your childs methods. What did your child do to earn that A in English? What led to the C in math? Grades are a measurement of your childs knowledge, but its essential that you dig deeper to understand what your child is or isnt doing to earn themand keep up in school. Take note of any discussion about time management and organization. Some teachers put comments on the report card about these critical aptitudes, but if they do not, talk with your child about them. Have your child walk you through his or her approaches to staying organized and keeping track of all homework, due dates and other obligations. Gauge how your child feels about school. If youve noticed a lack of motivation or some negativity about school, open the lines of communication. What is causing your childs indifference or frustration? Look to the report card for any comments from the teacher about your childs demeanor and attitude too. Pay attention to any remarks about other skills. In todays complex world, students need a range of abilities to succeed in the 21st-century learning environment. The report card might have a section assessing college-ready and career-ready aptitudes like higher-level thinking, problem-solving and comprehension skills. Huntington reminds parents to reach out to their childs teacher about the report card or attend midyear parent-teacher conferences. She adds the importance of being positive and keeping perspective. Report cards might highlight trouble spots as well as areas of strength, but parents must remember that every student has ups and downs, says Huntington. One bad gradeor even several bad gradesdoes not define your child, and no problem is insurmountable. Whether your child is struggling a little or a lot, report card time is a checkup and nothing to be afraid of. If your child had a difficult first half of the school year and youd like to understand whats going on more thoroughly, call Huntington at 1-800 CAN LEARN. Well assess your childs current skills and identify areas where he or she might need additional help to get back on track.

Hidden Skype Emoticons and Smileys

Hidden Skype Emoticons and Smileys We use Skype all day, every day, to give English classes, meet with each other, and generally to conduct business and communicate with friends around the globe. One of my favorite things about Skype has always been the emoticons the people and symbols you can create usually by clicking the little smiley face in the lower right corner of the chat window. Often theyre funny, and they can sometimes be used to express something important.The other day I was chatting with a colleague, who accidentally asked a question I had answered moments before. He sent me this when he realized his mistake: I had never seen this emoticon before! I immediately began doing web searches to find other hidden or secret Skype emoticons, and came up with this list. To use them, type in the word, with the parentheses into Skype chat. For instance, (drunk) typed into the chat box will produce the image above.(soccer) : A little soccer player that juggles the ball.(mooning) : A man with his pants down and his butt pointing at the viewer. Possibly offensive. Dont send this one to your boss.(rock) : One of my favorites, a little emoticon face giving the heavy metal symbol.(facepalm) : A way to show frustration, a smiley slapping himself in the face.(wtf) : Try it. Its funny.(swear) : Similar to (wtf). These symbols are used in English in place of writing offensive language.(tmi) : In English TMI stands for too much information. Someone is telling you something that you dont want to hear about maybe about their sex life, or their bathroom habits.(smoking) : A smiley smoking way too many cigarettes.(bug) : A dead bug.(oliver) : A funny little smiley with glasses.(tovio) : A funny guy with a dog.(zilmer) : Another funny guy.(headbang) : Smiley banging its head against a wall. Another way to show frustration.(hollest) : A pair of womens legs that walk around.(heidy) : A little squirrel.(poolparty) : A guy who is ready for the swimming pool.Do you know some more? Let us know in comments. dann yR Just an hour ago I got the following icon from a friend using, I believe, her iPad: dannyR Well, it displays here. Anyone know where this smiley comes from? LOIEnglish I just see it as a square in Chromes web browser, but on my iPhone its a Smiley. Cupcakes Sweet (ph) its a phone that ringing (~) one of those movie take 1 thingies (Skype) the Skype symbol (punch) punching LOIEnglish Check out this site to see a lot more tips about using Skype: http://www.SkypeEnglishClasses.org mysecretrecipe.net (mooning) Charlotte Bach (red) : The red Angry Bird.

Reasons Your Child is Frustrated With Reading Comprehension

Reasons Your Child is Frustrated With Reading Comprehension 5 reasons why reading comprehension frustrates your child Reading comprehension is one of the most important subjects a young student will take, but its also one of the most difficult. Learning to read starts with basic ABCs and ends with a full understanding of what is happening to a character in a particular story or how to pull out important information from a text. Students who master reading comprehension will often find that their educational experience is much more fulfilling and less stressful but, they have to struggle through different elements of this learning process from time to time our Irvine reading tutors are here to help your child with their reading comprehension. 1.   An ongoing subject Many young learners become frustrated with reading comprehension because it’s something that takes a long time to master. They dont get the satisfaction of completing a difficult task straight away because it takes years to become a great reader. One way to remedy this is to break up the different learning elements into steps. If students can be congratulated on mastering different elements of reading comprehension, they feel good about themselves and have the energy to continue learning (READ: 5 Ways to Make a Biography Report Fun). 2. New vocabulary Almost no student will enjoy looking up vocabulary words in a dictionary or online. However, this is something many students will have to do to expand their knowledge base. Some students may be able to pick up the general meaning of a word in context but, eventually, there will be a word that just makes no sense at all. This is one of the more frustrating elements of reading comprehension but learning about new words is one of the best ways students can become successful readers. One way to help students deal with new terminology is to have them learn just a few new words at a time. Looking up five or six words isnt so bad but tackling a list of 20 or 30 words can be overwhelming. 3. Its taking away from their free time Nothing will make students enjoy reading less than watching other kids play outside while theyre working on comprehension. Although students who are struggling will likely need extra help, its important to make this time efficient and still allow time for a kid to exercise and play with friends. If a student has a reasonable homework schedule, theyre more likely to appreciate the importance of what theyre doing without digging their heels in and refusing to work. 4. Dry subject matter Young students will come across a lot of dry subject matter when it comes to learning to read. Although the information found within this subject matter can be extremely important to their overall education, it can frustrate students who are struggling with reading. When students are still learning to read, or just honing those complex comprehension skills, its essential they have access to characters and topics that are interesting to them. If they love baseball, they should read all about famous baseball players. If they think bugs are fascinating, then they should read about caterpillars and beetles. When students have a thirst for knowledge, theyre more likely to work through basic reading issues so they can discover that wealth of information. 5. Reading makes them nervous Many students avoid working on reading comprehension because theyre nervous about mispronouncing a word or being made fun of by a peer. This prevents so many students from speaking up in class and asking a question. One way parents can deal with this is by building up their childs self-esteem through positive reinforcement or working with an educational consultant to help them learn how to sound out words, write a summary, or increase their overall comprehension. Once a student is confident in their reading comprehension skills, they are more likely to persevere and become successful. Improve your childs reading comprehension with the help of Irvine reading tutoring from TutorNerds. Call us today for more information: Orange County private academic tutoring. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Can I teach English abroad if Im a non-native speaker

Can I teach English abroad if I’m a non-native speaker Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, you absolutely can teach English abroad if you’re a non-native speaker! We’re happy to debunk this particular myth. At Teach Away, we regularly place teachers from all over the world, including native and non-native speakers, in lots of great teaching jobs abroad. Too many to count, in fact! The best part is, demand for English teachers worldwide is skyrocketing right now. Do you: Have a bachelor’s degree? Speak English proficiently? Hold a TEFL certification? Have a knack for teaching? If you check all of these four boxes, you're golden. There’s going to be the perfect English teaching job overseas out there for you. Especially in countries like China, where English language learners looking for great teachers like you are at an all-time high (check out the graphic below if you don't believe me): In fact, that’s why we launched a new initiative last year, called the Explore Program, to help recent college graduates land English teaching jobs with our partner schools in China. For all the details, check out the Explore Program page Don’t forget, English is a global language and in many instances, being a non-native speaker can actually give you an edge over your competition. Why’s that? Well, just think of how motivating you can be to your students as a non-native ESL teacher. As a bilingual teacher, you have so much to offer. For one, you’ve been in your students’ shoes before. You also worked hard to learn English to a high level, so you know what it’s like first-hand to learn a language from scratch. Secondly, you have a depth of understanding of English grammar concepts that your native speaking counterparts won’t have, having learned the language intuitively from birth. Remember, native English speakers don’t automatically make better English teachers. So, don’t let your nationality or accent hold you back from applying to teaching jobs abroad - schools abroad in many countries are looking for job candidates just like you! With all that said, let’s get down to the details: Who counts as a native English speaker? In general, employers abroad consider candidates from the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand to be native English speakers. Hang on a second, that doesn’t seem fair, right? There are plenty of other countries that speak English as their primary language - countries in the Caribbean, the Philippines and India, to list just a few. The reality is, though, there are a few remaining countries that don’t count applicants outside of these seven countries as native English speakers. Stringent visa regulations in the UAE, South Korea and Japan, for example, require teaching candidates to hold a passport from one of the seven countries above, meaning schools in these countries are, unfortunately, restricted in who exactly they can hire. Where can I teach abroad as a non-native English speaker? Keep the chin up! There are still plenty of job opportunities for non-native English speakers in other popular teaching destinations overseas. The list is long: Thailand, Cambodia, countries in Central and South America like Mexico and Brazil, countries in Europe as well as Turkey, among others, all welcome applications from non-native English speakers. So, how can you make sure that you’re as qualified as possible for teaching positions in these countries? How non-native English speakers can boost their chances of being hired to teach English abroad. While being a non-native speaker isn’t necessarily a barrier to teaching English abroad, as with any job you apply for, you need to show you’re the right person for the job. When it comes to applying to teach English abroad, it’s important to first familiarize yourself with some common qualifications and requirements. Step 1 Head on over to the Teach Away job board and browse some job postings in the countries you’d like to teach in. This will help you figure out any gaps on your resume that could cost you that dream English teaching job interview. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Step 2 Ensure that you’re as qualified as possible for the English teaching jobs you’re interested in. Prove your teaching skills as well as your level of English fluency - taking a TEFL course can boost your chances of landing a job in one of the many and varied countries that welcome applications from non-native English speakers. Having some teaching experience also goes a long way to show your commitment when applying for English teaching jobs. This applies to native speakers just as much as non-native speakers, though! Remember to keep working on your English language skills, too. The English language is changing and adapting all the time. Read books, listen to English music, watch movies with the subtitles turned off - all of these daily activities will help you refresh your English skills! So get applying! Don’t let the fact that you’re a non-native speaker keep you from realizing your dream of becoming an English teacher abroad. Give it your best shot - keep honing those language skills, get your resume up to scratch, figure out where the best places to teach abroad are and keep an eye out for the right opportunities on our teach abroad job board. Good luck!

?? 5 Must Know Life Hacks for Dads

?? 5 Must Know Life Hacks for Dads 5 Must Know Life Hacks for Dads So now I have less time, less energy and more responsibility than ever before.How does a new dad keep on top of things?Here are a few life hacks for dads, tried and tested by myself… or if you just want to find out why I’ve brought a hot tub, skip to the end! Dad Life Hack 1Micro habitsThe newest research suggests the best way to change behaviour is to introduce micro-habits rather than radical change. This follows the idea of the nudge effect. E.g. if you want to eat more fruit, just put a fruit bowl on your desk. We are wired to respond to what is in front of us. If you want to change a habit, don’t do something radical, simply harness the things you already do.Here’s what I’ve been doing to maximise time and productivity.Dad Life Hack 2 App blockAs someone whose role involves connecting people and whose job is rarely restricted to working hours, I’ve had to create undistracted time to focus on the most important things.App Block has proved invaluable. You can set it to render your phone redundant during important times of focus (bath time for example). Or to block unnecessary apps for long periods of time (e.g. email, LinkedIn, bbc news, facebook etc).If you are a borderline phone addict and want to claw back some space so yo u can be present, this is a must life hack. Alternatively if your whole family are addicts then you might want to check out Ransomly.Dad Life Hack 3AudibleThe stats are clear, all the high performing execs read, read and read...with the exception of Donald Trump. But how do we make the time? This dad life hack is simple.During your morning commute, use Audible to listen to books that will help improve the way you operate and perform at work. You’ll start your day more focused and motivated, ready to hit the ground running. Set yourself the easy target of listening for just 10 minutes before you arrive at work. Dad Life Hack 4FitnessIs there a gym near where you work? I’ve joined a gym that is just a two-minute walk away from the office. You could negotiate a day a week where you have a longer lunch break and take a shorter break on the other days. Pop to the gym at lunch and you’ll be more productive for the rest of the day.Dad Life Hack 5Hot TubIs the gym not your thing? Thi s is going to be a bit out there but the other day I brought an inflatable hot-tub. While it can't travel back to a more simpler time, it does create a context for quality time. It was a spontaneous almost mid-life crisis style purchase. I was reflecting on the fact that now I’m a dad the evenings tend to be very homebound. And frankly using the free hour I have in the evening with my wife to watch T.V. every-single-night doesn’t do it for me, although I’m usually too knackered to do anything else! She joked that we should get a hot-tub…so I did.After a bit of research, I found a great deal on Tesco direct and went for it. We place the baby monitor within hearing distance, set the bubbles of and jump in!Has your over-tired parenting delirium caused you to make any spontaneous purchases? This guest post was contributed by Ben Woollard, Director of Authentic Recruitment and blogger at the Dad-Do blog in which he shares his journey of being a new father and the many nuances a nd learning experiences that come with it.