definition

  • Definition, Function, and Key Role of an Activist Investor

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    Activist Investor: What Is It?

    To alter the management of a publicly traded company, an activist investor, usually a specialized hedge fund, purchases a sizable minority stake in the business.

    Read More: David Birkenshaw

    The objectives of an activist investor can range from something as simple as offering management advice to something as ambitious as pressuring the company to sell, restructure, or divest, or changing the board of directors.

    Activist investors rarely purchase full or majority stakes in businesses, in contrast to private equity firms that purchase and restructure businesses in order to profit from their subsequent sale. Instead, they appeal to other shareholders and business insiders through both public and private communications. In the event that these attempts are unsuccessful, an activist investor may attempt to compel the company to comply with their demands by running a proxy election to choose new directors.

    A Comprehensive Overview of Activist Investors

    Investors who advocate for better working conditions for their contractors’ foreign workers or who support a dissident board slate elected to combat climate change are sometimes referred to as shareholder activists.

    However, maximizing shareholder value is the sole goal of many activist investor campaigns, and the majority of these are carried out by hedge funds that specialize in the particular combination of public pressure, covert lobbying, and business acumen needed.

    In order to offset the significant expense of such campaigns, activist hedge funds, as opposed to public pension funds and mutual funds, which occasionally also participate in activism, may hold highly concentrated stakes and augment them with additional leverage from derivatives like stock options. Activist hedge funds usually purchase a stake in an underperforming company just prior to demanding change, with the intention of profiting from the ensuing turnaround and price appreciation. This is in contrast to institutional investors, who occasionally resort to activism after owning a disappointing investment for years.

    Activist hedge funds are also more inclined to employ combative strategies than institutional investors, ranging from proxy battles to remove incumbent directors to poison-pen letters to management and disparaging public reports.

    How Proactive Investors Present Their Argument

    A Schedule 13D form, which must be submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within ten calendar days of obtaining five percent or more of a company’s voting class shares, is frequently used by investor activists to announce their campaigns.

    Instead, qualified institutional investors and passive investors—those who are not attempting to buy out or exert control over the business—may submit a streamlined Schedule 13G with fewer disclosure thresholds and requirements. Among other things, Schedule 13D filers are required to reveal why they purchased the stake and any plans they may have for the business, including capitalization, dividends, asset sales, mergers and acquisitions, and other policies.

    The activist investor has a fantastic opportunity to make their case for change at the targeted company public through the initial 13D filing. The filing also limits the activist’s ability to change their plans for the company and their stake in it while keeping it hidden from the public. According to current SEC regulations, any modifications to the information provided on a Schedule 13D must be reported “promptly” in an amended filing.

    Activist investors have the option to comment on a company’s response to their proposals through amended Schedule 13D filings. For instance, after funds connected to Carl Icahn disclosed a nearly 10% stake in the video streaming company, Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) adopted a poison pill. The funds filed an amended disclosure, referring to the poison pill as “an example of poor corporate governance.” Activist investors can also privately persuade institutional investors to support them, send out press releases arguing their case to other shareholders, or write scathing letters to incumbent managers.

    Shareholder Activism’s Future

    In May 2022, Carl Icahn bemoaned the notion that “activism is dying,” in contrast to the renowned investor’s historically unrestrained style. The proposed 2022 amendments to the Schedule 13D disclosure requirements have raised concerns among some, with Elliott Investment Management publicly claiming that the new regulations “will virtually shut down activism.”

    The SEC had suggested in February 2022 that the original Schedule 13 filing deadline be shortened from 10 calendar days to 5 days, with amendments being due the day after a material change instead of “promptly” as is currently the case. If approved, the proposal would essentially require 13D filers to list derivatives holdings (like options) that provide a financial stake in the business without the rights of shareholders that come with owning all of the company’s stock. The proposed rules would eliminate the need for investors to agree to act in concert and have the SEC designate them as a single group for Schedule 13D reporting purposes, which is possibly more contentious. Additionally, regulations have been put forth to make it more difficult for activist shareholders to stifle a business’s pro-ESG or environmental initiatives.

    Gary Gensler, the chair of the SEC, contended that the proposed stricter regulations would resolve “an information asymmetry” between other shareholders and activist investors. The proposed rules, according to critics, would make activism unprofitable by making it more expensive and difficult for activist investors to acquire sizable stakes and by preventing shareholders from communicating with one another.

  • Describe a Cash Card. Definition, Operation, and Kinds

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    Describe a Cash Card.

    An electronic payment card that can hold cash for different kinds of transactions is called a cash card. Payroll cards, bank debit cards, prepaid debit cards, and gift cards are examples of cash cards. Since credit cards are a type of debt rather than cash, they are not included.

    Read More: 카드현금화

    The Operation of Cash Cards

    Cash cards offer users a practical means of making electronic payments. Generally, you can use standard branded cash cards at any merchant that accepts the network processor. There might be restrictions on how alternative cash cards can be used.

    The most prevalent kind of traditional cash card is the banking debit card. Usually, a financial institution’s bank account is connected to these cards. They enable electronic payments to be made by cardholders that take money out of their bank accounts.

    Moreover, standard cash cards make it simple to take out cash from an account at an ATM. ATM transactions using a cash card linked to a bank checking account are typically free if done at an ATM run by or connected to a bank.

    Another kind of typical cash card is a gift card. These cards can be purchased at specific retailer locations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. They come pre-loaded with cash. Certain gift cards can only be redeemed at specific retailers, like Costco or Subway. Other gift cards, like those from American Express, Visa, and MasterCard, can be bought in different amounts and used anywhere that accepts them for a fee. These gift cards can also be obtained in different denominations.

    Cash Card Types

    There are also a number of different cash cards with different conditions and functions. Generally referred to as prepaid cards, these cards offer a cash card that isn’t connected to a bank account, which helps to support the underbanked population. Another kind of cash card that employers can give their staff members is a payroll card.

    Cards for Payroll

    One kind of cash card that an employer may offer is a payroll card. Employers provide payroll cards as a benefit to their staff members by forming alliances with providers of prepaid debit cards. They’ll let an employer credit an employee’s payroll debit card on a prearranged basis.

    These payments give the cardholder instant access to funds through a straightforward type of direct deposit. Payroll cards give employees easy access to their earnings and are simple to integrate into an employer’s payroll system. These cards function similarly to debit cards and carry a balance from month to month.

    Square Debit Card

    One of the top suppliers of prepaid cash card services and cash cards is Square. Cash Card is the brand name of the debit card that Square provides. Square’s mobile payments app, Cash App, is the source of this service. With Square’s Cash Card, customers can buy any kind of electronic product.

    Credit Card Cash Withdrawal: Dos and Don’ts

    Your best option for some extra cash at the end of the month might be a credit card cash advance. The best part is having access to funds right away without having to worry about submitting paperwork and waiting for a bank’s approval. The cash limit, which is a portion of the card’s total credit limit, is determined by the card issuer and determines how much you can withdraw.

    There are, however, certain terms and conditions associated with this feature that one needs to be aware of. Here is a list of things to think about when using a credit card to withdraw cash.

    Fees

    Although it is well known that credit cards have fees and interest, using a credit card to make cash withdrawals can be expensive. These fees are associated with these loans:

    The fee that is assessed each time you use your credit card to withdraw cash is known as the cash advance fee. It is shown on the billing statement and usually varies from 2.5% to 3% of the transaction amount, with a minimum of Rs 250 to Rs 500.

    Finance charges apply to both cash withdrawals and regular credit card transactions. The fee is assessed starting on the transaction date and continuing until the repayment is completed.

    Interest

    A monthly percentage rate, usually between 2.5% and 3.5%, is applied to interest charges. With interest rates ranging from 1.99% to 3.5% monthly and from 23.88% to 42% annually, credit cards have some of the lowest rates available. Cash withdrawals do not have an interest-free period like regular transactions do; instead, fees begin to accrue on the day of the transaction and continue until the balance is paid in full.

    ATM charge

    Depending on the location, you may be eligible for up to 5 complimentary ATM transactions each month as a credit card user. You will be assessed an ATM maintenance or interchange fee if you go over this limit. The cost for each cash withdrawal was Rs 15 until recently. But the bank changed it to Rs 17 per withdrawal as of August 1. The fee for transactions that aren’t in cash has increased from Rs. 5 to Rs. 6. The sums do not include taxes. Your credit card will be billed for the amount, and your credit card statement will show it.

    Fee for late payments

    There are late payment penalties, which can range from 15% to 30% of the outstanding balance, if you don’t pay back the entire amount. Credit cards have comparatively low overdue interest rates when compared to their competitors.

    Recognize the fees your bank is charging and decide if it’s worth it to pay them.

    Credit rating

    Although obtaining a cash advance might not have an effect on your credit score, the high fees related to cash withdrawals increase your monthly payments. Making only the minimum payment required can have a negative impact on your credit score. Make sure to send in your payments on schedule!

    Points for Rewards

    The majority of banks reward credit card users. This could take the shape of offers, presents, or other discounts. Banks design special initiatives to encourage credit cardholders to use their cards for purchases, dining out, travel, and other activities. You can accumulate Reward Points by using your credit card in these ways. These points can then be exchanged for gift cards, cash gifts, airline miles, and other items. It is advisable to choose a cash advance when you are in dire need of money because using your credit card to withdraw cash might prevent you from earning any reward points.

    The following benefits come with using the cash advance feature on credit cards:

    Usability

    You can use a credit card cash advance whenever it’s convenient for you. Moreover, there isn’t any bothersome paperwork, in contrast to all other loans.

    Receive incentives

    While only applicable in certain situations, you might get offers and rewards in the form of CashBack, Reward Points, and other things based on the credit cards you own.

  • HR Software: Definition and Selection of the Optimal Option

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    Human Resources Software: What Is It?

    A digital tool for managing and maximizing an organization’s daily HR duties and overall HR objectives is referred to as HR software. HR managers and employees may repurpose time spent on time-consuming administrative duties to more profitable and productive endeavors because of HR software.

    Read More: HR Management Software

    Since the early 1970s, when computers were initially used to handle human capital data, HR software technology has advanced greatly. In the 1980s, business clients started to have more access to HR systems, and in the 1990s, web-based software grew even more popular.

    The majority of newly developed systems these days are cloud-based, subscription-based, readily connected with other data management tools, and highly adjustable to the requirements, objectives, and financial constraints of a single company. To put it briefly, there is already HR software available for all shapes and sizes of businesses.

    RomeoHR is a full-featured HR software solution made exclusively for small and medium-sized companies. Its mission is to free up people to perform amazing work. RomeoHR frees up HR professionals’ time and energy by handling a large number of tedious administrative HR activities, allowing them to concentrate on initiatives that will most significantly benefit their company.

    The Operation of SaaS HR Solutions

    HR software, also referred to as “software as a service” or SaaS, helps the human resources department of a company by automating repetitive operations, organizing personnel data, and producing data-driven reports.

    The need of paper documents is eliminated because everything is done online. Employees and managers inside a company can benefit from SaaS HR solutions by getting help with things like performance management, updating personnel directories, and time tracking.

    HR software is capable of a number of tasks, including:

    organizing and preserving employee data securely

    Establishing procedures and monitoring approvals

    Time tracking for self-service

    monitoring staff education for growth and compliance

    Monitoring and disclosing worker satisfaction

    Goal-tracking and performance management

    Management and administration of benefits

    Automation for onboarding, offboarding, and pre-boarding

    Integrations with third-party applications

    tracking any change in data while keeping an audit trail

    Creating tailored reports to offer strategic understanding

    Cloud HR Software: What Is It?

    Often referred to as cloud-based HR software, cloud HR software is a web-based program that enables businesses to handle employee data and HR procedures in a safe, centralized system that is accessible from any location with an internet connection.

    While not all HR software is cloud-based, many firms now use cloud-based HR software as usual. It used to be standard practice to employ on-premise HR software, which is managed by the company’s IT department and deployed on local servers. However, more businesses are choosing cloud-based solutions due to the growth of cloud computing and the advantages that cloud-based HR software provides.

    Compared to conventional on-premise HR systems, cloud HR software has a number of benefits, such as less upfront costs, quicker installation times, automated software upgrades, and more accessibility and flexibility. Furthermore, cloud HR software may assist businesses in lowering the administrative load associated with HR duties, enhancing employee productivity and engagement, and improving data security and accuracy.

    Seven Main Advantages of HR Software

    Using HR software has several advantages, but one of the main ones is that it frees up HR professionals to concentrate on more productive duties and long-term strategic goals by cutting down on time spent on routine, low-impact administrative chores.

    Other significant advantages beyond this include:

    Decreased mistakes

    Enhanced arrangement of records and personnel information

    streamlined procedures

    ongoing criticism

    enhanced precision in analytics

    Enhancements to Succession Planning

    Maintaining compliance with federal rules by businesses

    How to Select Your Company’s Ideal HR Software

    Search for HR and Payroll Software.

    Consider if you require payroll software in addition to HR software as you buy. While some HR software integrates with payroll software to offer a smooth, end-to-end solution for handling compensation, not all HR software has payroll capability.

    Integration of payroll and HR software allows for automated data sharing between the two platforms, decreasing error-prone human data entry. For instance, the payroll software may immediately update an employee’s payroll records without requiring repeated data entry when the employee’s pay rate or tax information is updated in the HR program.

    In addition to assisting businesses in adhering to tax and labor rules, payroll software integration may also lessen the administrative load associated with payroll management. Make sure the HR software you select interfaces with your payroll software for a smooth and effective solution if it doesn’t already include payroll capability.

    Search for Extra Important Features

    HR software that offers other essential capabilities, such as performance management, employee engagement, application tracking, and onboarding, may be able to assist your company in achieving its objectives.

    Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS): An HRIS handles the fundamental data-management tasks required for various HR tasks, including hiring and monitoring candidates, keeping track of employees, handling payment and benefits, adhering to legal and regulatory requirements, and more. An HRIS can be the primary database of an all-in-one HR software system, or it can be independent software made to interface with other HR applications.

    Applicant Tracking System (ATS): An ATS is a type of recruitment software that aids in streamlining an organization’s hiring procedure from start to finish. Typically, it takes care of things like uploading job postings to various job boards, keeping track of applicant information, and reviewing applications to see if any fit.

    Onboarding: Software for onboarding facilitates and monitors the process of acclimating new hires to a company. Electronic signatures, pre-boarding packages, training monitoring, employee questionnaires, and other automated features are frequently included to help HR make sure new hires are receiving a seamless, compliant onboarding experience.

    Performance management is a tool used by HR specialists, managers, and staff members to evaluate workers’ abilities, establish performance objectives, and monitor progress.

    Employee Engagement: Promotes both individual and team engagement while also helping to enhance employee attitude. Analytics, coaching, feedback, and daily work priorities are used to achieve this.

  • Definition, Types, and Investing Guide for Real Estate

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    Real Estate: What Is It?

    Land and any permanent buildings, such as houses, or improvements, whether natural or man-made, affixed to it are considered real estate.

    Read More: real estate

    One type of real property is real estate. It is not the same as personal property, which includes things like cars, boats, jewels, furniture, and agricultural equipment but is not affixed to the land permanently.

    Awareness of Real Estate

    Although the phrases land, real estate, and real property are sometimes used synonymously, they have different meanings.

    The term “land” refers to the entire surface of the earth, including the water, minerals, and plants, as well as the space above it and the earth’s center. The physical attributes of land include its uniqueness, indestructibility, and immobility due to the geographical differences between each piece of land.

    Real estate includes both the original land and any long-term human constructions, including homes and other structures. An improvement is any land addition or modification that raises the value of the property.

    After land is developed, the entire amount of money and labor required to construct the improvement constitutes a substantial fixed investment. Improvements like drainage, power, water, and sewer systems are often permanent, even though a structure can be demolished.

    Real property consists of the original land, any improvements made to it, as well as the rights derived from ownership and use.

    What Kinds of Real Estate Are There?

    Real estate utilized for residential usage is referred to as residential real estate. Townhouses, duplexes, condominiums, cooperatives, single-family homes, and multifamily dwellings are a few examples.

    Any property utilized only for commercial purposes, including parking lots, restaurants, shopping malls, theaters, hotels, hospitals, petrol stations, grocery shops, and apartment buildings, is referred to as commercial real estate.

    Any property utilized for production, distribution, manufacturing, warehousing, research and development, or storage is considered industrial real estate.

    Land: This refers to undeveloped land, open space, and agricultural land, including ranches, farms, orchards, and timberlands.

    Special purpose: Real estate that is utilized by the general public, including parks, libraries, government facilities, cemeteries, and schools.

    The Real Estate Economy

    The number of new residential building projects in any given month, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, is a crucial economic indicator. Real estate is a major engine of economic growth in the United States. The report contains information on construction permits, housing starts, and housing completions for single-family, two- to four-family, and multifamily (i.e., apartment complexes) structures with five or more units.

    Housing starts are closely watched by analysts and investors since the data may give a broad indication of the trajectory of the economy. Furthermore, the kinds of new home starts might reveal information about the direction the economy is taking.

    A scarcity of single-family houses may soon be approaching, which would raise home prices, if housing starts show a decline in single-family starts and an increase in multifamily starts. 20 years of house starts, from January 1, 2000, to February 1, 2020, are displayed in the following chart.

    The Art of Real Estate Investing

    Investing in real estate may take many forms, but some of the more popular ones are house flipping, investment properties, and homeownership. Real estate wholesalers are one kind of real estate investor who contracts a house with a seller and then locates a buyer. Real estate wholesalers typically locate troubled homes, sign contracts for them, and carry out no repairs or upgrades.

    Rent or lease income as well as the increase in the property’s value are the sources of income from real estate investments. In the year-end 2021 U.S. house sales report, home sellers countrywide achieved a profit of $94,092, a 45.3% return on investment, up 45% from $64,931 in 2020 and up 71% from $55,000 two years prior, according to ATTOM, which is in charge of the country’s leading property database.

    The location of real estate has a significant impact on its value, and other variables that may also have an impact include employment rates, the local economy, crime rates, transit options, school quality, municipal services, and property taxes.

    Advantages

    provides a consistent income

    provides opportunities for capital growth

    portfolio diversification

    able to be purchased with leverage

    Cons

    is typically illiquid

    impacted by very specific local elements

    demands hefty upfront financial expenditure

    It can call for proactive management and knowledge

    Through a real estate investment trust (REIT), a business that owns a portfolio of properties that generate income, one can invest in real estate indirectly. REITs come in a variety of forms, such as equity, mortgage, and hybrid REITs. They are also categorized as publicly-traded, publicly non-traded, and private REITs according to how their shares are purchased and sold.

    Purchasing shares that are listed for public trading on an exchange is the most common method of investing in a REIT. Because the shares trade like any other investment, including stocks, on an exchange, REITs are extremely transparent and liquid. Dividend payments and share appreciation are how REITs generate income. Investors have access to real estate mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in addition to individual REITs.

    Which Financing Options Are the Best for Real Estate Investments?

    Purchasing real estate is often done with cash or with a mortgage backed by a commercial or private lender.

    Real Estate Development: What Is It?

    Renovations of already-existing structures, the acquisition of undeveloped land, and the selling of built land or portions to third parties are all considered forms of real estate development, often known as property development.

  • A Tender: What Is It? An Explanation of Tender Definition

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    A tender is a formal, structured procedure for obtaining products or services. It is often referred to as an invitation to tender, a request for tender, or a bid. Depending on the buyer’s preferences and the amount of information needed to make an educated contract award, a tender can take many different shapes and sizes. Price and quality are often the two criteria used to evaluate bidders in a tender. Below is a summary of the four primary categories of tender exercises:

    Read More: Tenders

    Categories of Bids:

    All interested suppliers or contractors that satisfy the pre-qualification requirements may submit an open tender. It is made available to the public on websites like Contracts Finder, where qualified bidders can make their offers.

    Restricted tender: Only a particular set of vendors or contractors are asked to submit bids in a restricted tender. A shortlisting procedure or pre-qualification standards determine who gets invited.

    Single-stage tender: A single step is involved in the procurement process in a single-stage tender. In response to the tender advertisement, bidders send in both their technical and commercial offers at the same time.

    Negotiated tender: In a negotiated tender, the buyer and one or more contractors or suppliers have direct talks. This kind of tender is typically used for complicated or specialized projects when the buyer needs input from possible bidders throughout the bidding process or is looking for customized solutions.

    Tendering from the Perspective of the Purchaser:

    A contract notice will be released to the market by the buyer (housing authority, local council, central government agency, etc.) who is in need of the products or services. The scope, range, value, location, and other contract terms of the works or services are often included in this so that bidders may comprehend the job in issue and determine whether it is appropriate for their firm.

    The buyer must legally make a call for bids if they are in the public sector and the contract exceeds a certain amount. Occasionally, a purchasing consortium made up of many agencies will release a call for bids using a framework agreement or dynamic purchasing mechanism. Similar to a cooperative, they hope to obtain greater value for their money from their providers of products and services by pooling their resources and announcing a big contract. In addition to a standardized pre-qualification questionnaire and particular information contained in the tender papers that broadly include a pricing and quality aspect, the buyer will request expressions of interest from prospective bidders.

    The Bidder’s Perspective on Tendering:

    From the perspective of a bidder, what is a tender? In essence, bids for the live contract opportunity will be submitted by your company and other possible suppliers, serving as applications to do works. Due to non-compliance or failure to fulfill minimal requirements, some bidders will be excluded at the first round. Others will move on to the pre-qualification stage, which evaluates skills and experience. A smaller number of bidders will be required to submit the whole tender response documents. One supplier (or more, if the contract is a framework) will be chosen to get the contract once the buyer has assessed the tender submissions. We call this procedure of bidding.

    Usually, when an organization wants to submit a proposal for a contract, it comes to Executive Compass in order to finish a live tender. Services could include building an office utilizing modular units, providing home care services, or maintaining a housing association’s grounds. Organizations may opt to outsource the process of preparing a bid for a variety of reasons, including insufficient resources, a lack of expertise with bidding, or a restricted ability to finish the job internally. We are quite skilled at responding to open tenders and meeting strict, non-negotiable deadlines, often within five to six weeks.

    The Procedure for a Tender

    As previously mentioned, a tender is the word used in commerce to describe an invitation to bid issued by governments and other groups for contracts. For projects or purchases, the majority of institutions have a clearly defined tendering procedure. Additionally, particular procedures are in place to control the vendor’s opening, assessment, and ultimate selection. This guarantees a transparent and equitable selection procedure.

    An official, organized call to submit competitive bids for the delivery of goods, services, or raw materials is known as a request for tenders. Laws were made to regulate the procedure since it is public and open, guaranteeing fair competition among bidders.

    For instance, nepotism and bribery could proliferate in the absence of legislation. Potential bidders can access a variety of commercial and public tenders through the tender services. These services include drafting appropriate bids, managing the procedure to meet deadlines, and guaranteeing adherence to relevant legal requirements.

    Comparing Competitive and Non-Competitive Tenders

    The two approaches governments take to selling government securities are referred to as competitive tender and non-competitive tender. Treasury securities, including bonds, bills, and notes, are sold by the US government to raise money for various government initiatives. Typical purchasers of government securities include individuals, commercial banks, businesses, pension funds, brokers, and dealers. Buyers will get a predetermined interest payment and the government’s guarantee of full repayment at maturity in return for investing in these securities.

    Investors have two options for acquiring government securities: non-competitive tenders and competitive tenders. In a competitive tender, freshly issued government securities are purchased by major institutional buyers through a bidding procedure. In an auction, these institutional investors bid against each other to acquire the securities. The highest-bidding investor will win the auction and be able to buy the security at the winning bid.

    Government securities are bought by smaller, non-institutional investors in a non-competitive tender process. Large institutional investors decide the price for these securities during the competitive tender. For instance, the U.S. Treasury will use the winning offer to determine the assets’ fair market value (FMV) when it holds securities auctions for sizable institutional investors. The price that smaller investors will pay during the non-competitive tender will subsequently be determined using this value.

  • Definition of Fine Art Photography

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    A photographer that does fine art photography is an artist. Fine art images are ones that are taken only for their creative and artistic value. Photography by fine art photographers is more than just taking pictures of what’s in front of the lens.

    Read More: artistic photography

    This post will discuss the differences between fine art and other types of photography as well as how to take artistic photos.

    Definition of Fine Art Photography

    Fine art photography is defined as photographic artwork produced in accordance with the artist’s vision. It is sometimes referred to as “photography art” or “artistic photography.” Photography is the preferred creative medium of fine artists.

    A unique and inventive concept, feeling, or message is conveyed through fine art pictures. They are the antithesis of documentary photography and have no business motive.

    How Does Fine Art Photography Differ From Photography?

    Nearly everyone has a camera on their cell phone these days, including kids. Photographs can be taken by anybody. Even while photography is becoming more and more common, there is still a big difference in the quality of different shots. Not to mention the variety of picture styles available.

    Determining exactly what constitutes photography and what kinds of images remain works of art may be challenging. Commercial photography in many forms is not regarded as high art.

    These categories of photography that aren’t creative include news, advertising, passport, and photographic proof, among others. Selfies, casual portraits, vacation and school images, and family gatherings are examples of personal or family photography that is not regarded as great art.

    Both Fine Art and Commercial Photography

    Fine art photographs are made as works of art and as a vehicle for creative expression rather than for a profit. The fundamental components and ideas of fine art photography are the same as those of other traditional fine art disciplines, such as painting and sculpture. Experiential art installations and mixed media works may also feature fine art photography.

    A great deal of remarkable and eye-catching photos are not high art; rather, they are taken for commercial use. These include news, magazine, and unstaged documentary photography, among other typical forms of photography.

    These photographers are not regarded as fine art photographers, despite the fact that they may possess extraordinary talent and that their images may have a significant impact.

    This divide boils down to the photography’s intended use; in photojournalism, that use is to record and communicate the narrative rather than to convey the creative visions and ideas of the artist.

    What Qualifies as Excellent Fine Art Photography?

    It is possible for anybody to take a picture, but not everyone is a skilled fine art photographer. A high art photograph needs to be more than just a simple, accurate depiction of a scene or topic. A great artist will have a distinct style or demonstrate a development in topics or techniques throughout time. Fine art photos are not taken at random; they are carefully considered.

    In their creations, fine art photographers incorporate aesthetic components and ideas. These talented painters will take into account elements like shape, texture, line, space, balance, color, and of course, light.

    A great piece of art must distinctly express the photographer’s emotions and creative vision. It is an artistic creation rather than merely a snapshot taken with a camera. Excellent fine art photography is unique, arouses the viewer’s emotions, and makes them stop and reflect.

    Ideas for Fine Art Photography

    Fine art photography is a method that integrates the creation of conceptual concepts with photographic abilities. Since fine art photography is a creative genre, your success in this field should come from your own ideas and vision. More innovative and well-known fine art photographers successfully express their own, distinctive thoughts through their images.

    Techniques for Fine Art Photography

    Digital or analog cameras can be used to produce fine art photography. Some traditional fine art photographers don’t employ digital methods or post-production editing.

    Whether using a computer editing suite or a darkroom, photographers may make changes to their photographs while they are being processed. A lot of contemporary painters modify their photographs using computer programs like Photoshop. Depending on their style and concept, photographers can also decide whether to shoot outside or in a studio.

    How to Take Photographs of Fine Art

    Photographic fundamentals are a must for fine art photographers. Many fine art photographers receive professional instruction, including developing procedures as well as the fundamentals of both digital and analog photography.

    Although they are the fundamental abilities of photography, they do not constitute an artist. An artist should visualize the look and message of their work before beginning to create it. For fine art photography to convey a message or evoke an emotion, this vision and concept must be expressed.

    Tips for Fine Art Photography

    Although there are always subjective standards for what constitutes good fine art, aspiring photographers might use the following advice to enhance their work.

    Examine the creations of renowned photographers.

    Make a corpus of work that flows.

    Play around with color and distinctive color grading.

    Try different approaches to digesting information.

    Concentrate on a single topic across your whole body of work.

    Learn the fundamentals of photography.

    Steer clear of other artists’ settings.

    Remain faithful to your own vision.

    How to Edit Photographs of Fine Art

    Photographers can use digital or conventional processing to edit and modify their photos. Whether using a computer editing suite or a darkroom, both of these editing methods take some getting used to. Even while many programs these days come with presets or pre-made filters, a good artist should edit their work in a distinctive and creative way.

    What Does a Fine Art Photographer Need to Learn?

    A lot of photographers will pursue higher education or become bachelor’s degree holders in fine arts or similar fields. Although obtaining this degree is not necessary to work as a fine art photographer, it might enhance an artist’s employability and skill set. An artist can further their artistic growth, acquire technical proficiency, and learn about experimenting with the aid of formal art education.

  • Definition of Light Duty Towing

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    Did you know that the US towing industry is worth $11 billion? This makes sense when you take into account the wide variety of automobiles that may need to be towed. Not only may passenger cars break down, but pickup trucks, semis, and even tractors may also need to be towed.

    When trying to employ a towing firm, the two most popular alternatives are light duty towing and heavy load towing. We’ll examine the distinctions between these two services in this section. See below for some advantages, disadvantages, and applications of each.

    Read More: Light duty towing

    What Is Light Duty Towing?

    Standard towing services like light duty towing enable towing businesses to transport cars. Its uses might include transferring malfunctioning automobiles to different locations, getting rid of illegally parked or abandoned cars, and cleaning up the roadways following collisions.

    All that is needed for light duty towing is a standard tow truck. These are the trucks that transport cars from point A to point B that you see on the road every day. Most passenger automobiles, including regular cars, minivans, and pickup trucks, can be hauled by them.

    They are capable of towing between 7000 and 11,000 pounds.

    Compact and strong are two characteristics of light duty tow vehicles. They’re simple to maneuver in confined spaces, crowded junctions, and more. Because of this, they are adaptable and have a wide range of uses.

    The categories that apply to light-duty tow trucks remain unchangeable. A truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) determines its classification. Class 1 and Class 2 light-duty trucks fall into this category if their GVWR is between 0 and 10,000 lbs.

    Light Duty Towing Benefits

    A few benefits of light duty towing are as follows:

    less specialized tools and equipment required for operation, making them easier to use than heavy-duty vehicles (however this is immaterial when you work with a professional)

    more energy-efficient than bigger substitutes

    less costly to hire than more substantial alternatives

    Capable of maneuvering in more confined or congested areas

    Basically, anyone who has to move in tight locations can benefit from a light-duty tow truck. If you want to tow larger or bigger cars with heavy cargo, it won’t carry you very far.

    Principal Drawbacks

    Light-duty towing’s lightweight design also makes it susceptible to a number of drawbacks:

    unable to pull anything bigger than a passenger car, such as trailer trucks, construction equipment, etc.

    They are too little to be a good long-distance haul.

    can harm larger automobiles if not used properly.

    The equipment is not quite as sturdy as that of a heavy-duty tow truck.

    If you need to transport bigger cars and heavy machines, heavy-duty towing is usually a better choice. That being said, light duty towing is not without its applications.

    Use Examples

    When an automobile breaks down, light-duty towing is first used. When a person’s automobile breaks down while they are driving, they can contact a trustworthy towing company to have it towed to their house or a dealership that specializes in auto repairs.

    Light-duty truck will be dispatched to the caller since it can drive the automobile through residential areas and/or small streets. After an accident, the vehicle may occasionally stop working as well. This implies that another application for light-duty tow vehicles is post-collision towing.

    Those that enforce parking restrictions or tow vehicles in construction zones could also decide to spend money on light-duty towing services. Purchasing large tow vehicles when they are not needed is a waste of money and energy. It’s critical to comprehend your unique circumstance before selecting a towing company.

    As soon as possible, begin the tow truck hiring process

    Although light duty towing works well for several common applications, there are numerous circumstances when a heavier load has to be hauled. Larger cars and bulky freight are best removed from the road with the help of heavy duty towing services. It’s time to get going now that you know if you need to hire a light-duty or heavy-duty tow truck.

    Our goal at ROADRUNNER TOWING is to swiftly and securely transport vehicles throughout the country, including automobiles and trucks. We are eager to talk to you about your specific needs and provide you with a same-day quote because of this. Hire our professionals to ship your automobile to any location in America securely and affordably.

  • Definition of Digital Marketing

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    Online marketing initiatives that show up on a computer, phone, tablet, or other device are sometimes referred to as digital marketing. It can appear in a variety of ways, such as social media postings, display adverts, online videos, search engine marketing, and sponsored social media ads. Digital marketing is sometimes contrasted with “traditional marketing” methods like direct mail, billboards, and magazine advertisements. Oddly, conventional marketing is typically associated with television.

    It may surprise you to learn that over 75% of Americans use the internet every day. Furthermore, 26% of respondents use the internet “almost constantly,” and 43% log on more than once a day.

    Read More: digital marketing

    When looking at mobile internet users, these numbers are considerably greater. Of all Americans, 89% use the internet at least once a day, and 31% use it nearly nonstop. It’s crucial for marketers to make the most of the digital era by developing a brand, offering excellent customer service that attracts more potential clients, and more, all while utilizing a digital strategy and an online advertising presence.

    With a digital marketing plan, you may interact with current clients and those who are interested in your goods or services by utilizing various digital channels including social media, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, and email marketing. You may then develop a brand, offer excellent customer service, attract new clients, and more.

    What’s meant by digital marketing?

    The promotion of companies to interact with potential consumers online and through other digital media is known as online, or digital, marketing. This covers text and multimedia messaging as well as social media, web-based, email, and other marketing channels.

    Digital marketing is, in essence, any marketing effort that uses digital communication.

    Digital marketing as opposed to inbound marketing

    For good reason, inbound and digital marketing are sometimes misunderstood. Email and web content are only two of the numerous techniques that are used in digital marketing, much like inbound marketing. Through the buyer’s journey, both are meant to draw in prospects and convert them into paying customers. However, the two strategies have distinct perspectives on how the tool and the objective relate to one another.

    Digital marketing takes into account the potential conversion rates of specific technologies or digital platforms. A brand may employ several platforms in its digital marketing strategy, or it may concentrate all of its efforts on one. For instance, a business can neglect other digital marketing channels in favor of producing content mainly for social networking sites and email marketing campaigns.

    Conversely, inbound marketing is a comprehensive idea. Prioritizing the aim, it then examines the various tools to ascertain which will most successfully reach the target audience and, finally, at what point in the sales funnel that should occur. Let’s take an example where you wish to increase website traffic in order to produce more leads and prospects. When creating your content marketing plan, you may concentrate on search engine optimization to produce more optimized material, such as blogs, landing pages, and more.

    The most crucial thing to keep in mind when it comes to inbound and digital marketing is that, as a marketing expert, you are not forced to pick between the two. Actually, their collaboration is optimal. To ensure that every digital marketing channel is working toward the same goal, inbound marketing gives digital marketing activities structure and direction.

    What is digital marketing crucial?

    Any kind of marketing may support the growth of your company. But since digital platforms are so easily available, digital marketing has grown in significance. As a matter of fact, there were 5 billion internet users worldwide in April 2022.

    There are several methods to leverage digital marketing strategies to connect with your target audience, including text messaging and social networking. Furthermore, digital marketing is an affordable marketing strategy for small firms due to its low upfront expenditures.

    Digital marketing: B2B versus B2C

    Both B2B and B2C businesses may benefit from digital marketing techniques, but there are some key differences in best practices between the two. This is a more detailed look at the application of digital marketing in B2B and B2C marketing plans.

    lengthier decision-making processes and, thus, lengthier sales funnels are typical of B2B clients. For these clients, relationship-building tactics are more effective, whereas B2C clients are more receptive to immediate offers and communications.

    Competent B2B digital marketers give rationale and proof, which is often the foundation of B2B purchases. B2C content tends to be emotionally charged and centered toward uplifting the customer’s mood after completing a purchase.

    B2B decisions typically require the opinions of many parties. The most effective marketing tools that influence these choices are often digital and shared. Contrarily, B2C clients like direct interactions with a company.

    Every rule has an exception, of course. A business-to-consumer corporation selling expensive goods, like computers or cars, may provide material that is more somber and educational. Therefore, whether you’re B2B or B2C, your digital marketing approach should always be focused on your own clientele.

    Examine your present audience in order to develop educated and focused internet marketing efforts. By doing this, you can be sure that your marketing campaigns are successful and that you can draw in new clients.

  • Definition of photographic processing

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    After photographic exposure, photographic film and paper are chemically processed to create either a positive or negative picture. This process is known as photographic processing. The latent picture is permanently changed into a visible image by photographic processing, which also makes it light-insensitive.

    Read More: Film processing

    Regardless of the producer of the film or paper, all procedures based on the gelatin-silver process are comparable. Thermally produced films and instant films like Polaroid are examples of exceptional variations. Kodak’s exclusive K-14 process was necessary for Kodachrome. Production of Kodachrome film was discontinued in 2009, and as of December 30, 2010, K-14 processing was no longer accessible. Materials made with ilfochrome employ the dye destruction method.

    Important phases in the creation of Ag-based photos. A latent picture is created (step 1) when light (hv) impinges on one of the two silver halide particles. Using photographic develops, the latent image is enhanced and the silver halide crystal is transformed into an opaque silver metal particle (step 2). Step 3 involves fixing to eliminate any leftover silver halide.

    Every film and piece of paper is processed in a sequence of chemical baths that are constantly watched over and kept at a certain temperature and treatment interval. Other baths are less susceptible to changes in treatment duration and temperature than developer baths, which are most sensitive to them.

    Processing of negatives in black and white

    To help the subsequent chemical treatments work more easily, the film can be soaked in water to increase the size of the gelatin layer.

    The latent picture is transformed by the developer into large metallic silver particles.

    A stop bath stops the developer’s action; this is usually a diluted solution of citric or acetic acid. You might use a cleanwater rinse in its place.

    The fixer dissolves any residual silver halide, making the picture permanent and resistant to light. Ammonium thiosulfate, or hypo, is a common fixer.

    Any leftover fixer is eliminated by washing in fresh water. The silver image may erode from residual fixer, resulting in fading, discoloration, and staining.

    If a hypo cleaning agent is applied after the fixer, the washing time can be decreased and the fixer more thoroughly removed.

    To help ensure uniform drying and get rid of drying marks from hard water, film can be washed in a diluted solution of a non-ionic wetting agent. (If the final rinse wetting ingredient causes leftover ionic calcium on the film to slip out of solution, creating spots on the negative.) with exceptionally hard water locations, a pre-rinse with distilled water may be necessary.

    After drying in a dust-free atmosphere, the film is cut and inserted into protective sleeves.

    The film is referred to as a negative once it has been developed. It is now possible to print from the negative by putting it in an enlarger and projecting it onto a piece of photographic paper. The expansion process can include a wide range of methods. The expansion strategies of avoiding and burning are two instances.

    Alternately (or additionally), the negative may be digitized after modification, retouching, and/or editing for digital printing or web viewing.

    Mechanical squeegees or pinching rollers take the role of the stop bath in contemporary automated processing equipment. Much of the leftover alkaline developer is eliminated by these processes, and the acid, when applied, neutralizes the alkalinity to lessen the developer’s contamination of the fixing bath.

    Processing for reversing black and white

    There are three more steps in this process:

    The produced negative image is removed from the film by bleaching it after the stop bath. Next, a latent positive picture made of undeveloped and unexposed silver halide salts may be seen in the film.

    Either chemically or by exposure to light, the film becomes fogged.

    The second developer is used to develop the residual silver halide salts, turning them into a positive picture.

    The film is then corrected, cleaned, dried, and cut.

    Color manipulation

    Dye couplers are used by chromogenic materials to create color pictures. The C-41 technique is used to develop color negative film, while the RA-4 process is used to create color negative print materials. Although there are variations in the initial chemical developer, all procedures are quite similar.

    The steps involved in the C-41 and RA-4 procedures are as follows:

    The silver negative picture is developed by the color developer, and the dye couplers in each emulsion layer are activated by byproducts to generate the color dyes.

    The produced silver picture is changed into silver halides using a rehalogenizing bleach.

    Removes the silver salts with a fixer.

    The film is trimmed, dried, stabilized, and cleaned.

    Commercial handling

    In commercial processing, the film is fed into the processing equipment automatically or by an operator handling the film in a light-proof bag. Films are often spliced together in a continuous line and the processing equipment is operated continuously. One processing equipment, with autonomously regulated temperature, time, and solution replenishment rate, performs all the processing processes. The film or prints come out clean, dry, and prepared for manual cutting. Additionally, some contemporary equipment automatically cut films and prints. This can occasionally lead to negatives being cut across the middle of the frame in situations when the frame edge is blurry or the gap between frames is extremely tiny, as in low light photography.

    What kinds of photographic film processing are there?

    In film photography, there are three typical kinds of developing procedures. These are C-41, E-6, and B&W, which stand for the three primary film types: black and white, color positive (also known as slide film or color reversal), and color negative.

    The majority of color films are developed using the most popular method, C-41. The colors are inverted on the film because it creates negative pictures. On the negative, the darkest areas will seem bright, and vice versa. Kodak first launched C-41 in 1972. The same process is also known by a number of other, less common names, such as CN-16 by Fuji, CNK-4 by Konica, and AP-70 by AGFA. The majority of laboratories can develop color negative film fast and affordably.

    Color positive film, also referred to as reverse or slide film, is developed using the E-6 method. Despite producing color pictures similarly to C-41, the outcomes varied greatly because of the distinct chemical reactions. These days, it’s a less popular procedure that not all laboratories provide.

    As its name implies, the black and white technique is the method used to create black and white movies. It generates negative pictures, just as C-41. B&W is by far the easiest of these three primary processing methods, making it a popular option for anybody starting to self-develop at home.

    Cross-processing, or using the incorrect type of processing for the film you use (e.g., developing color negative film in E-6 chemicals), is a common experimental method in the Lomography community because of the unexpected and fascinating results it may yield.

  • What Is a Forex Broker?

    A forex broker is a financial services company who provides traders with a platform to purchase and sell foreign currencies.

    Read More: FXTM

    Forex stands for foreign exchange. Deals in the foreign exchange market are almost always between two different currencies.

    A forex broker is sometimes known as a retail forex broker or a currency trading broker.

    Comprehension of the Forex Dealer

    The foreign exchange market is a global, 24/7 industry by necessity.

    Among a forex broker’s clientele are retail currency traders who use these platforms to make predictions about the movement of currencies. Among their clientele are large financial services firms that trade on behalf of other clients as well as investment banks.

    One forex broker organization cannot handle the volume of the whole foreign exchange market.

    The Job of a Forex Broker

    The G10 group of ten nations’ currencies are used in the bulk of foreign exchange operations. The nations and their corresponding currencies are the US dollar (USD), the euro (EUR), the pound sterling (GBP), the Japanese yen (JPY), the Australian dollar (AUD), the New Zealand dollar (NZD), the Canadian dollar (CAD), and the Swiss franc (CHF).

    Most brokers allow their customers to exchange foreign currencies, especially those from developing countries.

    Using a forex broker, a trader buys a currency pair to begin the transaction, and then sell the same pair to finish it. To convert euros into US dollars, for example, a trader buys the EUR/USD pair. It’s the same as swapping US dollars for euros.

    To close the deal, the trader sells the pair, which is equivalent to spending euros to buy US dollars.

    When a trade is completed at a higher exchange rate, the trader benefits. If not, the trader loses money.

    Opening a Forex Account

    These days, opening an account to trade FX online is rather simple. Before permitting trading, the forex broker will need a collateral deposit of money into the new account.

    Brokers also give their customers leverage, which allows them to trade more amounts than what they have on deposit. Depending on the trader’s country of origin, leverage can be anywhere from 30 to 400 times the amount accessible in the trading account.

    The Forex Brokers’ Revenue Model

    Forex brokers are compensated in two ways. The bid-ask spread of a currency pair is the first method.

    For example, the Euro-US dollar pair has a spread of 1.20010 and 1.20022, or 1.2 pip, between the ask and bid prices. When a retail client opens a transaction at the ask price and closes it at the bid price, the forex broker is paid the spread.

    Second, certain brokers charge additional fees. Some charge consumers for each transaction, special trading products like exotic options, or access to certain software interfaces.

    The forex broker market is quite competitive right now, and most businesses find that they have to reduce expenses as much as possible to attract retail customers. Several now provide free or extremely cheap trading charges in addition to the spread.

    Some forex brokers also make money from their own trading ventures. This may be problematic if their trading puts them in a conflict of interest with their clients. Regulations have placed restrictions on this technique.

    Regulation of Forex Brokers

    The industry is governed by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA).

    To learn more about the different brokers, anybody considering opening a forex account should check out the NFA website or the broker evaluations on Investopedia.