City of Charlotte Giving Out $30 Million To Small Businesses Impacted by Pandemic – Apply Now

Charlotte Stories
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City of Charlotte Giving Out $30 Million To Small Businesses Impacted by Pandemic – Apply Now

Applications for the Access to Capital Small Business Recovery grants program are now available at fftc.org/CLTcitygrant. The City of Charlotte recently partnered with Foundation For The Carolinas to launch the program, which will distribute $30 million in federal CARES Act funding to local small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is part of the City’s Open for Business initiative and will distribute grants of either $10,000 or $25,000 (depending on the number of employees) to small businesses headquartered within Charlotte city limits that have been affected by the pandemic. FFTC serves as the City’s grantmaking partner for the effort.

The Access to Capital Small Business Recovery Program aims to provide funding rapidly, accessibly and equitably for Charlotte’s diverse small business community. Applications will be selected randomly by geography from the applicant pool for review. Businesses only need to apply once. However, the likelihood of receiving a grant increases the earlier an application is received, because it will be available for selection each day.

To qualify, a small business must:

  • Be headquartered within the Charlotte city limits
  • Employ 25 or fewer employees (including part-time, if reported on company’s W-3)
  • Have been established before Jan. 1, 2020
  • Have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Have gross sales for 2019 of at least $30,000 and less than $2 million
  • Not be currently engaged in bankruptcy proceedings

Full eligibility requirements and a list of required documentation are available at fftc.org/CLTCityGrant. It is anticipated that the number of applicants will exceed the available funding, so grants are not guaranteed.

Priority will be given to businesses that have not received federal or state COVID-19 related financial support, or funding from the City’s Micro Business Relief Fund. Phase 1 awards will be distributed the week of June 30 and July 6, while Phase 2 awards will be issued the week of Aug. 3.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m., July 31, and are available in English, Spanish, Nepali, French, Chinese and Vietnamese. For a complete list of criteria and to apply, visit fftc.org/CLTCityGrant. Contact cltcitygrant@fftc.org or 704.998.6499 for assistance.

Top 5 Urban Scavenger Hunts In Uptown Charlotte

Steve
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Top 5 Urban Scavenger Hunts In Uptown Charlotte

urban-scavenger-hunts-in-charlotteAs high-rise development in Uptown Charlotte continues to grow and expand, so does the number of things to explore and discover for both visitors and locals alike.

As more and more people feel the need to explore our city, a new trend is starting to emerge – the ‘Urban Scavenger Hunt’.

The idea is basically to challenge a group of friends to see who can solve clues and find iconic spots, businesses, statues, and memorials around Uptown the fastest.

Based on Groupon user reviews, these are currently the top 5 best Urban Scavenger Hunts in Charlotte:

#5 Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt

Our Operation City Quest is a massive, uptown scavenger hunt and adventure tour. With over 130 city objects to locate, and get points for, as well as trivia and guide challenges for even more points.

They’re now offering a 57% off Groupon deal.

#4 3Quest Challenge

With the power of the smartphone, 3Quest Challenge transforms cities into massive playing fields for timed scavenger hunts. True to its name, the game consists of “quests” to locate a trio of checkpoints, where teams answer riddles or complete tasks to collect a clue that will be used to solve a larger overall puzzle. After visiting each checkpoint, teams must return to the home base for another clue before setting off on the next quest, all while racing against the clock.

They are also offering a 57% off Groupon deal.

#3 Big City Hunt

Fifteen clues. Two hours. One city. This is Big City Hunt, a self-led scavenger race that sends groups capering around town to solve riddles and challenges. But unlike other city-wide excursions, Big City Hunt unshackles racers from the tyranny of official start times and concrete dates. Players simply click on a launch code, head to the starting line, and set afoot whenever they’ve got two hours to spare. Guided by clues sent to their smartphone, they’ll discover hidden gems while getting fun stories and insights about historical sites they encounter.

Big City is offering an even bigger 66% off Groupon deal.

#2 Puzzling Adventures

Puzzling Adventures provides an unconventional way to explore some of the most beautiful cities around the world. All players need is a mobile device with Internet access and they’re prepared for excursions that combine the fun of scavenger hunts with the information of self-guided tours and the competition of The Amazing Race. During adventures, individuals, couples, and teams are guided to various locations where they are asked to solve puzzles in order to receive instructions to the next stop.

They are now offering a 50% off Groupon deal.

#1 Crazy Dash Digital Adventures

Crazy Dash’s organizers transform familiar city streets into playgrounds – or digital adventure games, as they put it. Teams sign up and, using their smart phones, follow a predetermined course along avenues and boulevards, taking in key sights from the city as they go. Along the course, they encounter ten or more checkpoints, where they answer challenge questions or snap selfies of a silly task such as singing in the street, sneaking through a fountain’s spray, or making eye contact with a stranger.

They’re offering a 62% off Groupon deal.

Senate of North Carolina passes the bill, limiting litigation risks amid coronavirus

Rebecca wright
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Senate of North Carolina passes the bill, limiting litigation risks amid coronavirus

We all know how the coronavirus damaged economy and situation in general around the world. The United States has been the most affected country by Covid-19, with more than 100,000 people dying from the virus. The states have begun gradual reopening, but it is far from over.

Most recently, the North Carolina Senate passed two bills, which basically limit lawsuit against companies that are opening during the coronavirus. The adoption of both bills was straightforward, and no additional debate took place.

The unemployment had a devastating impact, and it has been seen in various fields, For instance, online FX brokers accepting US clients expressed their discontent with the fact, that unemployment significantly affected the number of customers. And nothing is over yet. 

Paul Newton, who is a Cabarrus County Republican, declared that HB 118 would limit the lawsuit risk, once businesses reopened. But he also noted that if someone claimed, he or she contracted the coronavirus, at the business that had been shut down temporarily during the pandemic, could force away from the company out of business. 

However, the businesses are required to announce all the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Of course, the consumer should take into account all the dangers, he or she will face while stepping into the company. If the bill becomes the law, some scenarios could create liability. 

The bill passed 40-7, and another bill called the immunity bill passed 39-8. Next, they should go to the House. 

How has the situation been in the United States recently?

Record morbidity and hospitalization for coronavirus are recorded in several US states, including Florida and Texas, amid President Donald Trump’s plans to hold an election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

For Alabama, Sunday was the fourth consecutive day when state authorities reported a record number of new cases.

According to Reuters, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina have recorded a record number of new cases in the past three days.

Many health officials attribute the surge to Commemoration Day celebrations in late May.

Across the country on Saturday, more than 25 thousand new cases were recorded. This is the highest figure for Saturday, starting May 2, but partly due to the expansion of testing over the past six weeks.

However, health authorities are particularly worried by the fact that many of these states also record a record number of hospital admissions, which are not associated with expanded testing.

Hospitals in Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah received a record number of patients on Saturday.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo warned authorities in New York City and Long Island that their “discovery” would be in jeopardy if crowds did not stop.

Cuomo said that the state received 25 thousand complaints about violation of the rules of social distance and other requirements caused by an emergency. Most of them relate to Manhattan and Hamptons – a rich beach area on the eastern tip of Long Island.

“There is a real possibility that we will suspend the opening in these areas,” he said at a briefing.

 

The World’s Top Esports Betting Industries

Robert Tilman
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The World’s Top Esports Betting Industries

Esports have their origin in the arcade video gaming competitions of the late 1970s and early 1980s, but they have come a long way since!

The arrival of widely-available internet in the 1990s, followed by the development of ever more sophisticated computer technology and fast broadband, made it possible by the late 2000s for gaming fans to compete online, leading to the development of the first serious esports teams and leagues.  

Since then, esports has developed into a billion dollar business, with millions of fans following the action around the world and companies competing to get involved through sponsorships.

Even betting companies have been cashing in on this passion for esports around the world. In fact, esports is the hottest trend in betting today as fans attempt to turn their knowledge of the sports and players into profit, and new esports betting sites spring up to cater to this demand. 

The modern esports industry features a wide variety of games but some games remain more popular than others and there is no doubt that the three pillars of esports, attracting the most money, prestige and competitors are Dota 2, League of Legends and CS:GO. 

League of Legends

League of Legends is the elder stateswoman of the esports betting world. Sometimes abbreviated simply to LOL, it was released in 2009, quickly becoming the first global esports success. The game itself is classed as a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, which is one of the most popular genres for esports competitions. It features two teams of five players, each playing as one of a range of heroic avatars, competing to be the first team to destroy the enemy’s base.

LOL is one of the most popular esports for betting in the world, as it offers a variety of opportunities for esports fans to use their knowledge. Dedicated LOL bettors will bet on many of the in-game aspects, though the most popular betting markets are those for Match Winner or Tournament Winner, particularly the end of season LOL World Championships.

CS:GO

While MOBA titles dominate in Asia and South America, Europe’s favourite esports genre is the First Person Shooter (FPS) and no FPS title is more popular than Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). This game is based around two teams taking it in turns to play as terrorists and counter terrorists. Each game is played over a different map and the teams score points for various in-game achievements including kills, assists and the planting or defusing of bombs. 

As with LOL, the CS:GO esports scene has spawned its own betting community. The ESL Pro League, made up of four separate regional tournaments, along with the annual CS:GO Majors attract plenty of betting action, and CS:GO is popular with in-game bettors who try to predict the outcome of live markets such as Total Kills and Next Map Winner. 

Dota 2

Dota 2 is the newest of the big three games, having been released in 2013, but it quickly caught on with the esports fraternity, particularly in Asia. Dota 2 is another two-team, five-player-based MOBA that brings together some of the most attractive features of strategy and role play gaming, though with a particular twist of its own, that can make for compelling viewing. 

As with its two big rivals, Dota 2 has generated plenty of interest from betting fans, and its global schedule boasts the highlight of the esports betting year, in The International, the annual tournament that offers huge prestige and prize money for the winning team. 

Election Protection Hotline Available to Help North Carolina Runoff Voters

Charlotte Stories
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Election Protection Hotline Available to Help North Carolina Runoff Voters

On Tuesday, June 23, legal volunteers staffing the non-partisan Election Protection 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) hotline will be available to answer calls from North Carolina voters experiencing problems at the polls, including issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotline will be available for the duration of North Carolina’s election day – polls open in North Carolina from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm EDT. The hotline is a resource for voters who seek to confirm their voter registration status, find their polling location or report any complaints regarding the voting process.

The following suite of hotlines are available to voters:

  • 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) – English hotline
  • 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) – Spanish/English
  • 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) – Arabic/English hotline
  • 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) – Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Urdu and Vietnamese hotline

Election Protection is the nation’s largest and longest-running nonpartisan voter protection coalition. Founded in 2001, Election Protection is anchored by the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline and other hotlines that provide support to voters in 11 languages. The Election Protection coalition, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, also carries out its work through voter education, advocacy with election officials, roving poll monitors and rapid response litigation when necessary to protect the vote.

“The 866-OUR-VOTE Election Protection hotline is a resource for all eligible voters in North Carolina who seek to participate in the election. We are particularly focused on ensuring that voters impacted by the pandemic are able to access absentee ballots and are aware of in-person voting opportunities on Tuesday,” said Marcia Johnson-Blanco, co-director of the Lawyers’ Committee’s Voting Rights Project the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Election Protection stands ready to help ensure that every North Carolina voter has the opportunity to exercise the fundamental right to vote.”

Voters can contact 866-OUR-VOTE with questions or if they encounter problems when seeking to cast their ballots.

At Least 2 Dead and A Dozen Injured During Last Night’s Shootout On Beatties Ford Rd.

Charlotte Stories
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At Least 2 Dead and A Dozen Injured During Last Night’s Shootout On Beatties Ford Rd.

Chaos broke out last night during a Juneteenth celebration on Beatties Ford Rd. At least 2 people were killed and several more were injured during a massive shootout in the street. Witnesses reported hearing over 60 shots fired over the course of about 5 minutes.

According to CMPD officials, officers first responded to a call of a pedestrian getting hit by a car on Beatties Ford Rd at about 12:30am, just as Medic was coming onto the scene, the shooting began. Officials have now confirmed that 2 people have died and 7 more were injured from gunshot wounds, and at least 5 additional people were injured by vehicles.

Here is a video of the shooting and the immediate aftermath (warning: very graphic images and language):

The shooting began near the corner of Beatties Ford Rd. and Catherine Simmons Rd.

Police have now shut down several blocks of Beatties Ford Rd., from Dr Webber Ave to Lasalle St to investigate the massive crime scene.

We will update this article as new information comes in.

Main Principles of Skill-Based Casino Games

Robert Tilman
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Main Principles of Skill-Based Casino Games

Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology, we have witnessed an increase in the number of online casinos, PlayStations, Xbox, and other gaming types that can be conveniently accessed online and at home. As we continue to advance into the future, the more we realize how convenient it is to play casino games online instead of going to land-based casinos.

Gambling sites have no option but to keep on coming up with creative and innovative ideas to make casino games appealing and captivating. Among the avenues that are open for creativity when it comes to slot and casino gaming are skill-based casino games. 

It is a forward step for millennials who are conversant with gaming on tablets, phones, PlayStation, and Xbox. Since most millennials shy away from the casino environment, this is an opportunity for casinos to achieve their long-term goals.

What are skill-based casino games?

Skill-based casino games are gambling machines that have been programmed to reward players according to their ability to play a game. The outcome of the game is hugely determined by the player’s skill and not by chance. Game developers and suppliers also get the chance to create variable playback based on a wide range of identifiers. Better players are rewarded with a high payback.

This is the main difference between skill-based casino games and traditional games. You don’t have to develop any skill while playing traditional games to win. All you have to do is choose your stake and let the machine do its thing. 

As it spins, all you can do is hope that lady luck will visit you. With casino skill-based games, you can increase your payout anytime. The payback percentage will always be affected by how well a player plays his game.

Skill-based and online gaming casino reward the best customers and make referrals to players who make big bets in every game. The higher you bet, the higher your prize will be. Rewards are usually based on wagers. With this fact in mind, it makes sense for online casinos to give higher payback rates to players who place higher bets.

Online casino games with skills have been with us for years now. However, they haven’t succeeded in taking over the gambling industry until recently where the new generation started prioritizing them over traditional games. These games have not changed a lot because of the limiting laws and regulations.

Some players find skill-based games unfair because a few players will always have an added advantage over others. According to the law, some skill-based games that require 2 dollars only like slots should remain as games of chance. Skill-based games have variable payback percentages. 

Unlike traditional games where players don’t have any idea what they will get as payback, skill-based games give the player a clear idea of what he or she will get back. Since casino games are games of chance, most people shy away from a list of online casino games.

Is Getting Skill-based casino games right difficult?

Casino games that take skill are still evolving at a rapid rate. Up until now, the results have been marginal. Since their introduction in 2015, most online casinos have been offering them to players. Why aren’t elderly people improving skills in gambling at casino?

One of the common challenges is a lack of awareness. Most players have not realized that some games feature skill and not a chance. Another major problem is that developers haven’t figured out the right combination to attract more players.

Bonuses account for an average of three to five percent of return to player. This might not be a large enough reward to attract more millennials who are used to playing mobile games.

Another challenge facing developers is figuring out the type of bonuses to be used. By knowing the types of bonuses that most players go for in traditional games, they can incorporate them in a unique way to skill-based games.

Finally, everybody enjoys playing simple games. Creating complex skill-based games is such a turn off especially to the elderly.

The future of skill-based games

Skill casino games that have been presented to us may or may not win a huge number of players. So, what’s the future of skill-based games?

Obviously, no one can accurately predict the future. However, skill-based games of the future are likely to look like social or computer games. Some of the social games that have become increasingly popular include Candy Crush, Angry Birds, and Plants VS Zombies to name a few. These games are not only entertaining but easy to play.

According to lowdepositcasino.com’s guide, the majority of millennials would prefer a hardcore gaming experience in online casinos. After all, an advanced console player wouldn’t get much stimulation from shooting aliens moving at snail speed. Therefore, hardcore video games might make their way into the casino scene.

Today, you don’t have to speculate whether you are playing a traditional or casino skill games. According to the Nevada law, gaming platforms that offer skill games should indicate clearly on the gaming device whether the outcome is determined by chance or skill.

Apart from the challenges we’ve discussed, online casinos and developers must address the high degree of uncertainty associated with skill-based games. At the end of the day, nothing guarantees that the elderly and more millennials will be drawn to skill-based games. With skill-based games, you can decide your fate which is a good thing.

Conclusion

The gaming world is always progressing to captivate both the young and the elderly alike. Since most players have invested time and money playing their favorite games, they expect something in return. 

Unlike traditional games where lady luck can visit you any time, winning in a skill-based game is determined by your skill. If you don’t possess the right skill, woe unto you. For avid players, skill-based games present an opportunity to test their casino player skill. 

Lake Norman’s FLW Toyota Series Bass Fishing Tournament Rescheduled

Charlotte Stories
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Lake Norman’s FLW Toyota Series Bass Fishing Tournament Rescheduled

The FLW Toyota Series professional bass fishing tournament which was originally scheduled for April 30 – May 2 will now be held October 1-3, 2020. The FLW Toyota Series is a five-tournament circuit operated through the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization. After a mid-March pause, FLW competitions have resumed with new COVID-19 guidelines in order to protect the health and safety of staff and participants, to include limiting attendance to only essential personnel and competitors.

This event is hosted in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation and Visit Charlotte and is expected to include a total field of 300 anglers from across the country.  The top finishing pro angler is eligible to win $75,000. It will also serve as the qualification route for the 2021 Pro Circuit, which the top five pros in each U.S. division are able to enter. The launch and weigh-in will be held out of Blythe Landing.

“We are extremely excited to get this event rescheduled and retain it on FLW’s schedule.  The sports tourism market has long been our #1 market and we are fortunate to have a long history of hosting regional and national pro fishing tournaments, which inherently are better suited for social distancing protocols compared to other sporting events.  We are grateful for our long-term partnership with FLW as these fishing events will be critical in tourism being a vital vehicle in economic recovery”, said Travis Dancy, Director of Sales with Visit Lake Norman.

Visit Lake Norman will also host the Carolina Bass Challenge’s Classic which will be held October 23-24 out of Blythe Landing.  Hosting the Classic is part of a three-year host agreement, which also includes hosting a Carolina Bass Challenge qualifier event in 2021 and 2022.

Donations Flood Charlotte’s Famous ‘Lang Van Vietnamese’ Restaurant Amid Financial Struggle

Steve
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Donations Flood Charlotte’s Famous ‘Lang Van Vietnamese’ Restaurant Amid Financial Struggle

The City of Charlotte is now banding together to save one of the most cherished eateries in the Queen City.

Yesterday morning, rumors began to spread that Lang Van Vietnamese restaurant may be shutting their doors due to financial hardship.

The Charlotte community then sprang into action.

The Neighborhood Theatre posted about the situation on their Facebook page and asked all their followers to “drop by and show em some love and get a great meal” – the post has now been shared over 1,100 times.

Charlotte resident Carly West decided to take things one step further and launch a GoFundMe campaign to directly help the owner and her family.

In the campaign, West says, “I just can’t imagine not being able to enjoy the best Vietnamese cuisine outside of Vietnam ever again. I know many others feel the same, so please, let’s show the owners and employees how much they mean to us!” 

In less than 1 day, the campaign has already raised over $23,000. West notes in the campaign that she will be talking to the owner today to “input her information to withdraw the funds directly.”

Lang Van first opened in 1990 by No Duong and was sold to Dan Nguyen in 2004, Dan, her husband, and her 2 children have since become one of the most beloved restaurant owning families in the Queen City.

Food blogger ‘Lutterman Eats’ talks at length about why Lang Vans is so famous and what makes them unique:

 

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Ask any Charlotte native what their favorite Vietnamese restaurant is and 9/10 times you’re going to hear Lang Van. But, if you ask those SAME people what they order at what is often their favorite restaurant? Odds are you get a blank stare. Why? Because they first come to Lang Van for the food but they come back for the owner. The owner that’s well known for taking orders and then getting you something she knows you’ll like better instead. She is, I dare say, the most beloved restaurant owner in the 704. This is her story. 🔹 An “Dan” Nguyen arrived in Charlotte from Vietnam in 1999. She had no place to live, no job, and didn’t speak a word of English. Walking around Charlotte looking for a job, she eventually found Lang Van, owned by another man at the time. He took a chance on her. Over the next five years, some of which she’d spend living in a car, she worked her way up at Lang Van and when the owner went to sell, she was first on the list. It took her from 2004 to 2009 to pay off the restaurant and become full time owner. Now, her husband is the chef and her two kids work front of the house, a true family affair. 🔸 Throughout all of this, she’s held the same mantra – make the customers happy. And that attitude has made her a figurehead of the Charlotte community. Everyone I talk to about Lang Van (which is a lot) says some version of “I’m friends with the owner, she has my order memorized!” or “Oh I love that place, they gave me a bottle of wine for my birthday!” or the common “she always gives me a hug.” You might notice the green beer bottle in the picture, one of the four beers she threw into our order telling me to “make sure I said hi to mom and dad!” Did she really remember who I am? Probably not. Did it make me feel like I was special? Damn right. No matter who you are, An makes sure you leave Lang Van feeling important, remembered, special, cared for, and most of all- full of good food. And that’s what keeps us coming back. 🔹 If you have a memory, favorite dish etc. about An or Lang Van please drop it in the comments. Or do one better and go get some take out. They’re hurting badly, like so many, and now is the time for us to return the favor.

A post shared by Lutterman Eats (@luttermaneats) on

Please consider stopping by Lang Vans this weekend, and please help spread the word! 

Easy Tips on How to Become a Professional Photographer

Robert Tilman
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Easy Tips on How to Become a Professional Photographer

Becoming a professional photographer is not an easy task. It is even more challenging in case you are a student. Fortunately, everything is possible. Just follow these simple prompts and become a pro within the shortest terms. 

Dedicate more free time for taking pictures

There is nothing new that experience comes with lots of practice. The same rule is working for photographers. In case you want to become a real pro, get ready to take hundreds of pictures regularly. This surely takes plenty of time. Many students are wondering “Can I get some help writing college papers? Lots of learners are also emailing content services with the same question “Can you do my essay please?” All of them want to get a bit more free time for personal needs and forget about learning for a while. There are various services that offer professional academic assistance for reasonable money. How to find the most reliable writing service? Is speedy paper legit? Get the answers to all the questions, order papers, and get tons of spare time to relax and take fantastic photos.

Learn the basics 

Before you start searching for a special course to become a skilled photographer, it is better to learn the basic principles of making nice pictures by yourself. This is not as difficult as you might think. Feel free to read books or just watch videos created right for beginner photographers. This way, it will be much easier for you when learning a special course at school or college. By the way, you don’t need a super expensive camera to make astonishing shots. You can start using a common one, learn how to use light and composition, and get hands dirty with editing. This makes the entire process of learning much cheaper for newbies. 

Choose a course 

In case you need a teacher or mentor to guide you through the world of photography, it might be a good idea to enroll in some courses in the area. There are plenty of short-term and summer courses you can easily join with no need to leave your school or college. Not to mention, you will need not only to take pictures but also learn how to use the basic editing apps and tools. This will help you make your shots look polished and brilliant. 

Practice 

Taking pictures is easy. Just take your camera and go for a walk! Make shots at a different time of the day and night, play with the light, and don’t be afraid to experiment. All photographers are creative spirits, so practice is the only way to boost your skills. 

All in all, becoming a photographer is not a single-day business. You will need to learn hard, practice, and take thousands of common shots before creating a real masterpiece. In case you are dreaming about becoming a photographer, just leave all your worries behind and start building your career right now. Don’t forget that success is all about one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. 

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