Have you ever sat on the bottom of a swimming pool and pondered your watery ceiling? Most of the surface is a sheet of light blue, and you can't see through it, even though the water is clear. But right above you, there's a round window of transparency. And here's …
Read More »What Lumens, Lux, and Other Lighting Gear Terms Mean
Planning your lighting for a photo or video shoot can be complicated, and the terminology used to measure light in lighting equipment can make things even more confusing. When shopping online, most lights list “lumens” or “lux” among their technical specs, though sometimes “lumens” is written as “luminous flux.” You …
Read More »Smartphones May Affect Sleep—but Not Because of Blue Light
You’ve likely heard that blue light from smartphone screens may be keeping you awake at night. While the sun is our main source of blue light, the rise of LEDs and screen use exposes us to artificial blue light in the evening. Blue light suppresses melatonin, a hormone we naturally …
Read More »Red Light Therapy Masks Are Soaring in Popularity, but How Do They Work?
You might have seen a wave of people on social media channeling their best Hannibal Lecter while wearing an LED face mask with red or blue lights. They’re not eating liver with a side of fava beans, but instead claiming that the wrinkles and fine lines on their faces have …
Read More »Can You View a Round Solar Eclipse Through a Square Hole?
If you live in the US and missed the last total solar eclipse in 2017, good news! You're about to get another chance. There will be a total solar eclipse passing through Texas and the Midwest states on April 8. Remember that in a solar eclipse, the moon's shadow falls …
Read More »Worried About Burglars? Here’s How Your Smart Home Can Help Protect You From Break-Ins
As the nights draw in and fall gives way to winter, it’s worth thinking about how smart home devices can protect your household. Whether you are worried about porch pirates snagging holiday packages or burglars breaking in when you are away visiting relatives, there are some simple ways to make …
Read More »These Motion Sensors Finally Made My Home Feel ‘Smart’
My progress toward a truly “smart” home has been painfully slow. I’m sick of unreliable voice commands, flaky smart switches, and poorly designed apps. Where’s the seamless experience that was promised? As my wife often points out, if it’s not easier than flicking the regular old switch or drawing the …
Read More »The Gear and Tips You Need to Make Studio-Grade Videos at Home
With the right idea and execution, you can make a good video with just about any gear. However, there's a reason professionals use expensive equipment. You can get more control and more creative options with better gear. Best of all, it's never been easier or more acceptable to upgrade your …
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