Home Photos by Fabian We are pleased to be given permission to use wonderful photographs throughout Learning Place Online (LPO) because they add color and, we hope, serenity to many pages. And one of the best photographers with whom we're affiliated is Art Fabian, whose photo graces our homepage and who will donate a portion of anything you purchase from him through LPO (which will help us continue to expand our services to viewers like you). About the Photographer While Art isn't a full-time photographer, he has had a forty-year love affair with photography. Ever since learning photography in high school ("What? A class where you can enjoy the homework?"), it has been an avocation he has applied in many jobs and community service projects. Being a perfectionist, he struggles to shoot a really great picture. Yet Art feels that good pictures are more than quality pictures. In fact, he throws away lots of photographs that look fine to others, but don't come up to his standards. That is because he believes pictures are condensed stories as well as correctly composed, exposed, and printed images. A good picture will communicate a sense of time, place, and subject that the viewer will translate into beauty, feelings, et cetera. Since his wife, Louise, is very fond of travel and flowers, he doesn't have to make too many excuses to buy more film for capturing these subjects because he takes her along on his photography trips. Occasionally, these shots become the really great pictures he's willing to share with others. With fussy control over the printing, they may also become a note card worthy of a feeling and message you want to send another for a special occasion, or just to say "This card's beauty reminds me of you.". A Saving for You AND for the Environment One of the best things about these cards is that they are inexpensive. When you buy similar cards in stores (remember, these are actual photographic prints, not photographs that are printed reproductions), they typically cost $2.95 to 3.50 for a single card this size (the photo is 3 1/2" x 5" on a card about 4 1/2" x 6 1/4"). Art's price is only $12 for a set of five cards, each with a different photo, including shipping and handling. Each card and envelope is protected in a plastic sleeve and sets are tied with raffia. That makes them convenient for giving individually or as sets. In fact, each card is a great little picture suitable for framing. Larger, professional prints are available with mats and framing. Since the cards don't have printing inside, they can be a gift that keeps on giving. How? Make up your own verse and write it on a post-it note. Then stick the note inside the card, allowing the recipient to reuse the card!! When you do this, the cards become even less expensive. To learn more about this environmentally friendly way to give a gift, see Cards That Cheer and Comfort: A GRAND Project That Doesn't Break the Bank. Sample Cards Illustrate the Quality of These Special Photos The cards are organized into seven sets. Clicking on one of the categories listed below will take you to a page with a sample card in a little smaller than the actual size (4 1/2 x 6 1/4 in.). As you look at these pictures, remember two things. First, a set of cards contains five different photos of that type of picture. Second, your computer screen cannot do justice to the fine quality of a real photograph. Woodland Wildflower—This trillium grows in the woods behind Art's house Garden Flowers—These water lilies add serenity to a pond in his back yard Woodland Floor—Imagine the sweet smell of deep woods with this photo Trees and Leaves—Bright colors evoke long walks in autumn Moving Water—Waves crashing on Maine coast draw us into their energy Mountains—Mt. Hood, near Art's old home, stands majestic above a lake Scenery—You can almost feel the quiet serenity in the mist off this pond [Note: This is so special we've used it for the homepage. If you are interested in getting a larger print for framing, just contact him (see bottom of page).] See the four pages of Photos by Art Fabian Appearing on Learning Place Online to see a small version of all twenty-four pictures of Art's that have been used on this website (unlike the larger photos accessed above). In fact, if you see an illustration on some article and don't know where the picture is from, you can use those pages to know whether you need to get permission from him to use the photo. In fact, it's a good idea to write us and check out any picture you want to use.of small. An Innovative Way for a Small Business to Sell Over the Internet Art Fabian's method of selling cards involves trust on both his part and yours. You see, making these cards isn't his primary job and he doesn't take credit cards. But he still wants to make it easy for you to get the cards quickly. So he's come up with a great plan. When you send him an e-mail and tell him which set of cards you want, he will send you the set within forty-eight hours. He trusts you will send him a check within forty-eight hours. You trust that he will send the cards. It's an innovative way to sell a product on the Internet when you have a small business. You can contact Art through his website, Photo by Fabian.