The PDNedu Learning Center is updated every month with great downloadable resources for every working and aspiring pro.

With the ease of viewing portfolios and promos on the Internet, do their paper counterparts still make the cut? Professionals say, "Absolutely."

Photography and travel are a natural combination, but bringing back memorable images requires preparation before you go. This article by photographer and photo tour leader Russ Burden www.russburdenphotography.com, provides both technical and practical tips to use on your trip.

This article appears courtesy of MacTribe, where you'll find everything for the Mac aficionado in articles on photography's latest topics, product news, reviews and educational tutorials. For more information, visit www.mactribe.com

If you want to have a successful photography business, a clearly structured business and marketing plan is a must. This article, by Creative Services Consultant Maria Piscopo, describes how to maximize your strengths and make realistic objectives to apply to your business.

For further information on Maria Piscopo and the services she offers, please visit: www.mpiscopo.com/

Working as an intern can offer some big advantages-you can test different job situations while deciding about the area that's right for you and you'll gain real-life experience vital to making good career choices and polishing your resume.

This PDF titled, "Internships: Professional Opportunities for Students" is provided courtesy of Mary Virginia Swanson and TeachingPhoto.com. Swanson, a well-respected photography consultant and educator, is a popular presenter and reviewer at industry events. She has written the comprehensive "Marketing Guide: Winter 2006 Edition" which is available for purchase through her website: www.mvswanson.com/

Gaining practical experience as a photography assistant is a great way to break into the business. Described as "an apprenticeship and networking opportunity all rolled into one," being a successful assistant gets you on the fast track to establishing your career.

This PDF, titled, "Assistance Wanted: Photographers and Assistants Have Their Say," by Angela Wolff, is courtesy of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP). For more information about ASMP and further business and educational links, visit www.asmp.org/

This article is provided courtesy of the Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines (UPDIG) Working Group. Version 1.0 of this document was released in September 2005. These fifteen introductory guidelines offer step-by-step pointers for obtaining optimum reproduction of digital photos in various mediums. The additional documents "Best Practices: Tools and Methods" and "Best Practices: Applying Digital Guidelines to Your Workflow" are featured on the UPDIG Web site. Visit www.updig.org/ for a complete document package and to obtain the latest updates.

This article is provided courtesy of The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), a professional trade organization that promotes the highest standards in photojournalism. The article discusses journalistic integrity and comments on recent well-known publications' use of digital manipulation of their published photography.

For more information about NPPA and many additional resources including, news and events, mentoring and critiques, business practices, student resources and competitions, please visit their Web site at: http://nppa.org

This article is provided courtesy of Brian Storm, president and founder of MediaStorm, a multimedia publication and production studio, whose principal aim is to usher in the next generation of multimedia storytelling, by publishing social documentary projects incorporating photojournalism and audio reporting.

The article by Storm, discusses how visual storytellers, thinking outside the box, can take advantage of the digital revolution and create compelling stories that work in multiple media outlets.

Storm has been a passionate and innovative leader in the fields of photojournalism and new media; he was vice-president of News, Multimedia and Assignment Services for Corbis for two years and director of multimedia at MSNBC.com for seven years. He holds a master's degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri.

For additional information about MediaStorm, including viewing "Part Two: A Practical Guide to Audio Tools & Techniques", please visit their Web site at: www.mediastorm.org

The accompanying PDF contains names, organizers, deadlines, eligibility requirements, fees and Web links for over sixty leading photography competitions and grant programs held in the US and internationally.

The details listed have been compiled from information currently available and may include deadlines and costs from past years' events. Please be sure to consult individual competition Web sites for up-to-date information before submitting. It may also be advisable to contact competition organizers for further details or to answer specific questions.

Many professional organizations have additional listings of competitions in categories such as advertising, graphic design or broadcast media. There are often separate categories or stand-alone competitions set up for student work.

The mission of EP is to educate photographers and photography buyers about business issues affecting the photo industry, and in the process raise the level of business practices in the profession. For more information about EP and many additional resources, including their editorial estimator and a magazine database with ad rates and circulations, please visit www.editorialphoto.com.

Good business relationships developed through networking are the basis of a successful career. In this article, Creative Services Consultant Maria Piscopo, details three types of professional associations where you can polish your networking skills and promote your business.

This article appears courtesy of Maria Piscopo, who has twenty-five years experience as a creative consultant. For additional information on the services she offers through personal consultations, workshops, seminars, articles and books, please visit: www.mpiscopo.com/

Photography is but one aspect in the vast landscape of visual communications. The design world offers many added opportunities to creative professionals. Pat Hunt's article, "Look, Learn and Lobby", which appears courtesy of MacTribe, describes three well-known trade organizations that offer guidance and support.

For more information on topics for the Mac enthusiast, from articles on photography's hot topics to product news and reviews, including multimedia and design, visit: www.mactribe.com/

Understanding why you need model releases is an essential way to protect you and your photography business. Knowing the importance of your legal rights and responsibilities is clearly explained in this PDF titled, "Why You Need Releases", Part 1 of ASMP's Property and Model Release Module. This appears courtesy of the American Society of Magazine Photographers (ASMP). For additional information on releases and other legal discussions, visit the ASMP website: www.asmp.org/

'Legalese' can be intimidating, but this PDF titled, "What's In A Release: the Language of Law", courtesy of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) clearly explains frequently used words and phrases that appear in releases and contract law. This is Part 2 of the ASMP Property and Model Release Module, designed to help you understand why you need releases and how to use them. For additional information on legal and business discussions and articles, visit the ASMP website: www.asmp.org/

Register the Copyright to your images today with these instructions excerpted from ASMP's Copyright Application Tutorial.

Your original images are your legacy. Early planning, especially with proper copyright protection, can facilitate the protection of your work. Although every original photograph you create is automatically copyrighted the instant the shutter is clicked, you don't get much legal protection unless you follow through on a few things.