Geek tips

When a loved one can't attend your wedding, consider live streaming any part of the ceremony or festivities so far-away guests can still celebrate practically in person. From video calling to live video channels, these six services enable you to live stream a wedding:

• HangWith: Open up this free mobile app for Android and iOS to stream live video with any number of people; it's that easy. As the event gets under way, viewers can chat with text appearing on the screen for the iPhone videographer to see.
• Skype: One of the most well-known video-calling services, Skype is a great free option if you are just trying to include one person. To include more people, sign up for Skype Premium ($10 per month), which allows group chats with up to 10 people.
• Ustream: The video website enables you to broadcast live video content. It even developed a Ustream Broadcaster app, so you can easily stream live HD video from your mobile phone.

Discover three more ways to share the wedding joy with friends after the break.

While soaking up the sights, you'll be tempted to capture every waking moment. But not everything is subject to photography, and it's better to err on the side of caution when submersed in a foreign culture.

If in doubt, follow the golden rule of travel photography: don't assume. When it comes to photography etiquette, ask before you shoot and follow these simple guidelines for shutterbugs abroad.

• Portraits — Sometimes, the beauty of a new place is the locals themselves. Taking candid shots of people on the street or in the marketplace can be difficult if you're always having to ask permission. Pro photog Matt Kadey says, "When you're taking photos of people, you should get permission." You may change the nature of the photo, Matt says, but sometimes if you take the picture first and show them the image afterward, that can break the tension. If there's a language barrier, point the camera and gesture toward your subject to get the message across.
• Should you pay people to take their photos? — Photographer Jonah Kessel thinks no, because even a small economic gain can change traditional lifestyles and culture. He believes that tourism should leave no mark on the local culture. We say: assess your situation and do what you think is best for that local area. If it's a street performer or local personality, for example, then payment may be expected.

Find out about more no-photo zones after the break.

The next time you crave a movie night, skip the local cinema and step into your backyard instead. With minimal supplies and a simple, straightforward setup, you can create an outdoor theater for you and your friends. Hoping to soak up the warm evenings this season? Pop some popcorn, grab a few blankets, and follow these tips to watch your favorite flick right in your own backyard.

Choose the Space

• You can't have a movie without power, so be sure to find a spot outdoors with access to outlets.
• Design your setup with lighting in mind. Make sure that nearby house lights, street lights, or passing car headlights won't reflect against your movie screen.

Build a Screen

• Can't afford a retractable projector screen? Not to worry: there are plenty of DIY options. Opt for a plain, white wall or crisp, white sheets, either tautly taped or sewn together, to act as the display.
• For a clear, crisp image, create a makeshift blackout cloth by attaching dark fabric to the back of your white screen.
• If you're worried that your sheet will wrinkle or shift in the wind, then you can secure it with a thin frame made of wood or lightweight piping.

Set Up the Technology

• The gist: connect the video signal from your DVD player into the projector, then connect the audio signal from your DVD player into the speakers.
• Sure, you can go all out with surround sound, but a pair of basic computer speakers are a perfectly fine, easy-to-set-up alternative.
• Adjusting the size of your projection is as simple as moving the projector itself either closer to or farther from the screen.

Source: Flickr user plural

A month after the hacking of news agency Associated Press's Twitter account, which caused serious repercussions in the stock market, Twitter has finally enabled two-step verification for users. The added security boost syncs with a cell phone number to send a verification code via SMS each time you log in to your Twitter account.

To get two-factor verification on your account, first go to Settings, found in the gear icon in the top right-hand corner > select "Require a verification code when I sign in." > click the link to add your phone number. You'll then receive a text message from Twitter that the device is ready to receive verification codes.

Once you've signed up for the extra Twitter protection, the next time you log in to your account, you'll see the following screen to check the phone associated with the account for a verification code. Enter the code, and get tweeting!

There's no denying that DSLRs are great at taking quality photos. But you can take pictures that are just as great — truly! — straight from your phone with just a few pointers. If you're headed to a wedding soon, these tips will help you realize you don't have to be a professional to produce wonderful images that everyone will be sharing. Here, we break down how you can go from guest to wedding photographer in a, er, flash.

• Look for the light: Great lighting will be your best friend when it comes to taking awesome photos. Pay attention to where natural light falls. For instance, if someone's back is to the bright sun shining overhead, she will come out looking dark. And steer clear of using flash: it only makes your photos look less authentic.
• Set your focus and exposure: Once you know the shot you want to take, tap the screen on your phone's camera to set your focus and exposure where you want it. For instance, the thing you tap on will look sharp as opposed to blurry. And if you tap on the brightest object in the shot (a window, for instance), the rest of your photo will look especially dark. You'll have to practice based on your phone's settings, but giving thought to these two details will make all the difference between a mediocre and great photo.

There are even more pro tips for wedding day photos after the break.