schildzilla posted a photo:
🌹 Some shots with my TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 Bubble Bokeh mounted on my Techart LM-EA9 Autofocus adapter. Not the best lighting conditions for bubbles, but still ok.
👗 You can find more photos of this beautiful woman within her album here and on her Instagram account
www.instagram.com/oui_mariii/
👠 More photos of her coming soon.
🌹 Follow me to don't miss any new photos of her and other beautiful models!
icpcat posted a photo:
Cave's Clock. April2026. Newly renovated, the reflection is of the Union Plaza Building. This clock is a historic landmark located at the intersection of Main Street and Capitol Avenue in downtown Little Rock. Originally erected in the early 1930s by Thomas M. Cave, owner of Cave’s Jewelers, the old clock has neon lighting and is a symbol of the city's downtown history. Fomapan100push400. FujicaST801. M42-Fujinon55mm. PolarizingFilter. DiafineDeveloper5+5. Washed:AGOFilmProcessor. CameraScan:FujifilmXH1.
To paraphrase Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a photographer in possession of valuable equipment must be in want of protection against theft. It's just part of the reason why Apple’s AirTags have become so popular.
One of my favorite zoom lenses of all time is the Sony 20-70mm f/4. Just the fact that a versatile range can be coupled with an ultra-wide-angle field-of-view brings a lot of convenience to the camera bag. I don’t mind the moderate f/4 aperture either, and the size and weight are kept to a minimum because of it. So when Canon released a 20-50mm f/4 L PZ lens alongside the R6 V, I was excited to try it out.
Small business loans are available from a large number of traditional and alternative lenders. A small business loan can help your business grow, fund new research and development, help you expand into new territories, enhance sales and marketing efforts, allow you to hire new people, and much more. With interest rates and lending criteria constantly evolving, it's more important than ever to approach the loan process in an informed and organized way.
This article explains the key steps to follow to get a small business loan, along with practical advice and insight on the lending process.
There are multiple types of small business loans available. The options vary depending on your business needs, the length of the loan, and the specific terms. Here are the main small business loan choices:
There are more lenders than ever willing to lend to small businesses. Here are the main categories of lenders to consider:
●Direct online lenders. A growing number of fintech companies make small business loans through a fast, mostly digital process. Loan amounts can range from $5,000 to $500,000, and funding can often be received within days of approval.
●Large commercial banks. Traditional lenders such as Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America serve the small business market. The loan approval process tends to be slower due to more rigorous underwriting standards, but rates are often competitive for well-qualified borrowers.
●Local community banks and credit unions. Many community banks and credit unions have a strong desire to make small business loans to local businesses and may offer more personalized service and flexible terms.
●Alternative lending platforms. Platforms such as Funding Circle act as intermediaries between institutional lenders and small business borrowers, often with faster decision timelines.
●SBA-backed bank lenders. A number of bank lenders issue loans guaranteed by the SBA, allowing them to offer more attractive rates and terms than conventional loans. The SBA's website maintains a list of the 100 most active SBA lenders.
●CDFI lenders. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven lenders that focus on underserved markets and small businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing.
Lenders ultimately make a judgment call on whether to approve a small business loan based on the borrower's credit and risk profile. Review the following factors carefully and consider taking remedial action where needed before applying:
●Credit score and credit report. Lenders will review your personal and business credit reports, scores, and payment history. Review your credit reports in advance and dispute or resolve any errors.
●Outstanding loans and cash flow. Lenders will review your existing debt to assess whether your cash flow is sufficient to service both existing and new obligations.
●Assets in the business. Lenders will look at business assets—especially current assets like cash and accounts receivable—to evaluate what could be recovered in the event of a default.
●Time in business. Most lenders prefer businesses that have been operating for at least one to two years, though some online lenders will work with newer businesses.
●Annual revenue. Many lenders have minimum annual revenue requirements. Demonstrating consistent and growing revenue significantly strengthens your application.
●Investors in the company. Lenders view the company more favorably if it has professional venture capital, strategic, or prominent angel investors involved.
●Financial statements. Lenders will scrutinize your balance sheet, income statements, and cash flow statements.
Depending on the size of your loan, your financial statements and accounting records will be reviewed carefully. Make sure they are complete, accurate, and thorough—including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. The lender will analyze cash flow, gross margin, debt-to-equity ratio, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and EBITDA, so be prepared to answer questions on those topics. Consider having your accountant review your financial statements before applying to anticipate issues a lender may raise.
Lenders prefer financial statements that have been audited by a certified public accountant (CPA), but many small businesses find a full audit cost-prohibitive. One alternative is to have the statements reviewed by a CPA—a less expensive process that still carries some professional credibility. Some lenders, particularly online lenders, may not require audited or reviewed statements and may instead rely more heavily on bank statements and tax returns.
To be successful in obtaining a small business loan, you must be prepared to provide detailed information and documentation about your business. Being organized and proactive about gathering this information will make the process faster and improve your chances of approval. The following documents/information are typically required:
●Name of business (including any DBAs) and Federal Tax ID
●Legal structure of the business (LLC, S corporation, C corporation, etc.) and state filings such as certificate of incorporation and good standing certificates
●List of executive officers and their backgrounds
●Financial statements for the past two to three years, plus year-to-date financials for the current year
●Projected financial statements for the next one to two years
●Business and personal tax returns for the past two to three years
●Business bank statements for the past three to twelve months
●Business credit report (e.g., from Dun & Bradstreet or Experian Business)
●Amount of loan requested and detailed use of proceeds
●Description of potential collateral available for the loan
●Personal financial statements of the principal owner if a personal guarantee may be required
●Business plan or executive summary describing the business, market opportunity, and business model
The lender will want to know exactly how much funding you are seeking and how the loan proceeds will be used. Common uses of proceeds include equipment purchases, capital expenditures, business expansion, hiring, increased inventory, enhanced marketing efforts, technology development, or entry into new facilities or markets. Be specific—lenders are more comfortable when borrowers have a clear, well-reasoned plan for the funds.
It may be wise to borrow a modest buffer above your minimum needs to avoid a short-term cash crunch in the months after closing. At the same time, do not over-borrow—requesting an amount significantly above what your financials support will raise red flags for underwriters. Run conservative cash flow projections to find the right loan amount for your situation.
A lender is primarily concerned about the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. Offering a security interest in company assets—such as equipment, real property, accounts receivable, or inventory—can significantly improve your chances of getting approved and obtaining favorable terms. Some lenders may insist on the personal guarantee of the principal owner of the business, which means your personal assets could be at risk if the business defaults.
A personal guarantee should be avoided if at all possible, particularly for early-stage businesses where the personal and business assets of the owner may be intertwined. If a personal guarantee is unavoidable, try to negotiate for it to be limited in scope or to burn off over time as the loan is repaid. Always consult with legal counsel before signing any guarantee agreement.
To make sure the proposed loan makes sense for your business, analyze the key terms carefully and compare them with those available from competing lenders. Key terms to review include:
●What is the interest rate, and is it fixed or variable? Many variable-rate loans are tied to the prime rate or SOFR (the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which has replaced LIBOR as the standard benchmark).
●How often is interest payable, and when is principal due or amortized over the life of the loan?
●What are the loan origination fees, underwriting fees, administration fees, and other closing costs?
●What operating covenants are imposed on the business (such as a minimum cash balance or a maximum debt-to-equity ratio)?
●Under what circumstances can the lender call a default?
●Is there collateral or a personal guarantee required?
●What periodic financial reports are you required to provide to the lender?
●Are there restrictions on how loan proceeds can be used?
●Can the loan be prepaid early without a penalty? If there is a penalty, is it reasonable?
A small business lender will conduct due diligence that may include reviewing information publicly available online about your business and its principal owners. Do a proactive review of your digital footprint before applying, anticipating what a lender may find:
●Review your company's website: Is it current, professional, and reflective of an active business?
●Review your presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
●Check Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites for customer feedback—both positive and negative—that a lender might see.
●Review the principal owner's personal LinkedIn profile and public social media presence.
●Search your business name and the owner's name on Google to see what third-party content appears.
Address any outdated information, negative reviews, or unprofessional content before submitting your application. A polished and consistent digital presence reinforces the credibility and stability of your business.
Finding the right lender is as important as finding the right loan. Below are some reputable small business lenders across a range of loan types, sizes, and borrower profiles:
● U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA offers multiple government-backed loan programs—including the flagship 7(a) loan, CDC/504 loans, and microloans—through an extensive network of approved bank and non-bank lenders nationwide. Because of the federal guarantee, SBA loans offer some of the most competitive rates and terms available to small businesses.
● Wells Fargo Small Business. One of the largest small business lenders in the United States, Wells Fargo offers term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, and business credit cards. With a nationwide branch network and an extensive digital platform, Wells Fargo is a go-to option for established small businesses seeking competitive rates.
● JPMorgan Chase Business Banking. Chase Business Banking provides a broad range of lending products—including business term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, and commercial real estate financing—backed by the resources and branch network of the nation's largest bank. Chase is well-suited for creditworthy small businesses with at least two years of operating history.
● Bank of America Small Business. Bank of America offers a comprehensive suite of small business financial products, including secured and unsecured term loans, business lines of credit, SBA loans, and commercial real estate loans. Existing Bank of America business customers may qualify for preferred pricing and streamlined application processes.
● OnDeck. OnDeck is a leading online lender that offers short-term business loans and lines of credit to small businesses, with funding decisions often available within hours and funding as fast as the same day. OnDeck is an option for businesses that need fast access to capital and have at least one year in business and $100,000 in annual revenue.
● Funding Circle. Funding Circle is a leading small business lending platform that offers SBA loans and term loans with competitive interest rates, transparent fee structures, and loan amounts up to $500,000. Funding Circle is suited for established small businesses looking for a faster and more transparent alternative to traditional bank loans.
● Bluevine. Bluevine specializes in business lines of credit and business checking accounts designed specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Lines of credit up to $250,000 are available with a streamlined online application. Bluevine is known for fast funding and flexible repayment structures tied to business cash flow.
● Lendio. Lendio is a small business loan marketplace that matches borrowers with over 75 lenders through a single application, covering SBA loans, term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, merchant cash advances, and more. Lendio is useful for business owners who want to compare multiple loan offers quickly and efficiently.
● Fundbox. Fundbox is a financial tech company that provides fast working capital to small and medium-sized businesses. It specializes in revolving lines of credit, allowing business owners to bridge cash flow gaps, pay expenses, or manage inventory. Funds can be received as soon as the next business day after approval. Fundbox is known for being more accessible to startups and smaller businesses than traditional banks. There is no application, origination, or inactivity fees; costs are based on weekly fees when funds are drawn.
Small business loans are available from many different lenders, with a wide variety of choices tailored to the financial situation, stage, and needs of your business. Whether you seek a traditional bank term loan, an SBA-backed loan with favorable government guarantees, or a fast online line of credit from a fintech lender, understanding the landscape and preparing thoroughly will make a significant difference in your outcome. By anticipating what lenders will review and require, building a strong credit and documentation profile, and selecting the right type of financing for your specific purpose, you greatly increase your chances of obtaining a beneficial small business loan on favorable terms.
The small business lending environment continues to evolve, with new fintech platforms, government programs, and alternative lenders expanding access to capital for businesses of all sizes and stages. Stay informed about changes in interest rates, SBA program updates, and new lending products as you plan your financing strategy. A qualified financial advisor, accountant, or business attorney can be an invaluable partner as you navigate the loan process and negotiate the terms of your financing.
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Copyright(c) by Richard D. Harroch. All Rights Reserved.
In 1938 Hollywood was still in its infancy. While cinema had long evolved from the point where most movies were simply filmed plays, the industry was just beginning to demonstrate what movies could do as a distinct art form.
A LIFE magazine story titled “Sound Stages of Hollywood Hum with Work on Movies for 1938” took a broad look at the state of the movie industry. One sign of how young cinema was is that LIFE began its article by explaining how sound stages had become necessary with the demise of the silent film era.
Sound stages…cover all the Hollywood movie lots. Ever since the advent of sound drove the movies indoors, these huge, sound-proof buildings have been the factories of the cinema industry. Covering more than an acre of ground, each stage is so big that within its walls can be re-enacted the sinking of the Titanic or Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow.
The theme that LIFE hammered in its story was the rise of big-budget pictures, which the magazine referred to as “million-dollar epics.” A million dollars is a lot, but also not that much for a movie budget, even taking inflation into account. For point of reference, a million dollars back then would be the equivalent of about $23 million in 2026. The most expensive blockbusters of today—such as the newer entries in the Star Wars and Jurassic Park franchises—cost around $500 million.
LIFE, perhaps sensing what the future would be, looked at this culture with disdain.
Hollywood’s most successful studios are headed by producing “geniuses” with a fondness for sending expeditions to the South Seas for “atmosphere” and junking $100,000 worth of film to shoot it in color. Surrounding them are equally temperamental directors, writers and actors. The only reason the movies ever get made at all is that beneath the batteries of geniuses are amazingly smooth-working studios.
While the text of the story had its snarky moments, the photographs by Margaret Bourke-White looked more lovingly at the magic of movie making. Her images include movie sets recreating lavish ballrooms or the streets of San Francisco circa 1859, and also showed appreciation to the prop master who kept a vast collection of smoking pipes to give directors plenty to choose from.
Bourke-White also took several photos from the set of the movie The Big Broadcast of 1938, which may be of interest to modern movie fans because of the way its ship models and lifeboats and icebergs call to mind one of the most extravagant and successful productions in the history of film—James Cameron’s 1997 movie Titanic.
The Big Broadcast of 1938 was the last in a series of variety show anthologies, and this edition featured a story about a race between two big boats, the Colossal and the Gigantic—two names which obviously reference the ship Titanic.
To compare The Big Broadcast of 1938 to the vast enterprise behind of the making of James Cameron’s movie is to appreciate how far cinema has evolved. And this isn’t a knock on the prop department’s work on The Big Business of 1938. Rather, it’s a recognition of what happens when one generation after another tries top those that came before—no matter what the cost.
The Warner Bros Studio lot in Burbank, California, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
On the Paramount Studios lot Ernst Lubitsch, with cigar in his mouth, directed Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert in the 1938 romantic comedy “Bluebeard’s Eight Wife.”
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A movie set of the Paramount Studios lot, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
On the set of a movie at Paramount Studios, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
This prop was being built for the musical comedy “The Big Broadcast of 1938” from Paramount Studios.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
This prop was being built for the musical comedy “The Big Broadcast of 1938” from Paramount Studios.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
On the set of the movie “The Big Broadcast of 1938” from Paramount Studios.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstuck
A set for the oceanbound musical comedy “The Big Business of 1938” at Paramount Studios.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
This iceberg prop was built for use in the Paramount Studios musical comedy “The Big Business of 1938.”
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Paramound prop master Charles J. Mccormick posed with a prop mosquito on his hand that he controlled with a hair held in his other hand; the mosquito was made for the 1937 comedy “Thrill of a Lifetime.”
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Paramount Studios prop room included a wide selection of pipes, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
This breakaway stick in the Paramount Studios prop department was held together with toothpicks and designed to break away on contact, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Prop man R.B. Berscheid at work at Warner Bros. studio, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Prop champagne bottles on the lot at Warner Bros., 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
This puppet of actress Martha Raye was built for a publicity gag and then kept hanging around the Paramount props department, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
This prop street on the Paramount Ranch, 30 miles from Hollywood, was meant to replicate San Francisco circa 1859 for the 1937 movie “Wells Fargo.”
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A set on the Paramount Studios ranch, 30 minutes north of Hollywood, 1938.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The post Visiting the Studio Lots of Early Hollywood appeared first on LIFE.
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