Category Archives: Photography

Perspective

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Ready to go sledding

I love how much a simple thing like perspective can change everything. With this simple change you can go from taking ordinary and average looking pictures to ones that look much more interesting. Instead of taking this portrait from a standing position (above the subject), or sitting (at the same level as the subject), I took it from below the subject’s level. In this case that meant laying on my stomach, in the snow. Thankfully, I was prepared with all my snow gear on!

My only complaint is that this picture cuts off the top of his hat. Not bad though.

Grand River

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Despite the lack of snow for Christmas this year we still took advantage of the opportunity to be outdoors as a family. We went for a beautiful walk in the park enjoying the sunshine and mild cool temps.

I couldn’t get over colors of the blue sky reflecting off the river.

Rail bridge at the Grand River

This was taken at the railroad bridge that crosses the Grand River in Fitzgerald Park. (You can even see the blue Grand Ledge water tower in the distance.)

Latest Favorite Apps

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This is a continuation of my previous post, Photography Apps.

I hate paying for anything I can get free, so I can’t bring myself to pay for a photography app for my IPod, even if it is just $0.99. Maybe I’m holding myself back, I don’t know. But for now I’m exploring my free options.

This all started as a quest to see what else is out there other than the built in camera. I researched the top apps and then downloaded and tested several different ones. Over all the camera on an IPod is nothing compared to my Mama sized Canon. But you can’t predict when you’ll need to capture a moment, so in pinch I’m happy to have any camera at all.

So after all my testing, which apps are my favorites?

PS Express

After several disappointing downloads I was pleased with this simple camera and basic built in editing tools.

I took this photo today and knew that the IPod camera wasn’t going to capture the snow and cloudy sky perfectly but I wanted to see what I could come with.

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After I took this picture I proceeded to change the contrast to 20%, made the saturation 100%, and then went to “Effects” and choose “Vibrant”.

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I was pleased with the final result considering what I started with.

Microsoft Photosynth

This app does a great job at stitching together several pictures to make a fantastic panoramic. My favorite so far was taken from the rooftop of a parking building in East Lansing.

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To really see what it will do you’ll have to download it and try it yourself. I’d have to say, I think it is worth check out.

Camera Art FX

This app had a variety of effects to use in the camera. They play in real time on the preview allowing you to make instant decisions based on what you can see already. Some of my favorites were the vintage and poster effects.

       

I don’t expect to be giving up my Canon any time soon but I think the built in camera app has been replaced.