…take a picture before he waddles off like a duck too.

Last year I did some design work for a very small, private school. It was the second time that I did a yearbook cover for them. When I am asked to do some design work, there is usually a very specific idea of what they have in mind. But for this particular job, they were happy just to have someone do it. So, with the possibilities wide open I had a great time indulging my creative side.

The yearbook covers were to be printed on 16″ x 11″ white paper and then would be folded to cover the inside pages. When designing it, I had to be sure to incorporate the white space on the edge of the page for the printer.

2009-2010

The first one I did was the most fun, playing around with different colors. I started with the school photo and their logo. The polar bear was the school mascot. They didn’t have a specific one so I came up with the silhouette of it on my own and incorporated it into the design.

2010-2011

The second one was rushed due to time constraints. I wasn’t able to put as much time into playing around with different ideas like I had before, but I was able to come up with an eye catching, clean design. I had the privilege of being the photographer for the school photo this time. I thought it turned out well so I used it as the focal point.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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”.

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.

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.

My number one backup camera when I don’t have my Canon PowerShot with me is my IPod because I carry it with me all the time. If I’m at home I usually have it either plugged in to recharge the battery or it’s within arms reach so I can answer calls, check the calendar and to do lists, or check my email at a moment’s notice. If I’m out I have it on me too. It has become a must have while shopping because not only can I keep track of the time but I can also take pictures of items I want to compare prices on.

So other than the basic camera app that is built in, what else is out there? I have downloaded several different free photo apps to my IPod and have had fun trying out all their features and settings, hence the photo of my son doing school work. My biggest complaint so far is that they take so much time to load.

Reviews soon to come.

The topic of this post was continued in the following one titled, Latest Favorite Apps.

I love the snow setting on my camera and now I finally get to use it! We just had our first snow storm of the season and I couldn’t pass up the chance to snap a few pictures. I love the beauty of a snow covered landscape. It really is a dramatic contrast to the bright blue sky.

I’m sure there will be a lot more snowy pictures to come this season so I hope you enjoy the white stuff as much as I do.

Just me… blowing in the wind.

2012 – Design made for a family owned machining business. The large photo in the middle was actually a slideshow, working as a great eye grabber.