Or, it can be the power of observation coupled with the application of (new to you) technology. Looking for ways to expand the reach of my brand and give a "here's what I'm up to right now" look at my work - albeit a little late to the party - I started posting to Twitter (@KSchafferPhoto) last October, and a couple of weeks ago I started an Instagram (@kschafferphoto). Using my phone to take photos on the road and post them to social media has given me a different eye with which to see the world around me and given me a different set of tools to further enhance that vision. As I've spent more time using my phone (an iPhone 5) as a creative tool, I've accumulated and experimented with a few photo apps, which I'll discuss before moving on to some examples.
Here's a breakdown of the photo apps I have on my phone, in alphabetical order, and a quick thought about each:
Aviary (free) - I use this app when I want to add text to a photograph - like a watermark - or need a "one click" solution for a landscape photo that isn't too "over the top." For example, using the Enhance > Scenery filter adds some contrast, exposure, and saturation adjustments to a photo that I can then quickly post.
Camera+ (free) - I've had this app for a couple of months and use it when I want a "one click" solution that gives a "faux HDR" look. Using the "Clarity" filter gives me that quick solution that produces a photo with saturated colors and some "pop."
Priime (free) - This is the newest of the apps, only released last week. I haven't done much with it yet, but here's an article that discusses it in some detail.
Snapseed (free) - This is the app I use when I have time to experiment with making several adjustments. Starting with the Drama or HDR Scape filters then making finer adjustments is usually the route I take with this app.
SlowShutter ($.99) - This is another recent addition. I've taken a few shots with it to get a feel for how it works, but don't have an example that's worth sharing at this time. As the name of the app implies, it allows you to use slower shutter speeds with your phone's camera.
VSCOcam (free) - Another recent addition that I'm only beginning to explore. VSCO produces plugins for programs like Photoshop that emulate the look of film, and this app does the same thing, with the ability to further edit the photo once taken. One of the photographers I respect the most, David duChemin, uses this app (and SlowShutter) extensively and creates some beautiful work, and I'm looking forward to carving out the time to get more familiar with it.
vividHDR ($1.99) - I've only had this app for a couple of weeks, but it's quickly become my favorite. One click, pick a style, and then do some editing in the app and you're ready to post. This is already my go to app for black and white photography.
This past week I took a short road trip to Amarillo, Texas, to see what there was to be seen. The first stop I made was Cadillac Ranch, just outside of Amarillo, a piece of Americana that I've wanted to see for quite some time. I don't know why, but I have a fascination with the quirky roadside attractions that dot the landscape of the America. This photo was taken using the Camera+ app, then applying the "Clarity" filter.
Next stop was Palo Duro Canyon State Park, about 30 miles from Amarillo. It was an overcast day, the sun peeking out occasionally, as I drove through the park. This shot was taken using the Snapseed app, then applying the HDR Scape filter before doing some final in app editing.
Further in Palo Duro Canyon State Park I saw this gorgeous scene, pulled my car over, and walked up the hill a bit to get a better vantage point. This shot was taken with the vividHDR app. I then applied the Dramatic filter and made a few adjustments.
The next morning I woke to an overcast, foggy day, and I headed back to the canyon hoping that the skies would clear up as the day wore on. This didn't happen, so after exploring the park a bit I headed back out and drove around exploring the Texas Panhandle. At one point I saw this lone tree with the two toned background and spent quite a bit of time photographing it, both with my phone and my DSLR. This shot was taken using the vividHDR app, applying the Lively filter, then making a couple of quick adjustments.
On the third day I headed back to Santa Fe, but not before stopping at Cadillac Ranch early in the morning. Again, I spent quite a bit of time photographing the scene with both my phone and camera. This shot was taken with Snapseed, and then applying the HDR Scape filter and making a few adjustments.
On the way back home to Santa Fe, I made a point of stopping by the (near) ghost town of Cuervo, New Mexico. This shot was taken with vividHDR, then applying the Gray Art filter before making some minor adjustments.
Using my phone as a vehicle for capturing scenes and doing some mobile editing has given me a new way of approaching photography and looking at the world - and given me a chance to share that in real time...
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