Momathon Blog

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 17 with 1977 Filter

Instagram's 1977 filter adds a faded pink hue that turns almost any image into a retro photo with plenty of glam and a hint of Disneyesque fantasy. A few of the many photo opps for the 1977 filter include: Transform an average winter landscape with the 1977 filter to turn the image into a scene from a Snow White movie. Or play around with cityscape photos for a dreamy vintage look. The filter even works in low light situations when you want to capture that quartet of fine ales you are testing at a brew pub.

Splish Splash with iDuck Wireless Speakers

 

 

Now you can listen to your iPod or iPhone in the tub with the iDuck wireless speaker that lets you listen to your favorite music and your iPod/iPhone/MP3 player rests safe and sound away from the water. iDuck will also play your FM radio.

Great way to get kids in the tub! Available at ThinkGeek. $29.99

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 15 with Valencia Filter

If you like to take outdoor photos, chances are you will have plenty of opportunities to use the Valencia filter on Instagram which adds a subtle brown tint to images. That said, I found this filter versatile enough to use with shots of my favorite shelter dogs at an adoption fair and even bakery goods for a picnic. I don't feel I need to use the LUX feature very often with this filter because of the built-in contrast provided by the Valenica filter. I will use the LUX feature to add a nice contrast with brick and other building materials when photographing house exteriors, cityscapes, etc.

For more information on the LUX feature plus a handy list of how to use other features including the focus, frame, and more, check out my link here.

Your Instagram Photos Help Shelter Dogs
The adorable  dog featured below is a rescue dog named Rosie. For more information on adopting this dog, go to this dog rescue link. #german_shepherd

Images in this post by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Valencia Filter (#Valencia)

 

 

 You can find other posts in this Guide to Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

Day 14: Hefe Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 14 with Hefe Filter

Boost the warmth and cozy factor of photos by adding golden tones and a subtle fuzzy effect using the Hefe filter on Instagram (#hefe). Because the filter ever so slightly increases the saturation in the image, I did not use the LUX feature which adds vibrancy to the photo by bringing out more details. I opted to use the Tilt-Shift (DoF) feature with the pool photos to blur a portion of the image because of personal preference—I think pool ripples and depth of field is fun to play around with. If you like yellow and gold hues, then this is the perfect filter for almost any occasion. The retro vibe with the Hefe is visible but rarely distracting.   

Use Instagram to Help Shelter Dogs Get Adopted

If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter with a link to the shelter. This Instagram photo features Rocko, details on him at this dog rescue link.

More Instagram Tips

EYE ICON

Tap the "eye" icon in the lower right corner of the Instagram camera screen and the Instagram filter bar appears.

TEAR DROP ICON

Tap the "tear drop" icon or Tilt-Shift focus icon located up on the upper right of the Instagram camera interface to give you the ability to focus on a particular part of your photo. The unselected portion of the image will fade into a blur. You can adjust the location/placement of the focus and the size. To use this feature, just tap the tear drop icon at the top of the Instagram camera interface, next select either the line or the spot effect, then tap or drag/rotate the image to preview how this feature adjusts the in-focus area. Instagram includes two different types of focus options, a focus area in a line and a a focus area in a circle. Select the line or circle and then use your fingers to play with the placement and size on your image. If you don't like the focus effect, just click on the "X" icon to remove any tilt-shift effect.

FRAME ICON

Each filter—except the no filter option—comes with a unique frame. You can opt to use it or keep it simple with no frame.  Tap on the "frame" icon to see how it looks. Tap again to remove the frame.

SUN ICON

in the lower left portion of your camera screen is the "sun" icon also known as the LUX effect. Tap on the icon to add pop or vibrancy to the photo by bringing out more details. Tap it again to remove the LUX effect. The LUX effect changes dramatically depending on the photo and the filter. Once again, experimenting with this feature is the best way to know when you want to use it.

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Hefe Filter (#hefe)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 12 with Inkwell Filter

 
The Inkwell filter using the Instagram app will not automatically turn your images into Ansel Adams photos, but the filter glams up even bad lighting by adding a high contrast effect to images. Perfect for giving photos a classic black and white vintage vibe. Play around with the LUX feature to add more drama and boost the contrast.

Inkwell works well with photos of pets, floral close-ups, and landscapes. 

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Inkwell Filter (#Inkwell)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 11 with Brannan Filter

 

The Brannan filter on Instagram has a soft "vintage meets modern" effect. It brings out the grays and greens in a photo. Don't use Brannan if you want bright colors to pop. Instead, try it with photos of your dog or a landscape/cityscape. Fun to use on your next vacation.

I stumbled on a very cool use for the low-key Brannan filter—this filter is great for bringing out the beauty in dogs or cats with dark fur. Often the adorable faces of black labs are lost in a photo. Try the Brannan filter with or without the LUX feature. See my photo of the sweet lab mix, Lebowski.  

{ Your Instagram photos can help shelter dogs: If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter. }

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Brannan Filter (#Brannan)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 10 with Toaster Filter

I call the Toaster filter the "Date Night" filter. Use it to add a retro "Mad Man" look. The high exposure center works well to give a 60s vibe to family gatherings, picnics, etc.

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Toaster Filter (#Toaster)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 9 with Sutro Filter

Bring out the purples and browns in photos for a sepia effect with Instagram's Sutro filter. Sutro changes photos by desaturating and toning down the intensity of the colors. If you want to add a dramatic effect to even ordinary things, try the Sutro filter.

 


Your Instagram photos can help shelter dogs

If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter.

The adorable dog featured below is a large rescue dog with a big heart named Rocko. For more information on adopting this sweet dog, go to this dog rescue link. xo

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Sutro Filter. (#Sutro)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 8 with Earlybird Filter

The Earlybird filter adds a romantic glow to an image by enhancing the soft faded colors with a hint of yellow and taupe. This app is great for fashion shots, brown-eyed dogs, and even dreamy decors. 

Your Instagram photos can help shelter dogs

If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter.

The adorable dog featured below is a rescue dog named Amber. For more information on adopting this dog, go to this dog rescue link. xo

  

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Earlybird Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 7 with Lo-Fi Filter

If you like a dreamy quality to your photos, try the Lo-Fi (Lomo-fi) filter on the Instagram app. With a hint of a blurry effect and saturated colors (especially greens and yellows), this app is great for enhancing floral shots, landscapes and even food styling. For more examples of my Instagram photos with Lo-Fi filters click here.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Lo-Fi Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 6 with Sierra Filter

 

Instagram recently added the warm Sierra filter to its app upgrade along with the LUX feature that makes photos more vibrant and brighter. At first glance you might think this filter gives photos a faded vintage feel similar to Valencia. However because you can combine the filter with LUX to bring out the details and even brighten darker photos, the Sierra filter is more versatile. I think the Sierra filter has a more subtle effect on images that will "soften" the image rather than fade them. I like using the filter with photos of food, flowers, pets, and nature. The food and floral photos were taken on my weekend trip to a favorite bakery and flower shop.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Sierra Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

How to Add Depth of Field to a Photo with Instagram

In my Instagram post yesterday I used the X-Pro II Filter. Today I'm explaining in detail how to apply depth of field (DoF) feature in Instagram. See the graphic above for step-by-step directions. Be sure to try it out, it's fun. If you don't like the 3-D effect, you can go back to the normal focus by clicking on the "x" icon.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with X-Pro II Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 5 with X-Pro II Filter

Instagram users on Flickr love the X-Pro II Filter. And I'm a fan too. When you apply the X-Pro II filter to an image the result has a "vintage" feel. Plus I like the intensity of the colors—especially the blues and the reds.

Focus

In the photos above I used both the circle (radial) focus and the line (linear) focus to blur the surroundings of the subject and make the subject area seem closer than the background. When you apply depth of field (DoF), all you have to do is click on the Instagram tab that looks like a water drop or rain drop. Then select either the circle or the line icon to be the "in focus" area in your photo. You can manipulate the blur feature and change the location and size of the circle/line in focus area. Try it out, it's fun. If you don't like the 3-D effect, you can go back to the normal focus by clicking on the "x" icon.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with X-Pro II Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Hudson Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

 

 

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 3 with Rise Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

If I want a soft, warm light to leak into my shot, I often use the Rise filter created by Cole Rise. It's a great filter for landscape and nature shots. I think it also works well indoors for capturing the warmth of a kitchen and even product shots. 

Do you have any favorite Instagram filters? I would love to hear about your faves, just add them to the comment section. Or connect via Momathon Blog on Facebook.

Images above by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone 4 + Instagram, Rise Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 2 with Amaro Filter

Facebook acquired one of my personal faves, the photo sharing app Instagram with a cult following of some 30 million users. I thought it might be fun to chronicle the 18 Instagram filter options—including the "no filter" option—with one photo a day for 18 days.

Day 2

Amaro: The Amaro filter on Instagram adds a country or old west style to photos. I added the LUX photo enhancing system (new on version 2.1) which adds vibrance to the photo by bringing out more details. All you do is click on the little sunshine icon to turn on LUX. I think using the LUX with the Amaro tones down the vintage-y vibe. (#amaro)

Below is a comparison of the image with LUX and without LUX:

Do you have any favorite Instagram filters? I would love to hear about your faves, just add them to the comment section. Or connect via Momathon Blog on Facebook.

Images above by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone 4 + Instagram, Amaro Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 1 with Normal Filter

 

Yesterday Facebook acquired one of my personal faves, the photo sharing app Instagram with a cult following of some 30 million users. I thought it might be fun to chronicle the 17 Instagram filter options plus the "no filter" option with one photo a day for 18 days.

Day 1

Normal: Also known as "no filter." Sounds boring until you consider that stylized filters are cool, but purity can be awesome. 

Do you have any favorite Instagram filters? I would love to hear about your faves, just add them to the comment section. Or connect via Momathon Blog on Facebook.

Image above by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone 4 + Instagram, Normal Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

Canine Photo Stylist and Lovely Links

My little guy Gizmo has a knack for stepping into the shot at the last second—and sometimes he makes the photo even better. What do you think?

Lovely links:

• I'm a Photoshop geek, but I also love my easy-peasy photo apps. Today Facebook announced they bought Instagram—the mobile photo sharing app with over 30 million users. According to the NYTimes.com article, Facebook CEO Mr. Zuckerberg wrote. “Now, we’ll be able to work even more closely with the Instagram team to also offer the best experiences for sharing beautiful mobile photos with people based on your interests.”

• Getting psyched to tackle a Monday is often tough for me—especially after a lovely holiday weekend. I am thinking setting out a fun outfit the night before might help. Love this clever Monday Work Wear {Anything Goes} post by the always stylish Erin at Apartment 34.

Image above by  me, Chris Olson. 

 

Sweetest Postcard App: Great New Option for Holiday Cards

The new Cartolina Postale iPhone app is a visually beautiful iPhone app that turns screen eye candy into glossy postcards.

Here's the fun part, browse through the lovely design templates (32 styles to choose from) included in the iPhone app. Select the design you like and your customize card by adding your own photograph. The app is free, the fee for printing and mailing one one card is $1.99–a nice price for a custom card that is mailed in the U.S. (To have it mailed anywhere in the world the price is $2.99) The 4x6 cards are printed for you on glossy, heavyweight card stock and mailed directly from the app to anywhere in the world. Delivery times are about 3-7 days in the U.S. 

For more information, Cartolina Postale iPhone app.

(Photo: Cartolina Postale iPhone app via Cartolina)

Geeky mom: Why I still love my iPod Classic

It's ancient in terms of iPod technology--no touch screen capability, a funky wheel for controls, kinda bulky, and an itsy-bitsy screen.

So why do I love thee? Because my beloved iPod Classic is like my huge purse–it holds almost everything! I guess writer Tom Samiijan at WSJ.com summed it up best:

With 160GB of hard-drive space, the iPod Classic can hold around 3,200 albums...It won't let you check your email, buy more tunes on the fly or check sports scores, but in this multitasking era of tweets, Facebook feeds and other instant distractions, there's something appealing about a device that does one thing well: rock out.

Apparently plenty of people roll their eyes at this old thing because rumor has it the iPod Classic will be discontinued by Apple. I just hope my Classic lives on for a very long time.  

Geeky Mom: PayPal app on iPhone has security flaw

I often use PayPal because it offers an added level of security for online transactions; however as this news story shows, nothing is perfectly safe. Even PayPal, an eBay company, can be vulnerable to a security lapse leaving users unprotected. 

When using the mobile PayPal app in unsecured networks and WiFi hotspots users were left vulnerable because the app failed to check the digital certificates--an electronic ID card--that confirms that a website is legitimate. In other words, this flaw allowed a hacker to develop a fake PayPal website and access accounts without the PayPal app users knowing anything had happened. This security flaw meant PayPal app users could be "tricked into thinking they were using the legitimate website when they weren't" according to CNET News. The android app and the PayPal website are not affected. Only the iPhone version of the app is affected by the flaw.

According to CNET News, PayPal spokesman Anuj Nayar says, "We don't believe any customers have been affected at all, and if there were any affected they would be 100 percent covered by PayPal."

The over 4 million users of the poplar app can breath a sigh of relief as they download the app update to secure their phones. According to WSJ.com:

PayPal spokeswoman Amanda Pires said the eBay Inc. unit verified the vulnerability Tuesday night and sent a new version of the app to Apple Inc.'s App Store that users will have to download. PayPal also said it would reimburse 100% of any fraudulent activity.

PayPal was alerted of the flaw on Tuesday when they were asked by WSJ.com to comment on the flaw that the mobile security firm viaForensics first reported. PayPal rushed to fix the flaw and within 24 hours made an app update available for download. The new 3.0.1 version of the app with the security update is free at the iTunes App Store.

Since banks and credit cards are considering offering mobile payment systems similar to PayPal in the near future, let's hope the PayPal security issue pushes them to develop secure systems.

(Photo: Miss Karen)

Gorgeous designs in Cartolina card app makes emails and texts print-worthy!

I love getting beautiful cards via snail mail, but I admit I can't wait to receive a personalized email or text from a friend using the Cartolina app. This app includes an assortment of Cartolina artwork perfect for birthdays, special events, and holidays.

Cartolina app features:
- allows you to send to multiple recipients--useful for announcements and invitations
- includes a calendar with automatic reminders so you don't miss a birthday or anniversary
- syncs with your iPhone or iPod touch calendar
- graphics are retina display ready for the latest generations of the iPhone and iPod touch
- supports multiple languages
- app costs $2.99

Here are just a few designs you can select. A Christmas card design is coming soon!

 

This geeky mom loves Huff Post Tech

 

 

Met the talented Bianca Bosker, Huffington Post Tech Editor, at the sold-out BlogHer'10 in NYC. Bosker created a slideshow of Twitter users' reflections on BlogHer 10.

 

Seems like a new tech gadget is born every second. That's why I read the Huff Post Tech online to stay up with the latest trends. You can also keep up with tech news on Twitter: @bbosker and @HuffPostTech. 

Geotags: Will the photos you post online give away your location?

I am a GPS addict when it comes to maps and driving directions. Perhaps it is because I'm directionally dyslexic. However, when I post photos online, I don't want my iPhone's "location services" to geotag my photos and give away personal information. In a nutshell, photo geotags store location-based data in the form of latitude and longitude. Smartphones love creating geotags--and you probably never noticed this feature. 

According to an article by Kate Murphy in San Jose Mercury News

When Adam Savage, host of the popular science program "MythBusters," posted a picture on Twitter of his automobile parked in front of his house, he let his fans know much more than that he drove a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Embedded in the image was a geotag, a bit of data providing the longitude and latitude of where the photo was taken. Hence, he revealed exactly where he lived. And since the accompanying text was "Now it's off to work," potential thieves knew he would not be at home.

via www.mercurynews.com

You can disable photo geotagging. On the website I Can Stalk U, go to the heading "How do I disable this" to find detailed instructions for disabling geotagging photos on your iPhone (iOS 4.x and iOS 3.x), Palm WebOS, or Google Android. 

Menus from NYC (and more) on your iPhone

 

Where do you want to go for lunch or dinner today? Now you can use your iPhone or iPod touch to check out restaurant menus using the free MenuPages app. You can search for restaurants by type, or location. One of the best features is skimming a list of nearby restaurants to decide where to dine. Once you decide on a restaurant, just tap the icon to bring up the menu as well as restaurant hours and location.

 

 

Cities included on MenuPages
MenuPages includes the following cities: 

• NYC
• San Francisco
• LA
• Philadelphia
• Washington DC
• South Florida. 
• NEW: Restaurant recommendations for travelers in London and Paris.

If you don't have an iPhone or iPad you can access MenuPages.com on your laptop.

MenuPages is also on Twitter.

(MenuPages artwork above from MenuPages.com.)