Momathon Blog

10 Reasons to Use the Flickr App

Chances are if you have a smart phone, then you have a photo app or two. Photo sharing and editing apps have millions of loyal users on Instagram—plus more fans on Camera Awesome, Hipstamatic, and now on the Flickr app. The photo sharing service Flickr has been around for almost a decade on the web. How does the new app stack up against the competition? Check out my list below.

Here's what I like:

1. The Flickr app interface is clean and easy to use. 
2. You can upload your original image without a filter OR make adjustments to your original photo with the built-in color correction and retouching tools.
3. App includes 15 filters that change the tone and mood of image.
4. You can keep photo dimensions "as is" or crop it—you are not constrained by the square dimensions of Instagram.
5. When you upload filters, the app stores photos in FULL resolution so they are crisp and clear. 
6. App is social media savvy—share images on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and email.
7. You can add titles, captions and share location
8. Plus when you upload the photo you can also add tags, assign to Flickr sets and Flickr groups, and adjust privacy/visibility of photos.
9. If you just want to see what other photographers are doing, click on the "Contacts" tab in the app to see photos uploaded by friends and connections.
10. If you are looking for an image in a specific category, tap on the "Groups" tab to see images arranged in categories such as  general as "dogs" or as specific as "corners of my home"

Flickr filter details for photos above: The top photo of the rose uses the Chinchilla filter. The grid of six photos use the following filters (clockwise starting at top left): Chinchilla, Wallaby, Orangutan, Mammoth, Chameleon, and  Orca.

 

Images: All photos featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

I Want To {Laugh More}

 

Do you have a silly side? My goal this year is to nurture that silly side of me. And to do this the whole family is unplugging their tech more often—especially during meals. Who knows what fun things will develop... Maybe even Mr. Napkin Head will stop by. 

•  •  •  •  •

Okay, I know I just talked about unplugging more, but I have to give a quick shout out to two apps that helped me create the image above:

1) I used the new Flickr app for my iPhone to create the purple-ish effect on Mr. Napkin Head (my husband) using the Chinchilla filter. This app has a set of photo filters similar to Instagram.

2) I used the Over app to add the stylish text next. (Want to see what this app can do?  On Twitter check out @madewithOver and follow the hashtag #madewithOver.)

IMAGE: Photo and design by me.

Guide to Instagram Filters: Willow Filter

Are you looking for a filter to use with portraits, still life, and landscapes? The monochrome Instagram filter Willow warms up an image with soft purple-pink hues and adds subtle white glow effect.

Many Instagram reviewers have focused on the purple tones in the Willow filter, but I think the filter has a mixture of purple and pink. What do you think?

The two monochrome filters with Instagram are Willow and Inkwell. Each offers a unique effect. If you want a softer look, go with the Willow filter. If you want to boost the contrast, try the Inkwell filter. 

Here is a snapshot summary of the Willow Filter:

Filter effect: 
This monochrome filter adds a purple-pink tone and features a soft white glow effect.

Works best:
Portrait-style people shots, still life, and architecture photographs—think scenes with contrast

Similar filter:  Inkwell

IMAGES: The Instagram images are by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone + Instagram. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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

Nashville Filter

 

No Filter  Amaro Filter  Rise Filter  

Hudson Filter  X-Pro II Filter  Sierra Filter  

Lo-Fi Filter  Earlybird Filter  Sutro Filter  

Toaster Filter  Brannan Filter  Inkwell Filter  

Walden Filter  Hefe Filter  Valencia Filter 

Nashville Filter  1977 Filter  Kelvin Filter  

Willow  Mayfair

Walden Filter

Guide to Instagram Features

 

 Enhance Colors and Details with Lux 

Add Some Glam in Instagram

Tilt-Shift Focus

Newest Instagram Features

Comparing 9 Instagram Filters {The Puppy Edition}

 

Bewitched

There is something about fall that makes me want to get outside more often with my camera. The light plays with shadows and builds contrast in a magical way. Even stark branches turn bewitching as the sun flirts with the landscape. 

CAPTURE THE LOOK
I shot this photo early in the day when the sun was coming up. It seems I am never outside without a dog pulling on a leash beside me. Today I had trouble keeping the camera steady on this image as my Peke pulled me in the opposite direction. To add some drama to the image, I shot the tree looking up into the branches.

When I opened the image up on my computer I thought of the Jane Austen quote. The book is a fave of mine and the last scene from the Pride and Prejudice movie is wonderful. I added the quote in Adobe Photoshop, but you could also use a simpler program. A fun way to start is by adding text to an Instagram image with a text app.

 

Image: BEWITCHED graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<   

 

Instagram Guide: Tilt-Shift Focus

In addition to the 18 Instagram filters, the photo app comes with added features to enhance your photos. Here is a guide to the focus feature.

Tilt-Shift Focus

Ever take a picture and wish you could highlight a specific area? Or maybe you have a distracting portion of your photo you want to fade into a blur. That is when the tilt-shift focus comes in handy. Although you want to make sure that your photo is in focus when you take it, you don't need to worry about highlighting a specific focus area as you take the photo. The Instagram app lets you can pick a focus area after you take the photo. Instagram includes two options for focusing that will blur the surroundings of the subject.

Instagram app includes two focus types:

• line (linear) focus 
• circle (radial) focus

When you click on the Instagram tab that looks like a water drop or rain drop, the app gives you a choice of using the circle, line, or no focus (X). Complete step-by-step directions for using the focus feature below.

Get the Look: Create Some Magic with Instagram

 

Match an Instagram filter with a dreamy image and you can create photo magic. In this Get The Look post I used the Lo Fi filter to boost the saturated colors in nature. The changing fall colors makes this the perfect time to play with Instagram. By adjusting the position of the focus in Instagram I enhanced the naturally golden lighting. Check out the image above for step-by-step directions to create the photo magic. Have fun!

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, Lo Fi filter.

 

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

 Get The Look series: Add Some Glam in Instagram

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

 

More Instagram tips for all of the 18 filters after the jump below.

You've Got Mail

Sending a personalized card on the fly from your phone is a great way to stay in touch. While on a trip to Washington, I used the Red Stamp app to send a personal message with a photo to the grandparents. It was a quick way to say thanks and share a photo from the trip. If you want to get your message delivered immediately, many card apps give you the option to send a digital card via email, text or Facebook—for free. Or for a minimal charge, some of the apps will send your greetings the old-fashioned way via snail mail. Here's a roundup of my faves for creating cards using a smart phone.

RED STAMP

The stunning cards created by the Red Stamp app tops my list for ease of use and a wide variety of designs to fit your mood.  The app's user-friendly interface turns you into a designer—well, almost. The card you create looks amazing because the clever designers at Red Stamp give you all the tools to create a lovely card. How does the app work? First you select one of your own photos for your card, next add some text from a selection of awesome fonts, then choose a recipient list and send the cards by email, text, Facebook, Twitter AND snail mail. Digital cards are free. The app's interface gives you tons of designs to choose from, but like many apps the "thumbnails" of the layout options such as changing font colors are very tiny and a bit hard to see. The more you use the app, the easier it is to navigate the app. The app also includes a handy tool to help you if you have any questions. The cost of printed postcards starts at $1.99.

CARTOLINA

On Friday I shared a photo card I created with Cartolina. If you like cards with a hint of nostalgia, then the Cartolina cards are perfect for thank yous, birthday congrats, or any message you want to send. You can pick from a selection of gorgeous designs with a vintage vibe. You can add your own photos and a personal message. Cartolina has two apps: 1) If you want to send an actual postcard use the Cartolina Postale iPhone app and the fee for printing and mailing is $1.99. 2) If you want to create a card to post via email, text or on Facebook, then check out the Cartolina iPhone app. I love Cartolina paper stationery because they use environmentally friendly paper products. You can find the Cartolina stationery line at fab stores like Anthropology, Urban Outfitters, Selfridges, Paper Chase. and Harvey Nichols (London).  

INKLY

Next week the Inkly app will be launched. I didn't get to test it out, but based on the PR (see my graphic above) the app adds a new twist that many will enjoy. The app's unique message feature lets you send your "handwritten" message in a greeting card via the app on your phone. The card you create does not feature REAL handwriting—just an image of your writing added to a card. So how does it work? First, you write a message on paper—make the handwriting neat because in the next step you take a photo of your message. Then you add your photographed message to an Inkly designed card via the app, finally the app will send a printed card via snail mail to the recipient. I haven' tried this service out yet, but it sounds interesting.  

SINCERELY INK

From the makers of Postagram, PopBooth, Ink and Ship Library, the app Sincerely has a wide selection of card layouts. The app is free and the cost of sending a printed card in the US is $1.99. I like the fact the postcards are printed on heavyweight 5x7 inch glossy postcards. If you don't have one of your own photos to include in the card—no worries. Sincerely has a selection of lovely card layouts that you can personalize just with your own message.

Here are a few more apps you might want to check out:

Paperless Post - Online Invitations and Stationery

Shutterfly: Photo Books, Holiday Cards, Photo Cards, Birth Announcements

Note to readers: This was not a sponsored post.

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

Image: RED STAMP photo at the top of this post is by me, Chris Olson, from a recent trip. I created the the app diptics that featuring the card options. Feel free to Pin them Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 18 with Kelvin Filter

 

The Kelvin filter on Instagram is versatile and works well with a variety of images including landscapes, cityscapes, your favorite bakery goods, and your adorable pets. The filter adds a retro look—boosting the earth tones of green, brown, and orange—without sacrificing the brilliant blues in the sky or ocean. If you like to include the optional Instagram filter border, play around with adding the Kelvin scratchy border to frame your image.

I used the LUX feature with Kelvin to bring out details in sun shining through the leaves in the tree photo in the lower left. The LUX feature boosts the details and contrast in images of plants and building exteriors when photographing gardens, neighborhoods, 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 Guide to the LUX feature here.

I adjusted the focus in a few of the photos by tapping 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. You can find more about using this focus feature here.

When Instagram made updates to the filters to make them faster and high res, some of the filters were tweaked more than others. The Lord Kelvin filter became the Kelvin filter. This name change highlights the significant change to the filter from the previous version which had a super-saturated vintage look with a strong sepia vibe. I know many Instagram fans are not happy with the changes. I like the new Kelvin version, but perhaps they could have kept the old Lord Kelvin too. 

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 of the adoptable dogs with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest with a link to the animal shelter. If you can, please include a search-able hashtag with the breed of dog (eg., #lab or #dachshund) and then also add a hashtag with #adopt_dogs. You can even add text to the photo with apps like InstaText.

The adorable dog mix featured above is Harley. If he is still available for adoption, you can find him at this animal rescue and on Petfinder Adoptable Dog: American Staffordshire Terrier named Harley.

 

Images: Photos using the Kelvin Filter (#kelvin) featured above are by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Walden Filter

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

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

Day 19: Willow Filter

Enhance Colors and Details with Lux 

Add Some Glam in Instagram

Tilt-Shift Focus

Newest Instagram Features

Comparing 9 Instagram Filters {The Puppy Edition}

 

>• A note about the photos •<

I am delighted to have my images from this blog re-posted but please always credit MomathonBlog.com as the original source when re-posting to your blog, Pinterest, Tumblr, or any other site. Please also credit with a link back to MomathonBlog.com. Please ask permission before re-posting exact text, instructions, recipes, or diy's from MomathonBlog.com. Thank you.

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 15 with Valencia Filter

 

Valencia Filter on Instagram

 

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

Update on Rosie: Yay! Rosie was adopted. She loves her new forever home :)

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:

 

Walden Filter

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

 

Add Some Glam in Instagram

Day 13: Walden Filter 

Day 14: Hefe Filter

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

Willow Filter  

Mayfair Filter

GUIDE TO INSTAGRAM FEATURES

Enhance Colors and Details with Lux 

Add Some Glam in Instagram

Tilt-Shift Focus

Newest Instagram Features

Comparing 9 Instagram Filters {The Puppy Edition}

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

Instagram photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

 

 

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.   

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. For details on how to use this focus feature, check out my easy step-by-step directions with photo examples here.

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)

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.

 

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

Walden Filter

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

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Nashville Filter

 

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

 

Guide to Instagram Features

Instagram Guide {Finding the Best Filters for Each Photo}

Enhance Colors and Details with Lux 

Add Some Glam in Instagram

Tilt-Shift Focus

Newest Instagram Features

Comparing 9 Instagram Filters {The Puppy Edition}

 

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

Instagram photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 13 with Walden Filter

The soft watercolor effect of the Walden filter on Instagram gives photos a bluish "late afternoon" effect. Like most Instagram filters the Walden effect has a retro feel. Add this mellowing effect to achieve a romantic glow in shots that reminds me of spending a lazy summer afternoon without the constant interruptions of my iPhone. Perfect for a landscape or cityscape, vacay photos, pets, and even product shots.

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

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

Comparing 9 Instagram Filters {The Puppy Edition}

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

 

Nashville Instagram 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

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

 GET THE LOOK series: Add Some Glam in Instagram

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

Instagram photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Lupine Flowers and Lovely Links

 
Flowers are springing up so early in my neighborhood. I love the deep purple blooms of the perennial lupine that covers the terraced garden in front of my house. Their floral stocks remind me of sweet peas. Lupine like to "plant themselves" and rarely do well when transplanted because they have very long tap roots. If you want to add lupine plants, the try harvesting the seeds from existing plants—directions below.

Lupine Seed Saving Directions:
After the lupine plant is done blooming, the seed pods turn yellow. You can hear the seeds "rattle" inside the pods when the seeds are ripe. To catch the seeds to use later, just place pods in a box where they can explode naturally and then gather the seed. Right before you want to plant the seeds, try placing them in a baggie with a moist paper towel. Set the seed baggie in the refrigerator for about a week. The cool temps encourage germination. Seeds treated in this manner can be planted during the growing season (June—August).

 

• • • Lovely Links • • •

What are you grateful for? I'm grateful for Gabrielle Blair at DesignMom.com. Today she has a post similar to my post about kindness. Her post is all about gratitude, check it out here.

I like making printables for my blog and the always clever Nicole Balch over at the design blog Making it Lovely has created an adorable set of 10 printable Rainbow Birthday Party Invitations. They're free and fantastic!

What makes a great bookstore for kids? The moms at Red Tricycle share the best independent bookstores in the SF Bay Area here.

If you are on LinkedIn and use an iPad, the new app just for the iPad launched this week. Find out more here.

Do you have any lovely links to share? Share your thoughts in the comments, or on MomathonBlog on Facebook.

xo Chris

Image by Chris Olson.

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 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

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

Get The Look: Add Some Glam in Instagram

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

All Instagram photos are by me, Chris Olson at Chris CoCo Media. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

 

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 Chris O

  

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

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

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

GET THE LOOK series: Add Some Glam in Instagram

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

Instagram photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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 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

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

Instagram photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Move over Instagram, make room for the Camera Awesome app

I've experimented with loads of photo apps to turn your iPhone or smartphone a better camera. The new Camera Awesome free app from SmugMug joins my list of personal faves for camera versatility and high performance, a list that includes the Instagram, Adobe Photoshop Express, and Camera+ apps. All of the apps listed here are free except the Camera+ app that costs $1.99. However, I will warn you the app is so much fun it is very tempting buy extra bonus features for the Camera Awesome— each set of nine additional (totally awesome) effects is 99 cents. The Hancock effect adds a layer of script and you can see it above.

The photo included in the post today was taken and/or processed with Camera Awesome. I tried to pick a very ordinary subject—a string of lights—and see if the app could "Awesomize" it. And, yes, that is the term the app makers use. Since I am a Photoshop geek, I wasn't sure if this iPhone app would be as versatile and tweakable as a I wanted. Turns out it was a great deal of fun to use. The so-called boring string of lights (I stood on a chair to take this shot) turned out kind of magical with the Hancock filter. I have to add one thing that I really love about this app, you can upload any photo in the app to post process. Here are my thoughts on the new app:

Camera Awesome 

• Camera app works with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S (an Android app is in development)
• Full-featured and full-powered camera app
• Free app comes with 36 free effects: presets, filters, textures, and frames
• Option to upgrade and buy more presets, a total of 297 presets available
• Image stabilization, burst mode, camera timer, and more
• Fast burst option for active shotss—camera can capture photos in quick sequences
• Works in video mode 
• All your photos can be shared on social media through the easy built-in sharing feature
• Option to use SmugMug photo archiving at full resolution 

After the snowstorm: What do you see?

 

Could this be a Rorschach snow-blot?

I see a horse. What do you see?

Although it's just random snow patterns on a piece of wood, it made me think of a Rorschach inkblot test.

Photo by me, Chris Olson

 

Grand gardens in small spaces

Gardens have a magic all their own. Inspiring, relaxing, and healing me on my daily walks. When I take my daily walks, stopping to admire the colors, scents, and shade near an urban garden is a welcome resting point for me and my children--and my dogs!

More garden photos on the following link: