Thursday, June 2, 2011

I can paint like Rembrandt

I follow a lot of photography forums and recently there was a heated discussion about the decline of the Wedding photographer. Often there are members or friends of the family who have a camera and are asked to photograph their wedding. Non-pros are often called Uncle Bobs, or GWC (Guys with camera). These can also include Guests, with camera who try to follow around the PRO to snap the shots after they have been "set up" resulting in photos being posted on FaceBook or other sites and inevitably means less income for the Wedding Photographer who depends upon these shoots to make a livelihood. Tools do not a pro make. Just because you have the proper tool doesn't necessarily mean you know how to use it. I have a lot of tools but I don't think you want me to rebuild your engine. I can go out and purchase the same type of brushes that Rembrandt uses but no one would want my paintings, even if I gave them away

I know Steve is a professional photographer and motorcyclist in training . He has equipment you would dream about and his photographic tool, which he carries with him daily is his

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iPhone. Everyone I know has an iPhone and they are always showing me this APP and that App. My old phone was a slug. It was neither an Android nor an iPhone and it was very slow on the 'net. I couldn't do my banking, nor could I post on any forums. I mean if Steve could abandon his Nikon D700 full frame and can obtain stunning photos with his iPhone then who am I to say this isn't a good route to follow. So last Saturday I picked up my iPhone 4 3G

As with any new piece of equipment it takes time to master its functions. I was searching the 'net to find out what others are using for photo editing

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My foot has to be elevated and it seems to be getting better, sort of, so I use it for my tests. This is using the OEM camera

I purchased an APP called HDRpro and this is my first test shot.

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It takes a couple of photos for High and Low and blends them and puts the image in the "roll". This was done in Auto mode. With extreme backlighting it works better in manual mode where you are prompted to touch the screen twice; once for the high, and then the highlight

I took it to work and did a self portrait after work.

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I purchased a few different coloured skins for it. You probably noticed that this one matches my Pink Crocs. Most APPs aren't pricey and when I did some research using my friend Google I found Photoforge2 was considered one of the best editing programs for the iphone. It has lots of options, including sharpening, curves and levels. I am still doing more experimenting, but so far I really like the phone. I have turned it into a photographic tool and luckily it can also manage to make phone calls.

Even though I have a stack of Yogurt in the fridge . . . and also some at work

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in a moment of weakness I had this for lunch yesterday

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Prawns over rice. Boy did it taste good but my scale is still moaning from the weight

16 comments:

  1. Bob:
    I thought any food from the sea carried zero calories? ;-).

    Vegetables aren't food anyway. Vegetables are what food eats!

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  2. Bob, I've an Android 2 Global phone, the camera is not bad, but nothing I'd use for the blog unless that's all I had.

    The iphone camera must be pretty good based on the results Steve has produced. Still, it's not in my future. I'll stick to the Lumix Point and Shoot and Martha's Nikon.

    Looking forward to more stuff from your new toy once you've mastered it....knowing you, it won't take long.

    dom

    Redleg's Rides

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

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  3. My hub is a professional news videographer and we have had this discussion many times about folks with video cams and them thinking they can do it like the pros, in most cases not. I usually pack around a little point & shoot cam to snap pics for my blog, I have a basic cell and don't want anything more. Learning to use my iPad was enough of a challenge for me.

    As for food I definitely need to eat lighter, after my scoot wipe-out in January I haven't been able exercise because of pain & healing. I am feeling like the staypuff marshmallow man.

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  4. You may want to take a look at the Camera+ app as you can use two fingers to set focus and exposure independently. It has replaced the normal camera app for me for quite a while. Ever since it had the "illegal feature" of volume control shutter release. (now removed at Apple's insistence)

    I also have been playing around with the HDRpro app and like the results. I wish it had the ability to use more than two pictures but for 99¢, how can you complain...

    Have fun with your new toy!

    Richard

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  5. Interesting series here, Bob:

    Pro Photographer, Cheap Camera Challenge:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGsmVw4tCWY

    The above link is for the iPhone episode.

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  6. I just know your photos from a phone will top my photos from a camera any day.
    You got some amazing feet there, Dude!

    Jimbo

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  7. I don't have an iphone or smartphone. My trusty G11 serves as carry around camera. My coworker Randy is a photographer (and rider) who has done weddings. He has talked about those same issues, and how things have changed over the years. Anyway, I'm resisting these new fangled phones for as long as possible (like until my current antique dies). I hate learning new technology! :)

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  8. Geoff: I have often thought the same thing, some vegetarians eat food from the sea, but not red meat.

    Charlie6: The iPhone is more for it's internal computer and ability to surf the "net, browse and post on forums, and receive email. I hardly use the phone. I love texting. I also like the photo editing software

    Dar: sorry about your wipe-out, hope you are getting better. You should go to Rideaway Motors for their Sunday afternoon coffees, would be nice to finally meet you. I still have video from the Victoria rally, not yet edited.

    RichardM: HDRpro would be better if it used 3 photos or more. Manual mode gives better results but I notice lots of flaring on the backlights. I installed Camera+, but I find that Photoforge2 has more options.

    Doug: Thanks for the link, I'll check it out at home

    Jimbo: Thanks for the compliment. As you notice, I'm not afraid to photograph anything. The phone function is just an incidental, I always carry a real camera and when touring I have my dSLR with me

    BlueKat: I love technology and the phone is so intuitive. Once you have one, you can never go back. I have a G10 but the new G14 should be out soon, if it weren't for the Tsunami. I need RAW and ability to plug in a wireless remote

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  9. I'm not sure if it's different but the app I'm using is Pro HDR. I don't use Camera+ for any post processing of the pictures but just as a better camera app than the Apple app. No video or HDR but I do like the multitouch independent focus and exposure control.

    Plus the best thing about the iPhone is that I always have it with me.

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  10. Thats why I use a pocket canon. Always in my pocket, easy to use and amazing results.

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  11. Dear Bobskoot:

    How do we know Steve is actually using his iPhone to take those pictures? How do we know he does not have a posse of Vespa-riding photographers, using the most sophisticated camera equipment in the world to document his parked Vespa and the dog?

    You Candians are too trusting. I recently raised the point that you never see Steve Williams and Ansel Adams in the same room together. Steve could very well be Ansel Adams.

    I was out someplace yesterday, and read this poster in a gallery which said in huge block letters, "F•ck your iPhone and f•ck your App store." I was laughing so hard I could barely stand up. I have been dying for someone to say this for the past two years. And now, the resistance is arming.

    While I am delighted that you are using your feet and containers of yogurt as practice models, think you should experiment on other models that could pique your urge to always go one step farther. For example, why not use that nice lady who bought your scooter?

    If you'd like, I'd be thrilled to use your practice shots, of her, in Twisted Roads. (That's how confident I am in your ability.)

    Fondest regards,
    Jack/reep
    Twisted Roads

    You'll find that a friendly face is always good inspiration. I'm glad to see tha you are getting around and riding. Do not give in to the foot pain.

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  12. RichardM:

    I have proHDR, not HDRpro. manual modes works better, but it seems to always have flare on the bright photo. I like the idea of having the camera on the iPhone, but I always have a real camera with me anyway. I just like the idea that I can play with the photos if i have to wait somewhere

    Mr Conchscooter:

    I always carry a pocket cam too, Lumix ZS3 but the app on the iPhone lets you do photoshop adjustments

    Mr Jack:

    the pain always comes back when I stop taking the Celebrex. Then it takes a few days to get back to normal again. I'm trying to get off them .

    I got the idea of using feet as test targets from Steel Cupcake, which speaking of which, she has been noticeably absent lately

    One thing about Ansel is that when he spots a photographic subject he stays put until the light is right before he hits the shutter button. Slow and delibrate is his style, sort of like Steve.

    I'm working my way up to Steve's level. First the iPhone, next the Vespa GTS, then I have to find some deserted road in the forest to set up my shot.

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  13. RichardM:

    I have proHDR, not HDRpro. manual modes works better, but it seems to always have flare on the bright photo. I like the idea of having the camera on the iPhone, but I always have a real camera with me anyway. I just like the idea that I can play with the photos if i have to wait somewhere

    Mr Conchscooter:

    I always carry a pocket cam too, Lumix ZS3 but the app on the iPhone lets you do photoshop adjustments

    Mr Jack:

    the pain always comes back when I stop taking the Celebrex. Then it takes a few days to get back to normal again. I'm trying to get off them .

    I got the idea of using feet as test targets from Steel Cupcake, which speaking of which, she has been noticeably absent lately

    One thing about Ansel is that when he spots a photographic subject he stays put until the light is right before he hits the shutter button. Slow and delibrate is his style, sort of like Steve.

    I'm working my way up to Steve's level. First the iPhone, next the Vespa GTS, then I have to find some deserted road in the forest to set up my shot.

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  14. Point and shoot, DSLR, iPhone, whatever. All I know is that this is all depressing. I guess it's the photographer and not the camera. Oh well.

    At least I can ride a motorcycle.

    How did Canon get to the G14 already when the G12 just came out?

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  15. I am a google guy and all "Android", the iphone is amazing but I can't stand Apple and its restrictions and control over everything. I'm with Jack on this one too ;-)
    "F•ck your iPhone and f•ck your App store."
    Apple will sell you the iphone with a special plug so they can charge for an adapter later :-)
    Phone cameras are okay when you don't have anything else but there's no comparison in picture quality.

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  16. I'm here! I'm here! I'm alive. Finally. Slow and alive. :)

    I personally love the feet shots!! And I see some others are getting into them too. (Like Trobairitz's)

    I'm glad you are enjoying your iPhone and hope you are happy with the results. I'm usually floored by Steve's. Because I can't get anything nearly as nice, nor of the same quality with my Win7 phone. The HDR blows out sometimes. The Photo software takes too long for me for set up. Easier to whip out the camera. But then I never get back to the "effects". :)

    Looking forward to catching up on newer posts and see what you have learned!

    -Steel Cupcake

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