iPhone Introduction

As in this is my introduction to an iPhone, because assumedly most of the people to read this already own an iPhone or another brand of smart phone. I have long been a person who is slow to adopt new technology. In fact, before I bought the Macbook Pro that I am currently typing this on I was not even sure the difference between Mac and PC. That was a few years ago now and I have acclimated to computer technology. I am especially in tune with new photography software and try to keep abreast of new technologies becoming available. However, my main source of arrested development has been in the cell phone department. My most recent phone was a $40 flip phone that didn't even contain word predict for text messaging. This replaced a hand-me-down Sony Ericson that was half a decade old which was preceeded by several other hand-me-down phones at various ages of vintageness. I share this because there is likely no one reading this under the age of 60 that has been slower to adopt and love cellular technology than me. That is until last week when Rachel finally convinced me that we should get smart phones.

The benefits of a smart phone compared to the handicapped one I was using are numerous and obvious. Directions, games, and text messaging by talking are all great, but my main motivation in purchasing an iphone is the camera. I have been debating buying a small point-and-shoot for some time in order to capture moments when I do not have the dslr at hand. However, after some consideration it seemed carrying a phone and point-and-shoot was redundant due to the quality of images that can now be obtained by a smart phone. I like Apple and use a Mac so iPhone was the obvious choice. I purchased the iPhone 4s even though the iPhone 5 just came out. After doing some research it did not seem like the improvements to the camera was worth the extra money to me.

I have had my iPhone 4s for about two weeks and I love it! Having a decent camera on me at all times is great and I think the results are excellent most of the time. I am also blown away by the number of apps and accessories available. Below are the apps that I have downloaded and used so far. All of these are free and most offer options to upgrade. I have included my brief impressions of the short time I have used them as well as sample images. I plan on trying more programs and purchasing attatchable lenses soon. Thank you for stopping by and take care.

Adobe Photoshop Express- A very condensed version by the leader in post processing. Really like the ease of use and practical tools including crop, exposure, contrast, and sharpen. Also really like the the black and white tool. There are a few free filters that aren't very good but overall I think this is the best serious (for a phone camera) program I have used so far.

Aviary-Surprisingly comprehensive program. A few filters similar to Instagram and practical tools like contrast and sharpness. Also offers text and meme options. I think it is a good program but not as intuitive as Photoshop Express.

Camera Awesome- Developed by Smugmug this program claims to Awesomize your images. Awesomization is a combination of tools including contrast, sharpness, and vibrance that can be changed all together or individually. Also offers some interesting presets, filters and textures. The best options are the shooting modes including image stabilization, burst, and self timer.

Insta Effect- A program exclusively for adding dramatic effects. Effects can be stacked and applied selectively. Not an everyday editing program but fun.

Instagram- I now see the reason that this is the go to program for editing and sharing images. A lot of the filters admittedly look great and sharing is easy. I have ended up using Instagram to share all photos even if edited in the other programs.

Fire Department Training Exercises

Last week I had the chance to check out a Fire Department training day at Coyote Point Park in San Mateo, CA. It was a collaboration of several area fire departments including San Mateo, Redwood City, Belmont, and Woodside. The purpose of the training was to effectively transport water, so unfortunately there was no smoke or fake fires. However, it was still very interesting to witness and the fire officials were extremely gracious in granting us access to move around and take pictures. Below are some images of the event. Thank you for stopping by and take care!