14/03/2012

Snap happy

As a follow up to my previous post, I finally bit the bullet last week and purchased the iPhone 4. Having been a 'mac disciple' for over fifteen years I can't believe it's taken so long for me to acquire one. Within hours of unpacking the phone I was making exposures and processing the images through instagram. I haven't stopped since.


The iPhone has been a complete revelation for me and my only regret is that I didn't purchase one sooner. The majority of my photography over the last three years has been shot on a DSLR with accompanying tripod, remote shutter release and a series of lens filters plus adapters - a lot of gear, which weighs a ton. Using the iPhone has certainly lightened the load, allowing me to expand my subject matter and chosen locations. Like most people, I take my phone everywhere I go, so I've been making images at every given opportunity.


I have also enjoyed processing the images, on the move, using the instagram application. Usually after a days shoot I return home, download my images and begin the gargantuan task of editing in Lightroom and Photoshop. I love every aspect of photography, including digital post production but I would much rather spend any spare time outdoors, on location. Instagram allows for quick and easy, on-the-spot editing.


The application is no Photoshop but it does have some great filters, which can enhance images. My current favourite is 'sierra' with 'lo-fi' coming a close second. The use of filters is very subjective and, in my opinion, often depends on the degree of brightness/contrast in the unedited version of the image. Lo-fi is good for bringing a 'flat' image to life whereas sierra can often tone down images that are too bright or contrasty. Instagram is possibly the best free app out there for anyone with an iPhone or iPad and an interest in photography.


The combination of iPhone and instagram has given me a renewed interest in the medium of photography and although this combination will not be replacing my DSLR (just yet) it's certainly proving to be a welcome addition to my kit bag. For more examples click here.

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