Phone Photography

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I know that plenty of great photographers are able to use their phone cameras in their art.

Try as I might, I'm just not one of them.

For software development purposes, on my desk sit an iPhone 5, A Galaxy Note 2, a Nokia Lumia 1020 and I carry around a Galaxy S4. All supposedly have great cameras.

I love the Lumia 1020 for astrophotography, it puts a big sensor on the eyepiece of the telescope without messing with the weight. I've seen absolutely jaw dropping macro work with an iPhone 5 (that I haven't been able to reproduce) and I've seen these others used for very compelling output.

Apparently, I'm just not wired in the way necessary to do this :)

I think it is that I really need RAW in order to properly lean on my crutch, Lightroom.

Anyone have any tips or hacks in the phone camera space for enabling raw? If I could get RAW on the 1020 or my S4, food would taste better, the angels in heaven would sing, dogs and cats living together...
Well, maybe that last one doesn't fit...

The Reflecting Pool at the Edge of Summer

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Here we are! (The End of Summer is just around the corner - the Autumn Equinox.)     I've been going back looking through my photo catalogs from the summer and spring.  I'm happy with the results but know I could have been more diverse in locale, or even more original.   I think software projects stole some of the photography creativity juices :)  

Something I plan to remedy this fall and winter :)  

To celebrate our 800th Page Like on Facebook, I'm going to try something that's completely new to me.  

A Promotion!  (On facebook) Here goes..

The "Oh Wow, That is 800 more people than I expected" End-of-Summer Promotion
(It is a working title)

A Facebook Fan will receive a Free Print and possibly a Portrait Session!  (more below)

Here's what you do to enter:

Visit my photo gallery of Summer 2013 Shots, here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.646102158755842.1073741830.277534392279289&type=1

Pick a favorite shot and share it on your facebook wall. Then, come by to this post and comment, Something like "Count me in!".  On October 1st, we will add the names into a hat and draw a name. (I'll record the drawing and post it here for posterity.)

The person whose name we draw, wins the print.   

If our Facebook page breaks the "1,000" likes barrier, the winner will also receive a Portrait Session 

Limitations, Details and Legaleze:

The print can be up to a  28x22 Stretched Canvas (white bordered), a gallery wrapped 20x30 or smaller Stretched Canvas or a High Quality Lustre Paper up to 28" x 22" in size.  Frame is not included.  The print can be of any photo in my archives from http://prints.graffitivisuals.com OR any print of your choosing, so long as you have appropriate rights to make said print. 

(eg, Favorite Picture of a Child, Favorite Vacation Photo, Favorite GraffitiVisuals Photo)

We will cover shipping and handling in the continental 48 states.   Some fees may apply for int'l shipments.
(or will Deliver Locally)

If our Facebook page reaches 1,000 likes (it most likely will) before 12:01am October 1, 2013, the winner also receives a Gulf Coast On-Location Portrait Session for up to 4 people. (exceptions by requst, with verbal caveat) I will meet your party at an agreed time at a locale of your choice, so long as it is within the Alabama Gulf Coast Region.   The Eastern Shore, Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile Delta Area, Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.

We will spend an hour or two taking portaits. (Usually 300-400 shots)
I will post-process these portraits within a business week and release to you copies of all photos taken on a usb memory card and online download along with a full release granting you any print rights you may desire.  I will also include 4 8x10 prints on Lustre paper from the session at no cost.

*I will retain a copy of exceptional results for use in my portrait portfolio or training purposes only.

Winner is responsible for travel to and from the Gulf Coast and any desired costumes, makeup and props.  I will provide studio-quality photography lighting, photography services, post processing and image retouch and prints on archival quality materials and inks.  Prizes are not redeemable for cash.   (Portrait sessions needs to be scheduled before the end of 2013.)

Chain Letters

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I've often thought about theming my blog posts as the reminiscent ramblings of an older - crotchetier version of my future self, telling tales to my grandchildren on how life once was.    Doogie Howser's WordPerfect Diary meets How I Met Your Mother plus a camera.

If I were doing that theme, today would be the day when I would tell them about Chain Letters.    
"You see, kids..  back in my day, we didn't have tweets and Facebook status updates.  
The only Spam we were knew about, we ate for lunch with a can of Pringles and a Big Red.  We had these annoying things called Chain Letters.   

Out of nowhere, you see -- this letter would appear addressed to you but without a return address.    It would often be handwritten (we used pens back in those days) and would promise that if we were to distribute the message of the chain letter to 5 or 10 other people, then we would be granted a windfall of riches, avoid some calamity or other such nonsense..."

But, today… the chain letter comes in the form of a Facebook status, "Share this on your timeline if you agree. / If you don't I'll unfriend you / know you don't really care about me.   Signed:  Your third cousin-in-law's dog walker, twice removed, in Albania."

(sigh)   At least when I was a kid, it cost the price of a stamp to be stupid.   Now, it's free.

With Love on Labor Day,
Crotchety Bill

 :)