New Ivy Leaves
This photograph was taken with Camera+ and then processed with the app’s clarify filter to improve the colour saturation.
iPhone camera apps
Thunder Clouds
It has been a day of thunder and lightening – very good for business as we sort out clients who have had power cuts due to the weather.
I got these shots from the viewing area of RAF Waddington using the Pro HDR camera app and Photogene2 to crop the shot of the Vulcan.
645 Pro Camera App
Having seen 645 Pro app trailed last week, I decided quite quickly on Saturday evening to buy another camera app for my iPhone.
I gave the manual a quick look over on Saturday and then went out and used it Sunday morning.
It is a complicated app to use – with all the functions driven from the main screen, using small button, and on first use, in bright sunshine where I was struggling to see the iPhone screen I had some difficulty using the camera. However with practice the strength of this app is that all the controls are alway available, making creative choices easy.
There were several features I was really interested in.
Film Stock
It comes with built-in filters that emulate traditional film stock results. I especially like the K14, a saturated colour result similar to Kodachrome and H5, a high contrast filter that emulate Ilford HP5 mono film.
Various frame ratios
I do like Jag.gr’s 6×6 camera – and the square format is included in the options.
Live View
Both of the above functions will display live in the view finder, so you will see a mono square image if you have those options selected.
Below are some comparison photos. Not as sharp as I wanted but they show the colours.
taken with 645 Pro K14 6×6
taken with Camera+
the Camera+ image – post processed with Camera+’s polarizing filter.
If there is a problem with this app it is that it is slow to use. The viewfinder is “laggy” as you pan and tilt looking for your shot. There is an occasional delay after pressing the shutter release and a longer delay before the app returns control to the user. Because of this I was struggling to get the framing right on some moving leaves when using the camera last Sunday.
I am pleased with the array of functions available in this app and look forward to using it over the coming months however its complexity relegates this app to my second camera “when I have time”. Camera+ is still my go to camera replacement app, it is quick to use and has a flexible focus and exposure system. I have taken some of my “Photo a day” images this week with 645 Pro but Camera+ is still the one I am using the most, and remains the camera app I would recommend to people, as it meets most people’s needs. I have only recommended 645 Pro to one friend who is a really keen photographer as he will get some fun and benefit from the app.
Overall I am pleased I bought this app and I am looking forward to any updates that will address the issues.
645 Pro Camera App Read More »
Walking to Woodhall Spa from Coningsby pt1
This weekend I have a short walk planned with a couple of friends – it is a gear try out before we go wild camping next month.
Following the trip a couple of week ago, I spent last night making a better job of packing my rucksack and I have got my sleeping mat packed inside the Golite Jam, rather than hanging on the outside. The new compression sack and making a better job of fold/rolling my tent made this possible.
I have a new bit of gear for this weekend. Diana bought me a case to protect my iPhone from the elements as the Watatait Case failed on me whilst away in Scotland in January. I contacted Haglofs, who took the faulty case back and then quickly replaced it – however they did not have my model in stock and so supplied me with a larger pouch which does not have the transparent back panel so I cannot use the camera whilst in the case. However it is a good waterproof case and I will find a use for it in the future.
The new case is less “hi-tech” than the previous cases I have used, but it is lighter and smaller. It has a velcro roll top and a padded interior to give a little more protection to the iPhone and has that vital transparent back so I can use the camera in the rain. However, contrary to the instructions I do not think it is 100% waterproof – but 100% weather proof – I would not submerse this case but I would carry it in my pocket and use it in the rain.
I added the paracord and cord grip for security.
Walking to Woodhall Spa from Coningsby pt1 Read More »
Black and White Processing
I took the original shot with the Pro HDR app, on my iPhone 4. I prefer the HDR (High Dynamic Range) results from this app over the Apple camera app, the results are more dramatic. However for the best results from Pro HDR two things have to be considered.
- The camera must be held as still as possible – Pro HDR goes through a sequence of several seconds to detirmine the required exposures and then takes two shots with about a second between them. If you move too much the combined image will be ruined.
- If there is a lot of movement in the subject you are photographing then the delay described above with spoil the results.
Once the picture is taken you can adjust several image qualities before saving the picture – I increased the colour saturation.
I then imported the image into Photogene2 for more editing – having tried a number of editing apps for my iPhone I particularly like Photogene2, it is easy to use, with a well thought out interface, based on “dial a function”, so you can find the effect or tool you want very quickly.
I cropped out a section of the original image – I included a large section of the clouds that I was interested in and less of the green field. I also cropped for the distinctive line of trees, loosing the hedge and the larger trees.
I then applied the “simple black and white” effect.
To get the results I wanted, I increased the exposure and the contrast.
The final thing to do is to save the finished image to the Camera Roll and post it to my blog.
Note – during the process the save the intermediate images as I make changes, so if I am unhappy with any of the results I can back up and try again.
Black and White Processing Read More »
Camping Trip pt2
It was a reasonably cold night – which was a good test for my new sleeping bag. It kept me warm but I was glad I brought my long sleeved under shirt and long johns with me to sleep in.
When I woke up it was bright and clear – and ideal for having tea in bed.
Preparing breakfast, with my titanium mug with lid and the coffee maker – it is a plastic tea strainer from Asda into which I pack the ground coffee and then pour hot water through. I have to take some care not to pour the water in too quickly compared to a commercial unit. However this coffee maker weighs only grams and cost me less than 20p.
I left the campsite at about 10.30am – but due to work commitments I can only walk for about 3 hours today, so the plan is to get to Southrey via the Viking Way.
This image is for those people who are asking why I use Pro HDR so much? It is an unprocessed shot taken with Camera+.
lunch – small brew kit and titanium mug with lid
Picture of the Day
I am walking to Woodhall Spa today, via the Viking Way and the Water Rail Way.
I stopped off in Hardy Gang Wood for a coffee break and got this shot by holding the camera down low on the ground and using Pro HDR to balance the exposure.
Picture of the Day Read More »