Phone Photography Archives - Keeping With The Times

Instagrams New Multiple Accounts Feature!

February 10, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

Have you heard about Instagrams new add and switch between multiple accounts? Oh joy! No more logging in and out when using different usernames.

Late last year I opened a new account @barbbrookbank so I could post images from my daily life. Inevitably it stalled because it was such a pain to log in and out (and in the process lose all history of recent hashtags I was using). Plus I can set it to “Private” and only let people I trust follow it. Oh, I know, first world problems :) but what can I say?

I may have to re-download Hipstamatic because it’s so darn much fun to use for the everyday snapshot.

Oh, and how about Flipagram! My old Flipagrams actually make me teary. Sometimes I go through @keepingwiththetimes and revisit my old images … it’s quite a lovely trip down memory lane. Impromptu, imperfect, daily life images. Sigh. I want that back.

Goodbye August … ? #focusingonlife #apphappywednesday

A video posted by Barb Brookbank (@keepingwiththetimes) on Sep 2, 2014 at 5:49pm PDT

#goodbyejuly I hate to see you go …

A video posted by Barb Brookbank (@keepingwiththetimes) on Jul 31, 2014 at 8:15pm PDT

And what about Waterlogue!!

A month of #waterlogue #prettywaterlogueapril @prettyhandygirl #flipagram

A video posted by Barb Brookbank (@keepingwiththetimes) on Apr 29, 2014 at 8:08pm PDT

… honest to goodness … the memories ♥

Day 10 of blogging every day in February

California Poppies in Arizona

March 18, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #36 where today I’m sharing my California Poppies! and I have it from the best sources that I am right about what these are!

If you’re new to the party, this is a link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

It’s that time of year when we make the trek to Arizona. Yes it’s spring at home, and it’s wonderful, but it’s also a great time for us to get away and enjoy some sunshine.

As we were driving through the Kingman area, there were thousands of poppies filling ditches and even fields. It was a glorious sight but unfortunately I couldn’t get a great photo because it was too bright out. So, I simply picked a handful, set them in a coffee cup full of water, and brought them to our condo were I quickly styled and took photos (they were falling apart as I was working – so delicate!)

VSCO:

So that’s it for me today (on holidays!). Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

March Blues

March 4, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #35 and the March blues …

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

Oh. Hello March. I remember you.

It was a typical early March day: bright blue skies, white puffy clouds, and ferocious winds blowing powdery snow and sculpting it into rock hard waves.

I used VSCO for the following images …

The wind blows the snow off the fields and into the ditches

If it wasn’t for my phone, I wouldn’t be recording the small moments in my life. The meaningful moments. The everyday moments.

The good news is that warmer weather is forecasted for the weekend. There should be a lot of water running …

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

PS Touch: Fade

February 25, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #34!

I took this shot with VSCO, imported it into PS Touch, added a black overlay, and used the Fade function to fade the lower right corner. That left the upper left corner in the dark, so to speak. A touch more dramatic wouldn’t you say …

You might want to check out a few of my earlier posts for some tips and techniques on using apps:

PS Touch

“I took the photo into PS Touch and filled a layer with solid black (circled in red) on top of the photo …”

Using Camera+

“To capture bokeh in Camera+, focus in on a small object by tapping the screen, then touch the Focus Lock (I circled it in red). Lift the camera up and your image should be out of focus and you can capture your bokeh! That’s it!”

Using PicsPlayPro

“Cropped both photos in PicsPlayPro. I also boosted the saturation with a filter. Imported the house image into PS Touch, then imported and layered the gull photo over top. Used the Fade function to fade the lower third part of the bird/sky photo to reveal the house and the field.”

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

Sorry … this series is closed.

“app” happy wednesday #33

February 18, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #33!

I’ve been absent of late … I had so much going on last week that my creativity took a nosedive and sometimes it’s very hard to get back into the swing of things. I have tons of props; flowers, books, and ideas … but simply no “get up and go”. Fortunately “app” happy wednesday has forced me to take a few shots and then sit down here and share them. Perhaps this will break the February blahs I seem to have found myself in.

I’ve been sticking to my plan to use VSCO exclusively for my phone images. As a result, I’m finding it much easier to work with.

After I take a photo, I adjust exposure, tones and contrast. Then I’ll straighten edges as necessary. The great thing about the Straighten tool in VSCO is that it works like a lens correction so my lines look less wonky. For these images I used the t2 preset which has fast become my favourite. I like the soft, matt look it gives them.

I received these gorgeous yellow roses for my birthday. While I adore them while fresh, I was secretly plotting to dry them …

I hung them on the side of the Hoosier I have in the pantry … I always forget how amazing the light is …

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #32

February 11, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

Hello friends, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #32!

I’m freshly back home from our little Arizona get-away and whew! I hit the ground running … I’m racing to finish up a Photoshop tutorial. I always like to use the quote “there’s no better motivator than the last minute” and I prove it to be right time and again (insert roll-eyes here.)

So for today, I present my “walk on the lake” in Distressed FX because I feel distressed … but by Friday all will be well, and I’ll be ready to party! It’s my birthday and our whole family is coming to help celebrate. We plan to spend a fair bit of time outside enjoying our winter wonderland; skating, sledding, and having hot chocolate. On Saturday we’re going out for dinner as I’m not on kitchen duty – woot! It’s a BIG birthday … hmmm … I may share a bit about it next week …

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #31

February 4, 2015 by Barb 10 Comments

Hello friends, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #31!

I’ve started using VSCO Cam exclusively for my phone shots because, once and for all, I want to force myself to figure out how it works. Yikes … I know that a lot of you love this camera, but I do not find it to be intuitive … I’m stumbling around trying to find everything from the camera itself, to the photos I’ve taken, to the editing screen … aaaccckkk.

When I downloaded it a few months ago, I also purchased the Limited Edition Collection of presets for $7.99 which gave me a ton of filters to play with. I’m not sure if this offer is still available, but you could check it out at the app store.

Today I’m not going to get technical because I’m just not that good at it yet. I managed to get a few shots I was happy with, although I don’t really like that light purply spot at the bottom of this image. I adjusted the exposure and then used the preset G2. I’m thinking I shouldn’t have lightened the image first … oh well …

To create the scene, I put some peppercorns in a tiny wooden bowl, set it on a placemat made of tiny wooden rings, and then scattered a few peppercorns around. I love the spicy, earthy, exotic feel to it.

What I find intriguing about this camera/app is the sophisticated images I see being created with it. I’ve always wanted a space where all my “stuff” is similar … you know … a trademark look that when people see it, they say, oh … I know that artist … so I’ve set up my profile on the VSCO Grid and am setting about trying to create a unified-looking feed.

This is an example of how I think I want it to look … VSCO veggies … processed with T1. If you want to take a look at my VSCO Grid check it out here. I may end up deleting this image and starting over … I’m trying to find the style and processing that feels right to me. Anyone have any advice or tips for me? Do you have a VSCO Grid, or any favourites you’d like to share?

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #30

January 28, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

Hello friends, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #30!

Just a quick post today, we’re on holidays and I’m trying not to stress too much about blogging … altho I do have a pretty fantastic recipe scheduled for tomorrow (which I created before we left home).

Anyway, on Tuesday, just before breakfast, I looked out the window and spied these beautiful and amazing clouds! Incredibly they lasted a mere 10 minutes!

Photo was shot with Camera + and edited in PicsPlayPro with a bit of a colour boost for drama.

I want to say thanks to all who’ve stuck by me and continue to visit my blog. I appreciate each and every one of you and consider you all friends!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps? Perhaps explain what steps you took.
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #29

January 21, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #29!

Today I’m going to demonstrate how I made this crazy bokeh image! I was on a four hour flight returning home after a weekend with very little sleep, and well …

It started here … our room was overlooking the Richelieu River in Quebec and I was trying to capture the lights of the houses on the other side. Of course there were spotlights and whatnot on the lawn in front of our hotel and it was a bit messy.

I took the photo into PS Touch and filled a layer with solid black (circled in red) on top of the photo:

Then I used the Fade function …

… to fade away the top of the black layer and reveal the photo layer (and bokeh) below.

I copied the bokeh layer over and over and over, each time changing the Blend Mode to Lighten, and using the Transform function to move it up or down and to flip it horizontally or vertically. (Note that the original photo layer was left with a Normal Blend Mode.) Then I saved the whole mess in PS Touch, and then to the Camera Roll.

Yes … it was a lot of fiddling around … but hopefully you get the idea! PS touch is fun, and the fact that you can change the blend modes of layers makes it quite powerful.

Any questions? Just ask!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps? Perhaps explain what steps you took.
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #28

January 14, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #28!

It finally warmed up enough so that I was able to go for a walk. It was nice to get out and get some exercise, as well as have a good visit with a friend. I took this photo with Camera+ then into Mextures for a pink filter, and then into Waterlogue.

I like the various diagonal lines in this image:

… and a sunny window in our kitchen/dining room …

So that’s it for my apps this week – quick and fun! I’ve been busy baking up a storm so watch for my Mincemeat Orange Muffins on Thursday!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps? Perhaps explain what steps you took.
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #27

January 7, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #27! The first party of 2015!

If you’re new to the party, this is a link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

I shot my first image with Camera + and then edited it in PicsPlay Pro; my two “go to” apps …

Isn’t that little espresso cup sweet?! I found two cups and saucers at my favourite junque store … when I picked one up to look at the name on the bottom I was astounded to see that it was from Starbucks! Cutest little things ever (which you’ll most likely be seeing in a few more still life images).

Yesterday when I checked my Instagram account, I was surprised to see that Waterlogue had featured one of my earlier images of a pear! So in “celebration” of that honour, I played around with Waterlogue once again and came up with this …

… it was a coffee and tea kind of day …

Let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #26

December 3, 2014 by Barb 10 Comments

Good morning! I’m so excited to have the amazing and talented Roxi Hardegree from Creating Beyond The Layers as a guest poster today. I’ve “known” Roxi for years … it goes way back (5 years) to the days when I was on the Creative Team at E-Scape and Scrap. Roxi is a designer and she was one of the designers whose products I always used – they’re so classy and beautiful.

Roxi tells me that she’s going to be featuring her favorite shots from 2014 throughout the month on her blog, so be sure to check that out.

So, without further ado – here’s Roxi!

"app" happy wednesday

Taking pictures has always been a part of my life. And I’m not such a purist that my iPhone photos now are exceeding the number I take with my Canon. You see, first, I’m an artist, then I’m a memory keeper.

I have a hard time ‘leaving a photo alone’, in its unedited form. Already having a Photoshop background, it was easy to go down the rabbit hole when mobile editing was made possible with apps. My first introduction to altered mobile photos was with Instagram. I shot and loaded my first photo in November 2011. I was sitting on the sofa and took a photo of the fireplace using the Instagram app, applied a filter and uploaded it. I turned to the left, snapped a picture of hubby and filtered him too. (They are the two best subjects for my experiments. My Hipstamatic roll is full of them. lol)

Soon after that I took a course on Snapseed and continue to use it on almost every photo. Besides knowing it like the back of my hand, it’s a great basic editing app with tons of extras.

My favorite style is textural edits. I’ve used DistressedFx a lot but my current favorite is Stackables. I usually play around adding layers but lately I’ve tried some of their formulas and then put my own twist on them.

A lot of my edits are ‘happy accidents’. I have very few ‘formulas’ I follow, except my watercolor/ink edits for example. But for the most part it’s play, play, play.

The best advice I can give is to pick one app, use it a lot, say for a week or two and get to know it real well. Even though I have well over 200 apps on my phone there are just a few that I seem to gravitate to, the ones I ‘know’.

Hydrangea made with Stackables and Snapseed, self-portrait with Snapseed and Image Blender, Fall Watercolor made with Artomaton, iColorama and Image Blender.
My current favourites: Snapseed, Stackables, PixlrExpress’ Picfx’ Mextures, DistressedFx, Hipstamatic, Superimpose, iColorama, VCSOcam.

"app" happy wednesday

Roxi_Hydrangea

OK, I literally gasped when I saw the images that Roxi sent me … stunning work isn’t it? Today I’m linking to an image I made after being inspired by these masterpieces (ahem, not in the same league here, but that’s quite alright).

If you are new to the party, this is a link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

Let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

Sorry … this series is closed.

“app” happy wednesday #25

November 5, 2014 by Barb 10 Comments

Welcome back to “app” happy wednesday #25 and all things phone photography! This party used to run every week, but with summer and company keeping me so busy I had to put it on the back burner for a bit (my apologies). I changed the schedule to the first Wednesday of each month instead.

This could also change … would anyone like to have it on a weekly basis once again? Just let me know what you think.

If you are new to the party, this is a link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

Today I went back to AfterLight, an oldie, but a goldie. I ventured into the filters and discovered “Fusion” which is basically an action.

This is the original …

original

I used AfterLight to apply three filters to the image.

As I was working I recorded my steps and saved them to what is called a “fusion”. The great thing about recording in AfterLight is that until you press the little checkmark the step is not recorded. That makes it possible to try a lot of different effects but record only the ones you like.

My “fusion” consisted of kus, thorn, and bloom:

kus

thorn

bloom

Here’s the final version. I will admit it is not a masterpiece! But the point is you can record steps, save as a “fusion”, and run it on any photo. Cool!

app happy wednesday, afterlight

Here are a couple of photos I ran the kus, thorn, and bloom “fusion” on …

app happy wednesday, afterlight

app-happy_1-copy

So that’s it for my long-winded lesson today!

Let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month.

*sorry … this series is closed

Shooting Still Life on an iPhone

October 16, 2014 by Barb 6 Comments

Shooting still life on an iPhone can sometimes turn out as good as, or better than when using a DSLR.

I find it easier to shoot “from above” images since the phone is so much lighter. I also like that I can set the camera for a square format, which is probably my favourite ratio for images lately.

I took this photo with Camera+ and edited it in Mextures. When I checked the metadata, I was surprised to see that this image is 1068 x 1068 at 240 ppi which is plenty big enough to print.
Shooting Still Life on an iPhone

Yesterday I posted my Pear Still Life using my DSLR. I was able to control the focus and depth of field much better with my DSLR, but I’m still kinda liking this one, especially the composition.

So what’s my take-away today? It’s that I’m going to have to figure out how to see square while looking through a rectangular format. I’ll let you know how that goes …

Thanks so much for dropping by today!

“app” happy wednesday #24!

October 1, 2014 by Barb 9 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #24 and all things phone photography! If you are new to the party, this is a link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

PLEASE NOTE: Instead of having a link-up every Wednesday, it’s now going to be on the first Wednesday of each month.

So, the next one will be November 5th, and then December 3rd. Each party will start at 5:00 am.

I do hope to see you here!

You may have noticed that I’m a little obsessed with my succulent plants … I’ve been uprooting and re-potting a few in order to over-winter them. I set this one inside a grey pot without thinking much of it, and then I did a double-take … what an amazing match!

I set it down on a rustic bench with a piece of black foam core behind it. It was the bright and harsh sunlight that caught my eye …

Original taken with Camera+

Then I took it into Mextures where I pretty much had a field day!

succulent pot, phone photography, app happy wednesday

What an amazing difference a few filters can make! I have to admit, I can’t remember which ones I used but all it takes is a bit of playing around to find a combination that you like.

succulent pot, phone photography, app happy wednesday

Earlier reviews:

PS Touch

Camera+ Part I

Camera+ Part II

So now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #23

September 24, 2014 by Barb 6 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #23! If you are new to the party, this is a link-up to share your phone photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

PLEASE NOTE: Instead of having a link-up every wednesday, it’s now going to be on the first Wednesday of each month. So, the next one will be October 1st, then November 5th, and then December 3rd. Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month and will stay open until the next party begins! so party on!!

I do hope to see you here!

In an effort to use my phone to create still life images that I could use for TT, or Start to Finish, or Be Still 52, I’m experimenting with VSCOcam.

I took this shot, cropped it, adjusted exposure, and then applied the S1 filter. Even though this is not the best shot ever, I’m pretty happy with it! And the coolest thing is that when I uploaded it to WordPress, the description area reads: alt=”Processed with VSCOcam with s1 preset”. Way too cool! That information was saved with the photo!! A.ma.zing.

Processed with VSCOcam with s1 preset

When I downloaded the app, I decided to buy the Launch Bundle for $5.99 which was basically all the presets.

I must say that the interface is not all that friendly but I found a great tutorial at iphonephotographyschool dot com which I would highly recommend. If you can’t find it, email me and I’ll send you a link.

So now, let’s see what you’ve been up to.

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month and will stay open until the next party begins! so party on!!

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #22

September 17, 2014 by Barb 4 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #22! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

The trees are turning very quickly now. Every morning I notice more colour, and I swear by the end of the day there’s even more again. Oh how I wish I could hold on to it!

I edited this photo in Mextures with a very soft touch, just enough to deepen and brighten ever so slightly.

Camera+ Mextures

Camera+

I’ve been experimenting with VSCOcam this past week, but I don’t feel comfortable sharing anything yet. It’s a great camera and I want to do it justice. So that’s what I plan to post next Wednesday.

If you missed it before, you can check out my post on PS Touch, or Camera+ here, and here.

So now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #21

September 10, 2014 by Barb 8 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #21!

So, when I heard we were going to get snow and freezing temperatures, I went out to my garden and picked as much as I could and then made a few flower arrangements. I took photos with my DSLR and my phone, and I have to tell you I much preferred the phone photos. Hipstamatic wins again!

Dream Canvas with Jane lens.

I was struck at how “autumny” my coleus looked so I added a pumpkin to the mix …

These photos also remind me of the 70’s or 80’s or something … hmmm… must be the harvest gold and green …

Dream Canvas with Jane lens.

Then there’s my pretty echinops:

Dream Canvas with Adler 9009 lens

Now you might want to put on some sunglasses for my bright “pink sunrise” in Waterlogue!

Waterlogue now has the option to not use a frame, so I thought I’d try it, but I think I like the frames better.

"app" happy wednesday

Well, that’s it for me today. Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

Pink Sunrise

September 7, 2014 by Barb 7 Comments

Good morning! Happy Sunday to you!

Last week I was sitting in my office and glanced out the window to see a sky that was so pink I could hardly believe my eyes. I grabbed my phone and hurried down to the lake.

After I took all these photos I was wishing I’d taken my big camera … I’m just so out of the mode … and I need to change that … but here is what I did get:

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pink-sunrise-copy

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It lasted maybe 10 minutes maximum, and then it vanished.

Today we are going on a mushroom hunt (I know how strange) but I think it’s going to be quite interesting. My friend is most interested in finding the mushrooms to eat … I’m most interested in taking photos… and yes, it’s guided so we shouldn’t be poisoning anyone!

See you tomorrow … hopefully …

Printing Instagram with Printstagram

September 5, 2014 by Barb 15 Comments

It’s no secret that I love Instagram, but I love it even more when I get my photos printed!

I’ve tried other companies and have always had great results, but this time I chose Printstagram because they offered greeting cards in three different sizes. I chose the 4×4 square complete with kraft paper envelopes.

Prinstagram, Instagram, Greeting Cards, Keeping With The Times

There’s something so intriguing about seeing your very own, little works of art, printed out as cards.
Prinstagram, Instagram, Greeting Cards, Keeping With The Times

Prinstagram, Instagram, Greeting Cards, Keeping With The Times

I wrapped up a few cards and gave them away as gifts! but I have to admit I had a hard time parting with them …

Prinstagram, Instagram, Greeting Cards, Keeping With The Times

I highly recommend Printstagram (I first learned about them from Kim Klassen) … thank you, Kim.

Ordering was easy, delivery was very prompt, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the quality. Here is where I mention that this is NOT a sponsored post, this is my own, authentic opinion and I will be ordering from them again in the future.

So this was basically my big find for the week! Love it when happy mail arrives!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

“app” happy wednesday #20

September 3, 2014 by Barb 10 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #20!

Today I simply laid down on the sofa and played around in DistressedFX. I haven’t used it for a while and I thought my barn was a good subject.

I used “Pith” and added the “swirl” birds.

"app" happy wednesday, distressed FX, barn

Then I took it into Camera+ and softened it with a blur and added the Vintage frame.

barn4-copy

My favourite barn never gets old!

So that’s it for me today. Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

Good Monday Morning!

September 1, 2014 by Barb 8 Comments

Just popping in to wish everyone a happy holiday Monday and to share some tidbits of my week!

I also want to remind you that I’m giving away a copy of Photoshop Elements 12, so if you’re interested go to this post to enter the draw!

I pass this lovely barn many times on my travels and I have dozens of photos … it just never gets old …

autumn leaves, keeping with the times

#asseenonmydriveway #autumn #wereontheverge

autumn-leaves-copy

What a gorgeous time of year!

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Thanks so much for dropping by!

“app” happy wednesday #19

August 27, 2014 by Barb 9 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #19!

Do you use PS Touch? I’ve been using it more and more and the reason for that is the new Creative Cloud feature. It’s so convenient to access photos and textures!

I have Creative Cloud since it comes with the Photoshop Photography Program.
You can see I have a folder called iPhone 2014.
I offload my Camera Roll to my computer with LR and then upload them to the Creative Cloud. Of course your phone and iPad will share photos if you have the Photo Stream turned on, but I had turned mine off for a while since it was driving me crazy … .
I’ve also uploaded some photos to “DSLR Photos” taken with my BGC (which I do not post on IG – ever) but I can use them when posting to my blog from my iPad.
The best part is I uploaded tons of textures so now when I use PS Touch they are conveniently available to use on my images:

PS Touch Screen Shot, "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

iPad Screenshot

So what can you do in PS Touch? Well, for one thing you can work with layers.

Here I added two textures, both different opacities and blend modes. I also added a filter to the actual photo layer.

Here’s my final image after I added the frame in Camera+

… this creation is not one of my favourites and I will admit working in PS Touch feels awkward. But the whole point of this exercise for me is to push myself to learn the ins and outs of using different apps. Sometimes it just takes a while to warm up to something new and unfamiliar.

And just because I felt like torturing myself further, I used PS Touch to resize the images and then I created this post on my iPad. Arghhhh!! Why?!?! Why I ask myself?! I’m major fumble fingers when I don’t have a mouse … it’s a miracle I didn’t hit Publish halfway through.

One last thing to note – notice that I have a bouquet of peonies in August? How did I manage that? Well, way back on July 3rd I snipped 5 unopened buds, put them in a bag and left them in the fridge until yesterday. After I cut the ends and put them in water they burst open almost immediately! Way cool!!

So that’s it for me today. Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #18

August 20, 2014 by Barb 8 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #18!

I found this delicate little mushroom in our lawn, it’s about the size of a dime and once again turned to Hipstamatic:

Film: Dylan

Lens: Tinto 1884

Mushroom I and II, "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

Film: Blanko

Lens: John S

mushroom2-copy

There were about 10 kayaks in our bay last week and I walked down to see what was going on. Turns out it was a group of women just out and about enjoying the calm waters. I wanted to join them but our kayak has been sitting in the reeds and is full of spiders – yikes! I didn’t feel like kayaking that much …

Film: Dylan

Lens: Tinto 1884

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

Who knew clouds could be this artsy?

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

So that’s it for me today. Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #17

August 13, 2014 by Barb 7 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #17!

Since I’ve been spending hours and hours on the lake this summer there have been plenty of opportunities for me to capture some pretty awesome sparkling water bokeh!

bokeh, camera+, "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

To capture bokeh in Camera+, focus in on a small object by tapping the screen, then touch the Focus Lock (I circled it in red). Lift the camera up and your image should be out of focus and you can capture your bokeh! That’s it!

camera+, focus lock, bokeh, keeping with the times, "app" happy wednesday

If you want, you can read more about my experiences with Camera+ here, and here.

So now, I leave you with some shots of the week that was…

bokeh, camera+, "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

tubing-copy

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carrots-copy

bokeh, camera+, "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

Just a whole lot of fun and love.

Now I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #16

August 6, 2014 by Barb 10 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #16!

Once again a week has flown by! How does that happen??

Well, we just returned from another boat ride and as I sit and type this I’m still rockin’ and rollin’ … you know the feeling? when you come in and still feel like your swaying? Well, I guess that’s how the time flies.

We’ve spent endless hours on the lake; boating, swimming, tubing, touring, and fishing. We’ve been having some wonderful family time this summer and through it all I’ve been snapping photos and tucking them away to be savoured when things slow down.

A couple of days ago I decided to turn to Hipstamatic and let it do the work.

I just don’t have time to play around with editing … I bought the “Groupie SnapPak” so I’d have something new to play with and I love it!! It includes the film “Dylan”, the Pop Rox Flash,and the Adler 9009 Lens. Just to confuse things, I didn’t use the new lens with the following shots, I use a different one.

I’m pretty happy when it when it captures images like these …

"app" happy wednesday, Hipstamatic, Tinto 1884, Dylan

… I seriously adore the focus and blur … but honestly, I’m not sure how it focused in on that duck because I didn’t do that …

hipstalakeview1

Here’s the info on the above two shots. I didn’t use the lens that came with the new Groupie SnapPak, I changed to Tinto 1884 because I was getting some great colour with it.

hipsta info

Then it does this and I kinda have mixed feelings about the light leaks …

"app" happy wednesday, Hipstamatic, Tinto 1884, Dylan

I like this one better:

"app" happy wednesday, Hipstamatic, Tinto 1884, Dylan

So there’s a snippet of what I’ve been up to. I apologize for not being around to visit much lately … summer has taken hold and it won’t let go … but I promise I will return.

Now I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

Ahhh, the Stillness …

July 31, 2014 by Barb 17 Comments

From the Potting Bench, keeping with the times, from above

Last night I was taking a look at the Be Still 52 assignment for Week 11. Talk about perfect timing! I’ve had a very busy 10 days with three of my grandchildren visiting and I’ve loved every moment of it.

But this morning suddenly, I am all alone …

So I had time to think … what does stillness look like to me?

Well, it’s a quiet cup of coffee all by myself. Looking out the window. It’s being able to concentrate on one thing at a time (ahem … it getting harder to multi-task as I age) and so when I have the grands, it’s all about them. I don’t go trying to set up a photo shoot, it just does not work for me. Plus I want to be present for them.

But today! ah the freedom!!

It wasn’t long until I wandered out into the garden. Then I found myself at the potting bench with a handful of flowers and berries, excited to set up a little vignette. These potting bench vignettes take time: I create an arrangement I think will work, then I have to run up the stairs to look down on it, and then back down the stairs to rearrange, then back up, then back down … I can do this 10 times before I’m satisfied.

This morning I had a couple of prompts from IG that I was trying to incorporate. One was “vantage point” and the other was “shapes”. I’m quite pleased with the results. I took the photo with my phone since it’s the easiest and today it’s all about easy …

Now it’s time to head out for the day. I have places to go, things to do (no people to see) and I’m quite sure I’ll be taking a few side trips down country roads. I hope I “find” something to share with you tomorrow. Until then, have a creative day!

“app” happy wednesday #15

July 30, 2014 by Barb 13 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #15!

Well, its summer. The middle of summer, and tonight I’ve run out of time … so I’m simply going to share some of my garden shots; most taken with Hipstamatic.

I have a little creation in the works and hope to share that later in August when things slow down a bit.

So for today, I present My Garden (caution – serious photo dump)!

"app" happy wednesday

su-copy

succulent2JPG-copy

succulent3-copy

garden1-copy

coleus-copy

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

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IMG_2306-Edit-copy

IMG_2189-Edit-copy

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I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #14

July 23, 2014 by Barb 13 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #14! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind!

Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation!

I’m participating in the Big Picture Classes Phone Photography Project. I really enjoy this one for some reason … I’ve met a lot of new IG’rs through it.

Yesterday the prompt was #lines so I had my eyes open, hoping to capture something close to home since I do have 3 grands visiting and have to be efficient!

This chair sitting in our bedroom never has anything piled on it (ahem … just kidding) well, at least this morning it didn’t. I immediately saw all the lines! Not sure I would have if I hadn’t been paying attention. What I am usually aware of is the sun when it shines through the blinds because it very rarely does so. Only for a few minutes during the summer does it ever grace this room.

Of course I bumped up the colour and light!

"app" happy wednesday, big picture class, phone photography project, keeping with the times, picsplay pro, distressed fx, pstouch I used Distressed FX “Finch” to warm it up and then the “Tailfins” filter found in Camera+ to add the sun rays you see in the above photo. I then desaturated the final image just a touch.

"app" happy wednesday, big picture class, phone photography project, keeping with the times, picsplay pro, distressed fx, pstouch

That’s it! Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #13

July 16, 2014 by Barb 16 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #13! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind!

Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation!

As I was driving home from “town” the other day I took a detour down a country road that I had never been on. I was lured by a bright yellow canola field but ended up finding quite a bit more than I was expecting. This tiny barn caught my eye but it was the white fence that drew me in. Oh the leading lines (to die for!) I loved that it was white, chippy, and best of all, falling over!

After a few edits, this is what I ended up with … Dorothy, can you hear me?

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, iPhoneography, Bob Weil, camera+, picsplaypro

Here’s a step-by-step of my edits:

Original

"app" happy wednesday, little stormy barn, keeping with the times, iPhoneography, Bob Weil

When I changed the Blend Mode of the sky to Subtract it was instant magic (crazy stuff!)

"app" happy wednesday, little stormy barn, keeping with the times, iPhoneography, Bob Weil

I want to mention that I take photos of cloudy skies and have them in a folder on the Camera Roll (stuff like that comes in very handy!)

And there you have it! That’s it!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #12

July 9, 2014 by Barb 7 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #12! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join in the fun and share any kind of artsy creation! There are even no rules for me as today I don’t have any exciting edits to share. However, if you missed it, I’ve been reviewing Camera+ for the last few weeks and you can find some info here and here.

I’ve been posting a lot of images of my peonies, and today I have a shocking pink and black version to share. Quite the difference from yesterday’s post Texture Tuesday: Reflecting!

However, that’s the beauty of this passion. You don’t have to be trying to make perfect art every single day. Sometimes a girl just wants to have fun, ya know?
"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, camera+, mextures

And sometimes a girl is just tired. I got out of bed way too early yesterday morning (4:00 ish …) had coffee, did some work, went for a walk, and then did some more work. At about 2:00 pm I found myself on the couch “reading” until 4:00 pm … at which point I got up and made a light dinner and then proceeded to make my way back to the couch. It’s been hot here at 28C which I’m just not used to and we don’t have air conditioning for the 5 days a year we might use it. Don’t get me wrong, lots of people have air – we just don’t. I prefer to lounge on a couch like a lout with a couple of fans blowing on me.

So there you have it! I shot my photo with Camera+ and then edited it in Mextures.

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
*NEW* and exciting news! you can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed