Switching from iPhone to Android (Important Hint!)

I have had iPhones from day one and loved everyone of them.  Lately though, I feel that Apple is slipping and “standing still.”  At their annual conference in May they announced their new operating system IOS 7, but not a mention or even a hint as to the next iPhone.  Being eligible for a new phone and with the release of the very exciting Samsung Galaxy S4 I couldn’t resist the switch.

For the first couple of days I was overwhelmed with all the great features and as a photographer was very impressed with the 13MB camera!  In my opinion the Galaxy S4 runs away from the iPhone 5.

Soon though I realized that I could not receive text messages sent from any iPhone that was using Wi-Fi.  I called Verizon corporate and talked to a representative, who incidentally, bent over backwards trying to find an answer but to no avail.  I went to Best Buy, where I purchased the Galaxy, to discuss the problem.  No answers, so I drove to the Verizon store and after a long discussion was advised to go back to Best Buy and exchange the phone.  I did just that, but had the same problem.  My wife, at home, could not text my new Galaxy.  Everyone was stumped!

The Best Buy cell phone rep went the extra mile. Instead of saying “that’s all I can do for you Mr. Stanley” he spent extra time discussing the situation with me.  It paid off that both of us were  “techies” as we entered into a conversation using common sense principles.

Background:  Apple uses two types of text messages.  One for the network and one for using Wi-Fi, called an imessage.  This is good as it gives you unlimited messaging between all Apple products and all other Apple customers.  But, anytime an iPhone user, including my wife, would text me under a Wi-Fi environment it wasn’t received on the new Galaxy. 

Hint: There is an iPad in my office.  So where did that message want to go?  To the iPad!  Once it got there it went no further. 

Solution:  If you have another Apple product in your Wi-Fi system, go to settings, messages, and turn off “iMessage.”  Problem solved!

I have disseminated this solution to Verizon and Best Buy employees in hopes that someone else doesn’t spend hours trying to solve this frustrating situation.

You and I Can Change the World!

Seems like every day we hear about senseless killings, not only in America, but all over the world.  Why is this happening?  Why has our society become so violent?  Why is there so much hatred?  We were stunned and shocked by the recent Boston fiasco. The word people used most is "why?"   Why do certain cultures hate America? 

Why is America so generous only to have this generosity thrown back in our face?  We must look for answers before the world destroys itself!  Personally I feel helpless in the big picture, but you and I can influence our family, friends, and neighbors in a positive way. If each person that reads this does that, we as a group can change the world.

Maybe just maybe part of the reason for chaos all around us, is that we have fallen away from God.  Ya, I know there are atheists who will throw darts at me and that's okay.  The majority of Americans are Christians and believe in God, but don't go to church.  Maybe the reason is church was boring.  If so look for a new one.  There are many wonderful churches in most cities today where it's exciting to attend; churches where the Pastor or Pastors talk today's language, and talk about today's problems.  Churches that not only offer weekend services but activities for all ages all week long. 

Our church here in Phoenix, Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) sets a great example.  Five services every weekend, a food court, Starbucks, an outside grill serving hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hotdogs, 80 beautiful acres, and three teaching Pastors that give phenomenal messages!  Some people are thinking "Starbucks at Church?"  Don't make fun, Starbucks is huge all over the world and it's just one thing that makes CCV so special.  Make it a point to attend church this weekend and I guarantee your life will change!

I don't know about you, but I can't stand to watch the news anymore!  Whether it be national news, or local news, it's one negative story after another.  The news media thrives on negativity because it sells.  Why does it sell?  Simply because we live in a negative society.  Sex, drugs, and violence are the headlines.  You don't realize this unless you are older and have seen days when we enjoyed clean wholesome movies, TV programs, and happy news. I see young kids today in the grocery store kicking their mothers and throwing tantrums.  You know how long that would have lasted in my day?  Not one second!  It wouldn't have happened in the first place in my day because there wasn't sex, drugs, and violence around every corner.

You and I can't change the big picture until we change the little picture and that means the immediate world around us.  Believe me, there are enough good people today that believe in working for a living, being honest and doing the right thing.  Surround yourself with these people because "You are who you hang around with!"  I'll say it again.  "I feel helpless in the big picture, but you and I can influence our family, friends, and neighbors in a positive way to make a better world!"

A Very Cool Gadget for iPhone Lovers

For people who love taking photos, the iPhone does a great job, especially the 4S and the iPhone 5.  With future models the camera will get better and better!

There are a lot of useful iPhone apps which let you edit your photos before sending them in an email, message, Facebook, or other Internet sites

Those software apps are used after taking the shot, but how about something that will improve that picture before clicking the shutter button? 

That’s where the olloclip comes into action. This gadget slides on to your iPhone, and features a fisheye, wide angle, and macro lens.  It works great for stills and video and is inexpensive.  It comes in black,  white, red, and is available in most stores and their Internet site. 

To give you an example of the fun you can have with this combo lens, here’s a shot of the inside of our camper using the fisheye.

 

 

 

 

 

Does the macro lens work? To try it out I took my iPhone to the back yard and shot this within a half an inch of a bottle brush flower. Pretty nifty for the first try!

Check out their website and watch the video on how it works. If you love taking iPhone photos and videos, you’ll love the “olloclip!”

Another iPhone camera feature that people either don’t know about or forget to use is the panorama mode.  Turn on the camera and touch “Options” then touch “Panorama.”  Hold your iPhone in the vertical position and point it where you want to start. Push the camera icon and follow the arrow to the right.  Here’s an example of a shot I took in this mode while camping in the mountains.

(Click on photos for larger view.)  Remember your birth certificate proves that you were born, your death certificate proves that you died, and your photos prove that you lived!   

Carnival Cruise Lines

Have you ever taken a cruise?  My wife and I have been on many and all have been very enjoyable, except for the last one.

 
We booked a 6 day cruise that left Long Beach and traveled to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  A couple of days before our scheduled departure we received an email from Carnival notifying us that the ship "Splendor" would be a day late in arriving in Long Beach.

The problem was that it got stuck in fishing nets at their last port.  We were told, because of that, our trip would be cut to 5 days and only visit Cabo San Lucas.

After spending two nights in a California hotel instead of one, we arrived for early boarding on the newly scheduled departure date, only to stand in line for over 4 hours!

Questioning a Carnival staff member as to the situation we were told that all the people that check in passengers were part time and had other jobs during the week.  Since this was Monday there were only a hand full of people to process over 3,000 passengers.  It was a total fiasco to say the least!  There were no apologies and not even an offer for a bottle of water while standing in a two city block long line. 

Arriving back home I wrote an email to the President of Carnival and expressed our dismay but to this day have not heard a word. 

The fact that this ship, a couple of years ago, had a fire in the engine compartment, coupled with our recent experience, and the fact that the Carnival ship "Triumph" recently experienced a fire and spent days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico, we no longer wish to use this company for any kind of a "Cruise Vacation!"

Photo Editing

Photography is a passion of mine.  As a photographer you are more keenly aware of the beauty that surrounds you.  A photo captures a moment in time, can tell a story, and bring back a memory. 

Today, most of us have a smart phone and that means you always have a camera with you.  Even serious photographers are enjoying photographing the world with their phones.

The iPhone has become a staple in the world of pictures.  Snap a shot, send it in an instant message, in an email, post it to your favorite photo site, Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

There are many apps that will let you edit, enhance, or add special effects to your picture before you send it off.  One of my favorites is PhotoForge2.

If I’m at home I like to plug my iPhone into my computer and enhance photos in my editing program.  I use Paint Shop Pro X5 to edit and Topaz Labs Filters to enhance.  This is where the fun comes in!

Here’s an example of a pretty generic iPhone photo taken of us by a friend on a recent photo excursion in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The person who took this shot sent it to me in a message.

When we got home I imported it into PSP. 

First I increased the exposure to brighten the faces, then painted the background including the post behind my head.  I used the magic wand to isolate that area.  I opened another photo that was previously edited, copied it, and dropped it into the isolated area.

The last step for this shot was to add three borders and my logo at the bottom.   Bingo…And the end product looks pretty good!

This was our first visit to Cabo and this boat trip  to Los Arcos rock formations was a highlight for me.  If we go back again I’ll have them drop me off on the beach so I can walk around and photograph all afternoon!

Here’s the full version of the background.  It’s the shot of the arch that everyone wants to get.

Don’t let the camera in your cell phone go unused.
Take lots of photos and share them with the world!

You may click on the photos for a larger view.

Windows 8 – Follow UP

Here’s a follow up on my last post about Microsoft’s new operating system.  As stated, I installed Windows 8 on my laptop with the intention of learning it so as to help customers and give seminars to computer clubs.

After six weeks of using the system, I am not impressed to say the least.  It might be fine on a tablet, for which it was really designed, but for a non touch screen laptop or desktop it is very disappointing!

Windows 8 is actually built on top of Windows 7 and is really two separate entities.  You boot up to a bunch of tiles which represent applications but in order to take advantage of what these apps offer, you have to sign up for a Microsoft account.  One of these tiles is your desktop which you can click to get to what you were used to looking at in Windows 7.  To make things interesting they left out the start button which has become a huge controversy. What was your thinking MS?

I have used every Microsoft operating system since DOS days in the late seventies and have never encountered anything so frustrating.  At first I thought it might be my age but after extensive research and talking with so called experts all agree that Windows 8 is a flop.

My advice?  Do NOT upgrade your present computer and only if absolutely necessary purchase a new machine with Windows 8.  Be satisfied if you’re using Windows XP as Microsoft will furnish support until April of 2014.  If you have Windows 7 don’t move a muscle as it is an excellent OS. 

Microsoft is already talking about “Windows Blue” their next OS to be released next year, so it won’t be that long to let them get their act together!

Windows 8

October 26th, the magic date for Microsoft’s newest operating system.  Windows 8 promises to completely change the way we interact with our computers. 

Techies will make the change immediately but most will probably hold off until the jury is in.  The new system promises to be much faster, more intuitive and more secure, but it’s a drastic change from what we have been used to since Windows 95.

The change is understandably ready for the market place so as to be compatible with Windows smartphones and tablets.  The desktop will act like a tablet which is the wave of the future and the only drawback will be the time it takes to be become proficient.

I will load Windows 8 on my laptop immediately, learn it thoroughly,  present seminars to computer clubs, and keep you updated.

Here’s a look Microsoft’s new operating system provided by CNET.

Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)

You may not have heard about CMAS yet.  I didn’t know about it until my wife’s new Verizon phone started giving us very loud weather alerts.  They even happened in the middle of the night and were very annoying.

Your cell phone may be a little different but this is how I turned off the alarms.  Navigate to: Messages - More - Settings - Emergency Alerts.  If you can’t find the proper menu you can call 611 on your cell phone which will connect you to your carrier.

Upon further research on the Internet and found an explanation of CMAS. Congress has passed a law that allows the President to issue alerts and other alerts can be issued regarding imminent threats to safety or life, and Amber alerts.

You can turn off the last two but not messages from the President.  As of this writing these alerts do not apply to the iPhone.

You can read all about this on the Government Web Site.

“They Come to America”

“They Come to America” is an independent film produced by Dennis Michael Lynch about the problem of illegal immigration. I purchased a copy of the film and have shown it many times to many different groups, and will continue to do so in the coming months.

Dennis has been an entrepreneur from an early age. In the last few years he became interested in becoming a film producer and made his first film with many well known Hollywood stars. While making this movie he accidentally became aware of the magnitude  of illegal immigration. The first movie has been shelved and he put his whole heart into “They Come to America.”

A quote from his web site: “Truth is, before making this film I never gave a single thought to illegal immigration. And yet, for some crazy reason, I went as far as risking my life to produce a non-partisan documentary about the hottest political topic in America.  What's even crazier is why so many people don't want you to see my film.” 

Please take the time to visit his website view the trailer of the film, click on other videos, read his bio and maybe you’ll want to purchase a copy to show your friends.

America has always welcomed people of all Countries and will continue to do so, but our Nation cannot sustain the millions who are crossing our borders illegally!

My Health

After sitting on my you know what for years with a flying career, and the last few years sitting on my you know what in my studio, I thought I’d better get off my you know what and get back in shape like I was in Office Candidate School in the sixties.  I’ll probably never be that tough again, but the move is on for better health!

Recently I joined a Fitness Center.  I was embarrassed when my personal trainer took my measurements.  I was even more embarrassed when asked how much I exercised!  Exercise?  If it wasn’t for the auto spell checker, I wouldn’t even know how to spell that word!   

Like everything in life, you must start somewhere.  I remember a saying I learned years ago; “Inch by inch, anything's a cinch!” 

I remember when I quit smoking 22 years ago.  It was a challenge both mentally and physically.  It wasn’t easy, but it had to be done to keep living a healthy life.

So, here I go taking another path in life.  Not the one I’ve been on, but a new one and that’s exciting!  A path of exercise and eating properly.

There are so many reasons to do this.  I don’t want my wife to live alone.  I want to witness my grandchildren get married.  I want to witness the advancement and the excitement of technology, and I want to witness more of the beauty that surrounds me.

Life is good!

Meet Dennis Prager

Until just recently I had never heard of Dennis Prager. I found this gentleman totally by accident on YouTube. I watched some of his videos and was intrigued by his personality and intelligence.

After some research I learned that according to Toastmasters, he is one of America’s five best speakers.

The Los Angeles Times is quoted as saying “An amazingly gifted man and moralist whose mission in life has been crystallized to get people obsessed with what is right and wrong.”

Dennis Prager is also one of America’s most respected radio talk show hosts and has been broadcasting from Los Angeles since 1982.

I have studied motivation, success, goal setting, public speaking, and similar subjects since the seventies, but possibly never moved as much as I was when watching a speech that Dennis gave to the students of a Florida College.

His subject; “Happiness is Not a Feeling: It’s a Moral Obligation.”  If you watch this video it will completely change the way you think about being happy.  In fact, it will change your way of life and the influence you have on every person that you meet!

This presentation is an hour and fifteen minutes, so set aside this much time to enjoy and learn from what he has to say.

In my humble opinion, each of us should always be taking steps to improve our lives and this is one of those steps!

Now, sit back relax and enjoy this time with Dennis Prager!

(Click on the lower right icon of the video to watch in full screen.)

Today’s America

It is my opinion that America is in deep trouble and those indicators are totally surrounding us today.

I’m stating this, not as a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or any other political affiliation, but as a person who loves his Country and wants America to be what is has always been, a strong free Nation, based on the laws of our founding fathers.

You don’t have to look far and wide for the indicators that we are falling apart. Our Constitution is being ignored and abused, we are in debt as never before, our borders are not secured, and we are passing laws that no one has read or understands. Common sense, logic, and ethics have gone down the drain.

Our Congress and the President are fighting tooth and nail over regulating debt and our leader wants to spend even more. This is insanity!  All you Washington fat cats in your ivory tower with your big salaries and all your benefits should adhere to the same laws that the rest of us do. That’s change we want to see!

I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing some people still blaming George W. Bush for all of our problems. Sure we had debt during his administration, but our current leader has added more debt than all of our Presidents combined! This wild spending has to stop. Bush blamers forget that in 2007, two years before for current President was elected, we had a majority democratic congress.

I have worked every day of my life since the age of 12 when I had a paper route. I worked during high school and college and every day henceforth. At the age of 73 I’m still working to pay our bills because social security isn’t enough. It’s not only enough, but SS is bankrupt. You took my money all those years under the guise of taking care of me. You spent my money and are now crying that the system is broke! That is fraud and if I practiced this I’d be in prison.

I would also be in prison by entering any other country illegally! Just see how far you would get sneaking into another country, demanding your so called rights, demanding they speak your language and flying your flag over theirs. Go ahead, just try it!  If you want to live in America then do it legally. Obey our laws and speak our language. I fully support Sheriff Joe who has been elected by the people of Arizona for five terms and is just trying to uphold state and federal laws!

Why are we relying on enemy countries to supply us with oil? Why are we paying $4 a gallon for gasoline?  When our current leader was elected the price was $1.82. Why are we not drilling in America where there is almost an unlimited supply? Please tell us why!

Why do we have to talk to a person in a foreign country for technical support on almost all consumer products?  Why aren’t these jobs in America?

Why can’t we use the powerful media called Television to entertain and educate our people? 95% of TV programs are trash and are contributing to the moral decay of our society. It’s all about sex, drugs, and violence including most of today’s video games.

The kids of today see all this as common place; they don’t know any different. Gone are the days of good clean, fun, programs and movies.

I am not a purist and am certainly not perfect, but I do believe in free enterprise, my freedom to believe in God and believe that it’s time for America to get back on her feet. There is no free lunch!  My motto is “You don’t work, you don’t eat.”

America is headed more toward socialism everyday and it must stop!  Socialism does not work and that has been proven in many European countries!

We must take our Country back to where it was, a strong free Nation, based on the laws of our founding fathers.

Everyone that believes this must get involved to take back America, and discard the philosophy of “let the other guy do it.”  Time is running out………….

If I wanted America to fail, I would do this.

Make You & Your Computer Happy!

Frustrated with your computer?  Want to save money for technical help?  You can do a few simple and free things each month to keep your computer running as smoothly as the day you bought it!

Computers accumulate unwanted files and registry entries over time thus slowing down your machine.  These files, that are no longer in use, need to be eliminated.  The easiest and simplest way to do this is with a free utility called CCleaner.

Computers are also effected by viruses, malware, and spyware.

Sometimes these problems can be minor but can also bring your machine to its knees requiring the need for costly repairs. These problems can be eliminated with a free anti-virus product, like AVAST in conjunction with using another program called Malwarebytes.

The final fix is to run defragmentation on your hard drive once a month.

These simple procedures will make you and your computer happy!

A complete detailed explanation can be found here.

iPad 3

The new Apple iPad was in retail stores on Friday, March 16.  Again people lined up to be the first kid on the block to have the new toy, and I was one of them.

Rather than go to the Apple store which is always the biggest crowd, I chose Best Buy.  Arriving a half hour after they opened I was 18th in line and the wait was not that bad.

I always said I would never stand in line for anything after serving in the Army, but now I’ve done it twice; a couple of months ago for the new iPhone 4S and this time for the new iPad.  This instrument, to me, is maybe the coolest product of my lifetime.  I loved the iPad 1, skipped the iPad 2 and went for this one.  Now I have two, and the first one goes to my wife as she used it more than I did!

So, here are my thoughts.  The hype for iPad 3 was tremendous, as usual for Apple products.  Faster processor, faster graphics. a retina display to knock your socks off, and 4G.  I will tell you after using it for a couple of weeks, I can’t see the difference in the display between the 1 & the 3.  Side by side I’ve looked at many photos and I’m not dazzled as promised.  The only thing I gained is a front and back camera which was included in the second model and a faster processor.  The camera is improved with the latest model, and the speed is significant over the iPad 1, but would that be worth the upgrade?

The bottom line?  If you’re thinking about upgrading, do your homework.  If I hadn’t given the first one to my wife, I probably would have returned the new purchase and been happy with the old one.  But, since we both love it, we’ll both use our own and live happily ever after!

An Unexpected Bonus

The day after the Republican debate in Mesa, Arizona, I gave a photo seminar to a local computer club.  After the presentation, and since the Convention Center was so close by, we decided to stop and get the feel of how it must have been to be present for this event.  Crews were busy tearing down and cleaning up.  People were just leaving after the finish of an outside concert.  There seemed to be excitement in the air on this beautiful sunshiny day.

Just down the sidewalk and around the corner we saw the CNN bus.  It was very impressive with its election campaign paint job.  I took some photos and then met the driver.  I told him that I was a retired jet pilot but my secret fantasy was to drive a large bus like this.  He said “Let’s go in, fire it up, and you can drive to our next stop in Oklahoma.”  He was kidding of course, but did gave us a full tour.  It was fascinating for me, as a technology nut, to digest the magnitude of the whole thing.  One side was covered with flat screen monitors, the other side with a long couch and all the other luxuries you can imagine.  The back of the bus was chucked full of electronics manned by a full time technician.  They have the capability of transmitting four satellite feeds simultaneously. 

Giving my photo seminars is always a blast, but this was an extra unexpected bonus for the day.  Thanks for the hospitality and the tour Dale!

GOTCHA!

Internet scams are nothing new.  Viruses, spyware, and malware have been around for years.  The problem today is that some of these scams look very official and the average person is fooled into spending money only to make matters worse.

Let’s take a look at what typically happens.  A window appears on your screen notifying you that you have x amount of corrupted files caused by a virus.  It will offer you a button to click on to do a free scan of your system.  You click on it and the program simulates a scan then tells you that you can rid your system of all this nasty stuff by clicking on another button.  When you do it tells you that you can download a program to fix these problems.  When you continue it says that it will cost you $56. You give them your credit card number, then download the program.

Now you have just made matters worse and you’ve been taken! This company, probably in Russia, has your credit card information and your computer is now trash until you call a technician.

Here is what the latest scam looks like.  It’s called Win 7 Anti-Spyware 2012.  If you see this on your screen turn your computer off, then reboot into safe mode with networking, update and run Malwarebytes.

If this is above your confidence level, then just turn off your machine and call a tech, or take your tower or laptop to a repair facility.  If you did proceed and do the download you will want to call your bank, cancel that transaction and you probably will want a new credit card!

It’s sad to say, but we should constantly be aware of scams.  Never give out any passwords and only credit card information if you are absolutely positive of whom you are dealing with.

A Time to Reflect

December is a month when we mentally review the past year.  What were the highlights?  What did I accomplish?  Am I just existing?  Am I really happy?  Take stock of these questions, evaluate, then decide that 2012 will be the best year of your life! 

Don't be ordinary anymore, think "out of the box."  Look for new adventures, new people to meet, new places to go.  Start living with passion and purpose.

Visualize your new life and create the world you want to surround you.  Wake up in the morning with only positive thoughts and thank God for your health and wealth!  You might say "I'm not wealthy."  Oh but you are!  If you have 2 dollars in your pocket, something to eat in the refrigerator, and a roof over your head, you are wealthier than 95 percent of the world!  Celebrate your life now, give yourself a pat on the back and move forward with conviction!  Life is what YOU make it and no one can tarnish your vision unless you let them.

Most people think that more money will make them happy.  But the question is how much money? There have been countless number of people who have won the lottery.  They purchased the mansion, the fancy car, and all the toys, but most of them are totally broke today and living in misery.  There are countless examples of people who have or had it all and they are not happy.  A host of people idolize Hollywood, but look at the life these people lead.  Adultery, divorce, alcohol, drugs, pornography, are the masters of their lives. When you can buy anything with the snap of a finger, what do you look forward to when you wake up in the morning?

So let's, you and I, make a deal right now.  Let's be happy and grateful for what we have. Let not money be our God.  Starting today we will "Live with passion, in a constant state of joy, and with an Attitude of Gratitude!"  Watch this two minute video to celebrate you.  After that if you're feeling pumped up, then watch this one to remind you to appreciate and be grateful for TODAY!  Be sure to watch all videos in the highest resolution, full screen, and volume turned up.  If the video is jerky, then lower the resolution.

An Unusual Experience

Every once in a while you experience something that is unusual and memorable, and such was the case on a recent camping trip.

We spent a week over Thanksgiving with lots of friends and our RVs, camping in the mountainous wilderness north of the old western town of Wickenburg, Arizona. 

During the day we rode our all terrain vehicles, exploring the unknown; old deserted gold, silver, and copper mines.  We have even found graves out in the middle of nowhere.

So, let’s get to the unusual.  We are riding along in a river bed and I see someone walking toward us in the distance.  Now keep in mind that we are miles from any campsite and I’m wondering what this person is up to.

As we get closer we see that it’s a woman and she is hiking with three friends.  A llama, a donkey, and her dog.  What a site!  So we pulled up and got acquainted. (Click on photos for larger view.)

The dog, a miniature collie, immediately treats us like long lost buddies, and the llama and donkey are equally as friendly. We had a great time getting to know all four of these characters.

Here, “Angel” is telling Diane that they have walked for miles and is ready to be back home as she is carrying all the supplies.  This woman must have been in good shape because they had already gone 5 miles and had more than that to hike a circle route to get back to camp.

 

The donkey drank out of Diane’s hand and they also had a good talk.  This guy was just too cute.

Well, after a while we mounted up and rode off, only to look back and see this group hiking off in the distance.

You just never know when you’ll have an unusual experience and this  will go in the books as one of them!

iPhone Photography

The world of photography has changed drastically since the advent of the digital age.  Gone are the days of spending your cash on film and developing.  You’ll also remember that picking up your order after processing you were often disappointed in the results of your photos.

Digital cameras did away with all this.  You can see instant results and take as many shots as you wish without spending additional cash.

In the last few years even simple pocket cameras have become very sophisticated offering lots of cool features and producing wonderful photos.

With the release of the iPhone 4, iPhone photography gradually became popular.  Some of your “top notch” professional photographers are taking photos with this camera with some amazing results.  Now with the release of the iPhone 4s, sporting an 8MB camera, the fun is even better!

Recently I came across a telephoto lens for my 4s.  Telephoto lens on an iPhone?  Sounds ridiculous and that was my thought when I first saw it on the Internet.

In a local ad I saw this lens on sale for $24.99, and I thought why not try it, might be fun.  I was pleasantly surprised by the results, especially at such an inexpensive price!

The lens comes with a special protective cover for the iPhone so that the lens can be attached.  It’s a 2 second operation to do this.  A small tri-pod is even included.

I took the lens out of the box, snapped on the cover, and walked outside to the front porch where I snapped this picture looking up the street.

Then I attached the telephoto lens, which you can do blindfolded, and took another shot standing in the same spot.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the results of this 8X zoom lens.  (You may click on the photos for a larger view.)

Both photos were enhanced using Paint Shop Pro X4 and Topaz Filters, but that didn’t change the fact that this little lens did a very decent job.

The nice thing about this lens is that it is only 3” long and can be carried in your pocket.  And, of course the beauty of your iPhone is that you always have a camera with you!

If you shoot photos with your iPhone, you’ll definitely want to add “Camera +” to your phone.  This app will let you shoot with constant light, or flash, shoot with amazing burst rates, set the focus and exposure points, edit your photos, and send them to email, instant messages, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

Just more fun in the digital age of photography!

Have fun with your picture taking.  Here’s my final word on this:

“Your birth certificate proves that you were born.  Your death certificate proves that you died, and your photos prove that you LIVED!

Take Your Best Shot

There are many types of photographers, casual, intermediate, advanced, and professional.  There are many types of cameras from inexpensive point & shoot to very expensive pro DSLRs.  Just because the person standing next to you has a pro model and you’re using a point & shoot doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she will take a better photo.

Some of the advantages of a DSLR are the ability to change lenses, much faster start up time and writing time to the card.  Other advantages include more menu choices, faster burst rates, the ability to use lens filters, and higher ISO settings.

Whether your camera is a 5 megapixel or an 18 megapixel you won’t tell the difference on your computer screen.  They both will produce a very nice 11x14 print.  The rule here is simple: the benefit of more pixels is the ability to render larger prints. Another advantage of more pixels is when cropping a photo you will still have enough pixels left for an 8x10 or an 11x14 print.

Most people don’t like to read manuals but it is a great advantage to learn as much as you can about your camera.  An important part of your knowledge should include white balance.  Sometimes auto WB will do a decent job, but most of the time a custom WB setting will create a better photograph.  After studying your manual…then practice, practice, practice! 

Before shooting be sure all your camera settings are correct.  Now study the light.  Often the best shots are achieved 90 degrees from the sun.  Take horizontal and vertical shots and lots of them.  Be creative and use different angles.  When shooting children or pets, get down on their level.

Very few photos come out of the camera looking perfect.  Learn the art of post editing to make your photos “pop.”  For example this photo taken in Sedona, Arizona, is right out of the camera.

After a few minutes of editing, that photo looks like this!  (Click on photos for larger view.)

After editing save your photo using the “Save As” command, thus saving the original.


Now that you’re proud of your photos, you will want to share them.  You can email them to friends, print them, frame them, post them to the Internet or even make a photo book.

Lastly you’ll want to protect your photos.  Be safe, not sorry, by copying them to an external hard drive!