The Classic Tourist and Their Camera...

Hipstamatic
Buckingham Palace
England, UK

It's funny being a tourist in your own country. Many people all over the world come and visit Britain and during the Summer, Buckingham Palace is a popular destination. My family and I have always wanted to go on this 'Royal Day Out' stated on our tickets. It was absolutely delightful and positively British in most the respectful sense. We then rounded off the day drinking tea out of paper cups which couldn't be more of a contrast; quirky though.

Hipstamatic 
Buckingham Palace Garden Cafe
England, UK

Onto more of a photography note now that was the spark that inspired me to write this post...

Hipstamatic
Royal Crown
England, UK

I had a home-bought picnic lunch and ate it in St James' Park just around the corner from the palace and watched foreign tourists take pictures of this immaculate trimmed bush of a royal crown...

 It was extremely interesting because they would walk round all angles of it, finding their place and perfect composition of this...well bush. I wrote a little about Tourist Photography on my trips to York and Venice back in Summer months and it is fascinating how we want to take a picture of the same view a million other people have taken. It could be easy enough to type into Google and search for this sight. After all we all know what the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Hollywood sign in LA looks like, even if we may have never seen them in person. After thinking about this a little, I have come to the conclusion that we want to put our personal mark on things. We go somewhere like the Grand Canyon and we have had the memory of it but we want a picture to be taken to validate what we saw. This crown, this Buckingham Palace, no matter where you live, this picture is a reminder of what you did on a certain day which enhances other thoughts and feelings that were part of this day. I guess that is why Photography is so great. We just want to remember. 

People. Places. The World. Life.

Hipstamatic 
Leaf
England, UK

Still moments can still be moving...

London 2012 Olympics
'Dressage'
Greenwich Park

As I watch the Men's Marathon on tv, I can't help but feel a slight pang of sadness that the London 2012 Olympics is coming to a close. Like many Britons, beforehand, we never imagined that we would  actually enjoy it that much and the only excitement was the opening ceremony, but even that exceeded expectations. I have personally really enjoyed the olympics as a whole. I have looked forward to watching it on the tv. I loved the Cycling and the Swimming, as well as people achieving their dreams; something they have put in years of effort and training, while the rest of us live our lives, oblivious that there is a sporting world out there too.

I managed to get tickets, second time round and even then I was excited about the atmosphere. I wanted to see the horse riding Cross-country but I got to see the Dressage and it was such a thrill to see horses dancing away gracefully, even hidden behind a roof of umbrella's in the pouring rain. It really was fantastic; the world coming together before your eyes upon row upon row of flags and universal cheers. Perhaps this is the closest to world peace that we have actually got to. It shouldn't have to happen every four years, this peace, it should be constant.

I loved the photography that was mentioned on the BBC this morning. Though I have searched on YouTube, to share it with you, I haven't been able to find it, but what message contained was about about still moments captured on a camera of these athletes can be as moving as the as the watching them on film. I think that really just makes you think, how fantastic photography is. Even if the world is filmed, a simply camera can still take a moment in time and just record and so much. It is truly fascinating.

I thought it was probably a wise choice not to take my DSLR to the crowded games but I kind of wished that I did. My pang of regret is healed slightly by that I had my trusty Hipstamatic camera on my iPod, so I guess I captured it in some way.

London 2012 Olympics
'Dressage'
Greenwich Park

London 2012 Olympics
'Dressage'
Greenwich Park

London 2012 Olympics
'Dressage'
Greenwich Park

London 2012 Olympics
'Dressage'
Greenwich Park

Hipstamatic Summer...

I do love Summer and after much trying and pushing to keep up with my Hipstamatic 365 project, it simply wasn't working. I have, however taken a few pictures here and there to capture the summer of 2012 and rather bit them in a slideshow I decided to keep the text short overall for this post and let the pictures do the talking. 

Birthday Weekend...

Hipstamatic 
Loftus Lens
DC Film

Excitement is the word that creeps into mind when I think about Birthdays. I don't know about you, but my life certainly revolves around it, regardless of the obvious, but it is always the main thing I look forward to about my year. It's not about growing old for me that I find so exciting, however I enjoy life to the brim whenever possible, but is more the fact it is a day about celebrating yourself, no matter who you are. It's a day where people appreciate you and you can do whatever you want to, within reason. It is a simply exciting  time and a chance to improve yourself if you ever feel the need to.

Now onto the photography aspect. 

This month has revolved around food and I am one of those people who really likes food, hunger is not an option, I have got to eat. I have been a bit cringy as I upload my meals day to day and sometimes I wonder why I'm doing something that would usually be quite personal and hidden away, only my household and I would see, but I have really gotten into enjoying what I have been capturing this week. I also took the liberty to go photography crazy, as I should do at such a cheerful time of year. 

And in addition my weekly slideshow as follows, concluding with birthday cake(s).

Enjoy!

Hipstamatic
Matty ALN Lens
Alfred Infared Film

Hipstamtic
Matty ALN Lens
Alfred Infared Film

Hipstamatic Loftus Lens
DC Film

Hipstamatic
Loftus Lens
DC Film

Matty ALN, Londons Natural History and Photography...

Natural History Museum, London
Hipstamatic
Matty ALN Lens
Alfred Infared Film

Natural History Museum, London
Hipstamatic

Natural History Museum, London
Hipstamatic

Natural History Museum, London
Hipstamatic 

Natural History Museum, London
Hipstamatic 

South Kensington - London Undergound
Hipstamatic

I had an exciting adventurous day out yesterday in London. 

At the start of the day I was wondering what photography exhibition was doing at the Natural History Museum as there was really no clue in the name. I picked a silly day to visit this prestigious place as it was Half Term; there was children everywhere and as much as I love them to bits; the que to get in was an hour. It wasn't too bad, I suppose, as I remember visiting the NHM in my school holidays which is scary to think that was ten years ago.

Yesterday I visited the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012 exhibit to get inspired for a review I have to write for one of my modules at University. Many people said this one was popular and I wanted to stray away from it so I wouldn't be writing about what everyone else is claiming to write about too. Though I am not planning to write my review now, I can't help but share a few opinions that I could use as a draft perhaps. It was really fantastic. Photographers of all ages, even ones under the age of 10 were photographing at such professional standard it could only make your jaw drop. Though I am not interested in wildlife photography as such, there was such finite detail in all the images that everyone could enjoy and not just those who are interested in the Photography field. 

If you are in the area, I guarantee you take a look while you can. See if for yourself:

 Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012

Today I explore with coloured film on my 35mm camera for the first time and truly getting to grips with the Aperture and Shutter speed relationship. 

Wish me luck.

Winter Wonderland - Hipstamatic Americana

Hipstamatic 
(Limited Edition - 16th Feb)
Americana Lens
Old Glory case

I am really loving the limited edition, Americana lens and the Old Glory camera case at the moment. I missed out last year with the DreamCanvas film that I have found beautiful images of on Flickr. So finally I have got something new to be excited about. 

Since I have been inside a lot this week, I really wanted to get outside and soak up the fresh country air and snap away some Winter Wonderland images with my new lens and case. 

Flowers of our life...

Hipstamatic 
Bettie XL Lens
Big Up Film

Sometimes you have to explore and discover different ways of approaching life until you find a way that is suitable for you. For the second month of my 365 day photo challenge I discussed how I was going to randomise the settings on my Hipstatmatic camera to add a bit of spontaneity and exploration into my use of this app, rather than sticking to the safe John S Lens with Ina's 1969 film. It can be hard a times, deciding what to capture but also trying to apply skills that I have learned at University so far. I feel as though I'm still cheating and working on the amateur level. In all honesty, I still am an amateur. Once I know all the technical elements by heart and begin profiting work then I will know where I will stand. I think Photography is like  discovery; a discovery of people and objects, places and I find that extremely interesting. 

Though I used the random settings on my app for the picture above; this wasn't out of luck for a first attempt. With Photography, you generally see the final versions of images, rather than how the photographer got there in the first place. I thought I may as well show you the attempts I took to get a decent and flattering image. It just shows that sometimes different effects work for different settings. Many of these effects I have used before but what I was communicating at the beginning was that different elements and combinations fit different people and I think thats what makes the world an interesting place. We all live life in our and best combination, when we can find it, it doesn't mean to say that we can't experiment with life and do what we please. 

Hipstamatic 
Helga Viking Lens
Big Up Film

Hipstamatic 
Libatique 73 Lens
Ina's 1969

Hipstamatic 
Lucas AB2 Lens
Ina's 1969 Film

Hipstamatic 
Buckhorst H1 Lens
Cano Cafenol Film

Hipstamatic 
Loftus Lens
Rock BW Film

Hipstamatic 
Libatique 73 Lens
Float Film

A Flickr of inspiration...

280112 365 2012 outtake, a photo by LouiseGeoghegan on Flickr.
( I don't take credit for this photo)

Sometimes freedom and exploration gives you that kick that gets you into action.
I was searching on Flickr earlier at some of the groups that I have entered photos in, and I came across this beautiful collage of spontaneous Hipstamatic images, a Flickr user took within 20 minutes using the shake technique to select random lenses and film.
It got me thinking into dedicating a whole month of my 365 project using this "random" technique and see what I come up with.

Come February a month of spontaneous photography shall begin.

Jimmy Lens + combinations

I recently did a post on the John S Lens for the Hipstamatic camera, for iPhone and iPod Touch. As well as my 365 photo project with this app, I am also going through each lens, film and flash, exploring the effects of each one. With each of these lenses comes a selection of films that the Hipstamatic Field Guide suggests the optimum combinations for the certain lens. In addition I will be updating this post from time to time with new combinations that I have discovered.

Hipstamatic
Jimmy Lens
Alfred Infared Film

Alfred Infrared Film

This film is part of the Camden Hipstapak that creates some lovely warm hues. My subject today is my stripy fluffy socks and compliments the Jimmy Lens very well. 

Hipstamatic
Jimmy Lens
BlacKeys SuperGrain Film

BlacKeys SuperGrain Film

Another member of the Camden Hipstapak. Any BlacKeys films are said to go well with the Jimmy Lens

Hipstamatic 
Jimmy Lens
Float Film

Hipstamatic
Jimmy Lens
Float Film

Float Film

(Shibuya Hipstapak) Though it is suggested, I'm personally not too keen on the extreme grunge look of this film unless it is for the odd stunning photo. I have tried out against my socks yet the colours are too similar, which lack an artistic contrast. However adding a variation of tone in my wooden man picture, you can see this film work some magic. 

Experimentations 

Hipstamatic 
Jimmy Lens
Ina's 1935

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

John S Lens + Combinations

More often than not I see a lot of John S lens' being used through the publics Hipstamatic compositions. The Field Guide for the app even suggests that it is a great started lens to use which flattering shadows and highlights.
This my first Lens sample post and I will continuing through each, using the suggested combinations from the Hipstamatic Field Guide by my own samples as well as experimenting with some of other films as well.

Hipstamatic 
John S Lens
Ina's 1969 Film

Ina's 1969 Film

What I just love about this marriage of lens and film is how perfect they go together, particularly the way they bring out such detail and texture in this image, I took early 2011. I only used this combination to begin with, before I gathered up some photographic confidence to start using the other lenses and films. I think, however, I will I always come back to this one.

Hipstamatic 
John S Lens
Pistil Film

Pistil Film
Another suggestion from the Hipstamatic Field Guide. This collaboration enhances cool tones and creates a neat and creative contrast between textures on my Panda hat.

Hipstamatic 
John S Lens
BlacKeys SuperGrain Film

BlacKeys SuperGrain Film

I used this film in yesterdays B+W post but with a different lens. This combination with the John S Lens you get a very desaturated look, which creates a moody feel. The dated boarder comes included. I had a go at using the RedEye Flash with this image but it didn't shine through, so wouldn't recommend it as MUST, however in the near future I hope to be posting an overview of the flashes that Hipstamatic have to offer.. I came up with this quick composition called "Mirror Mirror". This is also another suggestion from the Hipstamatic Field Guide for this lens.


I hope to update this post once I have continued to experiment with the John S Lens.
Have any suggestions for combinations? Let me know and I'll be happy to try them out.


Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click here..

Black and White - Hipstamatic Films

I'm absolutely in love with the B+W films that Hipstamatic provide at the moment. This morning was the perfect day to capture some settled raindrops, post-rain shower, that I had been longing to do for a while. I thought I may as well show some of the other monochrome films that Hipstamatic has to offer as well as their effects. Samples of other films and lens coming soon.

Day 26: Hipstamatic 365 via Flickr
Lucfier VI Lens
Rock BW-11

Hipstamatic
Lucfier V1 Lens
Rock BW-11 Film

Hipstamatic
Lucfier V1 Lens
Rock BW-11 Film

Hipstamatic 
Roboto Glitter Lens
BlacKeys B+W

Hipstamatic 
Lucfier VI Lens
BlacKeys SuperGrain

Hipstamatic 
Libatique 73 Lens
Claunch 72 Monochrome

Hipstmatic 231 (part 2)...

Yesterday I began a behind the scenes tutorial of the Hipstamatic 231 Photography App for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It is my favourite app at the moment and I just would like to share with you what it does.

I began with showing the Lenses that are available as well as ones that you can purchase for a small price and today I shall continue to showcase the fifteen films that you can mix and match with the Lenses to create a really personified photo. Like I've said. You don't have to be a photographic genius to take good pictures with this app, but you could say it helps.






Missed the Introduction post to the Hipstmatic app, click here

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Introduction to the Hipstamatic App...

                                                   

Have you heard of the Hipstamatic 231?

Many of you out there have and take millions of pictures everyday and upload online. You may have noticed that I have been posting a lot of square vintage looking pictures and for those who don't know; I have been using the Hipstamatic 231  Photography App for the iPhone/iPod Touch. It's a fantastic little app that can turn an average photo into a masterpiece. Over a series of posts, I will be showing you around this magnificent app with all the bells and whistles you could ask for in a camera.

I will begin by introducing you to the Hipstamatic 231 camera bodies:

You have the:
- Classic Black
- White
- Mr Bling



Along with each camera body, you have your lenses and your films. These come in groups called "Paks" that vary over time periods such as The Retro Pak. Some of the Paks are included such as The Starter Pak, while others have to be purchased and this is done within the main Hipstamatic App.
I have bought all the Paks that are featured and from time to time there are limited Paks. So it is best to watch out, I have missed some really good ones previously.

For the second part of this post, I have created a slideshow of all the Lens that you can purchase. They often come under a cheap price of £0.69/ 99 cents individually but just over a pound/dollar for a full Pak. The choice is up to you.

List of Lens
- John S Lens
-Jimmy Lens
-Kaimal Lens
-Buckhorst Lens
- Helga Viking Lens
- Lucifer VI Lens
-Robot Glitter Lens
- Bettie XL Lens
- Loftus Lens
- Libatique 73 Lens
- Matty ALN Lens
- Ben Watts Lens
- Susie Lens
- James M Lens
- Lucas AB2 Lens
- Chunky Lens


Come my next post in this series, I will be showcasing the Hipstamatic Films and photo samples before introducing the Hipstamatic Paks.


Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/