Michael Clawson to Speak at MacWorld/iWorld

MacWorld/iWorld is almost upon us. I thought this was going to be my year to attend, but it looks like I may have to wait until 2015. If I did attend I'd be sure to catch the presentation by Michael Clawson. 

Michael Clawson is ‘Chief Fish’ at Big Fish Creations, an advertising and digital media company in the Sierra town of Graeagle. His background began in Silicon Valley when Apple Computer and Adobe Systems first made their mark in Desktop Publishing. He was introduced to interactive media early in his career, transitioned to production artist, and later, creator and lead principal of an Interactive Department at a major advertising agency. Specializing in branding across multiple media platforms, his diverse repertoire includes a hybrid combination of designer and developer with emphasis on graphic design, branding, photography and communication. Michael is also a published author and often writes about iPhoneography and creative editing.

Geri:  Tell me a bit about your start with iPhone photography.

Michael:  My start with iPhoneography was somewhat accidental, yet meaningful. Around the first of October, 2010, I was on my way to a client meeting. As always, when I discovered something interesting, I would snap a shot with my iPhone. In this case, my interest was caught by the dramatic clouds floating above my client’s hi-tech building. I quickly snapped a picture with my iPhone and headed in to the meeting. Once inside, my clients and I were going through some ideas about a brochure and folder design, looking for an image that really stood out. Nothing really clicked. Then, I recalled the image I had just snapped before entering the building. I pulled out my iPhone, cued up the photo and asked: “Would this work?” Everyone in the room went wild with excitement, and it became unanimous that “that” was the shot. From then on, I knew the iPhone was my new creative tool and have never looked back since.

My First Instagram with “that” shot:

© Michael Clawson

Today, I shoot with both my Nikon SLR and iPhone and post processing shots in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and in numerous iPhone apps. Many times I find myself being more creative with my iPhone since it allows me to really explore my ideas with simple ease. 

Geri:  What is MacWorld/iWorld?

Michael:  If you are an Apple faithful, you might say MacWorld/iWorld is like the home planet of your kind. Almost everything Apple or Apple related is featured at the show. In fact, it’s a great place to see the latest gadgets, goodies, and apps in the Apple Industry. The show also offers cool presentations, training and tech talks where you can learn just about anything related to Apple products, third party products and compatible apps. You can find out more about the show at the MacWorld/iWorld site.   

The Thinker © Michael Clawson
Apps Used: Faded, Facetune, ColorTime, Image Blender, PS Express, Big Photo

Channeling Instagram's @blacksmithpat © Michael Clawson
Apps - Hipstamatic TinType SnapPak

 Geri:  What will you be presenting and when?

Michael:  On Thursday, March 27th, from 3 to 3:45 pm, I’ll be presenting Creative iPhone Portraitures. This is the third in my series of MacWorld/iWorld Talks on iPhoneography. In this session, my focus is really aimed at the beginner to intermediate user interested in learning tips, tricks, and secrets for creating better portraits with their iPhones.

As I see it, there are essentially three main stages in the portrait process. First, you need to relax your subject so they behave more naturally. I most often find humor works the best to break the ice so to speak. Second, you need to pay attention to the subject and strive to capture that so called “perfect” shot. This typically involves taking a lot of photos until that magic happens, but, it should also involve more than just blind chance. Observation and attention to detail is key. Third, post-processing and editing play a major roll in the end result, and should not be underestimated – especially when you are trying to create a traditional SLR technique like depth of field for example. I will be briefly covering these stages and will actually have a live model for the presentation. Of course, in between these major stages, I’ll demonstrate tips and tricks such as how to deal with low-light situations, how to pick the right shooting app, burst mode photography, etc. I know it is a lot to cram into a 30-minute presentation, especially since I always like to open the floor for questions at the end. 

I have also partnered with the developers of Facetune to give live demos of their amazing app on the show floor in the Appalooza area Thursday-Saturday, March 27-29th. I will be joined by a few of my creative colleagues who will also be demoing their take on the app. It should be a lot of fun, and a great place for attendees to learn about Facetune, which is aimed squarely at iPhone/iPad Portrait photography and editing.

Beach Boy © Michael Clawson

Mopar, The Wizard of the Desert © Michael Clawson

Geri:  Is there any way for people not attending to view your presentation?

Michael:  Unfortunately, my presentation will not be recorded. But, as always, I plan to upload my slides to my Slideshare account. I do believe MacWorld/iWorld will also make them available to people attending the event.

Geri:  Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Michael:  First off, I really appreciate you taking the time to interview me here. I enjoy sharing my love for iPhoneography whenever I have a chance, and your blog is one of my favorites. Also, I’m excited to say I’m writing a book on iPhoneography that hopefully will be out later this year. Yes. That was a shameless plug, but well, there it is so stay tuned. 

Objects in the mirror are larger than they appear © Michael Clawson
Olloclip Fisheye

What? Are you talking to me? © Michael Clawson

Find Michael:  Company Website / Instagram / Flickr / Twitter / Google+ / 500px / LinkedIn / Facebook / Tumblr / YouTube / About Me

Stackables App Giveaway

Samer Azzam, creator of ProCam, ProCam2 and PhotoFusion just released a new app Stackables. I could spend hours playing with this app. You can edit your photos by applying textures, filters, color overlays, patterns, fixed formulas or custom formulas you can create and save. You can also adjust exposure, add vignette, convert to sepia tone, blur, add tilt-shift, depth of field, posterize and invert! The app saves at full resolution. Just a note, when you apply any of the default or customized formulas, it takes a bit longer to save. It's available for $0.99 on The App Store for a limited time to celebrate the launch), but you can get a copy free if you're one of the first five to comment on this post! (Thank you Samer!)

The first five readers to comment on this post will receive a promo code for a free download of Stackables. 

Look at the variations I created with this app shown in this collage below.

Info from The App Store listing

Stackables is the most advanced and comprehensive effect layering and blending app. It's packed with over 150 effects expertly crafted by photographer and artist, Dirk Wuestenhagen. These include tasteful grunge textures, light leaks and bokeh textures, painterly textures, abstract weather and clouds textures, grit and grain textures, original vintage filters, gorgeous gradients, elaborate geometric patterns, and much more - all stackable, all adjustable, all undoable, all breathtakingly beautiful! 

In addition, Stackables comes equipped with over 20 professional adjustment tools most notably White Balance, Color Balance, Vignette, Sepia, Blur, Tilt Shift, and Depth of Field. And for the first time ever on a mobile device, these tools are added as layers, giving you unprecedented control over color and tonal levels in your composition. 

Stackables’ layers-based architecture and nondestructive workflow encourage experimentation and foster creativity. Add layers to your heart’s content and see impressive results with every new layer. And have peace of mind knowing that all edits are completely modifiable and reversible regardless of when you’ve done them in your editing process.

Instantly transform your photos into works of art with 23 preset formulas meticulously constructed by Dirk. Or save your own edits as formulas and never lose a custom edit you love. 

With its revolutionary design, easy to navigate interface, and streamlined workflow, Stackables is perfect for any skill level. Whether you’re an avid photographer or an aspiring enthusiast, Stackables provides you with the tools you need to elevate your mobile artistry. 

Note: Screenshot images are processed entirely with Stackables' preset formulas, namely Berries, Dreamscape, Modern Quilt, Warm Glow, and Orange Day. Screenshot images are in square format for illustration purposes only; Stackables supports all image aspect ratios. 

MAIN FEATURES: 
◉ 150+ unique effects (many with multiple variations) 
◉ 20+ professional adjustment tools 
◉ Unlimited layers. Modify, rotate, rearrange, hide, and delete layers. 
◉ 18 blend modes with live preview
◉ 23 preset formulas and the ability to save your own edits as formulas 
◉ Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email sharing options. Also supports iOS’s “Open in Other Apps” protocol.
◉ URL Scheme "stackables://"

DESIGN:
◉ Minimalist iOS 7 design that redefines simplicity and emphasizes functionality
◉ Innovative expandable panels design gives you access to effects, blend modes, and layers all from the same screen. You no longer have to wonder what layer you're working on or what blend mode you have chosen and navigate multiple windows just to find out. Everything is right there in front of you, updated in real time.
◉ Space-saving retractable panel design allows you to take full advantage of your beautiful retina screen. All the tools at your fingertips when you need them and out of your way when you don't. 

SUPPORTED RESOLUTIONS:
◉ 16MP (4000 x 4000) on iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad mini Retina, iPad 3G, iPad 4G, iPad Air
◉ 8MP (2828 x 2828) on iPod Touch 5G, iPhone 4s, iPad mini, iPad 2
◉ 4MP (2000 x 2000) on iPhone 4

Painted Camera App Competition Winners Announced

The developers of the Painted Camera app (soon to be released) held a competition recently. Here are the results of the contest, reposted from Mobitog with permission from the developer of Painted Camera. (I'm over the moon that Gilles chose one of my images!)

From Gilles of the 11ers:

After a long delay and many life events (all of them good mind you, but some of them rather big, more of that later), here are finally the winners of the painted camera screenshot contest.

First some numbers: I gave away 28 promo codes total for this contest to mobitog and Geri Centonze blog, Art of Mob. I got over 220 submissions from 24 people!!! Wow!!! Much more than expected!

The quality of the submissions were remarkable, and after my first pass picking anything I loved and deemed worthy of representing my app I was down to... 77 images!!! Now you are starting to understand why it was so hard, I had to pick three!!! Three!!!

After much agony, soul searching, reversals and re-reversals, here are the three winners, in no specific order:

Sandy MacGowan sent a wonderful set of pictures taken on a snowy sunrise, to beautiful and rich results. She made singular yet stunning uses of the app, some of them I love even more than the one I picked for the app store as almost abstract and ethereal, but I pick this image for the contest as it is both simple and strong, and show you what you can get straight out of the app when you see something in the wild that you know will look very special with a glazed treatment.

© Sandy MacGowan

Andrea Bigiarini sent me a series of slightly post processed, intimate and warm renders. His eyes for contrast, color and composition is just exquisite. There were all taken in the streets of Florence, inside what I believe is his apartment or from his balcony, and I just adore them. I grew up in southern France and always had a huge soft spot for anything Italian, but even if I had not, I know I would still fall for this:

© Andrea Bigiarini

Geri Centonze sent me an amazing set of portraits. For the large number of submission I got, I actually didn't get as many portraits as I was hoping for, which is actually not taking anything away from Geri's submissions, which were stellar. Beautiful composition, lighting, perfect use of the app, beautiful texture choice looking great in large or small size, expressive, interesting, original subjects. It was actually hard to pick one from the many she sent me, but this one is just perfect.

© Geri Centonze

I picked these image not only for their qualities but also because I felt they meshed very well as a set to represent what the app can do. The three winners will get explicit mention on the App Store
and I will sent the nicest giclée print money can buy in Northern California.

I will also mention though, that until the very end I wanted to have in that list at least one entry from a fantastic mobile artist who sent me a barrage of submissions that just blew my mind: Alain Vincent. I have no idea how he does this. I know he is using the app, I have no idea how. I love his stuff so much, I think I watch it about every day on my iPad, but in the end I felt it was a bit too radical for the App Store page.

Here are two of the many entries Alain sent me:

© Alain Vincent

© Alain Vincent

I want to thank everybody who participated to this contest, many of you sent me tons of great renders and great feedback. I am also very proud to see how much joy you guys seemed to get from using the app.

much love,

Gilles
The 11ers

Geri's Note: As soon as Painted Camera is released on The App Store, I'll be posting about it here at Art of Mob.

Painterly Mobile Art - Gerry Coe

Gerry Coe is another regular contributor to our Flickr Group, Painterly Mobile Art.  I'm please to feature his beautiful piece Autumn Colours this week. 

Do you like to edit in a painterly style? Please join the group, we'd love to have you!

The Artist 

Gerry Coe - I live in Northern Ireland and have been a professional photographer for 50 years. I have covered almost all types of photography during my career but during the last 30 years or so I have concentrated on B&W portraiture mostly of children. I did a High Key style which had the look of a fine pencil drawing, naturally I called them Pencil Portraits. I have always been associated with the Amateur camera clubs and am at present the President of my local club, Bangor & North Down CC. 

As well as running my portrait studio I also ran a picture framing business which is still going but now run by a colleague, but I still do all my own mounting and framing for any exhibitions I hold or for clients who buy any of my pictures. I have always been associated with the Art side of photography and Art in general and have had many of my photographs accepted into mainstream and prestigious exhibitions. I have always been experimenting with Photoshop to try to get a more painterly look to my work, some of which worked out well. 

About 4 years ago a lot of my friends were getting iPhones and so I got one too. Now as a “real” photographer you know that you cannot get good photographs out of a wee 5mp sensor with a crappy plastic lens (iPhone 4),  but I started to see some work by a good friend of mine Dan Burkholder and was amazed at what he could achieve from his phone photos, so I emailed Dan, asked him what he was doing with all these wonderful pictures and he replied with three words, “Selling them Gerry"…the penny dropped and I then started to investigate all the apps that where available. I must say it has totally rejuvenated my photography and given me a new outlook on my work. I am a Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP), the Master Photographers Assoc (MPA), The Royal Photographic Society (RPS), and the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP). I recently received a second Fellowship from the BIPP for a panel of images all done on an iPhone, the first time anyone anywhere has done this, to the best of my knowledge.

The Work

Autumn Colours © Gerry Coe

Gerry's Commentary

I suppose I really am a frustrated artist, I can’t really draw or paint so that is why I became a photographer. When I was working in Photoshop I was looking to produce a painterly style to some of my work and now with all the wonderful apps available it can be done very easily, push one button and you get a result, and here is the problem. This is a bit like Cokin filters of a few years ago where every picture had a “Tobacco Grad” to enhance the sky and everybody could recognise it.  The same problem can occur with some of the apps as well. What I have found is that the secret really lies in combining various elements of each of these painterly style apps to create a unique look that is not easily reproduced by everyone else. 

The picture “Autumn Colours” is one such picture. It is fairly recent but represents how I have moved and used different apps. The original was taken with the iPhone camera and then I worked on it in Snapseed to enhance the colours etc. Next, I was using Repix, Glaze, Photofx, Superimpose, and then back into Snapseed at the end to clean up colours. The apps are listed but not in any particular order and there were many variations of each app. I was just spending time working out what looked the best. I wanted an almost abstract style. I am a great lover of the Impressionist painters and that is the way I like to see my work. Although I am still a great lover of B&W work and still do it, I find my “Painterly” style to be big and bold on color   

One thing I will say, although a lot of people like this type of “Painterly” picture I do find a lot of people who are not keen on it as it is not really “Art”, but it is me trying to imitate Art. So it is generating quite a bit of controversy within my own circle of friends, etc. I do understand what they are saying but to me it is just another way of expressing myself. One comment made when I said I would be doing an exhibition of my work was, “Are you doing your photographs or some more of those Painterly Pot Boilers?”  Anyway I hope some of you like this one. 

Find Gerry: Website / Coe Artworks / Flickr / Instagram


Links to apps mentioned:

Snapseed
Repix
Glaze
Photo fx
Superimpose

Create a Botanical Illustration with Apps

In this tutorial, I will explain my workflow for taking this photo:

and turning it into this one that has the quality of a botanical illustration:

Step 1 - Diptic

Insert the original image in both the upper and lower frames of a Diptic 2-photo square layout. (This step is optional - I did this to make my image look like a circle of flowers)

Next, flip the bottom image so it creates a mirror image of the top one and then decrease the white borders. Save results. (This could also be done by using any of the apps that produce mirror images)

Step 2 - Snapseed

Open Image 2 in Snapseed and adjust Tuning Brightness -10, Ambiance +20, Warmth +25.  Apply changes and adjust Details: Structure +50. Apply changes and save.

Step 3 - Tangled FX

Open image 3 in Tangled FX and adjust to your liking (to view one of my customized Tangled FX formulas, check out this post). Save changes.

Step 4 - Painteresque

Open Image 4 in Painteresque and use Painteresque2 Style - Save changes.

Step 5 - Tangled FX 

Open Image 5 and run it through Tangled FX one more time.  Save changes.

Step 6 - Snapseed

If needed make final adjustments to Tuning: Brightness -10, Ambiance +20, Saturation -10, Warmth +20. Apply. Finally apply a Center Focus and adjust Blur Strength +40, Outer Brightness -60 and Inner Brightness +35. Save Final Changes

Here are a couple more samples using basically the same technique. If you find your edited image is too strong, you can always tone it down by combining it with one of the earlier stages using a blender app like Image Blender.

The Whole Story - Jane Schultz

Better known as @phot0bug on Instagram, Jane Schultz is the photographer featured in today's edition of The Whole Story. If you'd like a chance to be featured, just tag your mobile photos with the hashtag #the_whole_story on Instagram. 

The Photograph

You can’t stop looking me, staring at me 

Be what I be, you can’t stop looking at me 

So get up out my face, 

You can’t stop clickin at me 

Writin’ ’bout me, tweeting ’bout me, 

I can’t stop, it’s what I gon’ be, 

My swagger’s in check 

(The Real California a Milk Song -Cher Lloyd) .

The Whole Story by Jane Schultz

This image is part of a collaborative series with my friend Adam, @atmytime. The series concept was to bring together our very different styles to portray cows in unlikely places, something that made us break out in laughter when we first thought of it. As an East Coaster, I supplied the abandoned BBQ backdrop. My Texan collab partner supplied the angus with edits. I then added wings, blending and painting. And so this exemplifies the edit process. I added textures and painterly touches, including self made textures, using numerous apps including Procreate, Sumo Paint, aremaC, and ArtRage. My finishing touches involved Filterstorm and a set of lyrics. This image was truly a collaborative process, from the combination of images to the editing and conceptual elements.

The Photographer

Jane Schultz - An intellectual property, wife, and mother, residing in the East Coast of the U.S. Over many years, I have been immersed in a passion for photography and music. With no formal training in art, I am self-taught in photography, moving from DSLR work to primarily mobile imagery. I have no set style, but let the creative process take me and my image wherever it goes. At times, the process becomes like a dreamscape, going wherever my inner reach takes it and pouring out what can't otherwise be said.  Mobile artistry has provided me with a creative medium to lose myself in, and a wonderful opportunity to engage with many talented artists. I administer the ig_artistry feed on Instagram, which seeks to foster originality and emotional content in art.

Find Jane:  Instagram / Instagram 2 / EyeEm / iphoneart / Flickr

tadaa Filter Friday Competition - Zeitgeist Filter Released

Today marks the release of the 3rd and final filter for the tadaa Filter Friday competition. The latest filter is Zeitgeist - "Travel back to the olden days with the latest in blast-from-the-past technology!"

Download tadaa - it's FREE. Then open the app and go to the Awesome section and scroll over to the Challenge column. Shoot or edit existing images using the Zeitgeist filter for a chance to have your photo printed on canvas and featured in the tadaa community.

Of course I wanted to experiment with it - below are a few of my quick edits. It reminds me of the photos we used to take with Kodak Instamatic cameras back in the 1970's.