Children
Nine Reasons I Love my iPhone 4S | Photographer’s Multi-Tool
Posted on January 18, 2012
I was always the gal who carried whatever little slippery call-dropping phone was free with my cell plan. While taking aquaculture photos (at a fish farm), my flip phone leapt like a hybrid striped bass from my pocket into a bait well. Despite my catlike reflexes, dismantling the phone in seconds and resting its pieces on my sunny dash until I could get home to a bag of rice, it was a catastrophic gear loss. (Well, not so much.) But I recall that being the opportunity to try and buy a better phone. Fast forward a few more years, I bought the iPhone 3G and was amazed — mostly because the buttons were actually visible and almost the size of a fingertip. Such a miraculous and useful idea!
Last fall, when the iPhone 4S was introduced, it just so happened my wireless contract was up for renewal. Although I’m not one to rush out to buy the latest technogadget, I stopped into the AT&T store near my house just to see what all the buzz was about. It was late in the afternoon, and I’d heard how people had preordered the 4S phones for weeks and had lined up at Apple stores in the wee hours. I waited about five minutes — long enough for my son to eat a free treat and sip some juice — before upgrading to the iPhone 4S. That $199 was very well spent.
I love my iPhone 4S for so many reasons. Here are nine of them.
1) I can point it into a dark paper bag and take a decent photo. Not that such an action is necessary, but it’s so liberating to leave the big camera at home. The impressive optics of the 4S elevate the term camera phone from gimmick to always-ready photo and video tool. The free Instagram app encourages sharing random snaps, and “phoneography” enables me to actually capture the shots I compose on a whim since that’s the way my brain works. Oh, and does anyone else use it for home decorating? Snap a photo of that lamp, chair or ottoman, and when you get home you can see how it looks in your space before you commit.
2) It comes with a charming assistant with a good sense of humor. Good help is hard to find, and I’m grateful to have my skilled intern named Siri. Sure, she moonlights, but I’m okay with that.
3) Sinatra said we should never be “without a song.” Whether the kids are cheering, “Tell Siri to play ‘What Kind of Cat Are You?’” or I choose a Pandora channel, I can play my faves in the car or during a workout. Speaking of exercise, I need more, and…
4) Did I mention it comes with a personal trainer? Nike Training Club is a fab, fast and free app for the ladies.
5) Face Time enables virtual tuck-ins. My husband is Up in the Air more than George Clooney, so this nifty Jetsonesque feature facilitates giggles with Daddy even while he’s on the road.
6) I can tell it to remind me to do things. And it does! With my sieve-like brain, I don’t have to wait until the perfect storm of productivity (synapses fire, paper procured, pen that works within reach). Instead, I just push the button and say, “Remind me to return the library books tomorrow.” And Siri does. Next, I’ll try, “Remind me to stop snacking while editing” and “Ask me if I’ve worked out yet.”
7) I can pin loveliness while I’m stuck in traffic. Not that I ever would. But I do enjoy a little Pinterest on occasion.
The handy flashlight can illuminate the depths of my purse or serve as off-camera lighting. Making me that much more like a female MacGyver.
9) I can tote my portfolio in pixels and respond lickety split to brides-to-be. With all the holiday engagements, I’ve had a flurry of inquiries this week. With a quick scan of the calendar (on my iPhone, of course), I can send an email, call prospects back, tweet a reply as quickly as Wonder Woman in jets off in her invisible plane.
There you have it. What’s the actual retail value of all this? Phone + camera + HD video + video chat + jukebox + personal assistant + personal trainer + scrapbook + flashlight + portfolio + email device + parking garage finder + restaurant locator + GPS + address book? Makes $199 look like a bargain.
Charleston Wedding Photographer | A Year in Pictures
Posted on January 4, 2012
So it’s 2012!! As I ponder all my fave moments, fun clients and stunning celebrations from 2011, I’ve struggled with how to recap the year. Probably because I’m a little ADD. Or maybe because I can’t be impartial and curate effectively. But as a storyteller, this post has shaped up in its own progression, so I’ll roll with it. I enjoy most every moment of the wedding story and the wedding day – fun, nervous, poignant, tearful, jubilant, hilarious. Here they are, unscripted.
First, she fell in love with him. Then, she fell in love with a gown. Parties, plans, promises. Letterpress, lace, laughter. Sashes, stylists. Dinner, dancing. Here’s to the happily ever after! Thanks to each of my brides, their dashing husbands, and their gracious families for choosing me to document wedded bliss and everything that surrounds it.
It’s so fun to capture the expressions during the first fitting. And see the perfect gown in portrait form!
I love the sparkle in Vanessa’s eyes. Even while she was just brushing her teeth, it was shaping up to be an amazing day!
What shoes to choose? Even guys get in on the action sometimes.
Occasionally, couples opt for a first look before the ceremony. Love it!
The year flew by. Can’t wait to see what 2012 holds.
Know someone who is engaged? I hope you’ll share this post and encourage them to contact me.
Faceless Friday #32 | First Day of Winter
Posted on December 23, 2011
Yesterday was the first day of winter, but instead of donning sweaters and scarves and sipping cocoa, we hopped in the car and made a quick jaunt to the beach to run barefoot and make sand angels. Even though we have plenty of mild winter days in Charleston, this was unusually toasty — almost 80 degrees! Hope the end of your year includes some relaxation, warm breezes and some spontaneous amusement.
To see more faceless portraits, check out my Faceless Friday gallery. And contact me to book a family session, senior session or wedding photography package. Hope to see you next year!