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Is the best camera really the one you have with you? Photographer Chase Jarvis thought so, and in 2009 wrote a whole book by that title featuring smartphone images. I tend to agree, especially when a once-in-a-lifetime moment pops up and the one thing I have in hand is an iPhone and a split-second window of opportunity. One of my most treasured images from the last decade is a discreet closeup of my mom cradling my dad’s hand as he lay dying. Captured spontaneously and non-intrusively with my cell phone from across the hospital room, it shows the depth and richness of their 75-year love story. Thankfully, the moment is ours forever because my phone was in my hand and I responded in a way that was respectful to and honoring of everyone.  The same truth holds in more everyday settings, where “smaller can be better” for the amateur or semi-pro image maker. Venues are more welcoming and subjects more relaxed when a photographer is wielding a cell phone instead of a large camera. In sen...

Having logged most of my recent photoshop hours simply editing PHOTOS, I was thrilled to stumble on this blog and fall in love (yet again) with creating beautiful images.  This blog actually demonstrates some lovely filters and techniques that, although dangerous in the wrong hands, are wonderfully refreshing. Don't just read and say, "I oughta give that a try." Familiarize yourself with at least ONE creative option to put in your toolbox.  Enjoy!  http://blog.echoenduring.com/2010/01/20/10-photoshop-filters-you-should-definitely-know/

Fun layering effect in photoshop - the photo becomes the frame... check out a tutorial that shows you how at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/marksjohnsonphotography/~3/nhPfeSfBbUc/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

This tutorial is worth exploring just to learn some new light effects available in Photoshop!  Thanks abduzeedo!   http://abduzeedo.com/amazing-photoshop-light-effect-10-steps

Window to the world or window to the soul?  Either way, worth a second look...

Here's another fun tutorial to help you stretch and grow.  This is my version, and I actually did it twice.  The first time I followed the steps exactly and the result was not like the sample.  The second time I changed some of the layer blending modes to get closer to the example.  Give it a try - it was not all that difficult! I'll use the techniques I learned, for sure.  http://www.jadgraphics.net/blog/create-amazing-extreme-space-background-photoshop/

This one is particularly fun! The pay off is great and if you stick it out through the multiple steps, you'll learn a lot of tricks along the way.  http://abduzeedo.com/super-easy-neon-style-photoshop