Photography Addiction

Hello, My name is Jonathan and I’m addicted to photography. It’s easy to blame this addiction on the rise in popularity of smartphones. I’ve always had an interest in photography (or iPhoneography) but it wasn’t until the iPhone’s launch and the number of cool, snazzy photography apps available where an average Joe like me decided to release my inner Peter Parker. (You know, when he worked for the Daily Bugle as a photographer, not when he was out being Spider-Man. Although that would be cool, too.)

There are a ton of great smartphone apps out there regardless of your device. I’ve dabbled with both iPhone and Android devices and here are some of my favorites:

For iPhone:
Hipstamatic – This was one of the first apps I used for taking pictures. I love the “character” of this app and all the lens/film combinations you can utilize.

Camera+ – I love the number of filters available. Because an actual photographer developed this app it allows for a great deal of photo customization to make some amazing pictures.

Instagram – One of the more popular apps due to the sharing functionality. The customization isn’t as deep as some of the other apps, but it’s great for the more casual crowd who like taking pictures and want to give them some “umph”.

For Android:
Retrocam – The first app I used when I got an Android phone. While short on customization options, the filters are unique enough to set it apart from other apps like Hipstamatic or Instagram.

Vignette – This is another favorite because of the sharpness of picture, filter options and customization. I also like the ability to import and customize a photo.

Molome – Comparable to Instagram, this app also focuses on taking a quick picture allowing for minor customization and sharing.

I don’t remember how the addiction started. It was probably through the breathtaking landscapes of Ansel Adams or the varied, surreal works of David LaChapelle that started me on this path. I’ve had photographer friends over the years who I’ve followed with great interest including these amazing talents:

Chad Michael Ward – While darker in tone with a flare for the alternative, I’ve always admired the detail he’s put into his work which I think helps that work stand out compared to other photographers.

Melissa Anderson – What I admire about Melissa’s work is its vibrancy. She’s got a sharp eye and I love what she does with colors making them really pop off the screen.

Ashleigh Reddy – I don’t want to categorize Ashleigh just as a “people photographer,” but she does such a good job capturing people, each picture feels like there is a story behind it.

Lisa Bettany – What inspires me about Lisa’s work is her ability to make every shot interesting. Whether it be a skyline or setting, how she manipulates lights and angles really is impressive.

Definitely check out these professionals when you get a chance. And for additional inspiration check out the work of pro photographers Gary Copeland and Jim Sugar of Seagate’s Creative Professionals Program)

One of the things I’ve heard often since joining the company is the notion of data storage being at the epicenter of the digital ecosystem. The English translation of this is that no matter what you are doing, you’ll want to save it. All the photos I take (good, bad and even the ugly) I keep somewhere whether it be on my hard drive, an external drive, flash drive, DVD-RW or an online portal like Flickr.  Sometimes it’s to study and see how I can improve. Sometimes it’s just a way to hold onto the memory of that moment. It makes me wonder how much storage is used by professional photographers.

Got a picture you want to share? Keep it clean and leave a link in the comments below or contact me @Seagate_Con on Twitter.