Project 365: A Closer Look (Behind the Scenes)

Nature's Natural Reflection By: Saúl B.H.P.

I've been meaning to write a post about more details about how I am executing this flickr project. I get lots of people complimenting me on my photos and often get asked what kind of camera tools, editing features and filters I use to produce most of these images.  It's really amazing sometimes when I take a look back most of these photos, I too am pulled away at the colors that pop out, or angle certain photos are in. So, I wanted to make this post more about the tools I used for this project then the actual project as whole.

Camera:
For this project I am using my Apple iPhone 4, it's 5 Megapixel camera serves a great purpose for this project and even records in HD video.  By now it's no surprise that the iPhone 4 has taken the top spot as the most used device on flickr®.  It serves as a great device to use as a stepping stone into photography and one is also even able to create some really good masterpieces with the addition of Apps from the iTunes App Store.

Apps:
The best and most enjoyable part of creating the photos is using photo applications that can bring out the "flavor" of your photo, in fact some may even help make the image you shot better then before.  The following are the Apps I use to create the awesome images that you see in my photo spread today.  Some Apps I use more then others.  However, nothing beats a traditional camera shot with no editing or need for touch-up.  It doesn't hurt having these at your disposal either.




•Camera+ ($0.99) - This App has it all.  I love the filters and the option to make subtle touch ups in regards to cropping or just plain give your photo a full filter change.  An all around really good App.

•Photogene ($1.99) - This App is great for adding banners or making simple background enhancements to your photos.  I use it all the time when I wanna make funny signs or when I need run some attempts on what I want my image to look like before I finalize it for uploading.

•Luminance ($0.99) - This is the perfect photo app that lets you adjust the color exposure on your photos and gives you a very intimate and detail control over it.  Otherwise, you can't go wrong with it pre-selected filter options.

•FX Photo Studio ($1.99) -  This is for the "Way Out There" ones.  This app has a crazy amount of filters, it makes Instagram jealous! ;-) You can also randomize the filters too, and get a complete mash-up of filter and color options on your photo.

Storage for my Project 365 Gallery: flickr
This was a definite no brainer as a choice for storing my photos.  I was a little caught off-guard by the yearly or bi-yearly subscription service when one has uploaded more then 180+ photos, but it's a great site for photo viewing and sharing.  So many amazing photos can be seen on this site and I wanted to contribute.  The best part about this site is that you can edit exif data if need be.  Or you can use it to share via other social networks.  All in all, this is a beautiful site for anyone who is serious about photography.


The only thing missing is lots and lots of dedication, and an open mind, and also a good eye for things.  It's amazing how something like this can be created out of just a thought.  Well, that's it's for my behind the scenes look at my Project 365.  I didn't give out all my tricks of the amateur trade, but it does give you a good start.

Here's to looking to complete my Project 365 by the year's end, December 31st, 2011.  Keep It Funky, Keep it Fresh, and I'll catch you on the Flip-side! ;-)

I'm Really Hating On Flickr Right Now...Uh...I mean flickr® Rulez! (UPDATED!)

I just uploaded my most recent Flickr photo for my Project 365 on Flickr.com and once I was finished I get this little message on my Flickr homepage.

Really?  I need to fork over $25 (1Year) or $50 (2 Year) for photo service on flickr?  LAME! There are so many alternatives out there, why would I pay to keep them on flickr.  Other then it being the best (by popularity) out there for photo sharing. So I've looked into some alternatives, hoping that I would be able to find a new home for these photos.  Now before you go and laugh at me for not looking too deep into the details of a free flickr account, I choose flickr only base on popularity. It's used by most photographers but it's not the only choice out there. As a back up precaution, I already have a MobileMe gallery housing a copy of these photos. So really the only issue is the figuring out the auto feed option to let you guys know when a new photo is uploaded.  So far, here are my options.

Picasa:

Now Picasa would be the obvious choice.  It gives you 1GB of online storage, and editing features similar to flickr and most other photo-sharing sites.  But the issue I have is that I can't edit Exif photo data. What is Exif photo data? Well, It's the data that is stored in the photo file. Sometimes I use editing software that changes that information automatically, so I have to go back in and re-log the real original time the photo was taken. And also the location sometimes. On picasa, I can't do that.  I'm really thinking about breaking my piggy bank right now for more storage on flickr right now.  :-(

Photobucket:

Photobucket has done a massive upgrade to is hosting services. Especially with the new relationship that has spawned with Twitter. And I'm really interested in using this as a photo uploading service.  They now offer UNLIMITED photo uploads right now for every FREE account. (You hear that Yahoo!?) You can also create edits on the site itself, and they also have a mobile app to use to complete uploading and sharing. That's a big plus. However, can I edit Exif data? No. Not that I can tell. This really blows. I'm gonna have to make sure I can do these uploads properly without compromising the purpose of this project.

So until I can really decide what I'm gonna do. Project 365 will move to my MobileMe photo gallery. Who knows, It may just stay there until the project is finished. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted with the changes. Until then, keep it funky, keep it fresh, and I'll catch you on the flipside!

(Updated) - I feel the best move to make is to post it online on my MobileMe feed. I have a lot of work ahead of me.  :-(

(UPDATED AGAIN!) - PROJECT 365 IS IN FULL EFFECT!!! 

I have fully registered for my flickr account and will continue to hold my photo feed on there.  Please feel free to check it out again!  There's nothing wrong with shameless promoting right? :-P

It's Been A Hot Second...Check me out on flickr! (saulbhp)

Yo peeps! How are you guys doing lately? It's a late Sunday night or otherwise early Monday morning, and I wanted to take a moment and post on the B.H.P. BLOG to talk about a my flickr project. If you guys haven't had the chance yet, I would love for you to check it out. I haven't missed a day at all and it's been a great challenge for me to take on.

Did you know that 164 days have came into the New Year? I wanted to start this project with the goal in mind to make sure I was able to create something that could hold on or attach itself of what ever memory I had of that day. I must say that it has been pretty cool. Every so often I look back at this gallery in the making and am still impressed or in awe of some of my shots. Plus, it has also helped me hold on to memories even better.

Take a look at some of these pictures to see for yourself. There is so much artistic influence in these photos and some are also of art as well. I can only imagine what I will do as my last photo of this project hopefully something great or in remembrance of how it started. One will only find out and see.

So please head on over to my flickr photo stream. And if you are on flickr, add me! Well, time to finish off this drink and get to bed. So keep it funky, keep it fresh, and I'll catch you on the flip side! GOD BLESS!!!