The iPad For Photographers

Sure looks like Spring.

Sure smells like Spring.

Then I step outdoors ~ We're not quite there yet.

Think I'll stay indoors a little longer. Since you're here, are you interested in learning something new?

A few favorite stylists and photographer friends have inspired me to look at my photos in a different light. Question ~ like me, do you ever find that when you take a photo, you sometimes miss the details that can make or break a great shot by simply looking through the viewfinder or squinting at the LCD panel on the back of your camera?

Here's the something new ~ I recently discovered that I can instantly view the shot that I just snapped, on the 9.7-inch screen of my iPad!

All you need is Apple's $29 iPad Camera Connection Kit and you're on your way to saving time & shooting like a pro!

Now, whether I'm "on location" or at my kitchen table, my iPad is right there as well showing me all the details!

Are you thinking that I figured this out on my own? Hardly.

I downloaded Jeff Carlson's book, The iPad For Photographers. In very plain English, he discusses this and many other clever uses for iPads including triggering the camera shutter remotely, using the screen as a fill flash, calculating depth of field, tracking outdoor light conditions, and most important, storing camera manuals as PDFs for quick reference when you're out on location, or at your kitchen table.

If you love your iPad and enjoy taking pictures with your digital camera, you'll find the book to be a fun and informative read. It doesn't teach you how to use an iPad or how to be a great photographer but it does cover many ways to use your iPad to streamline and make photography more fun. Thank you, Jeff Carlson!

See! Things are already looking brighter!

Might be time to go outdoors now ~

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

The iPad for Photographers

Claude A. Simard - Inspiration

Every now and then we’ll chat via email. When he’s at home, conversations are about summer & winter, gardening & grandchildren, Windsor & Newton, Labradors & life on the lake.

His Cultivated Garden.

His Supplies.

His Labrador named Flanelle.

 When he’s traveling, conversations vary from market day in St-Rémy-de-Provence to his preference of Châteauneuf du Pape over champagne and he’ll always include a beautiful sketch or a snapshot.

“Here is proof I've been working hard in Paris for the past two weeks. Claude A” 

This one, most likely taken by his muse, his beautiful wife Huguette, at a café where he recently spent his days sketching the beauty of the city. He wrote,

“No Eiffel towers, I promise!”

In the Spring of 2011, his beautiful new book arrived at my doorstep. I was flattered by the expression of such a kind gesture, and at the same time humbled by the sincerity of the handwritten note inside. Thank you, Claude.

The book, titled Inspiration is an observation of life guided by the heart, seen through the eyes, and painted by the hand of Claude A. Simard.

A delightful foreword by Alan Klinkhoff and illustrated with 125 color plates, this collection of paintings & tales of travel are both elegant and charming!

Huguette in Blue | Claude A. Simard

Acrylic on canvas 2001, 30 x 36’’

 

 

Barberino | Claude A. Simard

Ink and watercolor on paper 2007, carnet d’Italie

His paintings borrow the soft lavender of the countryside. Shades from buff to whitish-gray are reflected in the architecture.

Roadside House | Claude A. Simard

Watercolor on paper 2010, 8 x 11’’

 

 

The rich ochre of an ancient farmhouse atop a beautiful hill overlooking vineyards under a big blue cerulean sky.

En marchant avec Rosalina dans le vignoble de Montalpruno | Claude A. Simard

Ink and watercolor on paper 2002, carnet d’Italie

 

Mr. Simard’s Inspiration animates his vision and gives the reader much more than a casual glance at his subjects. This man is also quite the raconteur.  His lively stories of sojourns with family and friends & his charming character had me sitting at his table and ordering another glass of Châteauneuf du Pape! 

Claude and I became acquainted a couple of years ago when he emailed to say, “Happy Holidays!” and tell me that he was a new reader!  I clicked the link to his website & instantly fell in love with his work!  I was thrilled when he agreed to sit down for a visit with TLPC so that we could learn more! You can read my in-depth interview with this most charming man here. 

A Visit With Claude Simard.

 

 

Thank you again, Claude, for continuing to inspire us all!