Matters MagazineExcuse me. My camera is ringing.
By Kristen Ryan
Allan Hoffman is an authority on all things geeky and cool. His weekly personal-technology column runs in the Newark Star-Ledger, so he reaches many of his Maplewood neighbors on their doorsteps. When he says blasphemous phrases such as “Facebook is a big, sprawling mess, and there’s no saving it,” his virtual voice zigzags from his blog (http://www.AllanHoffman.com) and the Star-Ledger’s website (http://www.StarLedger.com) to readers around the world in a matter of seconds.
Hoffman and his wife moved to Maplewood from Park Slope in 2001 and they have no plans to leave the community. “Maplewood has such great diversity,” he says. “It gives it a whole ferment that we really enjoy.”
In 25 years Hoffman’s work has appeared in dozens of websites, newspapers and magazines and he has served as an expert source for many television, radio and magazine interviews. Back in 1995 Hoffman literally wrote the book on how “regular Joes” can use the Web. His first book, 50 Fun Ways to Internet was one of the first Internet books written for the rest of us.
Now he’s written a new book about his favorite camera ever, the one inside every iPhone. Create Great iPhone Photos - Apps, Tips, Tricks and Effects hits bookstore shelves this month. It’s a how-to book that teaches any iPhone user to unlock the potential of the pocket-sized device and create artistic photographs in seconds.
“What’s fun (about the iPhone) is that you forget about the gear,” Hoffman says. “It’s a magical camera-and-darkroom combo.”
Many art photographers agree. There’s even a new name for the art form: They call it “iPhoneography.” Renowned galleries in New York, Berkeley, Germany, Spain and Italy have featured iPhone photography exhibits this year.
Hoffman has photographed Maplewoodstock hula hoopers and South Orange stilt walkers with his iPhone. He’s shot family birthday parties, road trips and holidays, too. He has even taken it right into the surf for some great shots at Long Beach Island (with the help of a waterproof case). Hoffman recommends five apps that make it possible to capture impossible panoramas, add fun effects or make a not-so-hot photo into fine art. Many of the apps are free. Some cost two or three dollars. All are easy to use. The bottom line is that, with Hoffman’s recommendations, the already-full-featured iPhone camera can become a remarkably versatile camera - for about seven bucks!
With these slick applications (all available from the iTunes Store) and Hoffman’s clever tricks, anyone can take great holiday photos. The iPhone photos can even be printed for gorgeous, artistic Christmas cards.
Adobe Photoshop Express (Free)
“Real” Photoshop costs hundreds of dollars and can be very complicated, but the Adobe Photoshop Express iPhone app is free and easy. It’s good for the basics such as cropping and adjusting exposure, but it also has several nice special effects. We used Photoshop Express to create this pop-art shot of our Christmas tree.
AutoStitch Panorama ($2.99)
AutoStitch Panorama “stitches” a series of photos together to show an entire panorama. If the neighbors are all trying to outdo each other with the Christmas lights, stand in the middle of the street and shoot many photos all the way around. Click “Stitch It” to compose a cool panoramic series that vividly captures the total impact of the light show. AutoStitch panorama made it possible to capture the Maplewood train station tunnel in one shot.
Hipstamatic ($1.99)
Hipstamatic, one of the most popular iPhone photo apps, takes the family Christmas card back in time. By virtually changing “lenses” and “film,” you can make a family snapshot look as if it were taken in a time warp. Try recreating 1976’s Christmas photo by the fireplace, but this time, use the grandkids! This playground snapshot shows the photographer’s “shoot pictures first, then get the toddler unstuck” philosophy. .jpg)
Hipstamatic ($1.99)
Hipstamatic, one of the most popular iPhone photo apps, takes the family Christmas card back in time. By virtually changing “lenses” and “film,” you can make a family snapshot look as if it were taken in a time warp. Try recreating 1976’s Christmas photo by the fireplace, but this time, use the grandkids! This playground snapshot shows the photographer’s “shoot pictures first, then get the toddler unstuck” philosophy.
PictureShow ($1.99)
If you want to add a message, a border, a color tint or even a scratchy, damaged effect to your iPhone pictures, PictureShow is a must-have app. If you can’t get the kids to wear matching reindeer sweaters, just tint the photo so everyone matches! Add a clever message and text or email it to your whole contact list. With no stamps to lick, it can be done at the last minute and it saves a tree. The subject here is iPhone photo expert Allan Hoffman.
Vint B&W (Free)
The gaslights of South Orange give the town a special twinkle and they look great in vintage black and white. Vint B&W gives any photo a film-noir appeal in instant black and white.
Photos by Kristen Ryan
Kristen Ryan lives in Maplewood with her husband, two small sons and 100 pounds of dog. She spent most of her college years in the darkroom, which explains a lot.
