They say things happen in threes...

The unseasonably warm weather in Sydney has produced some wonderful Autumn roses in my garden. These photos were taken on my Windows phone, using the Hipstamatic Oggl app - I'm still exploring the possibilities. 

First Rose: Loftus and DC effects. It's an interesting result, but I think the area of soft focus is a bit out of proportion and overpowers the image.

Second Rose - Loftus and Ina's 1982 effects.  Ina's 1982 is described as a "warm white matt effect". 

To my eye, this shot works a little better than the first. The soft surrounds frame and draw the eye into the centre of the flower.

Third Rose: Loftus and Dixie effects.  I like this one - the soft feathered edges and coloured "light leak" effect of "Dixie" give a painterly, almost dreamlike effect. 

Anyway, it's fun to experiment with something different, even if the results aren't perfect.

Life in the 'burbs II

 "Suburbia" 

Garden Seat

More snaps with my Windows phone using Hipstamatic Oggl app. These photos with Florence & DC effects. The diagonal lines in these compositions draw the eye in and add interest. Shadows from plants can be interesting, too.

Life in the 'burbs - RSL style glasses

Coke glass - Loftus & DC.  The DC effect adds the black border and the vignette effect. This snap seems to have my oft repeated triangular compositional theme happening here too. 

Wineglass - Loftus & DC

Wineglasses & Jug - Florence & DC

Jug and wineglasses - Foxy & Dixie

For an artist, inspiration can sometimes be found in what some would consider unlikely places. I guess this is the idea behind apps like Hipstamatic Oggl - a portable tool for creativity. The "Loftus" effect was named after photographer David Loftus. "Foxy" is said to create a "soft warming glow".

Still life and coffee...

One cup of coffee - two different photos using Hipstamatic Oggl app for Windows phone. Top photo: Loftus & DC effects; Lower photo: Florence & DC effects. Curves seem to feature in these compositions - the curve of the stylish cup, saucer, table and chair all work together to create visual appeal. Photos taken at the very cool Design building at UTS in Sydney.

Vintage looks photos with Hipstamatic..

An old cottage - (with Florence and Blanko Freedom13 effects)

 Florence and DC

Florence and BlacKeys SuperGrain

More square photos taken on my Windows phone with Hipstamatic Oggl app. The "Florence" effect promises desaturated tones with sunny highlights - I like the vintage effect for this subject.  I have been enjoying trying out various different styles of photos using this app.  It's nice to be able to use a phone for something useful!

Chairs in Squares...

 Broken Chair (Jane and BlacKeys SuperGrain)

Solitary chair (Jane and BlacKeys SuperGrain)

Abandoned chairs (Helga Viking and BlacKeys SuperGrain)

Artists like to try out different tools and methods of creative expression.  Over the past week I have been trying out the Hipstamatic Oggl app - a creative photo app for Windows phones. The app takes cute square photos, and the effects provide lots of creative opportunities.  Here I have used "Jane" and "Helga Viking" lens effects and Blackeys Supergrain film effect for atmosphere - sort of vintage black and white meets film noir!  More Hipstamatic snaps tomorrow.