I like things to be easy. I like things to be different.And I like it when someone else can reassure me it's a good idea. That's exactly what this list of apps is. A quick list of things that make my life easier. A list of things that are different and help me stay ahead of the game. And things I've tried out and love, and confident you will too! Some of these things are photography related, and then I did add a few other awesome things I wanted to share with you! Simply click on the link below the picture to be directed to the app's site! P.S. These are not my images. I simply pulled them off of google for a visual.

Ok, I'm going to be biased, but... I think the AJBC app is pretty awesome. Yes. I have my own app. AND, you can too! It's something awesome I have available to all my clients and a ton of them end up getting it for free when they reach a certain price point. Check out a sample and imagine how (more) awesome you could be too when you book a session with me and get your own. Click on the link from your phone or ipad while connected to wifi and it will download onto your phone, just like any other app (you can still view the "web version" of the app if you're on your computer):

Imagine yourself, here

**Mention this blog and any previous AJBC customer can receive 50% off their very own custom app (containing EVERY image from their previous session!)

Obviously I love taking pictures. And yes, I DO take cell phone pictures when my big DSLR is out of reach. But just because it's a cellphone pic doesn't mean it needs to look yucky or boring. Yes- I even edit my cellphone pictures. A GREAT app that's very cheap (about $2) is PicTapGo. It seriously changed my level of cellphone "art" when I purchased it. You can check it out here:

Turn your cellphone pics in to masterpieces

I know when I first started using a DSLR all the buttons were a bit tricky. It was hard to understand what it all meant and how they all worked together. A great app I just found (that's more so just fun for me to use now, but still cool) is a Light Meter app. Sure, your DSLR basically has one built in, but if you want to get familiar with how the whole system works, you can pull this out and play with it, watch the settings change, and slowly start to try to understand WHY the settings / numbers are changing based on your surroundings, even without your DSLR. It's a great learning tool- especially for anyone who may be playing around with film still.

Get exposed here

The next app that I can't live without is my Hobby Lobby app. Hobby Lobby has SO MANY awesome things that I love using for photography- all the way from frames to props, to packaging goodies. It's a 40% coupon, every day, in my pocket. Enough said. Get it here:

40% off in your pocket, everyday

Next- I make a to do list every day. I have to or my mind would be spinning. But I don't like making a list on my phone, I want to CROSS IT OFF with satisfaction! Yeah- I'm weird. But NOW I don't waste paper and I know what I need to do even when I'm not in the studio with this awesome app that even allows you to separate work from personal. And it makes a scratch off noise when I complete the task ;) Get it for free here:

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Get organized and cross that off your to-do list

Ok, so the next app I don't have, but I came across it and thought it would be AWESOME for my clients. It's an app that allows you to take your own clothes and piece them together in ALL kinds of different combos. Yeah- I like pinterest, but pinterest and all the clothes you pin on there with NO idea where to buy them or finding out later they are way out of your price range doesn't help you. This app allows you to see what YOU can create with what you HAVE, anywhere. So piece together the perfect outfit for the whole fam for our next session together on your lunch break.Check that out here:

Be your own personal stylist with what's in your closet

Another awesome app for my clients- a mirror. It turns the screen of your phone in to a mirror (as long as your camera is updated and allows you to take pictures from the front and back of your phone- it didn't work on my old iphone 3gs). So for all my females out there that feel silly carrying a compact- EVERYONE carries their phone, and you don't look nearly as vain staring at your phone in public as you do in to a mirror. haha It's the perfect "secret."

Simply search "mirror" on your app store. There are TONS of free options. Some even come with toolkits (magnifier, ruler, and flashlight.)This next app mildly ties in to photography. Yes- I carry a lot of stuff and get in to some off positions when photographing, so it's good to be flexible, and I always appreciate when my pin ups don't look like they are in pain or stiff, but... that's kinda a stretch as to why it's on the list. Oh my gosh. No pun intended. Ok... maybe. haha Anyways... after all the problems I had with my spine and being balanced, I REALLY feel strongly about yoga and how awesome it makes my body feel. Here's a great beginner app I use that's easy to follow, and it's free:

Get balanced

And while we're on a health kick- you might as well keep your body happy by not over stuffing it and easily finding out how dangerous that big mac is that you are about to inhale. haha Get the facts for free on your food here:

Get healthy

Scared you won't be able to remember all these awesome apps? Pin this blog post for later!

This year my focus is educating people. I know I keep saying that but I feel like it's really important! I want them to understand what an awesome experience professional, custom photography is. I want them to understand it's far beyond walking into a room, smiling, and then placing a simple order.

To help with that, I've reconstructed the way I do things.

NOW when you book a session with me you get a pre and post session consultation, along with other bonuses.The presession consultation helps me better understand you and what you are looking for and it helps you better understand me and my creative process- but this WHOLE thing is for another entry!The post is where we do a viewing and put together an order for you.

Along with that I want to show people how their portraits can become their OWN art and how it goes past just ordering some prints. Why fill your walls with images from places you've never been, or $20 mass produced meaningless sunsets? Why not take what you love, what you base your whole life around, and showcase THAT on your walls! Not only will it constantly bring a smile to your face, it will help keep you in check in times of a pitty party- it will remind you of what truly matters most in life...

With that being said, that also evokes what I hope to be, again, a whole new blog entry sometime soon (picking out print sizes and wall layouts for your home) yet also brings me to my main point-

What happens once you get your prints!?

First off I want my clients to know I am there to help, 100% beginning to end! You need help with frames, you call me! You need help figuring out a wall collage at your house, I'll come over! I'm not going to ditch you at the most important part of this project- the final display. Although, if you have your own handyman or are good with visuals, then you got this! It's not a scientific method, it's whatever looks right and makes your room feel whole!

In short (bc like I said, this is a whole new entry) you have prints in hand, you've picked your wall, you know your configuration.... now what?

Here are a few tips I have for you:

On a budget- Hobby Lobby.

This store has the answers to all my life questions, I swear! Better yet- they offer sales ALL the time! You can wait and purchase frames for 50% off or just download the Hobby Lobby App for your smart phone and you have 40% at your fingertips 24/7! Brilliant!

When purchasing a frame try to get something that will complement your image and the style of your home. Don't go cheap- this is the finishing touch.

Try to find a frame with matting included. This will not only make your print look more finished it will prevent the print from being pushed directly onto the glass, causing air bubbles, and if it gets moist, damage.

Custom look on a budget- Hobby Lobby Backless Framing

Backless frames are just that- backless. Most common in large sizes, they are not 100% custom due to the fact that are premaid but they can give you that custom look by you getting a larger size, adding matting in the color of your choice, and having HL finish it off for you by cleaning the glass, securing the image in, paper the back AND putting a hook on it for $1. You seriously CAN NOT beat this option!

You can still use your 40% off on the frame, bring a friend, have them get 40% off your glass for you, and now you have a custom look for a lot less!

Not only does it make your print look "finished" and more special, look at the size you gain! In the example below you can see how we've taken a print and added atleast 3 extra inches to it's width and height by adding a thick frame and matting- this is good bc it not only protects the print like we talked about and makes it look very high quality, but it also can save you some money on your prints if you are on a budget. You can now "fake" the next size up by adding matting and a frame!

Handmade Options- I'm going to be honest, do I really like doing "shout outs" for big box stores- no, not really, but I like to think realistically and in a way that makes things simple for busy people. BUT! Let's not forget about the DIY projects. Pinterest is OUT OF CONTROL with DIY projects. Get a can of spray paint and go at it!! Look out of the box at resale shops like Kristy's Kloset in Port Huron or even the Goodwill! Don't want to do it yourself, look up amazing handmade products on sites like Etsy.com I am all for supporting the local art community so ask around!

Custom Framing-

Although people think of this as a pricey option, sometimes it's a must. Sometimes your house, the shape of your wall, the look of the room calls for something 100% custom. This is where they build a frame to exactly what size you want, they cut the matting in the style you choose, and they insert the images, finishing them off with the paper back and hook like I mentioned above. This option is great for wall collages bc it allows you to mix and match sizes. It's also great for sequence images or images you need to showcase together to create drama. Above all else this look is YOUR look 100% and is MADE to fit YOU! I'm sure there are several great options out there but one local business that has a great reputation is Proper Framing in Down Town Port Huron.

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There's an app for that...

I have my prints, now what?