Experimenting with iPhoneography and Instagram

The picture below was really fun for me to create. I was asked to explain how I created this pic, so I started explaining it as a comment on Instagram. I then realized there were a few obvious and not so obvious connections to education stuff, so I am posting my response and thoughts here.

I first took the photo with #Hipstamatic using the “Kodot XGrizzled” film and “Loftus” lense, no flash. I absolutely LOVE Hipstamatic!

Then I threw it into #Snapseed for some basic enhancements, nothing special. I did change the frame to #7 at its widest and most offset positions.

#Photowizard was next. I have been playing around with this app for a few pics and really, really like what it can do. I had done a cool “Whirl” on a previous picture and wanted to do that again, but more subtley on this pic. After the “Whirl” adjustments, I experimented with the “Pinch/Punch” settings. I ended up “Pinching” it inward just a bit. I liked how it casued the wood in between the tracks to curve up just the slightest bit and how it manipulated the frame inwards. I then added a touch of the “Dreamy” setting to the pic.

@wmchamberlain posted a great pic a few days ago using #PowerSketch and I new I had to get the app! I threw my pic into PowerSketch and tried the “PiP” setting, but did not like how “clean” the edges were. I then saw “X-Sketch A” and tried that: LOVED IT!

I then put the pic into Instagram and that is it!

All of the above was experimental: trying different settings and seeing what catches my imagination.

I asked many “What ifs” and “How abouts”… I am posting this explanation here to my blog because I think it is important for teachers and students to remember that all creative endeavors are driven by questions and the unknown.

Like your mommy used to say at the dinner table, “try the green beans with mystery goup on it, you might like it.” Or, “try the broccoli with a light brown substance drenched on top of it, you might like it.” Mayonaise and soy sauce are actually pretty good together!

Mikey likes it, he really does.

Just try stuff, mess around with different settings and see what grabs hold of your imagination and enjoy the ride.