taking more "real" photos

Since joining the world of smart-phone users last spring the amount I use an actual camera has been rapidly decreasing. Oddly enough, it's also a factor in my blogging less. Here's why...

It's obviously more convenient to capture the candid moments with my phone because it's always close by and easier to grab off the kitchen countertop or table. We keep the DSLR in a much safer place, which means it's not quickly accessible.

Another factor is that since Desmond was born I've had far less time to "play dress-up" and take photos like I did when Kai was a baby. Less time, and the fact that Kai prefers to be mostly naked unless we are leaving the house (and even then it's a struggle).

I don't have the greatest camera on my phone, it's far better than what I used to have, but still not great for sharing photos on my blog. Since my phone is primarily how I take photos these days, I have less photos that are good enough to share here. Plus, with instagram, most of my photos are already going out to all my family and friends that would read here anyway.

I really would love to take more "real" photos, not only to blog but to have better quality photos now and down the road to look back on, print, or send.

So, here it is- I'm vowing to take more photos with an actual camera and hopefully I'll get around to sharing them too!

technology

Last week my husband got his first ever iPhone. He has been a fan of Apple products forever and converted me back in our dating days. We've never been able to afford a smart phone for either of us, especially an iPhone. We couldn't justify the monthly data plan expenses either.

 His position at work was approved (after his proposal) for a smart phone, so he was able to get the phone and the plan paid for through work. He had already been using his person iPod Touch for work purposes, so he knew it would help his productivity. My technology obsessed husband has been so patient and finally got the phone he deserves, the iPhone 4S.

I've never felt the need for a smart phone, but I'm a little jealous of just how cool his phone is. What I wish I could do the most is take better photos and videos. I have a boring old normal phone that takes fairly good photos but nothing compared to what smart phones can do these days. I still didn't feel I could justify having a smart phone of my own for just this reason. I'm home most of the time where I have access to internet and my regular camera, and again, the funds just weren't there.

Recently my brother-in-law David agreed (per Ben's request) to give me his current iPhone when he purchases the new 4S. I thought that was pretty generous, but was just planning on using it as an iPod for the camera and other features that my old iPod Touch doesn't have. However, on Friday night while he and Ben were playing with facetime on their phones he told me that as a welcome Desmond gift he wanted to pay for my first month of a data plan. Then in January I'll be eligible to move my account over to his plan (he works for our cell company) and get half off of the normal data plan pricing. I'm so excited to have a smartphone and see what others have been raving about for years. I have a feeling it'll really be a nice little luxury to have.

What kind of technology can you not live without? Currently I've been using this app on my iPod which has been a favorite since Kai was a newborn. If you have an iPhone what are some must-have applications?