Dive In....Fun with Underwater Photography

I've been wanting an underwater camera for a long time.  When I told my husband, he replied, "Why would you want one, you don't even swim in our pool."  I realized he had a point.  I rarely went in our pool this summer (mainly because I like a warm pool preferably 86 degrees) but I my thought was if I had a camera I would go in the pool more (anything for a cool image, right?).

In any case, I tabled the idea.... that is until I went to Shutter Sisters Oasis and had the opportunity to try out the LifeProof case for the iPhone (available soon for the iPhone 5).  Ohhh....emmm...geee....did I have fun with this little gadget.

Once I got over the initial fear of submerging my phone into the pool, which believe me took a bit of convincing and standing poolside watching, I had such a blast and I was blown away by the images I was able to get with my iPhone.  It made me realize that I don't really need to spend money on a special camera or housing unit for my DSLR (at least not just yet).

I must admit that it was hard to tell whether or not I was getting the person in frame because holding your breath, trying to stay under water in a saltwater pool and keeping your eyes open while clicking the + button on your iPhone is no easy task.  But the beauty of digital images (and lots of available space on your  iPhone) is you can click away and most likely you'll get something that will bring a smile to your face....at least I sure did.

All and all, I'm so glad I decided to take the plunge, both literally and figuratively, and try out this great case....if I hadn't I would have missed out on all this underwater fun!  Oh and you can bet that this little tool is now on my Christmas wish list.  

Mother's Day Gift Ideas of the Photo Loving Mom

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share a few of the gift ideas I have on my wish list (hubby if you are reading this, take note.....hint, hint).

The Glif+--a Tripod Mount for the iPhone.   If you love iPhoneography than this is one little gadget you will want to have handy.  It will help you take movies without camera shake, take night photos and will allow you to get really creative by clamping it up high or down low.  Think of all the fun angles you can shoot!  And for those of you who want to get in the picture once in awhile, this will help you do it!  Cost:  $49.95

A Lensbaby Composer Pro: I was able to try out the Lensbaby Composer while at Camp Shutter Sisters last fall and really enjoyed playing around with it.  While it took some getting used to, I was able to produce some creative, unique images.  It is definitely an artistic lens but one that I know I would have a lot of fun with!  Cost:  $399.95

Color Film for my Polaroid 600 Camera:   I'm new to Polaroid photography but I'm excited to learn more about it and shoot some instant photos.  I purchased a pack of the Silver Shade Film but would love a pack of the PX 680 Color Shade film too.  If you have not checked out the Impossible Project's website, you really should.  The Impossible Project saved the last Polaroid production plant for integral instant film in Enschede (NL) (Polaroid had announced in 2008 that they would no longer produce instant film) and started to invent and produce totally new instant film for traditional Polaroid cameras.  They saved analog instant photography from extinction by releasing this new brand of film.  Cost:  $24.95

GorillaPod Focus:  This amazing, compact tripod can  support up to 11.1 pounds!  We are going to be traveling this summer and I think this little baby would come in handy!   Cost:  $99.95