Picture Your Resolution

Picture Your Resolution

The new year always brings new challenges and new resolutions.  But a lot of us have an ‘eyes-bigger-than-your-stomach’ mentality.  We create these impractical goals and then give up quickly because we are completely overwhelmed.

Kick off 2013 with some realistic objectives.

Try a 365 project (you do not have to share with the world), set a number of contests you’d like to enter (take a chance), aim to shoot something out of your comfort zone (street photography, time lapse) or maybe you just want to remember to capture those memories (visiting gramps, beating your best running time, buying yogurt).  It’s okay to push yourself…just not off the ledge!

I’ve gathered some apps that can assist you along the journey.  They may even give you that little extra oomph to keep you moving toward the finish line.

Notica

This app is an absolute must-have.  From capturing memories to 365 perfection, Notica will add flare.  Add photo and text on a beautiful ‘card’.  You can take a photo from within the app or choose from an album.  It has dizzying filters.  It captures the date/time/location for you.  Or you can input your own!  So there’s no excuses.

You can save the photo or the entire card to your camera roll (high resolution!) or use multiple sharing options.  I’ve written about this app before (click here to open the article) and use it often.  I have ‘stacks of memories’ for time hanging with my brother, my husband, places discovered and creative moments.  This year, I’m trying my hand at 365 using this app.

Everydayme

This one will keep you honest.  It’s a ‘time-line journal’ that snatches your digital life by pulling in your Twitter feed, Facebook info, Instagram posts, etc. (after you allow access, of course).  You can also add your own comments, photos and more.  A fantastic way to keep track of progress.  It’s effortless.

Set up a daily reminder so you can peruse your timeline or add to it.  And there is a ‘blast from the past’ feature to discover what you were doing a year ago.  It makes you smile.  It helps you remember.  And requires no extra effort on your part unless you want to add your own private thoughts.

Statigr.am

You caught me.  I’m slipping in a non-app.  But if you want an easy way to push your limits, enter a contest or three.  You’ll get ideas, inspiration and a may even have some fun.

Statigr.am is an aggregator for Instagram (IG).  You can browse, search and if you are part of the IG community, see your stats.  But the ‘contests’ category is what we’re after (and you needn’t have an IG account to take a look around).  It’s a list of all the IG contests.  Choose one and give it a shot.  Or see them as suggestions and put your own spin on it.  You don’t have to enter the contest.  Or even share your work.  But it’s a simple way to springboard your creativity.

Instagram

Yes there is turmoil and subterfuge swirling within its waters but Instagram is still THE place for outstanding photography.  The IG community is supportive and motivating.  It’s a visual delight (if you skip the so-called popular page).  You don’t have to post a photo…but you’ll want to.

The artistry, the camaraderie, the peek into other places.  You’ll find yourself captivated.  You’ll marvel at the outrageous.  You’ll breath in the simplicity.  And the ideas will come.

Happy New Year

Share your resolutions with us on Instagram using our #photocruncher tag, tweet us @photocruncher or share via Facebook.

Whatever your resolutions, may the New Year bring you adventure and multiple f-stops.

About Marsha Bezzina

Marsha Bezzina has always enjoyed writing. But photography was mostly relegated to annual trips until the acquisition of her first smartphone, the iPhone 4s. Now this self-declared ‘mental crafter’ is a data hog – capturing moments, hoarding photo apps and editing with abandon. She is @notDelilah on Instagram but had to settle for @notDelilah_ on Twitter. Or check out her site, www.notDelilah.com

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