5 Cool Summer iPhone TIPS, APPS, & GADGETS!

In an attempt to turn you from an iPhone filmmaking, photog rookie to a semi-Hollywood ace, we just had to share some nifty features that we think will up the ante on your cool factor this summer.

Feeling exhilarated at the top of the sunny season and knowing that the fastest way to snap a pic or capture video is most likely in your pocket, we wanted you to be in the know about a few features for both stills and videos that will have you starting your own YouTube and Vimeo channels lickety-split.

1. First, here are some iPhone lenses for you to consider as you continue to take the same 'ol pics with the standard built-in iPhone lens. And while the 4 and 4S have pretty decent lenses, we think you'd really like an external set for your Summer pics. Coming in a set of 3, you can typically get a macro, wide-angle and a fisheye lense set to help polish up those beach, BBQ and concert images.

2. If you're lucky enough to head to the islands or the Great Barrier Reef for a Summer getaway, you'll definitely want to invest in an underwater iPhone case for your sojourn. That's right, take the plunge, cover that phone and capture the beauty of the undersea world. You might have to drop a few more greenbacks than you wanted, but it'll be worth the investment. And yes, it is fully waterproof and as they say, Swim, Surf, Rain, Drinks!

3. As you're testing out your summer filmmaking shtick, there's one very important detail that the novice often forgets - editing! That's right, after you capture your footage for the next YouTube sensation, you still have post-production to contend with. And while there are a few simple apps out there to learn, Apple's iMovie is the way to go for any post-production newbie.

4. We've said it once, but apparently, we need to say it twice - hold your iPhone HORIZONTAL when you're filming. And by horizontal, we mean left to right, length-wise, with the round, home button on the right! (See our 'Which Way Do We Go' post about it!).

5. Be sure to invest in an iPhone tripod like the GLIF. It's small, compact, easy to slip into a pocket or purse and allows you to prop up your phone for a hands-free shoot or FaceTime. At only $20-$30, it's a great little investment to carry around on your keychain this summer.


*MDF is not paid to endorse any of the items reviewed in this post.

Lyndadotcom & Adobe Photoshop Photowalk Event

Zoom. Click. Flash. That's music to this videographer's ears. And while video was not the focus of this event, I still get a rush out of hearing 150 cameras surrounding taking pics at the same time.

Now let me back up a minute and pay tribute to my Twitter feed as I found this fab event on there hosted by Lynda.com and Adobe Photoshop CS6.

Run Charles Run!

As you can imagine, things can be a tad serious and stiff when shooting a large corporate video piece. Plus, I find that in order to loosen things up a little and help people feel a tad more comfortable in front of the camera, sometimes, you just have to mix things up.  So, when this big-time, post-Harvard VP of a large international technology company (Alcatel-Lucent) uttered the phrase, "Wouldn't it be funny if..."  I was game! So, when we cued the slate and I said 'Action!' the fun began! Watch the pre & post videos for yourself. Still makes us laugh Every.Single.Time!

Serious Charles

  Sprinting Charles

Behind-the-Scenes Photoshoot

This is a Behind-the-Scenes video of a hair adornments & accessories designer's photoshoot. It was shot in Santa Barbara, CA. EQUIPMENT: Canon 60D DSLR, Canon 50mm 1/4, Manfrotto 055XB Tripod with 503HDV Fluid Head, RØDE VideoMic

Behind-the-Scenes: Giddy Up Videographers!

That's right. Grab your horse, the reins and your Cowboy Studio Shoulder Rig because this cowgirl is riding into town with some new film gear! You know how we love gadgets and gear around here and this uber comfy shoulder rig for my DSLR takes the shakes away. Steady now!

Filming Stats

3 Cameras 

9 hours

2 days

2 crew 

Video Shoots & Coffee

Coffee - Check. Video equipment - Check. Good to go!