People are often surprised to hear that alongside being a landscape photographer, I am also a full time medical professional (having just graduated medical school and heading off to residency). The question I get asked most often is “HOW DO YOU FIND THE TIME?!”. Well, I would definitely have to credit the “work smarter not harder” mantra of life. Early on in my photo days, I worked harder – as in I would go out and shoot many sunrises and sunsets. Nowadays, I use a whole host of apps to help me predict which evenings offer me the greatest probability of being fruitful. Here is the inside look on my Top 7 Favorite Photography Apps:
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This first one is somewhat obvious but often overlooked. I use Google Earth to help me find vantages, stunning views, and fantastic aerial comps for my drone. Its one of the first tools I utilize when analyzing a new location for photography opportunities. A short step but one that is absolutely critical. You can use it in freeform mode or search for locations and since it’s a Google app, its extremely intuitive! Moreover – its free. FREE! There’s really no downside.
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Okay so this one isn’t really a photography app exactly but after I have found a location I think is worth exploring on Google Earth, I plug it into this. Why? Because it’s a map… that works OFFLINE. I just download the area and then when I am out in the field or on a drive without service, I still have a map with directions and GPS! A must have tool for me.
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This app really needs little introduction and there is a TON of information our there about it so I will keep this brief. I use TPE all the time to help me plan the light that will be at the scene that I have found using the apps above. TPE will quickly show you sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset but will also show the DIRECTION this will be happening which helps a ton. However, my most utilized feature on this app is Skyfire which is an app that predicts the probability of fire in the sky during sunrise or sunset (it is actually usually fairly accurate). The app costs 10$ and Skyfire is an annual subscription within the app but it is probably the best money I spend in photography in regards to “working smarter not harder”. Give it a look!
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After all the planning above, I am usually a bit drained from a technology standpoint. When I am finally deciding which evening or morning to go out, 24 hours prior I open this app and go immediately to the bottom and push the “cloud” button. Shortly after, a cloud overlay will pop up and show me how the clouds will be moving for a 24-hour period. This helps me plan astrophotography, confirm Skyfire findings, AND plan long exposure cloud movements. I don’t use this app for much more than that though!
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There’s actually very little I use this app for that cannot also be done on TPE but I primarily use it for the augmented reality. Basically it will use the compass andpi GPS coordinates to show you the motion of the moon or sun relative to wherever you are! Additionally, I also often use the exposure calculator in there when doing long exposures (it also has a built in timer – how fantastic).
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Whoa! One you’ve probably NEVER heard of! Well did you know your iPhone can take RAW images? Halide is an app that lets you take full control of your iPhone camera. I’m talking ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focus point, AND it pumps out a RAW + JPEG format. I don’t shoot with my iPhone often but the best camera is the one you have with you and I always have my phone on me. Thus, its nice to have this app to quickly take some RAW images if needed. The app is 5.99$ but its simple and intuitive so they got my money. I am sure there are others out there too!
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This one is simple enough. Sometimes you just have to edit on the phone or make some last minute changes for an IG post or edit one of those shots from Halide… enough said. If you use LR on the comp, just get it on the phone too. It’s actually quite enjoyable to use.
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Overall, these are my 7 favorite photo apps that allow me to “work smarter, not harder” on a regular basis. They help me obtain successful images that bring me pride and joy. Hope some of these are new to you so they can guide you on your photographic journey!
