Todd Bryan Photography

3 Free Apps To Spice Up Your Smartphone Photos

2012-01-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

If you have an iPhone, then you are probably familiar with Instagram, the free photo sharing application with cool filters that spice up your photos. For those of you that don't have an iPhone, but are wondering how you too can create Instagram like photos, you're in luck because there are plenty of alternatives out there. Below, you'll find my top 3 Instagram alternatives.

Pixlr-o-matic: Pixlr-o-matic is a free photo enhancing application with tons of custom filters and frames that will allow you the freedom to create and apply countless effects to your photos. You can use Pixlr-o-matic to snap a new photo or you can simply upload a saved photo and customize it as you wish. Available for both Android and iPhone users, and as a download for Windows and MAC as well as a Chrome web app. Pixlr-o-matic is easy to use and highly recommended.

Retro Camera: If you're looking to produce vintage style photos from your Smartphone, then Retro Camera is the app you want. Retro Camera transforms your smartphone into 1 of 5 different vintage cameras, each with a classic vintage effect. It's fun and easy to use, and your friends will be amazed when they see your vintage style photos. Free versions available for both Android and iPhone users. Retro Camera is a great app, I highly recommend it.

Camera360: Camera360 is another great option for Smartphone photographers. Camera360 includes many popular photo effects,as well as a ton of fun filters that will spice up your photographs. The Ghost filter is a ton of fun! Camera360 is easy to use with free versions for both Android and iPhone users.

If these applications are new to you and you're having trouble deciding which one to try, why not install them all and give yourself all the coolest effects to choose from! Which photo application do you prefer to use on your Smartphone?

Hurry! Save 20% On All Prints

2011-11-28T20:19:00.001-08:00

Are you still looking for that perfect gift so that you can wrap up your holiday shopping? Well forget about parking jams and long lines at crowded department stores when you can shop online and save!

For a limited time, I'm offering 20% off of any and all prints on my website with no minimum purchase required! Simply choose your favorite prints over at www.toddbryan.com and then enter the code HOLIDAY20 at checkout to activate your savings. It's that easy!

Happy Holidays!

-Todd

Happy Halloween Photographers

2011-10-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Ready or not, Halloween is upon us, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

What I love most about Halloween is all of the creativity that gets stimulated between the costume creations, the yard decorations, and best of all the pumpkin carving. As a photographer, I always enjoy following up with photographs to help share all of that wonderful creativity with the rest of you. This year, I seem to have fallen into the "not ready" category.

While I do have the yard mostly decorated, I'm a bit behind on carving the 12 pumpkins that are sitting on the hearth. If that's not enough, I also don't have any new spooky Halloween photos to share yet. So, like a grave digger, I'm grabbing the shovel and I'm digging up some great photos of carved pumpkins of years past.

2007 Carved Pumpkins - The pirate skull was a blast

2008 Carved Pumpkins - Two giant pumpkin eating pumpkins

2009 Carved Pumpkins- Evil Tiger is my favorite

While I'm at it, I may as well share a couple of links to the spooky yard decorations. Make sure to check them all out, and hopefully I'll be able to get some spooky photographs of the new ghouls that I have haunting the graveyard this year.

Cemetery Gates
Things That Go Bump In The Night
Tales From The Crypt

Happy Halloween everyone. Please stay safe.

Please help me to continue adding to this site by using these links to Amazon and Adorama to get all your photography gadgets. Using these links will cost you nothing extra. These online stores have the best prices and great service, which is why I personally use them exclusively for all of my photography purchases. Thank you. -Todd

American Classic

2011-09-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

Classic car shows, like the Cajon Classic Cruise, are filled with finely painted and polished cars that appear to be flawless, however, it's the cars that show their age that seem to have the best stories to tell. Nothing screams American classic more than this old naturally weathered Chevrolet grill.

The faded paint of the Chevrolet emblem combined with spotted chrome on the radiator grill make this old Chevy grill absolutely perfect!

Please help me to continue adding to this site by using these links to Amazon and Adorama to get all your photography gadgets. Using these links will cost you nothing extra. These online stores have the best prices and great service, which is why I personally use them exclusively for all of my photography purchases. Thank you. -Todd

Crimson Classics

2011-08-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

What's a custom car show without some crimson cruisers? Along with jet black and competition yellow, competition red is hands down one of the most popular colors for custom cars. Rightfully so I might add. Deep red paint really does pop when combined with shiny chrome and polished aluminum accents.

Recently, at the Cajon Classic Cruise, a weekly car show that meets locally in El Cajon, CA., I was able to get some photographs of some really impressive custom cars. Please enjoy tonight's "Crimson" theme, and let me know how you enjoy viewing these beautiful classic cars through the unique perspective of my cameras lens.

Chrome grill and V8 hood ornament of a classic Ford

Headlight and turn signal indicator of an old classic

Mustang 2+2 emblem of a classic Ford Mustang

Chrome grill and hood ornament of a classic Plymouth

32 Ford grill and hood emblem

If you enjoyed the photos, please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your feedback.

Please help me to continue adding to this site by using these links to Amazon and Adorama to get all your photography gadgets. Using these links will cost you nothing extra. These online stores have the best prices and great service, which is why I personally use them exclusively for all of my photography purchases. Thank you. -Todd

Wedding and Wine

2011-08-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I traveled to Paso Robles, CA to attend my cousins wedding. She had a very nice non-traditional wedding at Meridian Vineyards. The weather was gorgeous as was the scenery around the vineyard. The reception was held in one of the wine cellars. For the most part, the lighting in the wine cellar was not favorable for photography without a flash, but I did manage to get a wonderful shot of Carol and James as they walked into the reception. James entered the building so humble, and Carol just couldn't keep her eyes off of him. You just couldn't ask for a better entrance.

Carol and James enter the reception

Candle lit bridal bouquet

Delicately lit water and wine glasses
This photo was taken by my 11 year old daughter

Garden Treasure

2011-07-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

The warm weather has arrived and the garden is starting to produce daily treasures for the dinner table. While we enjoy filling our baskets with delicious treats each morning, the big harvest is yet to come. It should only be a couple more weeks before the purple passion fruit start to ripen. I can't wait!

Here are a few pictures of this weekends harvest along with some fun pictures from the garden. Enjoy!

Tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, Purple Dragon beans, peppers, zucchini, and squash

Fresh tomatoes, green beans, and Purple Dragon beans

Homegrown strawberries ready to pick and eat

Pomegranate flowers about to bloom

Color Of The Sun

2011-06-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

When it comes to photography around flower gardens, sunflowers are my absolute weakness. In fact, it's the exact reason why I decided to start growing my own sunflowers. There is just something about the vibrant colors of their petals as they reach for the sun, combined with the geometric patterns showcased in their centers. I just can't resist taking a few photographs anytime I'm near blooming sunflowers.

Sunflower petals from our garden, shot deliberately into the sun

Rusty yellow petals meet a deep green background at Summers Past Farm

Rich color pours from the petals of these sunflowers at Summers Past Farm

If you enjoyed these photographs, please make sure to browse through my many other sunflower related posts.

Sunflower Frenzy contains some of my favorite sunflower photographs. Check it out!

Please help me to continue adding to this site by using these links to Amazon and Adorama to get all your photography gadgets. Using these links will cost you nothing extra. These online stores have the best prices and great service, which is why I personally use them exclusively for all of my photography purchases. Thank you. -Todd

Garden Fairies

2011-06-05T10:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my kids each entered fairy gardens into the Fairy Garden Contest that is held at Summers Past Farms as part of the annual Fairy Festival. My 7 year old entered his version of a fairy garden into the 9 and under class and even though he didn't place, he still insists that he should have won. Well of course! On the other hand, my 11 year old also entered her version of a fairy garden into the 10-16 year old class and she ended up with a 3rd place prize. Not too shabby considering she was up against dozens of other creative fairy gardeners.

The fairy garden contest is only of one many activities to headline the annual Fairy Festival at Summers Past Farms. There is also an official Fairy Parade, in which both children and adults dress up like elves and fairies and stroll through the well manicured flower gardens. Music, craft vendors, and of course food also add to the festival. It's quite the hit for any family with young children that enjoy following their creative spirits as they adventure into the mystical world of fairies.

Summers Past Farms is not just a one time visit during their annual Fairy Festival, it's also a place to visit year round. Beautiful flower and herb gardens offer a scenic and serene atmosphere while you simply enjoy a cup of coffee or just sit and relax with a book. You can also browse a huge barn full of everything garden related, and there is also a soap shop packed full of homemade soaps straight from the garden. If that's not enough, there is also a nursery so that you can pick out a few beautiful plants for your own garden at home.

Next time you're looking to get outside for something to do, take the trip up to Summers Past Farms for a relaxing morning.

My 7 year olds entry in the 9 and under division

Miniature fairies tend to their garden

My 11 year old came in 3rd place in the 10-16 year old division

Please also check out some other photographs that I have taken up at Summers Past Farms during previous visits.

Sweet Pea Festival

2009 Fairy Festival

Please help me to continue adding to this site by using these links to Amazon and Adorama to get all your photography gadgets. Using these links will cost you nothing extra. These online stores have the best prices and great service, which is why I personally use them exclusively for all of my photography purchases. Thank you. -Todd

Spring Sunflowers

2011-05-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

After last years massive sunflower forest, we harvested all the seeds so that we could continue to plant them in the garden year after year. Now, we have wild sunflowers sprouting up all over the place in addition to all of the flowers that we planted.

Sunflowers make a great compliment to any yard, and a companion to any garden. They are not only one of the most beautiful flowers to photograph, but they also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies which are important for open pollination in your garden. I find that sunflowers also attract small birds and help deter them from pecking at other fruits and vegetables that are growing in the yard.

Whatever your interest, whether it be photography or gardening, plant some sunflowers in your yard today. You won't be disappointed!

Sunflower petals reach into darkness

A colorful sunflower welcomes the morning light

The only red sunflower in the garden

Chicken Tenders

2011-05-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

While I was out snapping some photographs of the sunflowers yesterday morning, I was able to grab a quick shot of each of our Ameraucana chickens during a tender moment as they bunkered up under some branches on the lemon tree. Ameraucana's are some of the most beautifully feathered chickens and they make great companions for any yard.

Enjoy...

Maple

Peep

Chirp

Raptors On Display

2011-05-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, while chasing Monarch Butterflies around the 2011 Sage & Songbirds Festival up at the Viejas Outlet Center, I came across the booth for Skyhunter’s Raptor Rehabilitation and Education. On display, Skyhunter's had 4 live raptors that I just had to get a couple of pictures of. How cool is that!

A female Red-tailed Hawk poses for her portrait

A couple close-ups of a cute little Screech Owl

An American Kestrel Falcon ruffles her feathers

A beautiful Barn Owl poses for a portrait

Monarch Madness

2011-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend on Mothers Day, we attended part of the 2011 Sage & Songbirds Festival up at the Viejas Outlet Center in Apine, CA. The Sage & Songbirds Festival was presented by CHIRP and included plenty of vendors, activities, and wildlife to keep the whole family occupied. Of course being a photographer, I was kept occupied chasing Monarch Butterflies after the big butterfly release at noon. There was defintely no shortage of them as they fluttered around the lush vegitation.

I hope you enjoy a couple of my favorite butterfly photos from Sunday.

Monarch Butterflies searching for food

Photos From The Garden

2011-04-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

Spring has arrived and the flowers are blooming in abundance, painting the garden with vivid color. In addition to the vibrant hues sweeping throughout the yard, recent rains also decorated the flowers with glistening water droplets.

Blooming flowers are always fun to photograph, so yesterday I took the opportunity to get a few shots. For these photographs, I decided to equip the Canon 5D with an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L series telephoto lens for some compressed views of the sparkling flowers. I also ran the raw photographs through some post processing effects to help draw even more focus to the naturally saturated color of the flowers.

Enjoy the photos and feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you think.

Bright orange flowers flare against a desaturated background
(400mm 1/100sec at f18 and ISO 200)

Photographs of water droplets on bright orange California Poppies
(400mm 1/100sec at f16 and ISO 200)

Rhode Island Reds

2011-03-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend the kids talked me into getting two more hens for the yard. This time they opted for Rhode Island Reds to add to there small collection of Ameraucana's. Once these girls are big enough to join the others, we will have a total of five hens entertaining us around our little urban farm.

For those of you that have never had hens, they don't require much as far as maintenance goes, and they really are quite entertaining. I'm not sure what we will do with all the extra eggs!

Our two new Rhode Island Reds

Close-up photos of the Rhode Island Reds

Natures Canvas

2010-12-31T19:09:00.000-08:00

When you think about beach photographs, you probably think about sand and surf right? Well next time you are at the beach, try taking a step back from the obvious and pay closer attention to the unique and often colorful canvas that nature paints across the shoreline.

At Windansea Beach in La Jolla, California for instance, million upon million year old sediment is being eroded by the pounding surf, creating unique and colorful designs in the sandstone bluffs.

Colorful layers of sandstone at Windansea Beach in La Jolla, California

More colorful layers of sandstone in the bluffs

Lush green moss compliments colorful layers of sandstone

Natural flame-like design in the sandstone bluffs

Eroded sandstone creates unique designs in the bluffs

More unique sandstone formations in the bluffs of Windansea Beach

Eroded sandstone sculpture

Natural sandstone formations with palm trees in the background

Coastal view of Windansea Beach right before sunset

Golden highlights of the setting sun reflect of the frothy surf

Sunset at Windansea Beach creates a layered palette of color in the sky

So next time you are walking the shoreline, stop and enjoy a little of natures painting while you are waiting for that famous sunset over the ocean.

Please help me to continue adding to this site by using these links to Amazon and Adorama to get all your photography gadgets. Using these links will cost you nothing extra. These online stores have the best prices and great service, which is why I personally use them exclusively for all of my photography purchases. Thank you. -Todd

Tales From The Crypt

2010-10-31T22:36:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true that another Halloween has come and gone. For those of you too scared to walk my lawn, I leave you with some photos and quotes to ponder on.

Happy Halloween!

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
Edgar Allan Poe -- The Raven

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering,
fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.
Edgar Allan Poe -- The Raven

Grand Canyon National Park

2010-08-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

I never seem to get tired of visiting Grand Canyon National Park. What an amazing and scenic place to visit. One of these days, rather then just passing through, I need to plan enough time to explore down into the canyon and visit the waterfalls of Havasupai. The great flood of 2008, which coincidentally occurred the day after my last visit, has caused some changes to Havasu Falls and even created some beautiful new falls. I'd also enjoy taking a rafting trip down the river some day but for that I'll have to leave the camera behind.

Thunderstorm moving across the Grand Canyon

Another canyon view

Colorful red walls

Millions of years exposed in the canyon walls

The Colorado River snaking through the Grand Canyon

Land Of The Lost

2010-08-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

Just a few miles west of Tuba City, Arizona on the Navajo Indian Reservation you will find a sign on the side of Route US 160 that advertises dinosaur tracks. While there is no actual admission for stopping to view the tracks, the Navajo guides will walk you around and show you all of the petrified artifacts while educating you about the historical significance that they have uncovered. They do this for a donation, so kindly tip them what you feel the short tour is worth. I've always had very friendly and knowledgeable guides and that is the reason I always stop while traveling on Route US 160.

If you stop and think about it, there is only a very small area of limestone that is exposed for viewing. If all of these dinosaur tracks and petrified artifact exist in this small area, what lies beneath the rest of the Arizona soil? It's mind boggling...

Next time you're traveling through Route US 160, stop and walk the foot steps where giant creatures once roamed millions of years in the past.

Petrified dinosaur footprints

Petrified dinosaur eggs

Mesa Verde National Park

2010-08-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

Step back in time to around 550 A.D. when the Ancestral Pueblo people called Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years. 4,000 known archeological sites are protected among Mesa Verde National Park and some are even the most notable and best persevered in the United States. If you find yourself in the area of southwestern Colorado, make sure to stop and explore Mesa Verde National Park. The scenic views and the amazing story of the Ancestral Pueblo People is something everyone should experience. The camping up on the Mesa is also fantastic.

For more information, please visit the National Park Service website for Mesa Verde National Park.

Other online resources that also contain information about Mesa Verde.

A Turkey Vulture soars over The Spruce House in Mesa Verde

Thunderclouds over Mesa Verde National Park

The Spruce House in Mesa Verde National Park

Black & white versions of The Spruce House in Mesa Verde National Park

Return Of Red Mountain

2010-08-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

I just can't seem to drive through Colorado without crossing the scenic but treacherous Red Mountain Pass. Red Mountain Pass is located in the San Juan Mountains and connects Silverton, Colorado to Ouray, Colorado. The name Red Mountain Pass is derived from Red Mountain which is a series of three peaks that are all over 12K feet in elevation. Despite the fact that Red Mountain was best known for its production of gold and silver, it got its name from the reddish coloration of the soil which is caused by a very high content of iron ore.

If you ever get the chance to tour western Colorado, I highly suggest you set aside some time to explore the old mining towns of Ouray and Silverton, and make sure to set aside enough time to ride the Narrow Gauge train from Silverton to Durango. There just isn't any better way to experience the stunning scenery of the Red Mountain area then by riding on a 120+ year old coal burning locomotive. The sound of the steam whistle echoing through the deep canyon will definitely blow your mind.

For more information about the Narrow Gauge Railroad and other Red Mountain attractions, please see the following web sites.

Also, while in Durango, make sure to treat yourself to some Serious Texas Bar-B-Q during lunch or dinner for some amazingly good Texas Tacos. If you happen to be looking for breakfast, out on the west side of Durango you can find The Kennebec Café and Bakery. The food is spectacular, don't miss out!

Old mining structure and tailing pile along Red Mountain

Another view of the same mining structure

Another mining structure and tailing pile

Closer view of the same mining structure

A group of mining structures near the top of Red Mountain Pass

One of the 3 Red Mountain peaks

Close-up views of the rusted iron oxide rich soil of Red Mountain

Grassy peaks along Red Mountain Pass

Tailing pile, trees, and a waterfall near Silverton, Colorado

Layers of trees near Silverton, Colorado

Beautiful purple and yellow flowers along Red Mountain Pass

Battle Of The Bighorn

2010-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

While in Colorado, driving along the Arkansas River between Salida and Canon City, we came across a small herd of Bighorn Sheep grazing just on the other side of the river. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how exciting it was to be only 50-60 feet away from such beautiful and prestigious animals. It's no wonder why the Bighorn Sheep is the Colorado state animal.

Two Bighorn Sheep standing near the railroad tracks

Close-up of a Bighorn Sheep

These two Rams had just finished butting heads

Two bighorn Sheep eating wildflowers

Front profile of a Bighorn Sheep

Side profile of a Bighorn Sheep

Two Bighorn Sheep grazing along the railroad tracks

Side profile of a Bighorn Sheep in Colorado

Cave Of The Winds

2010-07-31T18:05:00.000-07:00

4 miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado at the foothills of Pikes Peak is the town of Manitou Springs and within it lies a geological wonder named Cave of the Winds. The Cave of the Winds offers an enjoyable adventure for all ages into a 500 million-year old world of underground geology.

If you enjoy geology and have some time to kill while in the scenic town of Manitou Springs, grab your wallet and your camera and head up to the Cave of the Winds.

While there is no restriction about bringing in photographic equipment required for low light photography such as a tripod, the tour guides do not allow you enough time to stop and set up for a shot. In fact, they barely even allow you time to take any pictures at all unless they have stopped for commentary. I apologize for the low resolution photographs that follow, but I had no choice but to shoot them handheld at ISO 1600 as I refused to ruin them by using a flash.

Close-up of a cave wall

Stalactites meet stalagmites

Formations on a cave wall

Stalactites and stalagmites

Stalactites

More stalactites

Rope ladder that was once used during original cave tours

Stalactites

Stalactites and stalagmites

Garden of the Gods

2010-07-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

As you drive through the west end of Colorado Springs, Colorado, giant red rocks stand straight up out of the rolling green hills as if they are reaching for the heavens. What could such a place be? It's no other then Garden of Gods park. Garden of the Gods is made up of over 3,300 acres of spectacular geological formations, and numerous trails for hiking, biking, walking, and horseback riding. If that's not enough, the usually steep formations also lend the park to some seriously great rock climbing but be sure to get your permit at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. With free admission and enchanting scenery, Garden of the Gods makes for a wonderful place spend a day or two exploring or just picnicking. Also, make sure to try the park at sunrise for the ultimate photo experience.

Enormous red rock formations rise from the earth at Garden of the Gods park

Bighorn sheep up on a hill watching the tourists

Five-Point Bull And His Cow

2010-07-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

While driving out of the Grand Canyon, I encountered a herd of Elk on the side of the road. While it's not uncommon to see Elk grazing along the roadside up in the Grand Canyon National Park, it is fairly rare to encounter a beautiful five-point bull. There was probably another eight to ten Elk grazing in the area but I just couldn't take my eyes of this old bull. What a treat!

Five-point bull and a cow