Digital photography has revolutionized the way we take, share and store photos. And, who can resist taking photos of perfectly plated food when dining out or that recipe you just mastered at home? Whether you’re a pro looking for a better way to showcase your tasty imagery or simply striving for the perfect selfie when dining and drinking around town, these four photography tools will bring your shots to life in entirely new and exciting ways.
TAKE
LuMee Case (www.LuMeeCase.com) – $39.95- $44.95
The LuMee case is a unique cell phone case with embedded lights that surround the front of your phone, allowing for perfectly lit selfies, FaceTime sessions and even makeup applications. LuMee was designed by a professional photographer who was fed up with poor lighting while Skyping with his daughter abroad. LuMee comes with its own charger and battery so it won’t drain your phone’s battery, and it has a dimmer button to achieve just the right amount of light. LuMee will provide perfect light for any epic-selfie/ussie moment, even in low light situations. LuMee also makes the perfect nightlight for reading or midnight walks to the fridge. Walking alone to your car at night? Use LuMee as a flashlight to guide the way.
Smart iReach Selfie Stick (www.SmartiReach.com) – $49.95 – $69.95
Selfie sticks are all the rage right now, showing up everywhere…even at red carpet events! With the Smart iReach this gadget is cooler, more fashionable and easier to use than ever before. This selfie stick is designed for the everyday adventure, enabling users to quickly and easily capture moments and experiences. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, you can capture the moment with just the click of a button. Featuring a lightweight carbon fiber pole, it extends the reach of your arm so you can capture everything and everyone in your individual or group selfie still image or video. It’s compact enough to fit in a purse, pocket or backpack, and weighs less than 6 ounces. While light enough to tote, it’s still plenty strong enough to hold your phone securely. Simply click the button on the specially designed, form fitting handle and “SNAP!”
CREATE
Art.com’s ‘SwitchArt’ App for iPhone (www.iTunes.Apple.com) – Starts at $35
Life moves fast and tastes change quickly–now your décor art can too! Turn your photos into easy-to-update magnetic art using Art.com’s SwitchArt Magnetic Frames and Prints! Special peel-and-stick customized photo prints adhere to magnetic frames like magic. Hang your frame once, and replace prints as often as you make new memories or change the design of the space. Easily upload photos directly from your iPhone’s camera roll or social media accounts, and quick-edit images within the app to create personalized SwitchArt Prints. Customers can buy prints in a pack to keep a steady stream of fresh and current art on-hand. Packs include one magnetic frame with your choice of size and color; and either 1, 6, 12, or 24 prints–the more you buy, the more you save. Say sayonara to stale art!
STORE & SELL
Zenfolio (www.Zenfolio.com) – $30
For those who have a quick photo trigger finger and amass a lot of images, storage can become an issue. Zenfolio is a great online solution that allows photographers to professionally manage their entire online presence under one “digital roof.” Not only does it provide ample secure storage, Zenfolio will also help you create a beautiful web site, or revamp your existing one, with its powerful organizational tools. With various galleries, Pinterest-style grids and design options, you can customize your site to create an appealing online presence. Also notable is that you have the option to set up your site to sell photo books, products and more, which you can custom-create within Zenfolio, to your clients and fans. Zenfolio also has a new app called Photo Moments, which allows photographers’ clientele or other private groups to instantly gain access to their digital photos, view them in a beautiful presentation, download to their device and share with others. This app provides a more accessible, streamlined, pocket-friendly way to access photos in their pocket.
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“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.
Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.