Review Kwame Johnson Review Kwame Johnson

Why Every iPhone Photographer Needs the Adonit Dash 4 Pen Input

Today, I have a game-changer gadget to introduce that will immensely enhance your photo editing skills right from your iPhone - presenting the Adonit Dash 4 Pen.

Why Choose a Stylus for iPhone Photo Editing?

With the ever-evolving iPhone cameras empowering us to take professional-grade photos, editing these visuals to perfection is the next big step. While iPhones have always delivered a seamless experience, the lack of stylus support had been a significant gap - until now.

Many of us have found editing photos with our fingers quite limiting, and frankly, a bit irritating. The fine precision and control a stylus offers make photo editing much easier and more enjoyable.

And that’s where the Adonit Dash 4 pen steps in to bridge this gap, turning your iPhone into a powerhouse for editing photos, akin to a Samsung Galaxy S22 or even a high-end iPad.

Introducing the Adonit Dash 4 Pen: A Photographer's Delight

I've recently gotten my hands on this little marvel and I must say, it’s every hobbyist photographer's dream come true. The Adonit Dash 4 pen has made editing pictures on my iPhone not only simpler but also quite accurate, especially when compared to using my fingers.

What’s exciting about this pen is that it can work with a plethora of devices, including iPads and Android devices. So if you’re someone who doesn’t want to carry multiple devices or has lost your Apple Pencil, this pen acts as a universal solution, offering flexibility and convenience on the go.

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into the features and why this could be your next favorite gadget.

Key Features and Benefits

  1. Versatile Compatibility: Whether you own an iPhone 14 Pro like mine or any other version, this pen effortlessly integrates, allowing for fine photo edits with precision.

  2. Ease of Use: The Adonit Dash 4 comes with two modes – green and blue, catering to both non-M1 and M1 devices respectively, offering wider compatibility options.

  3. Swift Navigation: Apart from editing, this stylus also facilitates smooth navigation through your phone, enhancing the overall user experience.

  4. Portable Charging: The pen houses a magnetized charging piece that can easily attach to USB sockets, making the charging process quite straightforward.

A Few Drawbacks to Note

Despite its impressive features, the pen comes with a couple of shortcomings:

  • The hard tip of the pen tends to make noise on the glass surface.

  • It comes with a proprietary charger, meaning losing it necessitates purchasing a new one.

Concluding Thoughts

In a nutshell, the Adonit Dash 4 pen has significantly upped my iPhone photo editing game. It might not replace the feel of an S Pen or offer features like tilt sensitivity, but for hobbyist photographers looking to make quick, precise edits on their iPhones, it's nothing short of a boon.

I genuinely recommend giving it a try if, like me, you prefer editing with a stylus rather than your finger. Check out the product here (link to Amazon) and don't forget to catch all these features in action in the accompanying video!

If you’ve found this review helpful, don’t forget to give a thumbs up and subscribe for more content like this. Until next time, happy editing!

Note: This is not a sponsored post. The product was purchased independently, and the opinions expressed here are solely my own.

Read More
Field Guide Kwame Johnson Field Guide Kwame Johnson

My Glass Photo App Update: The Refreshing, No Nonsense App for True Photography Enthusiasts

In this episode, I delve into the refreshing world of Glass - a haven for every photography enthusiast out there. If you're tired of the commercialization and algorithms dictating your photo-sharing experience on other platforms, then Glass might just be your next favorite spot.

💸 Save on Your Glass Subscription

I'm thrilled to share an exclusive referral code with you, which can save you $10 on your first-year subscription to Glass! Remember, I'm not gaining anything from this, but rather looking forward to connecting with you and fostering a supportive photography community.

🔗 Link: https://glass.photo/referral/A848CTQKKWKQ

👁️ Join Me in a Month-Long Photo Sharing Journey

I'm setting out on a challenge to share a photo daily on Glass for the next month, diving back into the beautiful practice of sharing and enjoying photography. I invite you to witness this journey and perhaps, join me in rediscovering the sheer joy that comes from sharing photos without any strings attached.

Read More
Field Guide Kwame Johnson Field Guide Kwame Johnson

Traveling Light: Minimalist Photography Gear for London & Paris

On this trip, I opted for the least amount of camera gear I've ever traveled with. Yes, you heard that right! My aim was to keep it as simple as possible, ensuring I was present in the moments, especially with my family. You can see a handful of pictures at the end of this blog post.

Why Minimal Gear?

Primarily, my destinations were urban – London and Paris. I knew I wasn't going to be zooming into distant landmarks. My focus? Capturing memories of my wife, and son, a bit of the picturesque cities, and indulging in some street photography.

The Gear Breakdown

  1. Bags: The nifty Tom Tuck five-liter bag was my main companion in London, accommodating my essential gear and even my wallet. Meanwhile, in Paris, where the concern of pickpockets looms, my three-liter bag from PGY tech came in handy.

  2. Cameras: Breaking tradition, I left my Sony cameras and drones at home, relying instead on my iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. These phones were a game-changer, with the iPhone's Portrait mode bringing out the best in family snaps, and the Samsung phone excelling in zoom shots.

    However, the real star was the Ricoh GR iiix. This lightweight camera was a gem for street photography. Holding it made me blend seamlessly into the crowd, unnoticed, and let me capture candid moments. The only slight drawback? It sometimes felt too close for the streets. This made me wish I had my Fujifilm camera or perhaps a regular GR iii for a wider shot.

  3. Other Devices: My Samsung Tab S8 was an unexpected hero. Transferring photos was a breeze, and with dex mode, it pretty much turned into a Chromebook! Although I carried my MacBook Air, it never saw the light of day – a testament to how efficient the Samsung tab was.

Apps & Editing

While the stock camera apps on both phones served me well for captures, most of my editing was done on Lightroom. Occasionally, I also used Google Photos, especially marveling at its Magic erase tool. The latter would conveniently suggest unnecessary elements that could be removed with a simple click!

Traveling Light: The Key Takeaway

This trip reinforced a valuable lesson: Sometimes, less is more. As we grow, the desire for our tools to just work becomes paramount. For family vacations, a minimal setup like the Ricoh GR iiix is perfect, even though I adore my professional cameras. The crucial aspect is the memory itself, rather than the specific device used to record it.

Looking ahead, I'm eager to share more insights, especially on how Lightroom seamlessly tied all my devices together. But that's a story for another day.

If you are traveling with your family, especially with kids, and want to capture high-quality photos while keeping your gear to a minimum, remember to strike the right balance and use the appropriate tools. And as we cherish these memories years down the line, it won't matter if they were shot using an expensive camera or a smartphone. The emotion and the story behind each picture are what truly counts.

Until next time, keep traveling, keep capturing, and keep sharing those heartwarming stories! Safe travels!

Read More
Review Kwame Johnson Review Kwame Johnson

Why the S22 Ultra is My New Favorite Tool for Photography Creation

In this video I dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's capabilities. Spoiler alert: It's a game-changer in my mobile photography journey, replacing me buying iPad Mini and streamlining my editing process. From snapping crisp images to editing on-the-go using the stylus, this is the ultimate device for content creators like me. Whether you're a Samsung fan, an Apple aficionado, or just curious about mobile photography, this review's got something for everyone. Join the conversation below and let's chat about your favorite mobile tools for photography!

Buy it here - Samsung S22 Ultra

See my initial review here.

Read More
Field Trip Kwame Johnson Field Trip Kwame Johnson

A Day at Bellevue Botanical Gardens | | iPhone 14 Pro and Ricoh GR3x Photography

Today, I found myself amidst the serene landscapes of the Botanical Gardens here in Bellevue, Washington. My purpose was simple: to stretch my legs, shake off the everyday monotony, and get a little creative with my trusty iPhone 14 Pro and my ever-reliable Ricoh GR3x.

What I particularly appreciate about the Ricoh cameras is their versatility. They allow me not only to take regular pictures but also to capture close-up shots, which came in handy in the heart of the Botanical Gardens. This isn’t my first visit here, but the full bloom that greeted me today was a mesmerizing sight.

There's something uniquely fascinating about nature at the cusp of bloom. Observing the colors of a flower right before it blossoms, and then the subsequent explosion of life as it opens, fills me with a peculiar sense of awe. Being here amidst this blossoming paradise is a refreshing break from the endless work I've been doing behind the computer.

In an attempt to challenge myself, I chose to venture out today without my macro lens. Though I found myself missing it, I believe in the spontaneity of photography. The joy of not planning too much, of simply letting the process guide me, always leads to intriguing discoveries.

Every year around this time, I feel the urge to update my gear, be it a new lens, a tripod, or a camera body. But this year, I find myself pretty satisfied with my existing setup. I have the Sony A7 2 for landscape and macro shots, the Ricoh GR3x for versatility, and the iPhone 14 Pro, which offers an excellent wide-angle camera. Coupled with my Sony A 6100, which I currently use as a webcam, I couldn't ask for a better lineup.

This visit to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens reminds me once again why I love what I do - capturing the world through my lens, immersing myself in nature, and challenging my creative boundaries. Even without a clear plan in mind, every outing offers an opportunity to create something new, something beautiful.

Read More
Field Guide Kwame Johnson Field Guide Kwame Johnson

The Two Types of Photographers: Embracing the Art of Photographing and Loving Photographs

I recently stumbled upon an interesting concept that really resonated with me, and I wanted to share it with all of you. The idea comes from my favorite photographer, Jay Maisel, who mentioned in a Scott Kelby interview that there are two types of photographers: those who love photographing and those who love photographs. Today, I want to dive deeper into this idea and discuss how our preferences can ebb and flow as we journey through the world of photography.

The Thrill of the Hunt

For some photographers, the excitement lies in the process of capturing images. They enjoy exploring their surroundings with their camera, always on the lookout for the perfect moment. Whether it's a stunning sunrise after an early morning hike or patiently waiting for wildlife to appear, these photographers revel in the act of photographing itself.

Reliving the Moment Through Photographs

On the other hand, there are photographers who find joy in examining, editing, and appreciating their images after they've been captured. These individuals often cherish the memories and emotions associated with each photograph, as well as the effort it took to create them. For them, photography is about capturing a moment in time and reliving it through their images.

My Personal Journey

As I've grown in my photography journey, I've found myself shifting between these two perspectives. Right now, I'm all about the thrill of the hunt. I love going out with my camera and discovering new scenes and moments. It's an exciting adventure where I have no expectations, and I'm okay with that.

However, I've also experienced the satisfaction of immersing myself in the editing process, fine-tuning my images, and extracting every last detail. I've experimented with shooting raw images to get the most data possible and played around with different editing styles as my preferences have evolved over time.

Finding Your Balance

The beauty of photography is that it's not a zero-sum game. We can embrace both aspects or focus on one, depending on our current interests and needs. If you find yourself feeling stuck or frustrated, take a step back and assess what truly brings you joy in photography. It's okay to shift your focus and allow your passions to guide your creative process.

Seeking Inspiration

If you're ever feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to explore photography books from famous and not-so-famous photographers. These can be a fantastic source of inspiration, sparking new ideas and motivating you to experiment with your own photography.

Share Your Thoughts

I'd love to hear from you! Which type of photographer are you? Do you prefer the act of photographing, or do you cherish the photographs themselves? Remember, there's no right or wrong answer; it's all about finding what resonates with you.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the two types of photographers. If you haven't already, consider subscribing to my monthly newsletter, Focal Point, for photography techniques, tips, and inspiration sent straight to your inbox.

Read More
Field Guide, Vlog Kwame Johnson Field Guide, Vlog Kwame Johnson

Capturing the Truth: The Case for Smartphone Photography as a Genuine Pursuit of Visual Excellence!

In recent years, smartphone photography has made significant strides, challenging the long-held belief that it falls short of traditional photography. With advancements in mobile camera technology, photographers now have access to professional-grade tools right in their pockets. The versatility and convenience of smartphones empower individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves in ways that were once exclusive to those with high-end equipment. Moreover, the ubiquity of smartphones has democratized photography, allowing for the documentation of diverse perspectives and stories from all corners of the world.

My current mobile setup is below:

Phone

MagSafe tripod mount

Magnetic iPhone Tripod Mount

Read More
Field Trip Kwame Johnson Field Trip Kwame Johnson

Breaking the Cycle of Creativity: How I'm Getting Out of My Rut

As a photographer, I have always found solace in capturing the beauty of the world through my lens. However, lately, I have been struggling to find the time and inspiration to get out and take pictures as much as I would like. The monotony of everyday life and the demands of my other responsibilities have left me feeling stuck in a creative rut. In this video, I want to share with you how I am trying to break free from this rut and reignite my love for photography.

Gear used:

DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/3krk0i9

Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL

Read More
Field Guide Kwame Johnson Field Guide Kwame Johnson

The photography gear I used at Disneyland

Bags:

Lowepro Truckee - https://amzn.to/3gQCFlI

PGYTech Camera Sling - https://amzn.to/3gK1pMG

Camera and Lenses:

Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL

Tamron 28-200mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3hiPAdo

Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3GU8XH6

Ricoh GR IIIx - https://amzn.to/3VyuglD

DJI Osmo Action - https://amzn.to/3ldQyZk

Accessories

SNAP Mount Pro - https://amzn.to/3imRb54

Sirui Mini Tripod - https://amzn.to/3GUREpx

Apple SD Card Reader - https://amzn.to/3GUbj8V

USB-C SD Card Reader - https://amzn.to/3ionC35

Computer and iPad

Macbook Air M1 - https://amzn.to/3udBFuY

iPad Pro 12.9in - https://amzn.to/3ONkYjS

Read More
Field Guide Kwame Johnson Field Guide Kwame Johnson

What I’ve been up too 🤷🏾‍♂️

Hey, it's been a while. This is a quick update on what I've been up to the last few months. I took a small break from the channel and photography, to clear my head and focus on the next chapter in my life.

My daily photography gear:

Sony A7ii Review: https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI

Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL

Sony 90mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/35q8fkK

Follow me!

WEBSITE ► www.Kwame.me

FLICKR ► https://flic.kr/ps/3T6yWm

GLASS► https://bit.ly/KJGlass

Newsletter ► http://bit.ly/36ZeUji

Read More
Field Trip Kwame Johnson Field Trip Kwame Johnson

2022 Fathers Day Road Trip To The Oregon Coast

Over this past Father's Day weekend we took a road trip to Rockaway Beach. We also checked out a nurture preserve and a few other places. I mainly used my Ricoh GR iiix and Sony A7ii with the Sony 90mm macro lens on this trip.

🙋🏾‍♂️ I have a podcast 👉🏾 Podcast

I want you on the show 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/KwameGuest

See the pictures here 👉🏾 https://kwame.me/blog

My gear page - Kwame.me/gear

My daily photography gear:

Sony A7ii Review: https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI

Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL

Sony 90mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/35q8fkK

Follow me!

WEBSITE ► www.Kwame.me

FLICKR ► https://flic.kr/ps/3T6yWm

GLASS► https://bit.ly/KJGlass

Newsletter ► http://bit.ly/36ZeUji

Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach Old Growth Nature Preserve

Short

Read More
Podcast Kwame Johnson Podcast Kwame Johnson

Yahnny Adolfo San Luis: quit her 9 to 5 to become a sports and travel photographer.

For 15 years Yahnny owned her own very stable business, while at the same time building up a sports and travel photography company. Now she lives in Sweden photographing sports, leading travel adventures, advocating for women of color in sports photography, and more. In this episode, Yahnny shares her photography journey, tips for people who want to become professional sports photographers, and a few travel photography tips for anyone using a smartphone to DSLR.

Show notes:

Yahnny’s Website - https://www.yahnnybly.com/

Italy Trip Info - https://www.yahnnybly.com/en/journeys/hidden-gems-of-piemonte-italy

Twitter - https://twitter.com/yahnnysanluis

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yahnny_sanluis

Jay Maisel - https://www.jaymaisel.com

Ara Guler - https://www.araguler.com.tr/

I want you on the show 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/KwameGuest

See the pictures here 👉🏾 https://kwame.me/blog

My gear page - Kwame.me/gear

My daily photography gear:

Sony A7ii Review: https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI

Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL

Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd

Samyang 35 F1.8 - https://amzn.to/2Vz7ocE

Tamron 28-200mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3hiPAdo

Sony 90mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/35q8fkK

Battery Grip - https://amzn.to/3fOV8Jo

Follow me!

WEBSITE ► www.Kwame.me

FLICKR ► https://flic.kr/ps/3T6yWm

GLASS► https://bit.ly/KJGlass

Newsletter ► http://bit.ly/36ZeUji

Read More
Podcast Kwame Johnson Podcast Kwame Johnson

Local Travel Photography Is A Great Way To Develop Your Photography Style | THP EP 05

Local travel photography is a great way to develop your photography style. Watching YouTube videos, reading books, and looking at pictures are good ways to learn. But in order to grow and develop your style you have to get out and take pictures. Exploring local areas will help you get out of your comfort zone and get you more practice.

Show notes:

I want you on the show 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/KwameGuest

Leave me a voice mail ☎️ https://podinbox.com/Kwame

My gear page - Kwame.me/gear

Read More
Vlog Kwame Johnson Vlog Kwame Johnson

A Morning Nature Walk with the Ricoh GRiiix & Fujifilm XF10 | POV Macro

Most of the pictures are straight out of camera JPEGS. Some have been slightly edited in Lightroom.

📸 My Photography POV Kit

► Ricoh GRiiix - https://amzn.to/3P9gjZg

► Fujifilm XF10 - https://amzn.to/3w1vY45

► Osmo Action - https://amzn.to/3ldQyZk

Read More
Podcast Kwame Johnson Podcast Kwame Johnson

🫵🏾You are a photographer 📸, even if you don't think so! | The Happy Photographer EP. 03

In this episode, we're going to talk about why your pictures matter. This is a podcast champion, the amateur photographer, the photography weekend warriors, the people who are taking pictures for the love of taking pictures. I'm your host, Kwame Johnson.

Show notes:

Be my next guest! I want to hear your story. Why do you take pictures?

Gear I use:

Sony A7ii Review: https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd

Samyang 35 F1.8 - https://amzn.to/2Vz7ocE
Tamron 28-200mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3hiPAdo

Viltrox 85mm F1.8 - https://amzn.to/3nqj90e

Battery Grip - https://amzn.to/3fOV8Jo

Read More
Podcast Kwame Johnson Podcast Kwame Johnson

Eric Tiechmiller Is Sharing His Photography Journey In Public | The Photography Enthusiast Ep. 02

Eric Tiechmiller is an amazing person who only picked up a camera a year ago. In that time Eric has created one of the most positive photography communities on Twitter. In this episode, Eric and I chat about how he got into photography, why supporting other creators is important and advice for people moving from a smartphone to a camera.

Support Eric👇🏾

Website - https://www.ericteichmiller.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ericteichmiller

Patreon - https://patreon.com/ericteichmiller

Read More