Apple's iCloud Doesn't Measure Up

I have to say that this new Photostream program from Apple is not going to make it unless some issues are addressed.

To be sure, I got it working--when I put a photo on one device or computer it is shared with the others, but the time put into figuring it out--13 hours--is way too much for something that could be a lot simpler.

The new platform touted by Apple under which Photostream is a part is iCloud, a name that is sure to attract attention as the photography world ponders their move into the "cloud."

The idea is brilliant, but has already been carried out quite adeptly in the Dropbox platform, an simpler approach that is laid out well with clear, concise instructions that answers just about every question that comes up when you start using the platform. 

The problem with iCloud is that there's really no explanation other than the brief three-step directions given for setting up on each device/computer. They don't even tell you how to delete a file from the Photostream, a seemingly easy task made almost impossible in the platform.

Another problem is that iCloud isn't free. You have to purchase the latest version of iPhoto or Aperture for it to work. Dropbox requires none of that.

Finally, if you make an error and accidentally select an entire folder of photos, say, consisting of 500 jpeg files, it will slowly put the photos on all your devices, but if you want to stop it, there's no way to do it, prohibiting doing anything else with the program for hours.

I think Apple put the cart before the horse on this one. It's too bad because it's going to waste a lot of people's valuable time.

Phone Booths

I have an extensive photo collection of phone booths from around the world. This is a sample. There are many more.

California Design 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way

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The new show at the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art is filled with nostalgia.

The room is cluttered (yes, a bit too much in too small a space) with mid-century modern relics from bucket chairs to flying saucer lamps (see pic above).

If you're into this sort of thing and are a photographer, it's a delight to play around with framing of these objects. The images you see here were taken with an iPhone. I've written (with Kris Krug and Greg Ketchum) everything that there is to know about getting images like this with this device. The main thing you want to do is get the photo sharp. You do this by being as steady as you can with the phone. If you've got a flash, remember that this is a museum and you can't use it.

The show is definitely worth seeing and is included with a general admission to the museum. If you haven't been to the museum since it's been remodeled, you're in for a satisfying surprise. A must-go if you're in LA.