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Citified #ShuttaMission

Most cities are vibrant and chaotic places and there's always something going on. Full of interesting subjects to shoot, busy cities become the perfect scenario for those photographers looking for a vitality and intensity in their images, that hardly can be found anywhere else. 

Additionally, capturing urban landscapes is a worthwhile experience as you are given the opportunity to bring several disciplines together at once: landscape, portrait, action, architecture, fashion, black and white and night photography, and who knows what else!

If it’s your first time dealing with urban photography and you have no idea where to start, check out the following tips which may make you the winner of the Citified #ShuttaMission taking home an amazing Amazon Echo hands-free, voice controlled speaker! So, let's get started!

1. Light

In photography and video, it is all about the light, and luckily that is one thing cities never run out of. From the bright morning light to the artificial glow of the metropolis at night. It’s fascinating how an urban area can change depending on the time of day, while you might find clean and empty streets at sunrise, at dusk you might capture so much more movement and life.

2. Include people in your shots

Buildings are the body of a city but locals are its soul. With the perfect timing, you will be able to capture precious candid portraits. Make sure you ask for permission before you shoot, this could mean the difference between an awkward situation or a happy collaboration of the model.

3. Monochrome

Black and white photography couldn’t be better suited to urban landscapes. Removing the colors guides our eyes straight to the textures, the shape of the buildings, the countless details, patterns, and tiny intricacies of the city, and these monochrome photos can often tell a greater story.

4. Skylines and bridges

Possibly already photographed by thousands of photographers before you, skylines and bridges are a good opportunity to play with new angles and compositions. The key is to find those ones which have previously been missed by others. 

There are situations in which it will be better to use your smartphone in vertical mode, for example to accentuate the tallness of the buildings. Search for high spots, leading lines or rivers or bays where you can shoot across and good results are assured.

5. Go underground

The fast pace of change in cities means that there may be always something new or unexpected to photograph. From recent graffitis characterizing the suburb, to a breakdance team performing in the main square. Besides that, there’s no need to just capture beauty for taking a good photograph. Urban decay such as abandoned buildings can make a great subject and portray the essence of the other side of the city.

Next time you’re in a city, take your smartphone and try to photograph your surroundings from your personal point of view, giving us an idea about the place and its people!

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Living abroad: Karl Wasson

Living in another country might seem to be an easy thing to do but in fact, many expats went through a lot of trial and error. In this interview, Karl Wasson, the american guy of the office and one of the Android Shutta developers, shares his thoughts and experiences of living far from home, specifically in Ho Chi Minh City, where Shutta is currently based in. 

1. Hi Karl, what is it like to be an expat?

It’s fascinating, there are seldom dull days. You’re always learning more about the culture of your new home and meeting interesting people from all over the world.

2. Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from a small town in Michigan, in the US.

3. What are the subjects that motivate you most?

I like having a diverse set of interests. Currently, I’m into organic farming, environmental education, travel, coding, and I run a couple hobby businesses which reflect these interests.

4. Where have you lived so far?

I have lived in Shanghai, China, for two years and Yangshuo, China, for 3 years. The last 4 years I’ve lived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

5. When and why did you decide to move abroad?

I moved to China in 2007. The primary reason I moved was the lack of opportunity in America at the time. I was only a few years out of university and wasn’t keen on the job prospects. Also, I was intensely curious about China’s growth and culture.

6. What was your first thought when you first landed In Asia?

I was overwhelmed. I had lived in Chicago for a few years but nothing prepared me for the culture shock and dynamism of a major Chinese city. It took about 6 months to adjust.

7. What is the best thing of being an expat according to your point of view? And the worst?

This is a double edged sword. The best thing is meeting amazing and inspiring people from all over the world. The worst is, inevitably, we all go our separate ways.

8. How do you handle learning new languages?

I love learning new languages. One of my personal goals was to learn a second language. It just takes a bit of humility when you make an ass of yourself.

9. Could you describe your favorite afternoon plan in Ho Chi Minh City?

My favorite plan usually involves brunch with friends, relaxing at the pool followed by a few adult beverages. Though I believe that best afternoons are unplanned and filled with happy coincidences.

10. Is there anything you used to do at home that is not available where you are living now?

Yes, nature. I’ve spent most of life mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. Everywhere I lived in the States had access to outdoor activities within 20-30 minutes from my front door. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in most large Asian cities.

11. How often do you go back home to visit family and friends?

I only make it home once every three years, however I see family and friends in other parts of the world 2-3 times a year.

12.Could you give any tips for those going to Vietnam for the first time?

Have a sense of humor and don’t sweat the small stuff. You’re in new territory so go with flow. Try to understand the differences between your home country and Vietnam and don’t judge locals for approaching things differently.

13. What are your future plans if any?

I plan to continue expanding my own skill sets and to continue working with diverse people to build amazing things.

Karl Wasson,

Shutta Android developer.

All pics by Karl Wasson and Shutta crew.

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6 basic smartphone photo-video tips

Like most of the arts, the photographic eye can be innate, or can be practiced and improved. It is true that photography is specially very intuitive, but there are guidelines which can often help you to enhance the impact of your photos. With the following tips, we will see that everything can become part of a photo, everything can be captured, and that the point is just to find out how: perspective, composition, light, colors…

1. No zoom

When we want to take a picture but we are not close enough to clearly appreciate the subject, for example in a live music show, using the digital zoom of our smartphone camera has become the most popular solution. However, this is the first thing that should be avoided because of the noticeable quality decrease. The same will occur if we cut the image afterwards. So the best way of solving these situations will be zooming in or out physically, or if this is not possible, using an external smartphone lens. There are plenty of options in the market, from expensive ones to affordable of all.

2. Horizontal better

Although the smartphone screens are built for panoramic use, most of the other screens around us are horizontal: the T.V, computer and even our eyes. That's why, in case a situation doesn't require the opposite, it will always look far more natural and professional when a photo is taken with landscape mode. Not to say that the back camera is the most preferable, just because of its higher resolution compared to the front one.

3. Focus

Something quite obvious but we sometimes forget to put into practice, is to tap on the screen before taking a photo, with the purpose of focusing what we want the main subject to be. Don’t let the autofocus decide for you, it’s not always reliable as it works in a random way.

4. No flash

As happens with the zoom, the flash is another overused component of the smartphone cameras that should be limited only to emergency situations. After the sunrise or in poorly lit interiors, use the flash only when strictly necessary due to light conditions. Light is the most important part of photography, because if there's no light  there's no picture, but the flash generally produces flat images and hard ugly shadows. Enjoy the natural light!

5. Take lots of photos, select few

Practice makes perfect, don't you think? The key is to shoot as much as you can, trying to hunt the best photo and never being satisfied with the first one. Professional photographers take hundreds of pictures in every session, maybe just to select one or two afterwards. Selection is important, because if you leave bad photos, the overall quality decreases. Blur, fuzzy, unfocused,... if that was not your intention, delete them! The other option is to shoot just one video from different perspectives, and after just to cut the frames you like with Shutta.

6. Edit your photos

If you are not a raw archive lover, you may find essential to improve what your camera does not achieve by using a photo editing app. From the basic components such as contrast and brightness, RGB curves and saturation to preset filters. There are thousand of options out there, starting with Shutta App, which are making post-production a very easy task. Test them and build your own distinctive editing style.  

If you've read this far, its time to comment that although these are some of the basics to start with, in some cases you will achieve more interesting photographs without applying anything that has been said here. When you feel comfortable enough controlling your smartphone camera, let the intuition guide you and break the rules! Use the panoramic mode, the creepiest flash ever or leave your photos unedited, everything is valid if exists a concrete intention.

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60sec profile: Ben Taylor

“I'm a tattooed, half english, half Australian, and grew up in China. I live and work in Saigon. Let's party!”. This is how Ben describes himself in Shutta. At his young age, he has already lived in some of the greatest asian cities, working mainly as a bartender, part-time actor and currently in the Shutta team as a community builder. Come to meet him in this rapid-fire interview!

1. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? I used to work for a surf company in Hong Kong and ended up being based on this beach alone where the nearest life was about 2 and a half hours away! Living in a tent on the beach for a couple months because, being honest, it was better than in a house with rats everywhere...

2. What’s the most money you’ve ever drunkenly spent at McDonald’s? Hmmmm... about 500k maybe 600k tops ($25-$30). Easy munchies!

3. Can you fit your whole fist in your mouth? Nope, got a small mouth.

4. How many times does it take for you to listen to a song, that you love before you actually hate it instead? Being honest, I don't really listen to too much music in my spare time and at work I'm far more a podcast kind of guy.

5. What would be your perfect day away form work? Beers at a driving range without a care in the world. Perfection haha

6. Who would you let you punch directly in the face? Mr T. No doubt.

7. How many days have you gone without showering? Well, you can smell me and take a guess.

8. How long does it take you to scroll through Facebook before giving up? Giving up is for the weak!

9. What can't you live without? My iPhone 7. She's the best.

10. Finally, and this one is important, so please pay attention. What do you think cats dream about? A clean litter tray.

Ben Taylor,

Shutta community builder.

All pics by Ben Taylor.

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New Beginnings #ShuttaMission

The new is always exciting. Scary or encouraging, new things always arouses curiosity. New insane adventures in places you always wanted to discover, new funky friends with whom to talk about conquering the world, or new friends that will turn into lovers, new items you always thought you need, new makeovers which make you feel prettier than ever and new resolutions that become challenges.

Do you want a new job? Say bye to your current one! New clothes? Empty your closet now! If we want big new things to come to our life, we must leave space saying bye to the old ones first. 

Capture all this revolution with Shutta, and let’s start 2017 with the right foot by posting your best photos inside the New Beginnings #ShuttaMission for the chance to win an awesome Marshall Acton Black speaker! Hurry up, there's just one week left!

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60sec profile: Viet Hoang

Meet Viet Hoang, a serious guy with a great sense of humour, meatballs lover and Android developer at Shutta. Find out in 60sec interview his particular style!

1. What is your personal philosophy?

One simply doesn't talk about his personal philosophy until he makes one up. Does that sound philosophic enough?

2.  What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Air. Except that, I can live with pretty much nothing else. Oh water and food too.

3. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

Working here, I guess. Seriously, no where else you can smash your bosses in the face and can still come to the office the morning after. Newcomers, I'm not responsible for any consequences you might face if you carelessly and literally take my word for what it is.

4. If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

Gift delivery. Santa Claus has pretty much done a shitty job for all those years. None has been delivered to me.

5. What's on your Shutta desk?

Stuff. Sorry for letting you down but if you were expecting a pile of dollar bills, then you would have asked the wrong guy. Friendly bonus, I'm not telling you that James has a bunch of change on his table if it is what you're after.

6. What’s the thing you hate the most?

Having to do things I don't like.

7. What would you choose as your last meal?

T bone steak (blushing pink), eggs (over easy), hash browns (slightly burnt), toast with butter, jelly, milk and orange juice; a typical US death row inmates' last meal.

8. Name one person you'd like to have dinner with (and why)?

Hoang Viet. Last time I heard, he is quite witty, and he also like most of my food.

9. Tell us about a turning point in your career

Agreeing to do this interview. From a random guy at Shutta, I'm about to be known as the abnormal guy at Shutta.

10. What's your favourite pastime/relaxation activity?

Reading some of my favorite books while listening to some Eminems while playing Clash Royale and occasionally glancing at all the crash report. I know, that's a lot of while, blame my schedule.

11. What you like most about working in Shutta?

Don't have to tuck my shirt in. I have never really been a white collar guy. If I can get away with it, you're sure as hell won't see me tucking my shirt in. I have had to do that for 12 years, I dont want to ever do it again for the rest of my life.

Viet Hoang,

Shutta developer.

All pics by Viet Hoang and Shutta crew.