Margaret Helthaler

Monday, February 9, 2015

Enjoying a New Project This Winter

Perhaps the frigid temps and icy snow have set my mind to greener topics – but I recently decided to share my interest in plant-based nutrition by starting a blog. I’m enjoying the move between table and landscape with my camera. If you would like to know more about following a vegan and/or gluten-free lifestyle, please visit VeggiePrimer.com.

Of course, I will continue to share my meanderings throughout the beautiful Catskills at: http://instagram.com/iphonemeanderings/

Triple layers on this morning's hike - it was a brisk 10 degrees! #catskills #iphonemeanderings

A photo posted by Margaret Helthaler (@iphonemeanderings) on Jan 21, 2015 at 7:02pm PST

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The Joys of Mobile Photography

I began my iPhone Meanderings project just over a year ago and I continue to enjoy the process. The combination of a camera, editing apps and sharing apps in one handy little pocket-sized package has allowed me to remain engaged with the project in spite of the demands of a full schedule. Taking a few moments to explore the possibilities of an app like Mextures is a great way to pass the time whenever I have a minute to spare!

Gray barn on Red Hill #fall #barn #catskills #iphonemeanderings

A photo posted by Margaret Helthaler (@iphonemeanderings) on Oct 10, 2014 at 1:17pm PDT

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Editing DSLR Captures On iPhone

I have been shooting almost exclusively with my iPhone 4 in recent months – it’s handy to carry in my pocket on these cold mornings. But some shots beg to be captured with a more powerful camera. So after seeing this bald eagle sitting in one of his favorite spots several mornings in a row, I opted to bring my Nikon D40 (my son is currently borrowing my Nikon 5100) fitted with my Nikkor 55-300mm lens on my next outing. My efforts were not in vain – the eagle remained in his majestic and watchful pose while I zoomed in for several captures. I later transferred a few of the images to my iPhone to edit with Snapseed and share via Instagram. I love the flexibility of editing photos on a smartphone. While adjusting fine details on the small screen can be a challenge for the mid-life vision impaired – the ability to pursue my passion during unexpected moments of down time more than makes up for the eyestrain.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

iPhone Photography

I continue to enjoy my iphonemeanderings. Captured some nice waterfall shots using the LongExpo app during a recent visit to Ithaca NY.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

New Beginnings...

I've just returned from an impromptu trip with my son. We traveled to Burlington VT so I could show him the area where he spent the first couple of years of his life, before he heads off to his first year of college in a couple weeks. We had a wonderful time – the trip couldn’t have gone better if we had planned it far in advance. The one thing we did forget, however, was my DSLR camera. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My son and I had great fun exploring different apps and comparing the pics we captured via his iPod and my iPhone. The experience has inspired me to resurrect my Morning Meanderings project with a slightly different twist. I have set up an Instagram account titled iphonemeanderings where I will share daily pics shot and edited exclusively on my iPhone. I’ve already added some pics from our trip. Check it out:

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Casual Meanderings Continue on Instagram

While I have ended my formal Morning Meanderings blog project (and am currently working on a book that encompasses the series) I continue to share shots from my morning walks on Instagram. You can find me at: http://instagram.com/mhelthaler

Some recent meandering shots shared on Instagram

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Think Spring!

Spring continues to be elusive in the Southern Catskills this year... As we long for balmy weather and shades of green, here are some spring favorites from my 2012 Morning Meanderings: