Category: Samsung

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 11, 20239:58 pm

Lucky Shot

If like me you own Galaxy S23 Ultra, rush to the Samsung Members app and opt-in for the One UI 6 beta. The camera app receives some refinements that are worth trying out. Why wait, if you mustn’t—and testers help improve the software. The changes are topic for another day, after I spend some serious time exploring them.

But I can attest to improved low-light shooting from the walk taken this evening. Colors are richer and more accurate; previously, washed out highlights was a problem. As the shooter in my pocket improves over time, and subsequently I carry around Leica Q2 less often, the question emerges: Is a full-frame camera even necessary?

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 10, 20239:54 pm

Garden Wall

About a half hour after sunset, I set out on another early evening walk. By San Diego standards humidity is high—granted Floridians would smirk and choke back laughter at what passes for muggy here. But, hey, it is 82 percent as I write but comfortable 20.5 degrees Celsius (69 Fahrenheit).

Where was the Nativity outside the home of Carl, one of the “Cats of University Heights“, I stopped to gawk at the charming backlighting behind plants and trees. A sucker for contrasting areas of dark or light and competing colors, I pulled out Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and utilized the 3x optical zoom capability.

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 9, 20238:38 pm

Batter Up!

The appropriate action would be to ask this gentleman why he watches television outside. But I instead chose to shoot stealthily from across the street because mystery makes the moment. The answer could ruin the curiosity.

Perhaps his partner or spouse doesn’t like baseball. Maybe he is lonely and hopes the outdoor game will draw some company. Perhaps ambiance is the reason: He wants a taste of remembered experience of going to the stadium and watching the game. I will never know and don’t want to.

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 7, 20239:29 pm

Night Garden

On the same property where are the solar-powered lamps that I shared with you last month are decorative lights that surround a sculptured montage of rocks, succulents, and waterfall. When walking by this evening, I decided to stop for a shot—several, actually.

The Featured Image is my selection of the set, and it is edited to taste. While taken after sunset, the original photo isn’t nearly as dark. I amped blacks, dehaze, and highlights, looking to more strongly contrast areas of light and dark—particularly shadows upon the stonework and light on the greenery.

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 6, 20238:24 pm

Chair Pair

Will the Featured Image win awards, or even kudos, for compelling street photography? Never. I don’t have a good supporting story either. The chairs caught my attention for being two, fitting the space placed, and […]

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 4, 202310:01 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Moonpie

Along a Mississippi alley, I spotted this fine feline on June 2, 2023. This rascal is the one-hundred-twelfth furball found behind door or window since the series‘ start in October 2016. Believe it or not, the animal is on the second floor.

I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 160, 1/125 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 7:38 p.m. PDT. What nickname shall we give? How about Moonpie.

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 3, 20239:17 pm

Big, Possibly Temporary, Win for Single Family Homeowners

Today, San Diego Planning Commission unanimously approved Housing Action Package 2.0, which further eases development and redevelopment of properties to increase population density (real intention versus stated objective of creating more affordable housing).

But, the most controversial portion, which had garnered protests for and against, stalled: California State Bill No. 10, which became law last year. Localities choose whether to adopt the provision, which would essentially enable eradicating portions of single-family neighborhoods for the construction of up to 10-unit residences on as little as a single lot. Location must be in a “transit-rich area”, which is a bit misleading. According to the bill, that “means a parcel within one-half mile of a major transit stop” (e.g., city bus).

Photo by Joe WilcoxAug 1, 20239:55 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Twilight Twins

For several years, I have sought photos of one or both blacks that stay to the back of a cottage complex on Florida Street. But the shorthairs are always too far away. Then, unexpectedly, on June 10, 2023, while walking along the alley behind, I passed by the open back gate and there they were.

Problem: Timing and equipment. Deep dusk had already set in, with buildings blocking the last rays before official sunset at 7:56 p.m. PDT. The Featured Image is one-minute earlier. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can be prepped for such night shooting but wasn’t—and I needed to be quick on the shutter.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 31, 20239:49 pm

Fountain of Hope

A tad over four months has passed since our daughter was discharged from the San Diego County hospital where she spent 30 days. In-patient, then out-patient, rehabilitation followed, as she continues recovery from brain trauma: “severe hypoxic injury and bilateral subcortical infarctions”.

She seems normal enough, but a professional or family member could quickly see that she is at least somewhat disabled. Physical handicap persists and she needs some supervision; while intellect and memory seem to be mostly intact, she’s childlike in a way that makes her vulnerable.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 30, 20239:34 pm

You Looking at Me?

This squirrel took some offense to my pointing Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra on July 26, 2023. He (or she) scurried up the telephone pole, then turned around and started back down when the smartphone came […]

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 29, 20239:00 pm

Hidden Bunch

I occasionally share some of the things people put out in San Diego alleys, like the Apple PowerMac G3 (circa 1999), art gallery, big face clock, family room, profane hat, rustic mirror, rusty typewriter, Seventies stove, snowboarding boots, solid wood dresser, Victorian-style sofa, or Vitamaster Slendercycle—to name but a few.

But humans aren’t alone; nature puts out a few surprising finds, too—as the Featured Image demonstrates. These tempting grapes grow along a fence in an alley whose location I choose to withhold other than to say somewhere in University Heights. Interestingly, some vines have riper ones than others.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 28, 20239:36 pm

Big Band Bubble Brigade

Summer never really ends in San Diego but ebbs and flows throughout the year. Yet the last Friday night live music event in Old Trolley Barn Park feels like end of the season, even as the dog days of August are yet to come.

I walked over this evening, beckoned several blocks away by the boisterous big band sound of Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra. She drew quite the crowd, and sizable group—mostly older folks—danced before the stage. If mosh pits were for kids and grandmas, well I observed one tonight.