Guest Post: Smartphone Photography Books Series for Beginners

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Victor Lim, and I am an author of smartphone photography books from StuckOnUrban Studio. I would like to extend my gratitude to The Swanple for inviting me to write a guest post and introduce my books to her readers. 

As a token of my appreciation, I have created a special bundle discount on Google Books just for you. Pick 2 to get 10% off and 3 for 20%.

To date, I have written and published three smartphone photography books. My target audience includes everyone from total beginners to seasoned users looking for a refresher.

Book 1: Smartphone Photography: Total Workflow for Beginners

Camera phones now come with larger sensors and more advanced computational photography processing, are outperforming portable compact cameras and even entry-level DSLR or mirrorless cameras. 

There is currently a trend towards smartphone photography, with photography enthusiasts leaning towards their smartphones to capture special moments or any shots they need rather than carrying around heavy professional cameras all the time.

To begin, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of photography, including essential information that anyone new to photography should be familiar with, such as what, why, and how. 

Furthermore, I will offer you valuable tips on how to elevate your photo composition skills, giving you a competitive edge over others. I will also equip you with the knowledge to edit your shots entirely on your smartphone and provide additional insights on industry-standard compositional techniques.

Our goal is to blur the distinction between photos captured by a professional camera and those taken by your smartphone, with the aim of eliciting the question, "Wow, which camera did you use to take this shot?”

Links:

Amazon Kindle and Printed

Google Books

Apple Books

Book 2: Lightroom Mobile: A Smartphone Photography Beginner's Guide to Editing and Color Grading

Times are changing. Big cameras may still be king, but smartphones are emerging as formidable contenders, thanks to rapid hardware evolution and impressive software algorithms. They're no longer just for basic snaps; they're capable of capturing stunning shots with remarkable ease and versatility.

As smartphones morph into multi-faceted tools, even photo editing, once the domain of PCs and Macs, is evolving. With powerful apps and intuitive interfaces, everyday people are unleashing their inner artist, transforming casual snaps into stunning creations.

I'm excited to introduce Adobe Lightroom Mobile. The PC or Mac version of Lightroom stands as one of the top choices for professional photo manipulation, and while the mobile version may not be as feature-packed as its desktop counterparts, it is more than sufficient to fulfill the needs for the three phases of the process cycle covered in this book. 

Adobe Lightroom Mobile is particularly well-suited for the post-editing and post-processing phases, making it an excellent tool also for color grading your photos. The color grading tools, as you will soon discover, specialize in their intended purposes, giving them an advantage over their competitors in terms of effectiveness and usability.

Links:

Amazon Kindle and Printed

Google Books

Apple Books

Book 3: 30 Tips to improve your Smartphone Photography

This book is a collection of techniques and tricks that I have personally used day in and day out for my photography, including smartphone photography. Some of these techniques you may have already encountered elsewhere, while others may be new to you. However, the important point is that by picking up this book, you are demonstrating your curiosity and eagerness to learn more about how different people approach photography. You can also use this opportunity to filter and absorb all the useful techniques for your own needs.

In this book, you will find techniques and tricks designed for use during composition and some of it for post production editing. These will help elevate your photos from ordinary shots to something that looks truly professional. You will also discover highly recommended hardware-related techniques and tricks, which are applicable even for smartphone photography.

Links:

Amazon Kindle and Printed

Google Books

Apple Books

If you have any questions regarding the books or photography-related topics, feel free to contact me directly via email through my website. The special bundle discount I created for you is available from now until the end of July 2024.

Thank you once again to The Swanple and her readers.

Review: Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil

Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil

Always having trouble with getting your hair to stay stylish and healthy? Then you need a hair oil to keep your mid-length to end hair healthy, pretty and shine.

I have with me, Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil. This hair oil is lightweight and keeps my hair manageable and healthy. 

Come checkout my experience with me below.

About Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil

Vegamour is one of the fastest-growing vegan and cruelty-free beauty and hair wellness companies for hair, lash and brow products in the U.S.

Vegamour Website

It takes a holistic approach to hair wellness that incorporate clinically tested plant based ingredients without the use of harmful chemicals.

Ingredients.

No harmful chemicals.

HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil provides the following benefits: 

• Strengthens hair and seals split ends.
• Adds natural, glossy shine.
• Fights frizz and flyaways,
• Smooth hair.
• Ideal for fine or thin hair.
• No silicone.
• No artificial color.
  
• Weightless hair oil.
• Hydrates and nourishes hair.
• Reduce hair breakage. 
  

Directions.

Check out Vegamour Website for more information.  

How to use it?

1. Apply to palms and rub hands together to distribute evenly.
2. Run hands through hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.

This can be used on damp or dry hair.  

 

Amount to use:

• Fine hair - 1 pump.
• Medium hair - 1 to 2 pump.
• Thick hair - 2 to 3 pump.
  

My Review

Having a head of healthy and stylish hair is important as it affect a person's mood. Therefore, it is important to spend some time managing and keeping your hair healthy and beautiful. 

For long hair people like me, using hair oil is essential to manage my hair length. 

Recently, I was introduced to Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil. I have previously tried their hair serum and hair mask. So I am pretty excited to get my hands on their repair oil. 

Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil.

The repair oil came in a nice pink bottle. 

Came in a nice pink bottle.

The cap came with lock function by turning left or right to lock the pump. This prevent leakage when the cap is accidentally pressed.

Cap came with lock function.

The oil itself is lightweight and not oily. It doesn't leave my hand oily after using the repair oil. Although it is oil, it kind of feels watery in texture rather than oily. The oil also had a very light leafy smell. 

Lightweight and not oily.

It is pretty easy to apply and absorb by my hair. And my hair turns instantly easier to manage and comb. It is smoother and less dull too. 

Before and after used.

It is also less frizzy and there is less hair breakage. 

Overall, this Weightless Repair Oil makes my hair more manageable and healthier looking. And most importantly, no harmful ingredients are used.

Where to buy it?

Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil can be purchase from Vegamour Website.

HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil

Delivery Service

Free Shipping to Singapore for orders over S$175. (Price including duty and GST)

Discount

Vegamour is having Memorial Day Sale from 15 May 2024, 3pm to 29 May 2024, 2:59PM. Use code HEYSUMMER for the following discount:

• UP TO 50% OFF SITEWIDE

Where to follow?

Check out Vegamour social media for more information and promotion. 

Vegamour Website
Vegamour Facebook
Vegamour Instagram 

Disclaimer: Products are provided in collaboration with Vegamour. All reviews are 100% honest and based on my personal experience. No monetary compensation of any kind was given or received for this review.

Review: Dermal Therapy Heel Balm

Dermal Therapy Heel Balm (50g)

Are you looking for products to heel and hydrate your dry cracked heels and feet? Check out Dermal Therapy Heel Balm.

Recently, my brother used Dermal Therapy Heel Balm to improve his fry and crack heel. Results is seen in just one application. Check out his experience below.

About Dermal Therapy Heel Balm

Dermal Therapy Heel Balm is formulated to hydrate dry, cracked heels and feet. 

It contain the following benefits:

• Contains 9% urea.
• Non-greasy formula.
• Diabetes friendly.
• Visible results in 3 days.
• Clinically tested and paraben free.  

Ingredients.

Go to Dermal Therapy Website for more information. 

How to use Dermal Therapy Heel Balm?

Apply morning and night to dry, cracked heels and feet. Once heels and feet are restored, continue to use to maintain hydration.

Directions.

My Review

Do you have dry and cracked heels or feet? Then you need to at least apply some cream or balm to improve the cracked and dry condition. 

Recently, my brother came to me showing his very cracked heels. I did some search online and found Dermal Therapy Heel Balm with quite good review. So decided to buy and let him try. 

Dermal Therapy Heel Balm.

The heel balm came in a normal 50g tub.

Came in a normal 50g tub.

The balm came in a white cream texture that is non greasy. 

Came in a white cream texture.

It's easy to apply. Just massage the balm onto your clean cracked area.

The effect is pretty fast for my brother. He can already seen improvement the next day after his application.

In 2 weeks time, his cracked heels already heal but still dry. Therefore, continuous application is still needed until the dryness improved. 

After application.

Overall, this amazing heeling balm is great for improving dry, cracked heels and feet. It is easy to apply too. Go give them a try if you are having the same problem.

Where to buy it?

Dermal Therapy Heel Balm can be purchased from Lazada, Shopee and Watsons at a retail price of S$12.60.

Disclaimer: Products were bought for personal use only. All reviews are 100% honest and based on my personal experience. No monetary compensation of any kind was given or received for this review.

Review: LVLY Sweet Delight Explosion Box

LVLY Sweet Delight Explosion Box

Looking for sweet surprises for your friends and love once? Checkout LVLY Sweet Delight Explosion Box.

Recently, I received a Sweet Delight Explosion Box from LVLY. I was treated with lots of sweet snacks and also opening surprises.

About LVLY

LVLY Website

LVLY is a prominent flower delivery company in Southeast Asia. They started with the purpose of building a business that would help keep loved ones connected and spread a bit of joy in the world. 

Their personalization and customization options add a whole dimension of thoughtfulness to the gifting experience. 

They provide same day delivery everyday. 

They provide flowers and gifts for various occasions includes:

• Flower Jars
• Flower Bouquets
• Flower Bundles
• Explosion Box
• DIY Gift Bundles

Sweet Delight Explosion Box (This review)

This is a customizable surprise unique colourful gift that brings love, fun and laughter. 

Items includes:

• Sweet mixed lolly bag of gummies and jelly beans (500g)
  
• Vanilla infused cookie with fondant topper
• RÓA Lychee Rose cookie bites (10 to 12 cookies)
• Mr Bucket 66% Dark Chocolate (60g)

Besides the basic items, you may add additional items such as colourful eco friendly confetti throw and etc. 

For more information, go to LVLY Website.

My Review

Do you have friends or love once who love sweet snacks and you are looking for surprises or maybe pranks for them? 

Then you must checkout LVLY Sweet Delight Explosion Box. This is just the one box you need to fulfill all your needs.

Recently, I received this Sweet Delight Explosion Box from LVLY. 

The explosion box was delivered on time and the delivery staff is cheerful and friendly too. It came properly packed in a paper bag. 

Came properly packed in a paper bag.

The explosion box came in a beautiful rectangle colorful box. And i must say, this colorful box looks attractive and feels quite heavy. 

Came in a beautiful rectangle colorful box.

The box says slide to open and told to film this. Yes, it is an explosion box. So already you can anticipate some kind of surprises are coming for it to be film. 

Once I slide open, I see a light blue box asking me if I am ready. (Yes I am!😍)

Slide open to a light blue box.

Further opening it, 2 boxes and lots of confetti fly out. 

2 boxes fly out of the box.

Confetti fly out of the box.

Just when I thought it's over, it's not. Further opening, I see lots of sweet snacks. 

Further open with lots of snacks inside.

4 sweet snacks inside the box.

Checkout my opening video below. 

There are 4 sweet snacks inside the box. Of all, I love the gummies and jelly beans the most as it reminds me of my childhood days, choosing sweet colors and chewing up the lovely sweets.

Sweet mixed lolly bag of gummies and jelly beans (500g).

Vanilla infused cookie with pink fondant topper.

RÓA Lychee Rose cookie bites (10 to 12 cookies).

Mr Bucket 66% Dark Chocolate (60g).

You may add on more items to customize your box if you want to. 

I love the layers of surprises for this explosion box gift. It first make you curious, then gave you a surprise scare. Finally then you enjoy the sweet snacks. 

There are so much to enjoy and record and share them on your social media. 

There is only one cons I can think of for this gift. After all the happiness, your friend or love once receiving the gift will need to clean up the confetti that is now all over the floor. LOL😂😂😂Well, if it's meant as a prank for your friend, then this cons is actually a pro. 😁

Overall, this is a great gift that consist of fun, surprises and treats. It's an all in one gift suitable for parties and celebrations. Best of all, it is unique and customizable. 

Go customize your sweet delight explosion gift box now.

Where to find them?

LVLY Sweet Delight Explosion Box can be purchase from LVLY Website at a retail price of S$79.90.

Delivery fee will vary according to address and calculated accordingly during checkout.

Where to follow?

You can check out LVLY from their social media below:

LVLY Website
LVLY Facebook
LVLY Instagram

Disclaimer: This review is done in collaboration with LVLY. All reviews are 100% honest and based on my personal experience. No monetary compensation of any kind was given or received for this review.

Review: Flower Chimp Explosion Gift Box

Flower Chimp Explosion Gift Box

Looking for special and surprise gift for your friends and love once? Then the Explosion Gift Box from Flower Chimp is just the right gift you are looking for.

Recently, I received an Explosion Gift Box from Flower Chimp. They are not only special but also fun to play and record. Come check out my family's exciting afternoon with this gift box below.  

About Flower Chimp

Flower Chimp Website

Flower Chimp is the largest and most trusted online flower delivery company in South East Asia. 

They strives to be the most sophisticated flower delivery brand with the greatest value delivered with every single order.

With Flower Chimp, you are guarantee the unique freshness, superior flower quality, and competitive value of every single order.

They provide a varieties of flowers and gifts for various occasions:

• Trinity Box
• Explosion Box
• Balloon Bouquets
• Anniversary Flowers and gift
• Birthday bundles
• Condolence flowers
• Flower box
• Vase Arrangement
• Opening Stands
• many more...

The review today focus on their Explosion Gift Box. There are 3 flavors to pick from:

• Rainbow Cake
• Chocolate Fudge
• Ferrero Dome

Extra add on is available:

• Butterflies
• Custom Pictures
• Flower Shower

They provide same day delivery for orders before 5pm.

Go to Flower Chimp Website for more information.

My Review

Are you cracking your head looking for special and surprise gift for your friends or love once? 

Looking for gift is never an easy task. For me, gifting is a joyful as well as tiring + scary task. 

Recently, I received an Explosion Gift Box from Flower Chimp. This is the first time I ever knew of such a gift box. And it is really something special and surprise. Now I have another gift option to consider. 

Explosion Gift Box from Flower Chimp.

The Explosion Gift Box was delivered promptly within the specific delivery date and time. 

It came nicely placed in a paper bag.

Came in a nice paper bag.

The Explosion Gift Box itself looks beautiful and tied with a lovely pink ribbon. Box material is hard cardboard which looks durable to me. 

Lovely Explosion Gift Box.

I actually already knew what will happen. So I purposely ask my mum, who have no idea what is inside, to join me for the box opening ceremony.

I must say, it really exceed my expectation. Although I knew what is inside, the moment the gift is opened still makes me so excited. My mum is equally as excited too. Just look at our surprise face expression captured on video.

Look at our surprised face expression captured on video. 

Checkout my opening video below.

Yes, by now you will have seen from the video that there will be flying butterflies flying out of the box when you open it. This is a really great idea. Something different.

The flying butterflies behind all the excitement.

It is also good to know that I can wind back the butterflies, place them back in the box for unlimited time of explosion experience. 

My gift box came with a dome of Ferrero Rocher (around 11 pieces). You may choose Chocolate Fudge or Rainbow cake too. 

My gift box came with a dome of Ferrero Rocher.

Besides that, you may also customise with extra flowers or custom pictures to make it even more unique. 

Can be further customise with flowers or even custom pictures.

Roses in the gift box.

If your friends or love once like surprises, then this is definitely something not to be miss for them.

Lovely Explosion Gift Box.

It is also a great gift for video and photo taking.

It is also a great gift for video and photo taking.

Overall, this is really a good and special gift that is different from the usual one. It does surprise not only the person opening the box but also people around looking at the opening process. It is a fun gift especially during parties and events.

Are you now as excited as I do? Go get them now. 

Where to buy them?

Cake Explosion Gift Box can be purchase from Flower Chimp Website at retail price of S$59.90 (at time this review is posted). 

Delivery fee will vary according to address and calculated accordingly during checkout.

Where to follow?

You can check out Flower Chimp from their social media below:

Flower Chimp Website
Flower Chimp Facebook
Flower Chimp Instagram

Disclaimer: This review is done in collaboration with Flower Chimp. All reviews are 100% honest and based on my personal experience. No monetary compensation of any kind was given or received for this review.

Review: Gaston Luga Spläsh Crossbody Bag

Gaston Luga Spläsh Crossbody Bag (Taupe)

Bag is an essential item we need to carry our things around wherever we go. Finding the right style and size is important. Check out Gaston Luga Spläsh Crossbody Bag.

Having a compact and simple cross body bag makes moving around more comfortable. This Spläsh Crossbody Bag have all the elements that fulfill my needs. 

Come check out more with me below. 

About Gaston Luga Spläsh Crossbody Bag

Gaston Luga Website

Gaston Luga is founded in Stockholm, Sweden. They are a company that produce and sell quality backpacks and accessories.

They are focused on increasing their sustainability efforts company-wide and are shifting to using only eco-friendly materials in their products. 

The product in this post is Spläsh Crossbody Bag.

Color Available

• Taupe
• Black
• Cloud Cream
• Olive
• Petrol

Bag Features

• Made with premium waterproof eco material.
• Easy to Clean.
• Free from DMFa solvent and PFC.
• Two inner zipped pockets for organizing of small items.
• Outer back pocket for easier access of small items.
• Adjustable shoulder strip.
• Compact, practical and stylish for day to night wear. 

Go to Gaston Luga Website for more information.  

My Review

Bag is an essential item everyone need to use for holding other essential things whenever we travel outside. 

For me, I love my bag simple, compact and easy to match. Cross body bag is my number one choice because it is safer to travel with my belonging cross over my body in front of me. 

Recently, I received a Gaston Luga Spläsh Crossbody Bag. This bag is design for daily use for work and travel. It is just the right size for days where you want to travel light with just the essentials. 

Gaston Luga Spläsh Crossbody Bag.

The bag came nicely delivered in an Eco friendly box that is easy to unbox. 

Came in Eco friendly box.

Easy to unbox.

They are properly packed in plastic bag, card board and paper. This make sure the bag is new and not damage. 

Sealed in plastic bag.

Nicely packed.

Bag is new and not damage.

The bag came with "a hook and 3 holes" where I can adjust how tight I want to close my bag. I love it that the closing is adjustable so that I can still close my bag properly if I put in more things. 

Came with "hook".

3 holes for closing the bag.

Easy to slip on.

Closed tightly.

What I love most about the bags are the small small pockets available for me to separately put smaller items. 

There is one with zip at the front. 

Zip pocket at the front.

To hold small items.

One at the back of the bag without zip for easy slip on. 

Small pocket at the back of the bag.

Easy slip on.

One inside the bag with zip. 

Small pocket inside the bag.

The Bag came with an adjustable strip for me to crossbody the bag easily. 

Came with strip.

Adjustable strip.

Crossbody the bag easily with the strip.

The clip on the strip is easy to clip on. 

For holding the shoulder strip.

Easy to press and release.

Clip on nicely.

There is clip to clip or unclip my bag accordingly at the side of the bag. 

 

Unclip.

Clip on at the side.

The bag is just nice for me to carry my essential items around. Also, the bag is waterproof. 

Just nice to carry my essential items.

Good for everyday use.

But if you have long and big wallet, then you might want to change to a shorter and smaller one. Also normal umbrella cannot fit in. Will need to buy smaller size one too if it is an essential item to place in the bag. 😁

I really love how simple and compact this bag is. It makes my traveling light and comfortable. 

Simple and compact.

The bag is really stylish and it is easy to match any of my clothes. The color I chose (Taupe) makes it even more easy to match any color of my clothes. They have many other colors for you to choose too. 

Easy to match any of my clothes.

I must say, the bag is not only good for use when I go shopping and holiday, it is good for use as lunch bag and for special occasion too. 

Good for any occasion.

Overall, this Spläsh Crossbody Bag is a simple, compact and stylish bag to have for easy travel. 

Where to buy them?

Gaston Luga Spläsh Crossbody Bag can be purchase from Gaston Luga Online Store at a price of S$139.

Delivery

Gaston Luga provides free shipping worldwide. They also provide free returns for item purchase within 30 days.

Discount

You are in for a treat. Checkout your cart using my unique coupon code SWANPLE15 for 15% discount. (Valid for 90 days from this post.)

Where to follow?

You can check out Gaston Luga from their social media below:

Gaston Luga Website
Gaston Luga Facebook
Gaston Luga Instagram

Disclaimer: This review is done in collaboration with Gaston Luga. All reviews are 100% honest and based on my personal experience. No monetary compensation of any kind was given or received for this review.