Things look like a creative GOTY

Another round of random thoughts and updates. None of them deserve its own post, but a collection of these makes sense.

Here we go.

Back to Things

Gave Reminders a good try since the public betas this Summer — and I’m back to Things.

Every time I switch to another to-do app I tell myself that it might be different this time. But then I always come back to Things. It just feels like home. It’s compatible with how my brain works and how I want to manage my tasks.

Reminders, despite the recent updates, still feels clunky, janky. Requires too many workarounds to bend it to my preferences. And, honestly, it’s ugly. While Things is just so pleasant to use (and to look at!)

Creativity is problem-solving

YouTube algorithm sometimes hits the jackpot. Got this video on my Home page recently:

Creativity is, in essence, another word for problem-solving.

That rings so true. If there’s no problem, no limitation to overcome, then I feel less passionate about photography. It offers no challenge so there’s no thrill. I want there to be problems to solve, things to figure out. Like, having to develop the film on my own — like I used to do years ago.

But then, there’s a competing pull toward convenience. Minimizing friction. Making things easier.

And I have let myself be pulled. Got multiple cameras, lenses for every occasion, and multiple photo editing apps on my phone. I am drowning in options. Problem is, I’m not drowning in good photos.

I need to reintroduce some limitations to make photography fun again for myself.

For example:

• One lens, one camera only
• Black and white only
• Manual focus only
• Manual exposure only
• Has to be somewhere else than the places I usually hang out
• Or limit yourself to just your neighborhood and find something worth photographing there
• JPG only

Going to try some of these out.

GOTY

The Game Awards just wrapped it up and announced Astro Bot as the game of the year.

My personal game of the year is Black Myth: Wukong. Is it the best game of the year? I don’t know, probably not. I didn’t even play most of the nominees for game of the year at TGA. But Wukong was by far the game I enjoyed the most this year. Some factors that contributed to that:

• The difficulty felt so perfectly tuned to me. The bosses were challenging yet not these punishing, insurmountable walls from other souls-like games (except for Yellow Loong and Erlang). But not a cakewalk either. Every win inspired a feeling of achievement. Honestly, I’ve just gotten into Path of Exile 2 and it feels more difficult than Wukong!
• Loved the setting. Finally something fresh and not another dark fantasy.
• Impressive graphics.
• Ability to enjoy it with friends and exchange tips and tactics.

Best game I’ve played this year and ~40 hours well spent!

Leica FOTOS update

A massive update to Leica’s photo syncing app just before the end of the year!

In my review (or rather, first impressions) I expressed hope for Leica D-Lux 8 to support Leica Looks eventually. In-camera filters/film simulations make a perfect pairing with a travel/everyday camera like D-Lux 8.

The new FOTOS app update brings that support and I’m so happy! Except, it’s not in-camera, baked-in Look like in Leica Q3. Instead, you can use the app to apply the Looks to JPGs you have already imported from your camera (and it’s not limited to D-Lux, all Leica JPGs are supported — in fact, any JPG you move manually to your “Leica” album can have a Look applied!)

I love this. And I’d argue it’s even better than in-camera Looks because when you do it through the app it’s non-destructive and you can control the strength of the filter.

Plus, there’s a new Look called Brass, which is basically their spin on Portra film simulation.

Update the app if you haven’t already!