App Obsession: Ansel Adams

Who doesn't appreciate the breathtaking photography of Ansel Adams? Whether you're a photo buff, a nature lover, or simply just looking for the latest and greatest apps for your iPhone or iPad, there's a new app out worthy of your attention. The Looking at Ansel Adams: The Photographs and the Man app by MX was created as a companion piece to Andrea Stillman's recently released book of the same name (Little, Brown and Company, 2012). And while the book would probably be more in-depth, you don't have to read the book to appreciate the app.

First off, what's great about this app is that you can download it for free and upgrade if you choose to. The main menu has a pretty cool interface with period icons like a typewriter, film, and antique cameras. Some fun features of the free version (other than the stunning photos) include: letters, postcards, and notes that give you a glimpse into Adams's every day life; mini-movies about Adams; and a guide through the darkroom process. One thing that is a little frustrating is that it can only be viewed horizontally, so you can't flip the screen vertical to read the letters (zoom helps with this). Remember: if you stick with the free version, you are getting a more condensed version of the full app. Though if you like what you see, the upgrade is a mere $3 and includes an interactive map for geographic context on the prints amongst other features.

Either way, this app is definitely worth a look-see if you have some downtime and are looking for an app other than Draw Something or Angry Birds to bide your time with—or if you have an Ansel obsession. Take a closer look at some of the features below: