16. take notes

DSC02103.JPG, originally uploaded by markresch.

I never can find a pen, but I don't go anywhere without my mobile phone. I saw a van conversion that I thought was really cool, so I snapped this photo to remember to contact the maker and learn more.

15. make a panorama

baseball panorama, originally uploaded by markresch.

Many mobile phones have software or shooting modes that will let you make a panorama from several photographs. Go ahead and shoot a moving image or an action scene. This was at a little league baseball practice.

14. truth is stranger than fiction

bulldog, sidecar, armored bike, great dane, originally uploaded by markresch.

capture the things that you find in the world. everyday you see amazing things.

13. document an accident

tow dent, originally uploaded by markresch.

the towing company dented the front fender of the car. as soon as we got it back, we took a photo, and sent it to them as proof. (they noted all the other dents on this old car)

12. catch ephemeral advice

DSC00001.JPG, originally uploaded by markresch.

we got this message when we ate at buck's in woodside. you never know where messages are coming from. capture ephemeral advice when it's in your hand.

11. Make visual driving directions

right at prospect, originally uploaded by markresch.

It's hard to miss the right turn...it's got an only lane, but make sure you get over to the right early because traffic at that intersection can be a bear.

Make visual driving directions so it's easy for visual people to know where to go.

10. String around your finger

hilly, originally uploaded by markresch.

You are going to remember it's my birthday next week, right Dad? Just email yourself a reminder photo.

9. Personal city guide creator

hk gelateria, originally uploaded by markresch.

You can take pictures of restaurants that you've visited, like this gelateria in Hong Kong, and save them by city so that you can remember good places to eat when you return, or that you can recommend to your friends.

8. Contact database enhancement

molly, originally uploaded by markresch.

You can take pictures of your contacts and store them along with their address and phone number for a visual reminder of what they look like. It really can help put a name with a face.

7. Extend your memory

sail number, originally uploaded by markresch.

I had to register the boat for an upcoming regatta, and had to use the sail number. I can never remember that number, so I just carry a snapshot of it around. Now I don't need to remember it.

6. Use your mobile for screen capture

screen capture, originally uploaded by markresch.

If you can capture handwriting on paper, you can capture things off your computer screen with your cameraphone, too.

5. Use your phone like a hand-held scanner

DSC01782 1.JPG, originally uploaded by markresch.

Capture somthing on paper to read or use later. This works equally well for flip charts, whiteboards, napkin drawings or even newspapers.

It must be in the water...

I just came across an article called Camera Phones: Ten Ways to Use Them by Mike Elgan. I think I'll illustrate a few 10 of his uses in the next posts.

4. Take a picture of what you're eating

chocolate in the afternoon, originally uploaded by markresch.

Even chocolate in the afternoon can be memorable. Why not take a picture to remember it?

3. Where did I park?

parking, originally uploaded by markresch.

Your mobile phone is with you all the time, remember? It's especially useful to remember where you left your car in that completely nondescript parking garage at the mall. Just snap a picture of your location, and look at it when you return to jog your memory.

Sure beats walking around the parking lot pressing the panic button on the remote.

2. Move up close to your subject

rachel, originally uploaded by markresch.

Cameraphones have very wide angle lenses. They’re designed to take pictures of people from a distance of just a few feet. The pictures will look best if you get close to your subject.

Try this: How close you can get while the camera stays in focus?

1. Take your cameraphone everywhere

This one is a no-brainer. Of course you'll take it everywhere. What are the few things most people never leave the house without? Clothes, keys, money, ID, and of course, mobile phone. It’s always on, always there in your pocket. The thing to learn is that it’s a camera, too. And it’s always with you, waiting to capture a picture at the push of a button. The next step is to learn to not just carry your cameraphone with you everywhere you go, but to use your cameraphone everywhere.

playing in the snow, originally uploaded by markresch.

tree in hong kong, originally uploaded by markresch.

sailing, originally uploaded by markresch.