Hawaii 2014 + Catalyst

Hawaii 2014 + Catalyst

Even though the end of August is quickly approaching, I’m trying to hold on to Summer as long as possible. So, how about a few moments of magical Hawaiian island splendor?

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

If you’ve followed me for awhile, you’ll know I try to get over to Hawaii as often as possible. Despite that frequency, there’s always something new popping up and uncharted discoveries to be found. This last trip in particular, I made it a priority to visit different places and experience things I hadn’t before.

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

One of the new things I did was have the opportunity to play around with taking underwater shots with my phone! The kind folks at Catalyst contacted me and sent me one of their waterproof iphone covers to try. Since I was on my way to Hawaii, what better place to test it out!

Now I’ve taken some underwater shots before. In the past I’ve used those disposable cameras, and a few years ago, I got a plastic housing for my point and shoot camera. But nowadays I mainly use my iphone for almost all of my photography. The ability to take photos underwater with it seems totally mindblowing.

But I’m going to be honest, the idea of having my iphone die because drowning is terrifying!! I mean, I’m shuddering now just at the thought of it! Well, I tested it out ahead of time and the seal seemed pretty secure. When it came time to actually using it, I backed up my phone, took a deep breath and prayed to the iphone gods above that all would be ok.

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

And it was. It’s actually pretty amazing. The cover allows you use your phone pretty normally thanks to the thin film on the front, which enables you to access and slide with your finger. However, when you’re underwater, using the screen was pretty impossible- but I could use the side buttons to take photos and then come up to the surface to do any swiping. Catalyst also offers a hand tether, which I found really useful and gave me piece of mind that I wouldn’t lose my phone into the dark depths of the Pacific Ocean. Another thing I liked about the Catalyst is that it’s really slim so I could easily put it in my pocket.

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

I’ll admit, it takes a bit of trial and error to get the hang of it. Also, depending on how bright it is under the water, sometimes viewing the screen is difficult. But my biggest problem didn’t have anything to do with the phone or phone cover, but rather trying to stabilize myself underwater enough to take aphoto. I was snorkling and the current kept pushing me away as I was trying to not make too many bubbles or scare the fish!

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com
Anyway, my phone was fine (and dry) and I managed to get some pretty cool shots- which was made even better because I could immediately instagram them for y’all since you know I’m addicted like that, lol! I am excited to try it out again, maybe this time in a pool (or else find another excuse to get myself back to Hawaii) For more info on Catalyst’s waterproof gear, check out their site here.

Hawaii 2014 photo via happymundane.com

This post was sponsored by Catalyst. All opinions are my own.