I just discovered this cool iPhone app, Square, that allows you to take credit card payments from your iPhone without a contract and without outrageous fees.  Before you ask, the answer is no - I have no affiliation whatsoever with Square.  I just think it’s a great idea and thought some of my readers might find it cool/interesting/useful.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit the Square website and sign-up for an account
• Download the Square app
• Wait 3 – 7 days to receive the tiny credit card reader that plugs into your iPhone
• Start taking credit card payments

I’ve looked at a few other credit card processing apps but this seems to be the simplest and most affordable.  To charge a credit card you can either swipe the card or enter the account number manually.  Square charges either 2.75% or 3.5% of each transaction, plus .15 cents, depending on whether you swipe the card or manually enter the information.  There is a funky $1,000 transfer limit but it doesn’t seem like a huge inconvenience.

I plan to use it to collect payment from clients on private guided photo excursions who would rather pay with a credit card than cash or check.  If I ever decide to dive into the world of art shows it will also come in handy to collect payment on the spot.

Caveat: I haven’t yet used this app.  I found it, dug the idea and thought I’d share it here.  Reviews are mixed but mostly positive.  I’ll post an update immediately if I discover anything fishy.  If not, I’ll post a review after I’ve had a chance to use the app for a while.

By now you’re all aware that the iPhone has landed at Verizon.  Finally, iPhone devotees can choose between two carriers!  Choices are always a good thing, right?

I’ve received several emails from folks asking if my iPhone app, iFotoGuide, will work on the new Verizon iPhones.  The answer: oh yeah they will!  So, those of you who have been monitoring the rumors for years and waiting patiently to pick up an iPhone can now do so and will have full access to iFotoGuide: Arches NP, iFotoGuide: Grand Canyon NP and iFotoGuide: Yosemite NP.  All are currently available for download in the Apple iTunes App Store for only $4.99 each.

If you’re not already familiar with it, iFotoGuide is the first and only guide to photographing the national parks currently available on the iTunes App Store.  Each app contains everything you’ll need to plan a successful photo trip to the national park of your choice.  You’ll learn what to photograph, when to be there for the best light, what lens and filters to use and concise directions to each spectacular location.  Search for locations in three unique ways and find inspiration in galleries filled with stunning photography.  iFotoGuide delivers fresh and accurate content that fits easily in your pocket.  iFotoGuide – it’s all you need.

Deputy Brian Harris of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office in Utah was shot to death on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010 while pursuing a burglary suspect.  He is survived by his wife and two children.  Learn more about Deputy Harris and this tragic incident on his Officer Down Memorial Page.

Purchase any iFotoGuide iPhone app during the month of September and I will donate 100% of my half of the sale proceeds to a memorial fund that has been established for Deputy Harris’ family.

iFotoGuide apps provide everything you’ll need to plan a photo trip to Arches, Yosemite or Grand Canyon National Park.  Gorgeous photographs accompany each description of locations within the park that are ideal for photography.  You’ll learn how, where and when to make postcard worthy photographs on your next vacation to these parks.  Each iFotoGuide app also includes an interactive park map, lodging and dining information, park information and more.  At only $4.99 each, iFotoGuide apps are a bargain compared to guidebooks costing $20 or more.

Please keep Deputy Harris’ family, friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers.  From the Kane County Sheriff’s Office website: “Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Brian Harris Family fund may do so at any State Bank of Southern Utah location, or at the Kanab branch, 98 W. Center St., Kanab, Utah 84741, 435-644-5828.  Contact Kane County Sheriff’s Office for additional information, 435-644-2349 or 435-644-4916.”

In Valor There Is Hope