The growing trend of iPhone-ography challenges the concept of traditional photography. But it could be argued that this is merely a process of technological evolution in an age where technology and social trends are becoming increasingly interrelated.
“Unfurled” captured by Jason Zahariades on iPhone
It’s undeniable that the image quality that can be achieved from mobile phones is amazing considering that lens technology didn’t exist in phones until 2002. Since then progress has been relentless; 61 percent of the global population is now using a mobile phone.
One serious effect of this increase concerning photographers is how much the digital camera market be affected. With more people choosing to use their mobile phones to take photographs, digital cameras run the risk of becoming obsolete. Good news for phone manufactures, bad news for the camera industry.
With this considered, should we be embracing or resisting this trend shift? My personal view is that although phone technology is advancing, it’s only impacting amateur photographers and enthusiasts. The more serious and professional photographers will always use DSLRs. Also, phone cameras still have a long way to go before their integrated technology can match the performance of an SLR.
One huge benefit of having a camera within a phone is that it can be very liberating. It brings the beauty of photography to millions of people who otherwise would probably not participate otherwise.
Perhaps the biggest impact of phone camer’s is ‘realtime global documentation.’ By this I mean that news stories and events can be documented and shared around the world in almost real time—the ability to view the world as others see it instantly. If used correctly for educational and reporting purposes, this surely has to be the greatest result of iPhone-ography.
“Audi” captured by Nick Karvounis on iPhone
iPhone Photography Tips
- Capture. The beauty of an iPhone is that it allows you to take a photo instantly without too much planning. Use this to your advantage and never miss an opportunity.
- Use apps. The app store offers a huge collection of apps that can create almost any effect imaginable for your images.
- Share. Don’t be greedy. Upload your work on social media sites and showcase your talent to the world!
- Engage. Give feedback on other people’s images, share information and advice. You may even begin to develop a following.
- Manage. Get into good habits such as deleting unwanted images and backing up your data. Sync with iPhoto and make storage of your data efficient and easy to navigate.
About the Author:
Tony Mclaren is the managing director of Xseed Photography, Ltd. To see samples of his company’s work or for more photography tips and advice visit: http://www.xseedphotography.co.uk.
For further training, here is a video with some helpful iPhone photography tips and philosophy. The best camera is the one that’s with you. These days, it’s far more likely to be your phone’s camera than a traditional shooter, and Chase Jarvis suggests not sweating the lower quality sensor and lens:
Sure, having a high-end SLR would be great, but what’s more important, he says, is capturing the moment, be it a home run at a little league game or the way light is reflecting on a window.
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The beauty is all about convenience and great quality. You don’t have to always have your camera with you when the moment is right to capture something. The downside is that we’re becoming so spoiled that even having to turn the phone on and execute a couple fairly quick clicks seems burdensome. The requirement for instant satisfaction will improve no doubt.
I disagree with the first point under “A Few Tips to Consider” – Capture: The beauty of an iphone is that it allows you to take a photo instantly without too much planning, use this to your advantage and never miss an opportunity. The phone camera is not instant, and I found it to be slower than using my point & shoot or DSLR camera. First, I have to power up the phone (same for P&S camera). Second, I have to touch the phone display to unlock. Third, I have to touch the camera icon. Fourth, there’s a delay before the camera feature is actually available and ready to capture. And fifth, it’s a bit cumbersome to select a focus by touch screen and then press the capture button. Powering up a regular camera is faster; switching to auto is quick and easy (if the camera is not set to that mode); and focusing and capturing are easier and quicker. I presume there are some phone cameras out there that bypass the unlock screen, but don’t know, and if not, I think manufacturers will make it so. I have missed many photo ops due to the many steps required to photograph using a phone camera. But other than that issue, yes, phone cameras make it easy always have a camera available.
follow @itslizu on instagram(:
The Best Camera – it’s his iPhone app. It’s an ok app but there are better one.
What’s the name of the app he is talking about?