Hynek Hampl Wondering how to get the most out of your smartphone camera? In the world of mobile photography, is there anything better than filters to make photos look better than they really are?
Multimedia journalist and iPhone street photographer, Richard Koci Hernandez, recently participated in a discussion on "how to become a better smartphone photographer" on the CNN iReport Facebook page.
“People don't realize the incredible potential that mobile photography gives photographers. It's a golden era.” Hernandez said.
He offered some tips to readers, which were subsequently written up by CNN:
1. It's all about the light
"Shooting with the right light, early morning or late evening, has the potential to make the most boring scene the most interesting."
2. Never use smartphone zoom
“It's horrible, and it's also the first step to a failed photograph. If you want to zoom in on the scene, use your feet! Get closer to the scene and your photos will look better.”
3. Lock exposure and focus
"Your photos will be 100% better," writes Hernandez. If you have an iPhone, this can also be done in the basic iOS camera app. Just put your finger and hold it on the display where you want to lock the exposure and focus. Once the square flashes, exposure and focus are locked. You can also use different apps like ProCamera to lock the exposure and focus. These functions can usually be turned on separately in applications.
4. Silence your inner critic
Try if you can go and take pictures for one whole day, whenever your inner voice tells you: "I would like to take a picture of something."
5. Edit, edit, edit
Control yourself and don't share everything. Share only the best photos and you will have more fans. “We don't need to see all 10 of your ugly children. I try and pick only the least ugly. Because choosing just one child (one photo) is difficult and very personal," wrote Hernandez.
6. Technical excellence is overrated
Exercise your powers of observation. Learn to look and see deeply.
7. Filters are no substitute for a good eye
The basics are still necessary. It is important to look at the situation, the light and the subject of photography. If you decide to add effects like sepia, black and white, or some other creative filter (such as Instagram and Hipstamatic), that's fine, but remember - "a pig with lipstick is still a pig." And if it's journalism, it's need to take photos without filters.
8. Take photos discreetly, so that the photos are as honest as possible
Hold your phone so that it's as little visible as possible while you're ready to take a photo. Those being photographed should not know you are taking their picture. Be resourceful. The moment people know they are being photographed, the photos will be less candid. This way, you'll end up with more bad photos, but when you get one, you'll want to hang it on your wall.
9. Enter tasks and deadlines
Take 20 pictures of the same thing from different angles. You begin to see the world differently. Just walk around the bowl of fruit on the kitchen table and watch the light fall on the fruit from different angles.
10. You have to know what you want to see before you see it
Make a list of things you want to photograph today and then find them. If you are familiar with my work, so you know that the "number 1" on my list is men in hats. Or any hat for that matter.
11. Study other photographers
I spent an unhealthy amount of time looking at photos. That, in my humble opinion, is the only way to improve. My favorite photographers are: Viviam Maier, Roy Decavaro and on Instagram Daniel Arnold from New York, who is simply amazing.
12. Always be prepared
Make sure that when your mind says "take a picture of it" you don't make excuses like, "Hey, my camera was in my backpack" or "The camera wasn't around". And this is exactly why I love mobile photography —
my camera is always with me.
I want to ask what software is used in that video? Procamera or Hipstamatic? Or what other software would you recommend?
Díky
I saw a yellow button from Hipstamatic there. But I think he uses more.
"Those being photographed shouldn't know you're taking them." Translated: Invade others' privacy. ;)