Libor Kubín Much has been written about the iPhone. Developers, user experience experts, users have had their say on the topic... But one part of the iPhone has been somewhat neglected - and that is the ability to take photos. We found answers to our questions, which touch not only on this topic, but with a professional. He is the photographer Tomáš Tesař from the Reflex weekly.
When did you register that there was "any" Apple phone?
Already in 2007, when its first version appeared on the market. I really liked it then, but I wasn't tempted to own it. It could not be bought in the Czech Republic, the photos from it were not of the same quality as they are today. This was also the reason why I started looking at the iPhone again only with the arrival of version 4. It started to be very interesting for me there. I have had a four since February 12, 2... I will never forget that date. However, I tried the first pictures with a borrowed iPhone several months earlier.
Do you use it in your work?
Yes, I use it. Like a pocket photo notepad. As a device that can remind me of appointments, it will help with administration and emails on the go. Sometimes I also write mine on it blog… For this, of course, I use the Apple Wireless external wireless keyboard as a supplement. And also as a camera - a tool for real photography work. For now, only as a supplement to "normal" photography with digital SLR cameras. Since I always have it in my pocket, it's usually the first device I reach for when I think of taking a picture.
Are iPhone photos usable for publication in periodicals and perhaps for advertising purposes?
Certainly. As far as advertising is concerned, it only depends on how brave creatives are or will be to work with this format or genre and how they use it. In our country, I have not come across the direct use of iPhone photos for any campaign. It is becoming a common part of the advertising market worldwide. There are videos and press campaigns, where the basis is visual accompaniment photographed or filmed to order with an iPhone. More often you will come across the use of iPhone pictures in magazines. Sometimes we also experiment with them at Reflex, where I work as a photographer. We have already printed several reports created exclusively with the iPhone. And we were not the first on the Czech media market. And I hope not the last.
What apps do you personally use?
There are really a lot of them. I suspect that the last time I went through it, I already had over 400 photo and video apps downloaded. So I'm a bit of a "patient" with a clear addiction :-) But since I blog about or give tips on most of those apps, I want to try them out in person first. Apart from the photo and video category, I also use some others. For example, Evernote, Dropbox, OmmWriter, iAudiotéka, Paper.li, Viber, Twitter, Readability, Tumblr, Flipboard, Drafts... And many others.
Do you edit photos on iPhone or use a computer?
I edit photos exclusively on iPhone or iPad. Well, iPhone photos. I don't need to edit them on the computer. I "exaggerate" normal images from digital cameras with basic adjustments in Photoshop. I usually get by with two or three functions.
Can the iPhone replace the compact for amateur photographers?
That's a matter of perspective. If you look at some cheap compacts, then definitely yes. The results from the iPhone and the possibilities of everything that can be done when processing photos with this amazing phone clearly show that buying a compact is unnecessary. On the other hand, even camera manufacturers are trying and pushing technical parameters forward. Higher category compacts are often very successful. In general, however, I would recommend everyone to answer a few banal questions before buying a camera. What, why and how often will I photograph with it and what do I expect from the results? And how much am I ready to invest in the device?
What do you see as the weaknesses of the iPhone (or its photographic parts)?
In general, it's still difficult to shoot fast action with the iPhone, and it undoubtedly performs less well in low-light conditions. The vast majority of photos that one takes with it, however, can be created very comfortably and without any technical limitations. Sure, it has its specifics and limits. You cannot, for example, affect the depth of field. But is it really that important to you? If so, is a compact enough for you? Or are you already in the category of higher and more expensive photographic equipment? I personally use the iPhone as an accessory. Diversification of "normal" photography and at the same time I want to use a new style of photography and image processing. It's a different and separate category for me. The endless comparison of the iPhone with cameras is simply a bit of nonsense.
Is it worth buying photo attachments, filters for iPhone?
I think it's definitely worth experimenting with different types of iPhone accessories in photography. You generally don't need them, but why not try them? You may suddenly discover that you enjoy this particular grip, attachment or filter and base your work style on it when creating iPhone photos. It's another way to be creative. I'm definitely a fan of it :-)
Thanks for the interview!
You're welcome, I look forward to the next meeting.
I basically only take pictures with an iPhone :D I never have a camera with me, so in the end, when I need to take pictures, I use the iPhone, and the result is that even if I want to take pictures, I also reach for the iPhone. In addition, the iPhone 4S actually takes really good photos. In addition, most images are often reduced to a lower resolution during presentation and thus "increase" the quality.
I basically only take pictures with an iPhone :D I never have a camera with me, so in the end, when I need to take pictures, I use the iPhone, and the result is that even if I want to take pictures, I also reach for the iPhone. In addition, the iPhone 4S actually takes really good photos. In addition, most images are often reduced to a lower resolution during presentation and thus "increase" the quality.
I shoot on iPhone 4 and Canon 60D. Of course, this doesn't apply to all photos, but I often don't know what was photographed in the iPhot on the computer.
On the computer, yes, but try to print them out.
We've already made a magazine cover out of iPhone 4 photos, so that's fine. however, doing without zoom is often a problem. The iPhone is also harder to hold when taking pictures. But it is always available as a backup.
The iPhone is good for pictures that you don't really care about, you will only view them on a computer. But if you intend to print an ordinary 10x15 photo from them, you will notice a huge difference in quality from a compact. A monitor with 90dpi and a photo with 300dpi are something else. Unfortunately, I already burned myself like this and regretted taking photos with an iPhone instead of a compact camera.
I have an amateur SLR, but I always carry the iPh4s with me, so I shoot with it. There is a difference in those photos, but you can take great photos with that phone as well. But more like Art, when I edit it in the editor, the real photo without editing is not very interesting. A compact will not replace it, a branded camera for €100 simply takes nicer, sharper and more balanced photos and takes them faster. But I'm buying an iPhone and I only consider the camera in it as an added value.