Flashing back to 2003, I remember that my first camera phone was the Motorola Razr, it came with a whomping 1.23 megapixel camera with a very low resolution. I was barely able to record 10 second videos and share them with friends and family. I couldn’t believe it… boy have things changed!
Since the first camera phone in 2000, newly developed cellphones are being produced with higher pixels, more functionality, and HD video. Most cellphones nowadays have at least an 8 mega-pixel camera and the ability to shoot 1080p video for up to 60 minutes or more. There is a saying that “the best camera is the one you have with you” and this is so true nowadays. Every time you leave your house, you always remember to grab your phone. That’s not always the case for your big and bulky DSLR. Obviously you are limited to quality of your cellphone image due to its small sensor / lens, but you have a camera and you are able to capture the moment and quickly share it with your friends, family, and the rest of the world.
What is iPhoneography?
As you might have guessed, it’s a made up word containing iPhone and Photography. It is the art of taking and editing a photo with your iPhone.
It is very controversial in the Photography world, especially when it comes to editing. People will say “get a real camera” or “it only looks good because of the filter”. I do not agree with this. Iphoneography is its own art, and there are no rules to follow. Just like anything in this world, people are going to love it, or hate it.
I’m now an owner of an iPhone and absolutely love the camera for what it is. Apple has evolutionized the iPhone camera and is bringing in more professional photographers into this world. With image quality steadily increasing and new apps constantly being developed, this art has become easily accessible to everyone who owns an iPhone. Pretty much anyone can be an artist and create stunning photos with their cellphones. That is something marvelous.
Iphoneography Apps
I’m going to name just a couple of my favorite apps I use to shoot, edit, and share photos directly from my iPhone. Because the App Store has thousands of available photography apps, some of these may or may not work for you.
Camera + – This is by far the best camera app I have used. What I love most about this app is that it gives you complete control over your exposure, focus, and timer. It also has a built-in level so you know your photos will be straight. Aside from these features, it comes packed with adjustable filters and sharing tools.
Slow Shutter Cam – This app is pretty cool. It allows you to do long exposures at night to get “light trails.” I recommend using this app while attached to a tripod.
Snapseed – This is my go to editing app if I really want to spend some time to make my photo look extra good. It gives you all the tools you need to edit your photos white balance, temperature, brightness, contrast, etc. It’s like a mini photoshop.
Photosynth – My favorite app for creating panoramic images. What’s really cool about this app is you can take full virtual panoramic images and share them with other users.
CameraBag – I really like this app for when I want to make my photo have that “film” effect. It basically emulates old cameras and their film effects and applies it to your photos.
VSCO Cam – Similar to CameraBag, It allows you to add fun film effects and gives you control of your exposure, brightness, temp, etc. and share them in the “Grid” which is a social media community.
Diptic – This app allows you to create artistic collages for multiple photos. It comes with many filters, frame presets, and lots of customizable layouts.
Sean Parker
Sean Parker is a traveling photographer in Tucson, Arizona who enjoys to capture the beautiful scenery this world has to offer. Aside from photography, Sean also specializes in motion controlled time-lapse cinematography.
Website: www.sean-parker.com
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