Part 1: The basics of iPhotography
Whether you’re taking pictures to capture a moment, make a statement, or share a story, taking photos with intention will quickly improve the quality of your images. Today we’re talking about some hidden features you might not know about that will help you become a better iPhone photographer.
1. Don’t Miss It! Trying to capture those impromptu moments? Sometimes scrambling for your phone, unlocking it, and pulling up the camera app takes too long. Fortunately, iPhones have a remarkable feature allowing access to the camera in a split second. Pick up your phone, touch the home button, and just swipe left to directly open up your camera!
2. Find Your Focus. With your camera on and open, it’s time to start taking control of your photo. Your iPhone will have two functions that it will try to automate: focus and exposure. Have you noticed that yellow square that shows up when you tap on the screen? That’s the focus feature. Notice how the picture, and its tone, changes as you tap different areas of the photo? Focusing on the right subject can make a huge difference in the story you tell.
3. Manipulate Photo Exposure. As you click around, you may notice the photo will change its brightness, otherwise known as exposure. The iPhone’s exposure feature takes into account brightness, shadows, highlights, contrast, and coloring. We always say it’s better to “underexpose” rather than “overexpose”, meaning it’s better to let your picture be taken a little darker rather than too bright. An underexposed photo can be properly edited to create the look you want. This will be much more difficult with an overexposed photo. To change the exposure on your camera, tap once to get that focus square over your target subject, then tap again. Hold down your finger and swipe up or down. Swiping down will lower your exposure while swiping up with increase your exposure.
4. Lock It In! You’re not done yet! You want to make sure you’re getting the exact frame, composition, and angle that you want. Unfortunately, as soon as you move your camera, it will automatically change the settings you just worked so hard to perfect. But luckily, the settings can be locked! Just hold down your finger on the focus box until you see the AE/AF Lock in yellow on top of your screen.
5. Photo Composition. Composition means “putting together”, and in photography we think of it as the placement or arrangement of the visual elements in a photo. A well-known rule for a successful composition is “the rule of thirds”. Imagine there’s a 3X3 grid over your photo. The idea is that if you place the important subjects either at the grid points of intersection or along the grid lines, it will appear the most attractive for a viewer to look at. The iPhone has a “grid lines” feature, to help you visually see the placement of your photo. To turn it on, just go into settings, camera, and then turn on the “grid” section.
6. Use Your Headphones! You know those Apple headphones we all lose? (oops!) They can be incredibly helpful! When plugged in, you can easily snap a picture with the volume buttons. This is great for street photography, where you may want your photo taking to be subtle. The headphones are also a lifesaver when you’re using a tripod. iPhones, even more-so than a normal camera, can be extremely sensitive to movement. The click of a button can create enough movement to blur up your photo. When your camera is on a tripod, and you’re able to take the shoot with the headphone buttons, any unwanted movement is eliminated, keeping your photo still and focused.
Jen Barker Worley Photography
555 Grant Street, Suite 337 Offices at the William Penn Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-370-4520
Marisa Corona, Pittsburgh Business Times' 30 Under 30 honoree, is a social media and digital marketer who has managed and built award-winning digital marketing content strategies for over 30 brands and organizations — from local businesses to nonprofits to health care to B2B and the world’s largest consumer packaged goods brands.
Jul 2
Marisa Corona, Pittsburgh Business Times' 30 Under 30 honoree, is a social media and digital marketer who has managed and built award-winning digital marketing content strategies for over 30 brands and organizations — from local businesses to nonprofits to health care to B2B and the world’s largest consumer packaged goods brands.
Dale is "the" Downtown Pittsburgh tailor. Many of my fashionable clients who have worked downtown over the past 30 years know him. And out of all the tenants in the William Penn, he's been here the longest.Covid hit his business hard. Both because it's fashion and because of the situation downtown. But I still always see him and Donna in early and smiling. With businesses returning next week, let's hope people start dressing up again and wanting clothes that fit well!Having a well-tailored jacket is critical for looking good. I take a lot of pictures of people whose jackets don't fit right... and yeah, my post-production can help with that. But a truly tailored blazer or suit jacket can make a Burlington look like a Burberry.Let's start buying nice clothes again and hiring Dale to help us look sweetly smart in them!@omnihotels @omniwilliampennhotel #pittsburghtailor #pittsburghphotographer #tailor #seamstress #pittsburghheadshots
Jul 1
Dale is "the" Downtown Pittsburgh tailor. Many of my fashionable clients who have worked downtown over the past 30 years know him. And out of all the tenants in the William Penn, he's been here the longest. Covid hit his business hard. Both because it's fashion and because of the situation downtown. But I still always see him and Donna in early and smiling. With businesses returning next week, let's hope people start dressing up again and wanting clothes that fit well! Having a well-tailored jacket is critical for looking good. I take a lot of pictures of people whose jackets don't fit right... and yeah, my post-production can help with that. But a truly tailored blazer or suit jacket can make a Burlington look like a Burberry. Let's start buying nice clothes again and hiring Dale to help us look sweetly smart in them! @omnihotels @omniwilliampennhotel #pittsburghtailor #pittsburghphotographer #tailor #seamstress #pittsburghheadshots
It’s nice to getaway. And have a little adventure. We’re not exactly sit-on-a-beach-for-a-week people.Not that there’s anything wrong with that. We’re more like 3-days-max at any location and time to move on! Pack up the teardrop trailer and the dogs and on to explore.And my must for any vacay: A few days at home to recover from the trip, unwind, and psych myself up for work to resume!#shibainu #adirondacks #pittsburghphotographer
Jun 25
It’s nice to getaway. And have a little adventure. We’re not exactly sit-on-a-beach-for-a-week people. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. We’re more like 3-days-max at any location and time to move on! Pack up the teardrop trailer and the dogs and on to explore. And my must for any vacay: A few days at home to recover from the trip, unwind, and psych myself up for work to resume! #shibainu #adirondacks #pittsburghphotographer
I didn't know I'd be shooting a kilt for this session. But when Michael walked in .... awesome. Officially my first kilt shoot.Revisiting this from a few weeks ago has me thinking... Pittsburgh has some similarities to Scotland. We have hills, lots of grey days. Maybe I see a personal project along these lines sometime in the future?#kilts #pittsburghscottish #pittsburghprofessional
Jun 16
I didn't know I'd be shooting a kilt for this session. But when Michael walked in .... awesome. Officially my first kilt shoot. Revisiting this from a few weeks ago has me thinking... Pittsburgh has some similarities to Scotland. We have hills, lots of grey days. Maybe I see a personal project along these lines sometime in the future? #kilts #pittsburghscottish #pittsburghprofessional
Another shoot that I can't believe I haven't posted yet. Jackie's company send me a moodboard for us to start creating the look they would like for her branding.I love collaborating with marketing departments and individuals to get the look that the creatives involve want, but that the subject feels is also true to them.#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghbranding
Jun 15
Another shoot that I can't believe I haven't posted yet. Jackie's company send me a moodboard for us to start creating the look they would like for her branding. I love collaborating with marketing departments and individuals to get the look that the creatives involve want, but that the subject feels is also true to them. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghbranding
One of the first startup companies I did headshots for when returning to photography in 2018 was Locomation. It's been exciting to see how their team and company has been growing since then.Autonomous driving is the future... well, also the now. I love the limited "self-pilot" my Subaru has. But autonomous in semi-trucks.... that is definitely exciting and something I believe will increase road safety. Looking forward to the future!#pittsburghphotographer #autonomouscars #locomationai
Jun 14
One of the first startup companies I did headshots for when returning to photography in 2018 was Locomation. It's been exciting to see how their team and company has been growing since then. Autonomous driving is the future... well, also the now. I love the limited "self-pilot" my Subaru has. But autonomous in semi-trucks.... that is definitely exciting and something I believe will increase road safety. Looking forward to the future! #pittsburghphotographer #autonomouscars #locomationai
I will admit, I had to google which side the hassle is supposed to go on. Graduation ceremonies have a rich traditional history, but most of us have no idea what and why it is we wear this garb. And every school has it's own traditions.I liked the green. @carnegiemellon I think? Correct me if I'm wrong. And please, give me a reference to help me know all the etiquette! I've done two graduation garb portraits this year, and they were my first.#pittsburghgraduation #pittsburghdoctors
Jun 13
I will admit, I had to google which side the hassle is supposed to go on. Graduation ceremonies have a rich traditional history, but most of us have no idea what and why it is we wear this garb. And every school has it's own traditions. I liked the green. @carnegiemellon I think? Correct me if I'm wrong. And please, give me a reference to help me know all the etiquette! I've done two graduation garb portraits this year, and they were my first. #pittsburghgraduation #pittsburghdoctors
Nothing to ponder over, have a little fun! Enjoy the weekend.#pittsburghheadshots #pittsburghphotographer
Jun 12
Nothing to ponder over, have a little fun! Enjoy the weekend. #pittsburghheadshots #pittsburghphotographer
Got to do a little fitness-yoga shoot with the stunning @daralisantiweberShe assures me that if I start stretching again, my flexibility will come back. It's on my "to do" list. I was trying to do Pilates and kinda messed up my hip for a bit. Don't get old. 😆#pittsburghheadshots #pittsburghfitness
Jun 11
Got to do a little fitness-yoga shoot with the stunning @daralisantiweber She assures me that if I start stretching again, my flexibility will come back. It's on my "to do" list. I was trying to do Pilates and kinda messed up my hip for a bit. Don't get old. 😆 #pittsburghheadshots #pittsburghfitness
The driving force at Osterhout Berger Disability Law. They're a boutique law firm dedicated to the representation of disabled persons in connection with their claims for Long and Short-Term disability claims and claims for disability benefits under the Social Security Act.I was able to travel to their office for this group shot and their individual headshots, and enjoyed working with this team. Couldn't resist not to throw in an outtake group photo, as we took a super goofy one and this is there reaction looking at it, as I shoot tethered.#pittsburghlawyers #pittsburghheadshots #disabilitylaw
Jun 10
The driving force at Osterhout Berger Disability Law. They're a boutique law firm dedicated to the representation of disabled persons in connection with their claims for Long and Short-Term disability claims and claims for disability benefits under the Social Security Act. I was able to travel to their office for this group shot and their individual headshots, and enjoyed working with this team. Couldn't resist not to throw in an outtake group photo, as we took a super goofy one and this is there reaction looking at it, as I shoot tethered. #pittsburghlawyers #pittsburghheadshots #disabilitylaw
Had the privilege of taking Mr. Carnegie’s photo this week. But he was a bit difficult.Old heavy ornate frame. He was under glass. In the corner of two small hallways. And I couldn’t control the lighting in the office- some stay on permanently.I thought I came prepared. Brought a large felt backdrop to block the light and the reflections it cast. But it wasn’t solid enough. Couldn’t completely block the light from the doorway on the same plain as the artwork, which then illuminated my tripod and me, as you can see in the glass.So I started playing around with cardboard that was laying around, which served the dual purpose of further blocking the diffused light behind the camera, and stopping the camera, tripod, and me reflecting off the glass.But it wasn’t big enough. And it took forever, as my shutter speed was at 25 seconds. So Abby, who was the project leader doubling as my assistant (thank you Abby!) found a roll of Kraft paper, which we unfurled, both holding an end to cover a larger area… it was barely long enough to cover the width, so perfect!My psd file comprised of five images all layers then masked out to get me what I needed, and then I had to clone out my lens which was still to the left of Andy’s chin.Took about an hour on location, and then maybe 20-30 minutes in post. But still less work (and risk!) than taking it off the wall, and taking it out of glass.#carnegie #carnegieheros #pittsburgh #carnegieherofund
Jun 10
Had the privilege of taking Mr. Carnegie’s photo this week. But he was a bit difficult. Old heavy ornate frame. He was under glass. In the corner of two small hallways. And I couldn’t control the lighting in the office- some stay on permanently. I thought I came prepared. Brought a large felt backdrop to block the light and the reflections it cast. But it wasn’t solid enough. Couldn’t completely block the light from the doorway on the same plain as the artwork, which then illuminated my tripod and me, as you can see in the glass. So I started playing around with cardboard that was laying around, which served the dual purpose of further blocking the diffused light behind the camera, and stopping the camera, tripod, and me reflecting off the glass. But it wasn’t big enough. And it took forever, as my shutter speed was at 25 seconds. So Abby, who was the project leader doubling as my assistant (thank you Abby!) found a roll of Kraft paper, which we unfurled, both holding an end to cover a larger area… it was barely long enough to cover the width, so perfect! My psd file comprised of five images all layers then masked out to get me what I needed, and then I had to clone out my lens which was still to the left of Andy’s chin. Took about an hour on location, and then maybe 20-30 minutes in post. But still less work (and risk!) than taking it off the wall, and taking it out of glass. #carnegie #carnegieheros #pittsburgh #carnegieherofund
It was my pleasure to work with the beautiful and talented @kieshalalama I swear she does it all.In our session together I got to see her toughness yet overflowing happiness and love of life that is the fuel that gives her the energy to keep her so busy and involved in Point Park, the CLO, and her Podcast Pathways to Perform#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghdancers #pointpark #clo
Jun 9
It was my pleasure to work with the beautiful and talented @kieshalalama I swear she does it all. In our session together I got to see her toughness yet overflowing happiness and love of life that is the fuel that gives her the energy to keep her so busy and involved in Point Park, the CLO, and her Podcast Pathways to Perform #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghdancers #pointpark #clo
Still catching up on these posts! Loved working with all these women.#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Jun 8
Still catching up on these posts! Loved working with all these women. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
More photos from February... I can't believe how time flies. Sign of me getting old.#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Jun 7
More photos from February... I can't believe how time flies. Sign of me getting old. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Lawyers, engineers, business leaders... whatever you do, I'm here to help you with your headshots.#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Jun 6
Lawyers, engineers, business leaders... whatever you do, I'm here to help you with your headshots. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
More confident Pittsburgh professionals here. Pleasure working with all of these amazing women back in February.#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Jun 5
More confident Pittsburgh professionals here. Pleasure working with all of these amazing women back in February. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Absolutely loved this shoot with Jake. I know he looks fierce in these but he was such a nice guy and we got a variety of expressions and looks... these tougher ones were my favorite. Wishing him the best in his new acting career!#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #actorheadshots #pittsburghactors
Jun 4
Absolutely loved this shoot with Jake. I know he looks fierce in these but he was such a nice guy and we got a variety of expressions and looks... these tougher ones were my favorite. Wishing him the best in his new acting career! #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #actorheadshots #pittsburghactors
I'm a fan of the non-toothy expression... but of course like smiles too.#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Jun 3
I'm a fan of the non-toothy expression... but of course like smiles too. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Some of the other great people I've had in this year. All on white.#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Jun 2
Some of the other great people I've had in this year. All on white. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
The cool serious look followed up with some happys. Autocorrect doesn't like the word "happys".#pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Jun 1
The cool serious look followed up with some happys. Autocorrect doesn't like the word "happys". #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Loving the color blazer! Orchid, I'd say? I love when people ditch the traditional black blazer and bring out some color. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
May 31
Loving the color blazer! Orchid, I'd say? I love when people ditch the traditional black blazer and bring out some color. #pittsburghprofessionals #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Yet another stellar cast.Cast of Pittsburgh professionals.#theburgh #pittsburghphotographers #headshotphoto #pittsburghrealtor
May 22
Yet another stellar cast. Cast of Pittsburgh professionals. #theburgh #pittsburghphotographers #headshotphoto #pittsburghrealtor
A nice thing, despite the tedious work of cleaning up old files so my MacBook doesn't explode, is remembering all the beautiful people I've had in the last few weeks.I think everyone has beauty... or handsomeness... or whatever you prefer to call it. And I keep working on my craft of harnessing that into the lens.#headshots #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghprofessionals
May 21
A nice thing, despite the tedious work of cleaning up old files so my MacBook doesn't explode, is remembering all the beautiful people I've had in the last few weeks. I think everyone has beauty... or handsomeness... or whatever you prefer to call it. And I keep working on my craft of harnessing that into the lens. #headshots #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghprofessionals
Mix of all different professions in here. Realtors, lawyers, etc etc. You're probably wondering why a football.Well I'm not going to tell you. I'm kidding... This is from a cool company I do where they do a headshot and then a roll-over prop photo that highlights something special about them. She was a kicker. I think soccer and football. But a soccer ball is a little difficult for a tight-crop headshot on their site.#theburgh #pittsburghphotographers #headshotphoto #pittsburghrealtor
May 20
Mix of all different professions in here. Realtors, lawyers, etc etc. You're probably wondering why a football. Well I'm not going to tell you. I'm kidding... This is from a cool company I do where they do a headshot and then a roll-over prop photo that highlights something special about them. She was a kicker. I think soccer and football. But a soccer ball is a little difficult for a tight-crop headshot on their site. #theburgh #pittsburghphotographers #headshotphoto #pittsburghrealtor