5 ways to take better photos with your cell phone
iPhone Photography – Let’s Get More Advanced. In a previous blog article, we talked about the basics of shooting a great photo with your iPhone. Today, let’s experiment with some more fun modes the iPhone offers.
- Time It Right. Have you ever tried the self-timer on your iPhone? You might think it’s only for those group selfies (well, yes sometimes) but it actually has many useful functions. For one, it can help you capture any shot when you’re by yourself. Set your iPhone up for your desired shot, pick the number of seconds you need, and go for it! Play around with some action shots! Using the timer function also gives the camera the ability to take the photo without being touched – therefor avoiding any opportunity of blur or shakiness in the picture.
- (Portrait) Picture Perfect. Our iPhones come with a variety of different modes. One of our favorites is the portrait mode, obviously not perfect for true portrait photography but you can still get some nice photos. The mode automatically focus’ in on your main subject while simultaneously blurring out the background for you. You’ll notice the photo will look much more zoomed in than normal, forcing you to move back a little bit farther than you expected, but what you’re going to be able to capture. We find it’s the perfect function for candid photography as well!
- Burst! While we’re on the topic of the different modes, of course we have to talk about the iPhones burst feature. This mode continuously takes ten photos each second. Particularly helpful when taking photos with movement, this feature allows you to capture precise movement. We know from experience trying to capture exactly the right moment gets stressful, but not anymore! All you need to do in order to activate burst mode is to hold down the shutter button.
- Time-Lapse. One of our favorites is the time lapse, because it’s just purely an awesome feature. One of the modes at the bottom of the camera app, simply open it, set your camera where you want it and let it run. Time-lapse is a style where the pictures are taken at a much slower frequency. You are then given the option to “play it back” at a normal speed – making the video look as if time were moving quickly.
- Take it Live! Have you ever tried using the camera in live photo mode? It looks and feels as if you are simply capturing one moment, in reality the camera is recording not only the shot but the 1.5 seconds before the shot. It is capturing both the video and the audio. This is perfect as you can chooes the frame you want for the perfect shot.
iPhotography: Let’s Get Candid
Have you ever tried taking a Portrait shot on your iPhone? Headshots and business shots are incredible tools. But sometimes for a simple facebook post or family shot it would be nice to be able to take the best photo possible with cell phone..
Find Aesthetic. In today’s world, almost everywhere you go will provide an artsy background for the perfect candid portrait shot. Whether it’s a restaurant, a cute street, or even that cozy nook of your favorite coffee shop, our guess – it’ll make a great backdrop. The point of your candid is to capture a true moment in your life. Unlike a professional headshot, don’t spend time scouting the perfect background – make wherever you are work!
Change the Perspective. When I say this, I don’t mean overwhelm your subject with a million shots. Getting a good candid is all about showing the best of your subject. Of course matching the quality of a professional photoshoot is not the goal or even possible with a cell phone. That perfect look and expression comes from having a professional expression coach during a professional headshot photoshoot. But you usually don’t have a professional photographer with you 24/7 or when you take the kids to Kennywood. Candid’s are a great place to show different perspectives. Rather than having your subject straight in front of the camera as you might usually do, experiment with different angles. The photo you capture should show perspective – either theirs on the world, or how the world views them.
Get Comfortable. Being the subject in a photo can be hard! Particularly if you’re not used to it. Candid’s are a great way to help a subject get not only comfortably but confident. Oftentimes photographers will start a shoot – particularly a more serious business shoot – with some candids to help loosen up a bit. Your job behind the Iphone is to not miss any of those beautiful impromptu moments.
Make It a Portrait. We found that using the portrait mode on your iPhone gets a great candid. It has a beautiful dramatic feature where it blurs out the background. This mode will also force you to back up a little bit, because of how intensely it focuses up close. Backing up for the photo will not only make you think a little extra about your composition, but it will also put some distance between you and your subject. This may just help your family member or friends feel more natural and comfortable.
Jen Barker Worley Photography
555 Grant Street, Suite 337 Offices at the William Penn Pittsburgh, PA 15219
https://jenworley.com
412-370-4520
Great having back in the studio @laurenlevenson an Attorney at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, specializing in commercial litigation. She represents various local businesses in the Pittsburgh area with a primary focus on businesses owned by female entrepreneurs. #attorneysforwomen
Nov 30
Great having back in the studio @laurenlevenson an Attorney at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, specializing in commercial litigation. She represents various local businesses in the Pittsburgh area with a primary focus on businesses owned by female entrepreneurs. #attorneysforwomen
This gave me an art-deco-80s feel. Using 3 different color gels. Hard sharp light. You can see the orange gel rim lights, the cool blue gel fill light, and the magenta-gel through a gobo in the background.Lots of color, with face spot-lit.Retoucher: none Creative Direction: Lindsay Adler @lindsayadler_photo Hair Day 1: @Jacquidavishair Makeup: Mark Williamson @markwilliamson Styling: The Cannon Media Group @thecannonmediagroup Models: Migle @miglute_gro
Nov 30
This gave me an art-deco-80s feel. Using 3 different color gels. Hard sharp light. You can see the orange gel rim lights, the cool blue gel fill light, and the magenta-gel through a gobo in the background. Lots of color, with face spot-lit. Retoucher: none Creative Direction: Lindsay Adler @lindsayadler_photo Hair Day 1: @Jacquidavishair Makeup: Mark Williamson @markwilliamson Styling: The Cannon Media Group @thecannonmediagroup Models: Migle @miglute_gro
This shoot was to capture the natural beauty of skin. The “no makeup” look, artfully done by Mark. Five photos: retouched first, then straight-from-camera.My goal in retouching was to keep the natural look, with bringing down some of the high-gloss and having the face luminosity and body more seamless. Slight dodging, cloning, & deglossing. The biggest edit was removing a finger, since I didn’t like how it jutted out, but loved the shot otherwise.Retoucher: myself Model: @adelina.tereshchenkova Creative Direction: @lindsayadler_photo Hair: @Jacquidavishair Makeup: @markwilliamson Styling: @thecannonmediagroup
Nov 20
This shoot was to capture the natural beauty of skin. The “no makeup” look, artfully done by Mark. Five photos: retouched first, then straight-from-camera. My goal in retouching was to keep the natural look, with bringing down some of the high-gloss and having the face luminosity and body more seamless. Slight dodging, cloning, & deglossing. The biggest edit was removing a finger, since I didn’t like how it jutted out, but loved the shot otherwise. Retoucher: myself Model: @adelina.tereshchenkova Creative Direction: @lindsayadler_photo Hair: @Jacquidavishair Makeup: @markwilliamson Styling: @thecannonmediagroup
I grew up loving vintage movies… From the 30s to the 60s. This shoot reminded me of that beautiful Hollywood glamour, and of how the style changed as color came into film (which you’ll see in my color interpretations.Migle was the perfect model replica of the photos of Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall, who were some of the epitomes of the beauty of the silver screen.Retoucher: nah, decided not to do on any of these photos. Model: @miglute_gro Creative Direction: @lindsayadler_photo Hair: @Jacquidavishair Makeup: @markwilliamson Styling: @thecannonmediagroup
Nov 15
I grew up loving vintage movies… From the 30s to the 60s. This shoot reminded me of that beautiful Hollywood glamour, and of how the style changed as color came into film (which you’ll see in my color interpretations. Migle was the perfect model replica of the photos of Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall, who were some of the epitomes of the beauty of the silver screen. Retoucher: nah, decided not to do on any of these photos. Model: @miglute_gro Creative Direction: @lindsayadler_photo Hair: @Jacquidavishair Makeup: @markwilliamson Styling: @thecannonmediagroup
Dominika Demantova is a licensed brokerage Senior Associate within CBRE’s Advisory and Transaction Services group. As the lead Team Transaction Coordinator for her team’s 15M (+) square foot portfolio of over 70 office buildings, Dominika provides transaction support over the entire agency leasing team. She has a direct focus on leasing office space in and around Pittsburgh’s Central Business District, including specifically handing renewals of existing leases within portions of the portfolio, and management of all databases.
Nov 6
Dominika Demantova is a licensed brokerage Senior Associate within CBRE’s Advisory and Transaction Services group. As the lead Team Transaction Coordinator for her team’s 15M (+) square foot portfolio of over 70 office buildings, Dominika provides transaction support over the entire agency leasing team. She has a direct focus on leasing office space in and around Pittsburgh’s Central Business District, including specifically handing renewals of existing leases within portions of the portfolio, and management of all databases.
Working with the Bishop Wealth Management Group earlier this year. #teamphotos #professionalteams
Oct 5
Working with the Bishop Wealth Management Group earlier this year. #teamphotos #professionalteams
Sarah is a civil litigator in Dinsmore and Shohl LLP’s Pittsburgh Office. Her practice focuses on commercial, banking, and consumer finance litigation. Sarah is currently on 6-month secondment with a Pittsburgh-based national bank where she has the unique opportunity to learn the client perspective and gain further experience in banking-related litigation and enforcement.When Sarah is not at work, she enjoys traveling with her husband, playing with their rambunctious Boston Terrier, Leo, and exploring new restaurants and activities in her hometown of Pittsburgh. #pittsburghattorney
Sep 18
Sarah is a civil litigator in Dinsmore and Shohl LLP’s Pittsburgh Office. Her practice focuses on commercial, banking, and consumer finance litigation. Sarah is currently on 6-month secondment with a Pittsburgh-based national bank where she has the unique opportunity to learn the client perspective and gain further experience in banking-related litigation and enforcement. When Sarah is not at work, she enjoys traveling with her husband, playing with their rambunctious Boston Terrier, Leo, and exploring new restaurants and activities in her hometown of Pittsburgh. #pittsburghattorney
Pittsburgh native, Grace Fowler, recently graduated with a Master of Public Administration from the @pittofficial Univiersity of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs, along with a certificate in Gender Studies. As a student, she served as the Volunteerism & Corporate Giving Intern at Duquesne Light Company for nearly two years where she managed employee volunteerism and charitable grant programs. She has over six years of experience in corporate and foundation grantmaking.Grace began her career path in the Youth Philanthropy Internship Program at the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and has worked at the United Way, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, and Catholic Charities. She is currently an Assistant Manager/Store Lead at @athleta - a certified B Corp that prioritizes people and planet. Grace is excited about opportunities to use her experience and help nonprofits thrive in the city she loves.
Aug 16
Pittsburgh native, Grace Fowler, recently graduated with a Master of Public Administration from the @pittofficial Univiersity of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs, along with a certificate in Gender Studies. As a student, she served as the Volunteerism & Corporate Giving Intern at Duquesne Light Company for nearly two years where she managed employee volunteerism and charitable grant programs. She has over six years of experience in corporate and foundation grantmaking. Grace began her career path in the Youth Philanthropy Internship Program at the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and has worked at the United Way, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, and Catholic Charities. She is currently an Assistant Manager/Store Lead at @athleta - a certified B Corp that prioritizes people and planet. Grace is excited about opportunities to use her experience and help nonprofits thrive in the city she loves.
We all have certain friends we’d do anything for. Unasked. Even if it’s a “job” that normally no one could pay us enough to do.I‘ve told everyone for years how I hate weddings (nothing against marriage), and that’s why that’s not my branch of photography.But I loved every minute of it on Saturday, despite 100+ degree heat in Daytona. doing my best to capture their day, and being a close part of it as the friend-photographer.Thanks guys (even though neither of you are on the socials) for having fun with me.But to everyone else…. It’s still a no. 😂Music is “Caliente Flow” by White_Records. pixabay.com
Aug 14
We all have certain friends we’d do anything for. Unasked. Even if it’s a “job” that normally no one could pay us enough to do. I‘ve told everyone for years how I hate weddings (nothing against marriage), and that’s why that’s not my branch of photography. But I loved every minute of it on Saturday, despite 100+ degree heat in Daytona. doing my best to capture their day, and being a close part of it as the friend-photographer. Thanks guys (even though neither of you are on the socials) for having fun with me. But to everyone else…. It’s still a no. 😂 Music is “Caliente Flow” by White_Records. pixabay.com
As the Talent Acquisition Manager for Sisterson & Co. LLP, Courtney Baum, MA enjoys building meaningful relationships, while recruiting quality professionals to join the talented team at Sisterson.In addition to her current role, Courtney held previous leadership positions at Baker Tilly, Saint Vincent College, and Carnegie Mellon University. For over 20 years, Courtney has enjoyed encouraging others to share their story and find their passion. She has served in additional roles as an adjunct faculty and as a dedicated member of her community through several executive boards focused on wellness, education, and career and professional development. Courtney holds a MA from Indiana University of PA and a BS from the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg. #pittsburghaccounting #recruiting
Aug 9
As the Talent Acquisition Manager for Sisterson & Co. LLP, Courtney Baum, MA enjoys building meaningful relationships, while recruiting quality professionals to join the talented team at Sisterson. In addition to her current role, Courtney held previous leadership positions at Baker Tilly, Saint Vincent College, and Carnegie Mellon University. For over 20 years, Courtney has enjoyed encouraging others to share their story and find their passion. She has served in additional roles as an adjunct faculty and as a dedicated member of her community through several executive boards focused on wellness, education, and career and professional development. Courtney holds a MA from Indiana University of PA and a BS from the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg. #pittsburghaccounting #recruiting
My friend Jay Glunt is running a personal project on social media, which he calls "Meeting a Stranger." Follow him @jay_glunt_365. The stories he collects from complete strangers are inspiring, and his approach is creative. Definitely check it out.
Aug 2
My friend Jay Glunt is running a personal project on social media, which he calls "Meeting a Stranger." Follow him @jay_glunt_365. The stories he collects from complete strangers are inspiring, and his approach is creative. Definitely check it out.
Teagan Osborne, CPA was just promoted to Manager at Schneider Downs, after joining the company in June 2023. Graduated from Geneva College in 2019 with a B.S. in Business Administration and a Minor in Finance; graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Aug 1
Teagan Osborne, CPA was just promoted to Manager at Schneider Downs, after joining the company in June 2023. Graduated from Geneva College in 2019 with a B.S. in Business Administration and a Minor in Finance; graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Alexis Pollins was a Pittsburgh native of the South Hills (South Fayette Alumni). She graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and an Event Planning Minor in 2018, where she fell in love with the hospitality industry. There she planned events for the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.Alexis also assisted in the opening of Topgolf Pittsburgh with their Event Sales Department and is currently the Executive Meetings Manager at VisitPITTSBURGH on the Business Events Team. In her free time, she is an avid runner (she ran her first full marathon in Pittsburgh in May 2023). She has also been a dance teacher at Center Stage since 2018 and loves spending time with her family the most, especially her twin sister, Taylor.
Jul 26
Alexis Pollins was a Pittsburgh native of the South Hills (South Fayette Alumni). She graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and an Event Planning Minor in 2018, where she fell in love with the hospitality industry. There she planned events for the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. Alexis also assisted in the opening of Topgolf Pittsburgh with their Event Sales Department and is currently the Executive Meetings Manager at VisitPITTSBURGH on the Business Events Team. In her free time, she is an avid runner (she ran her first full marathon in Pittsburgh in May 2023). She has also been a dance teacher at Center Stage since 2018 and loves spending time with her family the most, especially her twin sister, Taylor.
Casey Kennedy is an attorney and a Section Specialist in Buchanan’s Financial Institutions, Bankruptcy, and Real Estate section. Prior to joining [Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney] last year, Casey represented clients in South Carolina and West Virginia in an array of real estate and oil and gas transactions and operated a title abstracting and land services company. Casey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Nutritional Science from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia in 2010. She received her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 2017, where she graduated cum laude with a concentration in Energy and Environmental Law. Before law school, Casey spent four years in the energy industry performing title research and analysis and assisting with mergers and acquisitions, leasing, and title curative matters for E&P and Midstream companies throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.#pittsburghattorney
Jul 13
Casey Kennedy is an attorney and a Section Specialist in Buchanan’s Financial Institutions, Bankruptcy, and Real Estate section. Prior to joining [Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney] last year, Casey represented clients in South Carolina and West Virginia in an array of real estate and oil and gas transactions and operated a title abstracting and land services company. Casey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Nutritional Science from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia in 2010. She received her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 2017, where she graduated cum laude with a concentration in Energy and Environmental Law. Before law school, Casey spent four years in the energy industry performing title research and analysis and assisting with mergers and acquisitions, leasing, and title curative matters for E&P and Midstream companies throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.#pittsburghattorney
Shawn Graham recently founded Rise Structural Group, a structural engineering firm offering innovative and cost-effective structural engineering solutions for buildings of any size. He is a Penn State Architectural Engineering Alum and has over 20 years of expertise in structural engineering and project management. Discover more at www.RiseStructuralGroup.com. #pittsburghengineers
Jul 10
Shawn Graham recently founded Rise Structural Group, a structural engineering firm offering innovative and cost-effective structural engineering solutions for buildings of any size. He is a Penn State Architectural Engineering Alum and has over 20 years of expertise in structural engineering and project management. Discover more at www.RiseStructuralGroup.com. #pittsburghengineers
Alexis Satterfield has been promoted to tax manager at Sisterson & Co. LLP. She has been with the company since graduating from Saint Vincent College in 2016. She provides tax services to various industries, specifically specializing in high net worth individuals and trusts. #pittsburghtaxprofessional
Jul 10
Alexis Satterfield has been promoted to tax manager at Sisterson & Co. LLP. She has been with the company since graduating from Saint Vincent College in 2016. She provides tax services to various industries, specifically specializing in high net worth individuals and trusts. #pittsburghtaxprofessional
Family photo! Of course I brought a strobe and modifier on vacation. When your VRBO has a view like that, you need to use it. But I’m not a “make everyone where the same clothes” for it. Just real.Oh, and I caught my brother up on the new AI Generative Fill in Photoshop… he and my nephew had fun with it in the second photo. (We are not a cat family. 😆)And then just fun at Biltmore.
Jul 6
Family photo! Of course I brought a strobe and modifier on vacation. When your VRBO has a view like that, you need to use it. But I’m not a “make everyone where the same clothes” for it. Just real. Oh, and I caught my brother up on the new AI Generative Fill in Photoshop… he and my nephew had fun with it in the second photo. (We are not a cat family. 😆) And then just fun at Biltmore.
Stephanie Zur has been promoted to tax manager at Sisterson & Co. LLP. She has been with the company since she graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 2013. She provides tax preparation and consulting services to a variety of industries including start-ups and technology companies. Her areas of expertise include closely-held, multi-state businesses, U.S. based multinationals and individuals. #pittsburghtaxes
Jun 21
Stephanie Zur has been promoted to tax manager at Sisterson & Co. LLP. She has been with the company since she graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 2013. She provides tax preparation and consulting services to a variety of industries including start-ups and technology companies. Her areas of expertise include closely-held, multi-state businesses, U.S. based multinationals and individuals. #pittsburghtaxes
I love doing team shots on locations. Especially in unique locations.I wanted to capture the uniqueness of their office location, on the Monongahela. But the best location was on the barge mooring across a narrow grated catwalk. We had to keep it simple with our lighting, doing our best to over-power the bright sun as much as possible, using just one light source because it was windy! (No equipment was damaged, which is much better than the last time I shot on the river.)Assistant: @dan_jenworleyphotography#pittsburgh team photos
Jun 8
I love doing team shots on locations. Especially in unique locations. I wanted to capture the uniqueness of their office location, on the Monongahela. But the best location was on the barge mooring across a narrow grated catwalk. We had to keep it simple with our lighting, doing our best to over-power the bright sun as much as possible, using just one light source because it was windy! (No equipment was damaged, which is much better than the last time I shot on the river.) Assistant: @dan_jenworleyphotography #pittsburgh team photos
Nandita Mahesh is a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Marketing, a minor in Theatre Arts and is now working at Colliers as a Marketing Coordinator. In her free time, she employs herself as a freelance musician, actress, and script supervisor, producing music both recreationally and professionally and playing in gigs, performing in professional theatre productions, and working on films.
Jun 7
Nandita Mahesh is a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Marketing, a minor in Theatre Arts and is now working at Colliers as a Marketing Coordinator. In her free time, she employs herself as a freelance musician, actress, and script supervisor, producing music both recreationally and professionally and playing in gigs, performing in professional theatre productions, and working on films.
Portrait to half-length to headshot. Great outfit Sabrina, and love those shoes!!! #pittsburghphotographer
May 26
Portrait to half-length to headshot. Great outfit Sabrina, and love those shoes!!! #pittsburghphotographer
Rochelle Qin joined Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP's Pittsburgh office as a summer associate in 2023. Juris Doctor Candidate at William & Mary Law School. She is interested in corporate and transactional law. #pittsburghattorney #pittsburghphotographer @rochelle.qin
May 23
Rochelle Qin joined Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP's Pittsburgh office as a summer associate in 2023. Juris Doctor Candidate at William & Mary Law School. She is interested in corporate and transactional law. #pittsburghattorney #pittsburghphotographer @rochelle.qin
Tara Hopper Rice joined the business litigation group Frost Brown Todd after being a shareholder at a regional law firm. She specializes in energy and real estate litigation and transactions, as well as bankruptcy workouts and family law disputes. Licensed in PA, WV and WY. #pittsburghattorney #pittsburghphotographer
May 19
Tara Hopper Rice joined the business litigation group Frost Brown Todd after being a shareholder at a regional law firm. She specializes in energy and real estate litigation and transactions, as well as bankruptcy workouts and family law disputes. Licensed in PA, WV and WY. #pittsburghattorney #pittsburghphotographer
Ever use a confetti canon before? Well, we quickly discovered they are a little risky to shoot off in a small studio, when you have sprinkler heads above you. And yikes, are they loud!So we changed the idea- let’s shoot everyone individually. And instead of everyone shooting the canon, have people throw the confetti (which came out of our first canon) instead. Or pretend someone’s shooting it, and another person throws it off camera toward them.So here’s the composited photo, with the individual shots. #pittsburghphotographer
May 19
Ever use a confetti canon before? Well, we quickly discovered they are a little risky to shoot off in a small studio, when you have sprinkler heads above you. And yikes, are they loud! So we changed the idea- let’s shoot everyone individually. And instead of everyone shooting the canon, have people throw the confetti (which came out of our first canon) instead. Or pretend someone’s shooting it, and another person throws it off camera toward them. So here’s the composited photo, with the individual shots. #pittsburghphotographer