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
Subba. Taken with new 13Pro on Portrait, then edited in Lightroom Mobile. #shibainu
Jun 18
Subba. Taken with new 13Pro on Portrait, then edited in Lightroom Mobile. #shibainu
In the line for the tour, the guide asked a little white girl what she knew about George Washington. She said: “He had slaves.” The enslaved people of Mt Vernon was one if my biggest takeaways from the visit. This was George Washington home, farm, and yes, plantation.The home was by no means the grand mansion that we would expect a man of Washington’s stature to have today. But the grounds were expansive. He had 5 large farms, tons of acreage of forests, a harbor on the Potomac, and beautiful personal gardens. In 1799 when he died, there were 5 family members who lived on the state. About a dozen white servants.But over 300 black enslaved workers. Some families were split up to work on the different farms, and so didn’t regularly see their spouse or children. When they died, there was no marker to signify where they had been buried; by contrast, at the end of his life Washington commissioned a new tomb & grave site be made for his family, with a big brick mausoleum complete with the obelisks typical to the period. Not even the smallest of stones for the enslaved people.#mtvernon #georgewashington
May 19
In the line for the tour, the guide asked a little white girl what she knew about George Washington. She said: “He had slaves.” The enslaved people of Mt Vernon was one if my biggest takeaways from the visit. This was George Washington home, farm, and yes, plantation. The home was by no means the grand mansion that we would expect a man of Washington’s stature to have today. But the grounds were expansive. He had 5 large farms, tons of acreage of forests, a harbor on the Potomac, and beautiful personal gardens. In 1799 when he died, there were 5 family members who lived on the state. About a dozen white servants. But over 300 black enslaved workers. Some families were split up to work on the different farms, and so didn’t regularly see their spouse or children. When they died, there was no marker to signify where they had been buried; by contrast, at the end of his life Washington commissioned a new tomb & grave site be made for his family, with a big brick mausoleum complete with the obelisks typical to the period. Not even the smallest of stones for the enslaved people. #mtvernon #georgewashington
Along the riverbank of the Susquehanna, hillsides of yellow wildflowers blossomed. Photo @dan_jenworleyphotography
Apr 23
Along the riverbank of the Susquehanna, hillsides of yellow wildflowers blossomed. Photo @dan_jenworleyphotography
Just playing around after our job. Dan and dogs brunch at @corkandforkpa (Great pistachio arugula pizza!)First time for me in Harrisburg. Impressed. Guess I wasn’t expecting much, as Erie PA is bigger, so I’m told.But love it! Reminds me a bit of a quiet and more spacious Old-City-Philly. With a small-time feel.The PA Captial building is amazingly beautiful, and in great shape! I had the privilege of being in the Superior Court rooms, and the artwork from 1920 (by Violet Oakley) was amazing. Not sure if I can post those though.Glad I extended my work trip by a tiny bit to see more of this city. Worth a trip. And stay at @hiltonhbg.
Apr 21
Just playing around after our job. Dan and dogs brunch at @corkandforkpa (Great pistachio arugula pizza!) First time for me in Harrisburg. Impressed. Guess I wasn’t expecting much, as Erie PA is bigger, so I’m told. But love it! Reminds me a bit of a quiet and more spacious Old-City-Philly. With a small-time feel. The PA Captial building is amazingly beautiful, and in great shape! I had the privilege of being in the Superior Court rooms, and the artwork from 1920 (by Violet Oakley) was amazing. Not sure if I can post those though. Glad I extended my work trip by a tiny bit to see more of this city. Worth a trip. And stay at @hiltonhbg.
I love doing #teamphotos. My goal is to make sure that each person shines in the group, and that no one gets lost in the photo. You know what I mean - the person back in the third row that looks really tiny, trying to stick their chin up so you can see their head. 🤣And I love working with #financialadvisors and helping each different team produce a photo that highlights their uniqueness.Fun fact: this building I shot at was featured in the movie “Love and Other Drugs”, and the team shared with me some stories from filming day.
Apr 1
I love doing #teamphotos. My goal is to make sure that each person shines in the group, and that no one gets lost in the photo. You know what I mean - the person back in the third row that looks really tiny, trying to stick their chin up so you can see their head. 🤣 And I love working with #financialadvisors and helping each different team produce a photo that highlights their uniqueness. Fun fact: this building I shot at was featured in the movie “Love and Other Drugs”, and the team shared with me some stories from filming day.
Had the amazingly talented @amy_madalinsky in studio last week! Looking forward to seeing where her career takes her! #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghnews
Feb 16
Had the amazingly talented @amy_madalinsky in studio last week! Looking forward to seeing where her career takes her! #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghnews
Back in December, I was hired to bring my skills for an event promoting Women Leading Women , a non-profit whose goal is to empower women through female-led conversations exploring career, family, and well being.I had 22 amazing women in front of my lens, with the goal of capturing their confidence and beauty.As a female photographer, I know the struggle women in business face in trying to do it all, while not letting go of their standards. Of standing their ground and not shying away from confrontation when needed. And supporting our community, as we are owed the same respect as our male colleagues. My hope is to continue these missions in my role as President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ASMP: The American Society of Media Photographers
Jan 26
Back in December, I was hired to bring my skills for an event promoting Women Leading Women , a non-profit whose goal is to empower women through female-led conversations exploring career, family, and well being. I had 22 amazing women in front of my lens, with the goal of capturing their confidence and beauty. As a female photographer, I know the struggle women in business face in trying to do it all, while not letting go of their standards. Of standing their ground and not shying away from confrontation when needed. And supporting our community, as we are owed the same respect as our male colleagues. My hope is to continue these missions in my role as President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ASMP: The American Society of Media Photographers
Epic photo shoot time! This is what happens when you have an over-zealous new president. Ahem. The new Pittsburgh board of the American Society of Media Photographers is up for the challenge of supporting professional photographers/video/creatives in their hometown, and what a better way to show that than to collaborate as a team for this shoot. @asmp_pghEveryone had a part in making this shoot happen, and crafting it as we went. I am so excited to be working with @elanmizrahi our VP; @wdophoto our Secretary, @jwramp our Treasurer, @adrieshoots , @dprephoto .If this kinda looks familiar to you, then you are probably a @nbcbrooklyn99 fan. @aspictures awesome work on the show’s last promo photo was our inspiration. I loved this piece from the first time I saw it, and been dreaming a way of recreating it using our hometown @visitpittsburgh . “Sincerest form of flattery.”I was so giddily excited about it (think Jake) and determined to get it done (think Amy), that I was unyielding in my decision to finish it that night (Captain Holt.). Ok, I’m a total dork who geeked out about this for hours, with the help of @dan_jenworleyphotography , to finish the creation that evening.Other credits: to @asmpnational, who as a 75-year old organization is embracing change and promoting inclusivity. I don’t believe the Pittsburgh Board has ever had a women President before. (But correct me if I’m wrong.)Looking forward to what’s ahead. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 18
Epic photo shoot time! This is what happens when you have an over-zealous new president. Ahem. The new Pittsburgh board of the American Society of Media Photographers is up for the challenge of supporting professional photographers/video/creatives in their hometown, and what a better way to show that than to collaborate as a team for this shoot. @asmp_pgh Everyone had a part in making this shoot happen, and crafting it as we went. I am so excited to be working with @elanmizrahi our VP; @wdophoto our Secretary, @jwramp our Treasurer, @adrieshoots , @dprephoto . If this kinda looks familiar to you, then you are probably a @nbcbrooklyn99 fan. @aspictures awesome work on the show’s last promo photo was our inspiration. I loved this piece from the first time I saw it, and been dreaming a way of recreating it using our hometown @visitpittsburgh . “Sincerest form of flattery.” I was so giddily excited about it (think Jake) and determined to get it done (think Amy), that I was unyielding in my decision to finish it that night (Captain Holt.). Ok, I’m a total dork who geeked out about this for hours, with the help of @dan_jenworleyphotography , to finish the creation that evening. Other credits: to @asmpnational, who as a 75-year old organization is embracing change and promoting inclusivity. I don’t believe the Pittsburgh Board has ever had a women President before. (But correct me if I’m wrong.) Looking forward to what’s ahead. #pittsburghphotographer
Maybe you got their card in the mail? Always a challenge getting a big group together and making sure everyone "shines." Thanks to @omniwilliampennhotel for being flexible to allow CooksonPeirce and I to utilize the lobby.
Dec 24
Maybe you got their card in the mail? Always a challenge getting a big group together and making sure everyone "shines." Thanks to @omniwilliampennhotel for being flexible to allow CooksonPeirce and I to utilize the lobby.
Eliza. #pittsburghwomen #pittsburghprofessional
Karissa. #pittsburghprofessionals #headshotphotographer
Dec 19
Karissa. #pittsburghprofessionals #headshotphotographer
Marlana. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Dec 15
Marlana. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Susan. #pittsburghwomen #photographer
Tionna. This is the last week of fall, and she's wearing one of the best fall colors. I think. #pittsburghpeople
Dec 13
Tionna. This is the last week of fall, and she's wearing one of the best fall colors. I think. #pittsburghpeople
Fun at work! #pittsburghcreative #pittsburghbaker
Sam. #pittsburghlegal #headshotphoto
Caryn. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghheadshots
Dec 8
Caryn. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghheadshots
Carly. #pittsburghlegal #pittsburghphotographer
Linda. #pittsburghprofessional #powerfulbeautiful
Fun headshots to brighten your Friday. Gardening season is right around the corner! (If you consider “the corner” four months from now. 😆) Beautiful subject and great hobby! #pittsburghphotographer
Dec 3
Fun headshots to brighten your Friday. Gardening season is right around the corner! (If you consider “the corner” four months from now. 😆) Beautiful subject and great hobby! #pittsburghphotographer
14 years and 2 dogs later. Partner and business partner. Love and friend. #happyanniversary
Dec 1
14 years and 2 dogs later. Partner and business partner. Love and friend. #happyanniversary
Kim. #pittsburghpowerfulwomen #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 30
Kim. #pittsburghpowerfulwomen #pittsburghphotographer
Shades of black&white and color. @laurenlevenson #pittsburghlawyer
Nov 23
Shades of black&white and color. @laurenlevenson #pittsburghlawyer
Gia. I would love to see this concept on a company’s web bio page. From cool smile to smilie, on everyone. #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 19
Gia. I would love to see this concept on a company’s web bio page. From cool smile to smilie, on everyone. #pittsburghphotographer