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
What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Mar 20

What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Mar 15

Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in.Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events!#pittsburghheadshotphotos
Mar 10

Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in. Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events! #pittsburghheadshotphotos
Shannon. #pittsburghheadshots
Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience:"I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography."#pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Mar 2

Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience: "I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography." #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
The team at Very Law:Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times.Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Feb 28

The team at Very Law: Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times. Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
Feb 27

Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
Feb 20

“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Feb 16

If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Feb 14

Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners!Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011.Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe.#clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Feb 8

Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners! Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011. Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe. #clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more.With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law.As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 30

Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more. With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law. As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 26

Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance
Jan 20

Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance

This is what it took. #shibainu #familyphoto
Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Dec 2

Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Nov 26

Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 1

Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant.Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it.#pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Oct 30

So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant. Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
Oct 28

Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh.I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot.My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg
Oct 3

This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh. I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg
Thanks to @culturaltrust @asmp_pgh to organizing such a great event. Looking forward to January! @elliottcramer @elanmizrahi @adrieshoots @farzeenghavam @dprephoto @jwramp @cathykellyphotography @shelleyliptonart @wdophoto
Sep 24

Thanks to @culturaltrust @asmp_pgh to organizing such a great event. Looking forward to January! @elliottcramer @elanmizrahi @adrieshoots @farzeenghavam @dprephoto @jwramp @cathykellyphotography @shelleyliptonart @wdophoto
From our “photoshoot” in Maine. Haha. Hard to time the dogs looking at the camera with the crashing waves.
Sep 23

From our “photoshoot” in Maine. Haha. Hard to time the dogs looking at the camera with the crashing waves.
Love all the cool #professionalpittsburgh people who come in, and get some amazing #selfconfident #professionalphotos. Love my job as a #headshotphotographer
Aug 23

Love all the cool #professionalpittsburgh people who come in, and get some amazing #selfconfident #professionalphotos. Love my job as a #headshotphotographer