Interview With iPhone7
When iPhone7 joined I was very curios about the photos that would follow. The user name stated, quite clearly, what camera was being used. And I couldn't help but think that this limitation would hinder the photos presented. Boy, was a I wrong. A quick look at his profile will show you the quality and professionalism of the photos presented. So how are these photos shot? What does he do to make this "camera" work so well. I asked him. - Tom Ens
Tell me about yourself.
I am retired from the Army with 26 years of service and four tours in Afghanistan. I currently work with the Department of Veteran Affairs as a mental health therapist. I provide counseling services to combat veterans who are suffering with PTSD, Clinical Depression and other trauma issues. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Photo of the Month
Sunset over French Broad River by iPhone7
When did you first start shooting photos?
I first started shooting photos in high school as the school photographer. In those days I shot Tri X film of sporting events and school clubs for the yearbook. I stopped shooting when I went to college and took very few pictures initially while in the Army. I started shooting again in Afghanistan in order to document certain aspects of military missions. I used a cheap digital camera until it got run over by an MRAP. That is when I started using an iPhone and have been using one ever since.
What are the benefits of using an iPhone?
The benefits of using an iPhone are many. I always have it with me and it is so handy when a scene or event pops up and I can quickly capture the moment. I recently upgraded to an iPhone7 strictly for the camera. The quality is amazing. While it cannot compete with the digital cameras used here on FAR, it can often hold it's own.
And disadvantages?
There are disadvantages to be sure. It can be very frustrating to simply "Not be able to get the shot". The spot metering makes it difficult and often impossible to truly capture the scene. Especially sun sets and ocean scenes. Either the sky is correct and the foreground is too dark or vice versa. The zoom capabilities of the iPhone are often a deal breaker as "I just can't get there from here". Those are times I wish I had a long lens.
Holding the camera to your eye, it almost becomes an extension of your body. While using an iPhone I find it...awkward. How to you overcome that?
Something Larger Than Ourself by iPhone7
Actually Tom, I find the case to be just the opposite. When I see a scene, it's entirety jumps out at me. With the iPhone I can look at the screen and the actual scene at the same time. Taking it All in, I can then move the camera back and forth, left, right, up, down, zoom in and out very quickly to capture the "feel" of the scene. I am not tied to or restricted by a small viewfinder view. An example is the ocean sunset scenes. I position my self in the right place, focus on the area to be captured, and then watch over the top of the camera for the right waves to approach. When I see one coming, I use burst mode to capture the entire sequence as the wave splashes against the rocks. In a burst of 25 - 30 shots, often I get lucky and get 2-3 keepers. I think I posted one recently. I do the same for action events, starting the burst just before the event and ending when the event is over. I think the more photos I shoot the luckier I get.
You can't change the lense though
I previously mentioned that being unable to change lenses is a distinct disadvantage. I lose more shots that way. Also being unable to shoot a longer exposure, 1/2 - 1 second for flowing water for example is very frustrating at times. I have missed so many "Real Keepers" because of that limitation.
I suppose that is why I prefer to stay with the iPhone. The built in limitations make me work very hard to get the shot. It makes it such a challenge and I realize now that it is the effort that is needed that makes it just that much more satisfying. I have to get very creative in order to attempt to compete here on FAR. Actually I think a digital camera makes it too easy. I do own one and it is just not as challenging to get good shots.
Alien Skies of Rome by iPhone7
Do you edit your photos?
Yes I do after photo editing. I use Smart Photo Editor. Again, this program is limited in what it can do, and cannot compete with the more expensive and extensive programs. I think it is the same idea as using the iPhone. It takes a lot of effort to compete with the Big Boys on FAR. So every photo becomes a challenge and that seems to bring out the creative side of me. As an old Army veteran, getting to my soft and creative side is not always easy ; )
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I am retired from the Army with 26 years of service and four tours in Afghanistan. I currently work with the Department of Veteran Affairs as a mental health therapist. I provide counseling services to combat veterans who are suffering with PTSD, Clinical Depression and other trauma issues. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Photo of the Month
Sunset over French Broad River by iPhone7
I first started shooting photos in high school as the school photographer. In those days I shot Tri X film of sporting events and school clubs for the yearbook. I stopped shooting when I went to college and took very few pictures initially while in the Army. I started shooting again in Afghanistan in order to document certain aspects of military missions. I used a cheap digital camera until it got run over by an MRAP. That is when I started using an iPhone and have been using one ever since.
What are the benefits of using an iPhone?
The benefits of using an iPhone are many. I always have it with me and it is so handy when a scene or event pops up and I can quickly capture the moment. I recently upgraded to an iPhone7 strictly for the camera. The quality is amazing. While it cannot compete with the digital cameras used here on FAR, it can often hold it's own.
And disadvantages?
There are disadvantages to be sure. It can be very frustrating to simply "Not be able to get the shot". The spot metering makes it difficult and often impossible to truly capture the scene. Especially sun sets and ocean scenes. Either the sky is correct and the foreground is too dark or vice versa. The zoom capabilities of the iPhone are often a deal breaker as "I just can't get there from here". Those are times I wish I had a long lens.
Holding the camera to your eye, it almost becomes an extension of your body. While using an iPhone I find it...awkward. How to you overcome that?
Something Larger Than Ourself by iPhone7
You can't change the lense though
I previously mentioned that being unable to change lenses is a distinct disadvantage. I lose more shots that way. Also being unable to shoot a longer exposure, 1/2 - 1 second for flowing water for example is very frustrating at times. I have missed so many "Real Keepers" because of that limitation.
I suppose that is why I prefer to stay with the iPhone. The built in limitations make me work very hard to get the shot. It makes it such a challenge and I realize now that it is the effort that is needed that makes it just that much more satisfying. I have to get very creative in order to attempt to compete here on FAR. Actually I think a digital camera makes it too easy. I do own one and it is just not as challenging to get good shots.
Alien Skies of Rome by iPhone7
Yes I do after photo editing. I use Smart Photo Editor. Again, this program is limited in what it can do, and cannot compete with the more expensive and extensive programs. I think it is the same idea as using the iPhone. It takes a lot of effort to compete with the Big Boys on FAR. So every photo becomes a challenge and that seems to bring out the creative side of me. As an old Army veteran, getting to my soft and creative side is not always easy ; )