Beyond 2022

This website/blog still has good information and links to resource that are helpful as you continue your iPhone Photography journey. The site does not support any current class and is pretty much an archive or example how to use a blog to support a four-meeting class. 

Links to new resources

Ellen’s Tips for Seniors - a senior has created a wonderful website to help her peers through webpages, downloadable guides and videos. 

Checkout iPhone Life - Photo Class

iPhone Life is a resource that several members of RenSoc have enjoyed. Their new iPhone Camera Live course offers the first lesson - free! You are familiar with Zoom and might appreciate the review of lessons on using the iPhone Camera -  Tap/Click here to watch a replay of the first lesson. iPhone Life has a different approach than this RS course, and if you take advantage of their limited time discount of 40% off you get other upcoming classes, archived classes, user guides and access to help line. Membership is available on monthly or annual basis. 

When I listened to the free episode, there were tips we covered in class and some that were not covered. One recommendation by senior instructor Cullen Thomas (with a cinemaphotography background) was to set the aspect ratio to 16:9 (or 9:16) for more cropping options. "WAIT A MINUTE!" I screamed. Then pulled out my iPhone to test his theory. My research revealed the sensor in the iPhone has an 4:3 aspect ratio natively. I avoid using square (1:1) or other aspect ratios when shooting because the picture is not using the full sensor. Photos can easily be edited for exposure and crop on the iPhone after taking a picture. It might be best to not fill the frame, edge-to-edge, so you can crop, print and frame your photos.  

Cullen and Donna covered many hints for better photography, and the most important tip is to avoid digital zoom beyond the lenses of your iPhone. Tap the 1X, 2X-3X or .5X instead of pinching to Zoom in. Also, use your feet to Zoom - walk towards your subject for the best framing (unless you are on the edge of the Grand Canyon ...). 

Apple Spring Announcements

Apple has announced the date for their spring meeting, Peek Performance, on March 8th at 10 am PT. If you want to watch live, just go to https://apple.com about 5 minutes before the session begins. Also, Apple's YouTube channel will stream it as well. You can also follow the event and coverage in the iPhone Life podcast. Many other outlets as well. 

The iPhone/iPad In Real Life team will host a conversation on Wednesday, April 6th at 1 pm. Watch for email from Melissa with the Zoom login information. 

Checkout the RS iOS Basics website to see what we've been up to since 2013!  

Park Photo Walk Assignments

Monday 9 PM: All confirmed responding participants have been emailed the details of your park location and timeframe. Other suggestions for preparation were included for each site. Photo Coaches will have the roster for 1 pm and 2 pm. 

A Do It Yourself Photo Walk tips are available and the Camera Introduction portion of class activity is now posted on YouTube, 24 minutes. Since this is the last segment of the class, look for added notations for Elapsed time to match your personal notes.

Recorded Videos - Day 1

Visit the Day 1 page to see links to the two new videos added to this site. From our first class, only the Camera Settings and review of camera features are in the video. A new video topic was inspired by Daniel about remembering all this new tech stuff. 

You will not remember all the information passed to you during this class. This is just the beginning and more practice will help you retain your photographic eye, camera and post-production Photos editing skills. 

DIY Photo Walk

Don't wait for an official invitation to try a photo walk in your home, in your yard or neighborhood. If you want an example, check out my Neighborhood Photo Walk posted to YouTube. 

The quick list of camera practice includes: 

• Hold camera in portrait and landscape orientation
• Hold camera with lens on the up edge and on the down-low
• Find a scene and capture with all available lenses
• Use your feet to move closer to a subject ("tennis shoe telephoto")
• See some action - capture in Live Mode and as Burst (Volume Up button) 
• Turn off Live! 
• Change Modes - Photo, Portrait, Pano 
• Find the Filter option and try a black & white (Mono or Noir) filter 
• Stabilize your iPhone, frame a scene and use the Timer to get into the photo (Burst) 
• Use Portrait Mode for subject capture - a flower, person or pet
• Use Portrait Mode Lighting for subject capture 

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How about a Photo Walk at Your Desk? Join Cynthia and Melissa for an armchair photo adventure. 

For our Zoom participants we recommend gathering a few things around your desk. 

• Clear some desk space or bring a chair nearby 
• Light source (window, table lamp or ... flashlight) 
• Backdrop of plain fabric or cardboard 
• Small chotchkie or action figure 
• Tea cup or beer stein 
• Paperback book or CD-ROM cases
• Document (junk mail) 
• Flower 

We will take turns demonstrating camera features, ask you to practice the same features using your subjects, ask us questions using Zoom's Chat and then repeat with other camera features ... 

Our activity is timed from 1 to 1:45 pm. Additional time online for questions until 2 pm. 

 

Photo Walk Logistics

Thursday 2 pm - Began processing draft for photo walk assignments. Double-checking notes for iPhone models against roster and assignment list. Papers flying everywhere. 3 pm - Coming closer and will contact Photo Coaches to finalize locations. Then Friday will send email to participants to get responses before sending final email to participants by Saturday. 

Photo Walk Assignment Timeframe: Email to participants by 6 pm Friday. Respond by 6 pm Saturday.   Expect an email on Monday for clarification.