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. 

Day 1 Recording - success

Our meeting was successfully recorded. I will review, make minor edits and then try posting to YouTube. The presentation might need to be broken into four segments. On our website the general contents will be noted with appropriate time references. 

We are off to a good start! 

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. 

The editing experience has given me ideas for changing the recording options for our last two classes: 1) Record in segments that end after question periods, 2) pre-record slide segments for easier editing and posting...

Welcome - Attending Zoom Class

This site is inactive. But feel free to explore this site and any included links. Some links might not work and the “written voice” is for the class as offered in fall of 2022. 

Hints - Attend Zoom on a computer or tablet so you can use your iPhone along with the demonstration. The Zoom features this class uses includes Chat and Reaction icons/buttons. Plan on joining the meeting 10 minutes before the 1 pm start time. 

Read details about Day 1

Please note: this class is offered by a band of iPhone enthusiasts, we are amateurs and not affiliated with Apple in any official way.

Free - Sac Public Library Online Learning

There are many online classes available through our public library. 

Why take our class instead of an online class? We will interact with you! This website can be a follow-up resource after class. But the more you engage with your iPhone Camera and Photos apps the more you will appreciate these online classes/coaches.  

Connect with the Sacramento Public Library 

Classes and Tutorials - Linked-In Learning Portal - use your library card number and PIN to access courses like ... 

• iPhone and iPad Photography with iOS 13 and 14 
• Mobile Photography: Image Management 
• Photography Foundations - Mobile Photography 
• Editing Macro Flower Photography 
• Photo Restoration: Damaged Black-and-White Images 
• and more 

Use these classes to connect with friends. In addition to a "book club" you can make your own "photo club" to watch the videos and then practice the techniques discussed and share your results. 

Photo Walk

Looking for parks around the Sacramento area, something with a short commute. 

The date is fixed - Wednesday February 23rd, 1 to 3 pm. Watch for email to confirm your assigned location. Depending on enrollment (aka demand), there is a possibility we will have two groups at each location, the first from 1:00 to 1:45 pm and the second from 2:00 to 2:45 pm. 

Our class is over enrolled! A limited number of participants will be invited to attend in-person sessions. Others may be out-of-town and arrange their own photo walk will suggestions from this website. We will have a Zoom meeting for others desiring more coaching and feedback with camera modes. 

Rain will change our location but not the date. 

Read details about Day 2 

Basic Editing in Photos app

Apple has included a magic toolkit for organizing and editing your photos. This can be magic. 

Read details about Day 3 

Sharing and Saving Photos

Chances are that you are keeping emails because there are attached photos. Another safe bet is that the Messages app has lots of photos too. 

We will look at saving the photos shared with you. Then we will review how you can share photos with friends and family. 

Read details about Day 4