On our coffee meetup, I showed Nick and Bob what an iPhone could do right on the spot while taking a portrait. There are several light modes (for want of a better term) that the photographer can call upon.
I took a photo of Bob to demonstrate. This is how his portrait came straight from the phone with no post editing, except for a slight crop if I recall. Keep in mind that we were in a lighted and busy coffee shop. One crazy thing is that you cannot apply this effect in post (or at least I haven't figured out how), but only as you take the picture.
Bob liked it well enough that he asked me to send it to him. I did, and he used it on his Facebook profile straightaway.
I then used a different setting for Nick. I do admit to doing a little post editing on this one. I cropped, removed some light spots on the edges, and gritted up his face just a little. But the basic image was what the phone initially developed.
It's amazing really: no studio lighting, just quick shots in an uninspiring coffee shop.
I've done this with Lacey too. She doesn't get on the chair with me often, but she recently did, looking for treats and not my companionship. I took a photo to mark the occasion.
That ↑ was the plain photo, but as she lingered, I took two more photos using those interesting light modes.
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Whether you like the photos or not, I find it pretty impressive what a phone can do with a quick press of the shutter. It sure has little to do with the photographer's skill. It's called computational photography that goes beyond recording light and colour on a pixel.
Computational photography uses software, digital sensors, optics, and smart lights to digitally capture and process the world, enhancing images beyond what traditional optical processes can achieve. By leveraging algorithms, this technology produces features like high-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging, portrait mode, night mode, and even augmented reality (AR) filters by combining multiple exposures or using artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and reconstruct scenes in new ways.
I do not know what versions of the iPhone can do this. I am using an iPhone 13.
I have an iPhone 14. Can it do that too? Is it under the portrait setting?
ReplyDeleteIf a 13 can do it, I’m pretty sure a 14 can. When you are in portrait mode, you should see some options near the bottom. There are several options to scroll through. I’ve shown two of them, the more dramatic options.
DeleteThat is VERY cool. Maybe when I replace my rotten phone, I should go iphone!
ReplyDeleteI have an android but maybe I should investigate the settings. Those are great photos of your friends.
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I watched a show about a man challenged to take a photo per day of a tree only using his phone. The results were published in a stunning coffee table book. That was probably close to a decade ago so I can only imagine how much better he could do today.
ReplyDeleteI love all these photos and should practice with my own iPhone 12. I think it will do these things, but I'm not sure.
ReplyDeleteI love your photography skills, always have. You give yourself too little credit!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
Very interesting, I would like to learn more about how to do that. Yours are very impressive.
ReplyDeleteWow, new tricks with my old iPhone 12...I've never used portrait, and I see about 6 lighting settings at the bottom. Will have some friends available tomorrow to test this out!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I have never had an iPhone but what a great feature.
ReplyDeleteThese are most impressive, especially the ones of your friends. I must experiment with my iPhone.
ReplyDeleteI have a 15 and had no idea about any of this. I need to spend some time looking into it.
ReplyDelete