Nikon introduced a lens in 1959. It was revolutionary. If you were using a 35 mm camera (the ones that took film) it was a scientific breakthrough. Why?
It allowed you to take low light photos.
Today, 50 mm f/1.4 doesn’t sound like much, but back then it was amazing. And we can learn from those cameras and lenses.
If you have one in the closet, dust if off, get some film, and shoot a roll.
It will be fun and you will learn a lot about taking photos.
Try it.
If you use a Mac, here’s a way to remove the background of a photo…fast!
With all the portraits taken with an iPhone these days, you might want to look at some portraits taken with an 8×10″ view camera by a true portrait artist. Go ahead, look at https://karsh.org.
While at a local restaurant, a photographer came around to take photos. My wife and I were sitting in front of windows. We came out in shadows. The sad part is that it could have been avoided before the photos were taken or fixed afterwards. By opening up a stop or more (yes, the photographer was using a “real” camera with controls) our faces would have looked better. By lightening the shadows after the digital image was made our faces would not be as dark. This kind of thing shouldn’t happen in 2024…by a “real” photographer.
It’s time to offer some new photography workshops for iPhone users. These workshops will be available online and in person. For more info please send an email to joelheffner (at) gmail.com.
iPhone Photo Basics
…for those who want to learn how to get the most out of their iPhones.
iPhone Garden Photography
…for those who want to preserve their garden memories using an iPhone.
Preserve Your Family Memories
…using your iPhone.
In the Northeast, where I live, things are getting warmer. The plant nurseries are opening and my wife is itching to get into the garden. For me, that means folks should get ready to take pictures of the garden. It’s a good idea to check the camera directions…even if you are using an iPhone. If you take a few minutes to check the directions you will probably be surprised to see what your iPhone’s camera can do. And if you go to the Photos app and then click on Edit, you’ll find a large number of controls you can utilize to enhance your images. Go to Photos –> Edit. If you click on the Magic Wand, you’ll be shocked at what you can do with one click. No kidding!
Good advice for photographers…
“Using simple equipment and daylight alone is for me a pleasure and a replenishment.” ~ Irving Penn
Some photographers think that simple equipment is beneath them. They think that you need the latest (and most expensive) versions of your camera to get good results. Really? Yesterday’s photos weren’t any good because they were taken with yesterday’s cameras?
Do you know what camera Ansel Adams used? Do you know what camera Mathew Brady used?
Does it matter? Their photos have survived and are admired. Their equipment didn’t matter.
Simple is good.
 During my Zoom talks I suggest ways that audience members can “take notes” by creating screenshots. That way you can go back and see what interested you the most. If you don’t know how to create a screenshot (don’t worry it’s really easy), these links will take you to online tutorials that will explain how to create a screenshot using the device that you will be using during the talk.
If you use an iPhone go here.
If you use an Android go here.
If you use a Mac go here.
If you use Windows go here.
If you use an iPad go here.
You might also want to see this article in PC Magazine on making screenshots using any device.
Like all other speakers, Toastmasters have become avid Zoom users. In order to get the most out of it they should consider the following tips:
Before you go on Zoom at a Toastmasters meeting…learn the basics.
Reality…
You never know when your best pictures will appear.
I’ve never even thought about a rule when I’ve taken my favorite photos.
The sun is the sun…learn to deal with it.