Simply..de-skilled?....

19/5/2017

I wonder if any of you had the same feeling as I had of being slightly de-skilled when first using a smartphone to take photographs?

Leaving my much loved and used Olympus SP700 behind when I went to Colonsay was like going without my friend! It is a fairly simple digital camera - not much skill needed really, but I missed the little ritual of fetching the camera from its soft leather case, finding the tripod, adjusting the height, choosing the most appropriate setting...I hadn't realised how much I enjoyed this until it was no longer there and I took my smartphone from my pocket, switched it on, clicked camera and pressed the button. Oh. Is that it? I thought, feeling vaguely disappointed!

Of course I wasn't disappointed when I saw the results on the laptop, and some skill is still required to edit which I like doing. The clarity and ease of use was one of the reasons for getting the iPhone in the first place, and I will surely come to love it.

Are you happy with the camera on your phone? I wonder how professional photographers feel about it.

Here are a few recent shots.

10 Comments

Lotta

19/5/2017 11:46:49 pm

I also have an Olympus (SH-50) and an (old) iPhone, and still much prefer taking photos with the camera, although I've noticed that sometimes the iPhone deals better with low or extreme light conditions. There are various camera apps that you can download for iPhone that give you lots more settings - I haven't tried any of them but there are some reviewed here: https://iphonephotographyschool.com/best-camera-app-for-iphone/
I love my iPhone, but taking photos with a digital camera feels much more enjoyable and fulfilling - there's more intimacy with the subject and it's a more engaging process for me. Leisurely meal vs fast food!

Freda

20/5/2017 01:37:17 pm

What a good analogy Lotta and thanks for reminding me I can still use both..

Julia

20/5/2017 03:55:00 am

I have only ever used the auto-settings on a camera, so perhaps i haven't had the same sense of intimacy wth subjects and camera that you might have had, Freda. I have an old iphone. My pictures are decent. My friends with newer phones, particularly samsung phones: wow! Their pictures are fabulous! My reason for taking a picture is usually to capture a moment or view that i can share with a friend (no social media for me). My iPhone and ipad are ideal for that purpose. In fact, i gave me beloved and cute little canon elph to my 10 yr old grandson. He instantly discovered many features on it that i had not even been aware of. The newer elph has wireless so i might consider getting another. It's so rewarding to share our lives via photos, isn't it?

Julia

20/5/2017 03:56:27 am

And by the way...these photos above are gorgeous! I am amazed at how well your iphone did with that window shot. Really terrific.

Freda

20/5/2017 01:45:37 pm

Thanks Julia though I have to say no credit to me! Perhaps that's part of the issue!

Freda

20/5/2017 01:39:40 pm

It is wonderful to share photos - and so easy. I love how your grandson took to your camera!

Lucille link

20/5/2017 04:01:36 am

I am happy with my iPhone but tinged with guilt when I see the shelf of cameras that I was so proud to own. But portability and the fact that I am quite happy with the results win out every time. My last camera had an annoying lense cap that used to pop off and an awkward case. I don't even edit now beyond a little light cropping but it does feel like a retrograde step when I remember that I used to know how to develop and print my own black and white photos!

Freda,

20/5/2017 01:42:40 pm

There is some nostalgia for the days of those skills, but the results are so good, and it is so simple, but I know two professional photographers who have had to give up businesswise.

Viv link

20/5/2017 01:28:51 pm

Wow these are good - I have been looking at new cameras but maybe I should just get an iPhone!

Freda

20/5/2017 01:43:48 pm

I decided it was the simplest answer and one less thing to carry!

Simply..de-skilled?....

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