How iPhone photographers connect the world using only ‘basic’ gear

Previous

Next

1 of 2

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset John Bozinov

Processed with VSCO with a8 preset John Bozinov

A photograph is a connection — to a person, place, or moment in time. But making that connection wasn’t always convenient. Before Aug. 19, 1839, taking a single photograph required at least eight hours just to expose the image. But when the French released the daguerreotype to the public 179 years ago today, photography started a journey from something only chemists understood to something many of us do on a daily basis — maybe to preserve a smile, maybe just to digitize a receipt.

That journey has led to a world more connected by images than the pioneers of photography could have ever imagined. World Photography Day celebrates that connection, inviting photographers around the globe to share their images and stories with the international community. As smartphones have played a huge role in the surge of photographs being created, we worked with Apple to talk to some of the most prolific iPhone photographers around the globe about what inspires them, what gear and apps they use, and how a photograph can spark change.

The benefits of a basic camera

• 1.
  Processed with VSCO with a1 preset Processed with VSCO with c7 preset
• 2.
  Processed with VSCO with m5 preset Processed with VSCO with a8 preset
• 3.
  Processed with VSCO with a8 preset
• 4.
  Processed with VSCO with a8 preset
• 5.
  Processed with VSCO with a6 preset
• 6.
  Processed with VSCO with a9 preset. Images by John Bozinov.

While some photographers are only too quick to brag about owning the latest camera, photographers like John Bozinov point out that “basic” cameras have their perks. “I enjoy the simplicity of shooting on a relatively ‘basic’ camera and not thinking too much while I’m in the field taking photos, focusing and connecting solely on my subject in front of me; in some ways it helps to keep me in the moment,” Bozinov told Digital Trends.

“I also like that I can shoot, edit and share all from one device, streamlining the creative process from start to finish. For me, photography is about connecting people to new ideas, and there’s no better way to bridge that disconnect by creating a sense of familiarity by shooting my images using the same camera that we all have in our pockets.”

Bozinov, a New Zealand native, spends much of his time photographing Antartica — and the iPhone’s small size makes it easy to keep the camera battery warm and running by slipping it into an interior pocket.

While most photographers photographing wildlife use big telephoto lenses, the fixed iPhone lens works for Bozniov’s shots of friendly penguins — because the penguins really are that friendly. “Many of the animals in Antarctica didn’t evolve around a natural land predator, so the wildlife there often doesn’t feel particularly scared or apprehensive around people. In fact, there have been many situations where penguins have approached me rather than the other way around,” he said.

For Kael Rebick, another iPhone photographer, using the camera she already had in her pocket wasn’t just a way to capture her life, but was actually what inspired a love for photography and travel. When she picked up one of the first iPhones, the Toronto native quickly became hooked on photography. While she now also uses a dedicated Fujifilm mirrorless camera, she continues to shoot with her iPhone, either to compliment her mirrorless camera or when it’s the only camera she has room to bring.

Apps and accessories take phone photos further

• 1.
  Kael Rebick
• 2.
  Kael Rebick
• 3.
  Kael Rebick

One key reason Rebick continues shooting with an iPhone is the simplicity and immediacy of editing. A self-described low tech photographer, her go-to editing app is Snapseed.

Ashish Parmar, a photographer based in India, takes a decidedly higher-tech approach. He shoots with an iPhone X and edits with the iPad Pro using Affinity Photo, Photoshop, and a stylus. He’ll also use the Apple Watch to as a remote trigger, along with shooting with wide angle lenses, LED lights, a GorillaPod, and other accessories.

For Australia-based photographer Ryan Pernofksi, accessories make his work possible. His Instagram is filled with ocean waves, which he shoots using the AxisGo housing by Aquatech. He edits in VSCO. “I edit photos the same way I’ve heard one should use makeup,” he says. “Not to mask your flaws, but to highlight the beauty that’s already there.”

When travel photographer Austin Mann uses an iPhone, he brings along a mini tripod, the Pedco UltraPod with a Glif quick release attachment, and a portable power bank. The U.S.-based photographer also uses Moment’s fisheye lens and the Movi stabilizer. For editing, he uses both Snapseed and VSCO, while relying on PhotoPills to plan his shots and NightCap Pro for long exposures.

Karem Uzel’s high contrast black and white images are created on the Provoke app. The photographer, who’s based in Turkey, says the high contrast black and white edits from the app helps capture his feelings in the midst of the political turmoil in Turkey.

For DJ-turned-music-photographer Maria Jose Govea, it’s the color edits that play a big role. The Los Angeles based photographer uses A Color Story to edit her iPhone shots.

Photography for change

Processed with VSCO with au5 preset Ryan Pernofski

While the gear, process, and style differs, World Photography Day is about using a photograph for change. For Rebick, a camera is a tool that allows anyone to see other cultures and locations, even if they can’t visit themselves. “I like to be able to shot what beauty that I see — my photos are about what I think are beautiful things that I’m able to capture through my own eyes,” she said. “I just hope that beauty translates and that other people will see it too and appreciate it — or decide to travel there themselves.”

For Bozinov, photography is not about getting people to a location, but showing that even isolated areas are worth protecting. “I think we often feel disconnected with Antarctica because of its isolation,” he said. “I hope that my photography will help people feel a little closer and connected to the polar regions and that my work will show others that the far reaches of our planet are places worth protecting.”

World Photography Day is Aug. 19, the birthday of the daguerreotype — share a photo, no matter what camera it came from, with hashtag #worldphotoday to celebrate.

Editors’ Recommendations

• For Monaris, it’s a photography career launched on an iPhone and Instagram
• These might be the best photos shot with an iPhone in 2018
• Colby Brown isn’t afraid to fail (or fall) in pursuit of the perfect travel shot
• Film-processing lab offers fascinating behind-the-scenes look
• What the hell? How Jonathan Higbee shoots these impossible street photos

The Note 9 is the best waterproof Android phone you can buy

The Galaxy Note 9 combines a beautiful industrial design with ultra-powerful specs, superb cameras, and the ever-capable S Pen. Starting at $1000, it isn’t cheap by any stretch, but it’s as premium as they come.

Our pick

Galaxy Note 9

$1000 at Samsung

The most powerful phone Samsung has ever built.

The Galaxy Note 9 isn’t just the best waterproof phone — it’s one of the best overall phones money can buy. It packs everything from wireless charging to a massive 4000mAh battery, dual cameras, a remote control S Pen, and even a headphone jack. All without a notch.

Who should buy this phone?

Customers with deep pockets (both literally and metaphorically) who want to be able to run their entire life from their phone. The Galaxy Note 9 has a seemingly endless list of features, both in hardware and software, and can even act as a makeshift desktop computer using DeX through an HDMI to USB-C adapter.

Whether you’re a gamer, a businessman, or just a high-rolling power user, the Note 9 offers best-in-class performance, massive storage (up to 512GB internally, plus microSD expandability), and the same excellent pair of rear cameras found in the Galaxy S9+ — one a 12MP sensor with dual apertures, and the other a telephoto lens of the same resolution.

Is it a good time to buy this phone?

It is! There’s rarely a better time to buy a phone than just ahead of its launch. Samsung is offering a bundle deal with early orders of the Note 9, throwing in a free pair of AKG headphones or in-game currency for Fortnite (you can also get both for $100), and some carriers are further sweetening the deal with BOGO promotions.

Reasons to buy

• Huge, gorgeous 6.4-inch display
• Improved S Pen functionality
• Great dual cameras
• Long battery life
• Top-of-the-line specs
• Industrial curved glass design

Reasons not to buy

• It’s $1000
• Samsung Experience still not everyone’s cup of tea
• Likely won’t receive Android Pie update for a while

There are other great waterproof phones

The nice thing about looking for a great waterproof phone is that almost every phone is waterproof these days. While the Galaxy Note 9 is arguably the best phone currently on the market, there are plenty more options to choose from.

Runner-up

Google Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL

$649 from Google Store

Pure Android comes in a waterproof package.

The Pixel 2 delivers Google’s Android software as intended, with fast updates for the latest features and security issues for a full three years. Many have said the Pixel takes Apple’s iPhone approach and keeps things simple and running smoothly, and we have to agree.

The Pixel 2 represents the best of Google’s software. But the hardware is no slouch, either. That IP67-rated exterior holds the same muscle as most every other high-end Android phone with a Snapdragon 835 chip and 4GB of RAM. Add in front facing speakers and one of the best cameras on any phone you can buy today for a great water-resistant experience!

Best for videography

LG V30

$699 from B&H

Great for content creators and consumers alike.

Besides being “waterproof,” the V30 has some other really great features. Video capture is second to none with LG’s Cine Log mode, top-shelf mobile audio components make the V30 sound as good as (or even better than) your stereo at home, and it’s the first phone to support T-Mobile’s 600Mhz network.

Samsung isn’t the only one holding onto standards like expandable storage and a headphone jack — in fact, the LG V30’s Quad DAC offers the best wired audio experience around. Add to that LG’s constantly improving ultra-wide angle camera, and the V30 is an outstanding content-creating and -consuming machine.

Best for one-handed use

Galaxy S9

$690 from Amazon

A Note 9 you can fit in one hand.

If you want most of the features of the Galaxy Note 9 but don’t want a massive, two-handed device, the Galaxy S9 has a nearly-identical spec sheet, along with the same curved glass design and even the exact same camera sensor. Of course, it’s IP68 waterproof, too.

With a 5.8-inch 18.5:9 display, the Galaxy S9 still isn’t a small phone by any means, but it’s much more manageable than the Note 9, without compromising on features or specs. You won’t get the S Pen that makes a Note a Note, but you’ll still enjoy the same great software experience and fantastic camera.

Bottom line

Here’s some great news: ingress protection is all but mandated in a flagship phone these days, so when you’re looking for a good waterproof phone you can pretty much just choose whatever phone catches your eye — with a few exceptions like the OnePlus 6 and Moto Z3 Play, both of which have “splash resistance” but no full-blown certifications.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better waterproof phone than the Galaxy Note 9 — at least, until the rest of 2018’s lineup rolls out.

Updated August 2018: This list has been updated with the Galaxy Note 9 now taking the crown as our top recommendation.

Cover your home in smart devices with three Echo Dots for just $25 apiece

The ultimate smart home.

If you add three Echo Dot smart devices to your cart and use the code DOT3PACK during checkout, the price will drop from $119.97 down to $74.97. That’s $45 off the price and brings the Echo Dots down to about $25 apiece. The Echo Dot is $40 on its own, and that’s only because there’s a sale dropping it from $50. It’s even bigger savings if you consider that $120 price is usually $150.

With three Echo Dots, you can group them altogether and add each one to a different part of your house. That way you’ll always have Alexa within earshot when you need to ask her about the weather or turn on a light or play some music. This sale is part of a larger sale on Amazon hardware and includes several other devices as much as $100 off. Add to your smart home with those as well.

See on Amazon

This 64GB Samsung Galaxy S8 for T-Mobile is down to $350 today

Replace your current device with this sleek smartphone at a discount.

Samsung is offering the T-Mobile edition of the Galaxy S8 smartphone for just $350 today. As it regularly costs up to $600 at retailers such as Amazon, this deal saves you around $250. Only the Arctic White version of this phone is priced this low today, and it is only compatible with the carrier T-Mobile.

The Galaxy S8 received rave reviews from the team here. It features 4GB RAM, a 5.8-inch bezel-less display, and a 3000mAh battery which can last for up to 30 hours of talk time. It also comes equipped with an 8MP front camera and a 12MP rear camera.

There’s a whole lot of glass on this phone, so be sure to protect it with a nice case. You can also upgrade its storage with up to a 256GB microSD card.

See at Samsung

Department of Justice asks judge to force Facebook to decrypt Messenger

Three unnamed sources have confirmed to Reuters that the U.S. government is trying to force Facebook’s hand regarding the encryption on its Messenger app. The government wants the social media platform to make it possible for law enforcement agencies to listen in on a suspect’s conversation during criminal investigations.  Facebook has refused the demand and the case is currently set to go to trial in federal court in California. The case is sealed, so there are no public records available.

On August 14, the judge in the case heard opening arguments regarding the U.S. Department of Justice’s request to have Facebook held in contempt of court for refusing to cooperate with the investigation.

The case is still in the opening stages, but its results could have widespread ramifications regarding privacy on communication apps. If the courts rule in favor of the government, that could allow law enforcement agencies to make similar demands of other communication apps. For their part, some tech companies, despite the obvious privacy issues inherent in social media, have come to see themselves as guardians of privacy.

In a lot of ways, this case is similar to one that occurred in 2016 between the FBI  and Apple regarding the contents of an iPhone belonging to a man involved in the murder of government employees in San Bernardino, California. In that case, Apple argued that the government was violating the company’s first amendment rights by attempting to force the issue. However, the case was never resolved as a third-party contractor helped the government obtain the information it sought from the phone.

This case could also have implications for how internet-based voice applications are viewed in regards to wiretapping. Currently, it is fairly easy for law enforcement to obtain warrants to tap traditional phone conversations, but that hasn’t been expanded to platforms such as Facebook Messenger or Google Hangouts.

While there are legal issues at stake here, the goverment’s request also runs into technical ones as well. Standard text messages sent within Messenger do not receive one-to-one encryption, but phone conversations do. Facebook is arguing that the government’s request is impossible without rewriting Messenger’s code, which would make it easier to listen in on anyone’s conversations.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Facebook suspends data firm claiming access to 1 trillion conversations
• Under 13? You may soon find your Facebook or Instagram account suspended
• Facebook takes aim at Tinder and Bumble with its own dating service
• Facebook and Google racked up $8.8 billion in lawsuits from one day of GDPR
• Would you pay to join a Group? Facebook takes subscriptions for a spin

SMS Connect will allow you to use Skype to text from your PC

Texting from a computer has been possible for years on both iOS in the form of iMessage and through various Android apps such as MightyText. Now, it looks like we’re getting another platform to choose from. A post on the blog Windows Italia has revealed that one of the features in the works for the future of Skype is the ability to use Skype to send and receive text messages.

“SMS Connect,” as the new feature is being called, can be found in the preview settings of the Skype Android app. However, it currently cannot be activated. It’s unclear when the new feature will be enabled, as neither Microsoft or Skype have announced a firm release date. SMS Connect does appear to be available on the desktop app, though some users have reported issues. Of course, bugs are to be expected in a testing environment.

Based on your feedback for this feature, we're really excited to introduce SMS Connect to Insiders! You've seen our sneak peak of the setting in 8.29. ???? We'll let you know what scenarios to help test in future builds as we light up the feature.

— Skype Insider (@SkypeInsider) August 17, 2018

As of right now, SMS Connect appears to only be available for Windows 10 devices and Android. The company has not made any announcements about an iOS version of this feature, though that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. However, it is likely that a lot of iPhone users prefer to use iMessage for their texting needs.

This isn’t the only Windows-based SMS application that Microsoft has in the works. Earlier this year, the company announced the Your Phone app, which will make it easy for users to access their phone’s photos, text messages, and other content right from their desktop. Unlike Skype’s SMS feature, Your Phone has been confirmed to be in the works for both Android and iOS devices.

Having two products that have a similar purpose might seem self-defeating for Microsoft, but the Skype app does have a few benefits that may set it apart. For starters, there’s the simple fact that many people prefer to use a single app for their communication needs, so fans of Skype will likely enjoy being able to use Skype to send texts. Beyond that, Your Phone may require a newer version of Windows 10, so those who haven’t updated to the latest version of the OS, will have an option.

Editors’ Recommendations

• How to send a text message from a computer
• The best chat clients
• You’ll soon be able to send texts on your Chromebook
• How to save text messages in Android and iOS
• What is RCS messaging? Here’s all you need to know about the successor to SMS

Master your Moto E5 Plus and E5 Play with these handy tips and tricks

The Moto E5 Plus and Moto E5 Play are Motorola’s latest budget phone offerings. Both phones offer capable hardware with a near stock version of Android. Whether you’re new to Moto phones or just upgrading, there are loads of special features to explore. Here are our favorite Moto E5 Plus and E5 Play tips and tricks.

How to customize your home screen

Looking to mix things up a bit with your Moto E5? How about customizing your home screen? Making changes to the home screen is simple on the Moto E5 Plus and E5 Play.

To customize your screen, simply long tap on the home screen. Select Wallpaper and tap on your favorite image and press Set Wallpaper. A popup will appear asking if you’d like to change the image for your home screen, lock screen, or both.

If you’d like to add a widget to your home screen, simply tap the Widgets icon. When you’ve located a widget you’d like to place on the screen, simply long tap it and place in your desired location.

Finally, if you’d like to change the size of the icons on your screen, just tap the Settings icon followed by the home screen layout option. A window will open giving you multiple image grid-size options.

How to optimize your battery

For those who are looking to eke out every last drop of battery juice, the Moto E5 Plus and E5 Play provide options to optimize and extend battery life.

You’ll find tips to help you extend battery life by tapping on the Moto icon and scrolling to the Power for hours section. You may not see suggestions when you first start using the phone or if the battery is full, however tips will appear as the phone becomes familiar with your usage patterns.

If you want to optimize your battery, you’ll need to do a little digging in the settings. To optimize your battery, go to Settings > Battery. Tap the overflow (three dot) icon and select Battery optimization. A list of apps will appear, and if the app isn’t grayed out, you can tap on it to optimize.

How to disable unwanted apps

We were a bit disappointed to see bloatware when we first powered on the Moto E5 Plus and E5 Play. While some of the apps can’t be uninstalled, you can disable them. Disabling apps removes them from the home screen and ensures they don’t run in the background.

To disable apps, long press on the app and select App info. Tap Disable > Disable App. 

How to use Moto Actions

Moto Actions allows you to use gestures to complete common tasks. Instead of using the volume down and power buttons to grab a screenshot, for instance, you can simply touch and hold on the screen with three fingertips when Moto Actions are enabled.

To set up Moto Actions, open the Moto app and tap Features. Select the Moto Actions option. From here, you can toggle on multiple gesture options depending on your phone including Chop Twice for Flashlight and Twist for Quick Capture.

How to use Moto Display

Both the Moto E5 Plus and Moto E5 Play offer lots of display customizations in Moto Display. You can easily turn on a blue light filter, make sure the screen stays on while you’re looking at it, or even temporarily show notifications when the display is turned off.

If you want to use Moto Display, just tap on the Moto icon on the home screen. Select the Features option and tap Moto Display.

To turn on the blue light filter, toggle on Night Display. Tap on the Night Display description to open a customization window to adjust the start and end times, as well as the filter intensity.

If you want the display to remain on while you’re looking at it, toggle on the Attentive Display option. Finally, if you want notifications to appear when the screen is turned off, toggle on Moto Display. You can tap on More Settings to customize which apps show notifications, as well as the level of detail that is displayed on the screen.

How to use split-screen mode

Want to stream YouTube videos while you check your email? The Moto E5 duo allow you to easily enable split-screen mode.

There are actually two ways to enable split-screen mode. The easiest way is to simply open the apps you wish to use and tap the app switcher icon (usually a box on the right side of the navigation bar). Long press on the first app you wish to open and drag it to the top of the screen.  Simply tap on the other app you wish to open and it will appear on the bottom of the screen. If you wish to adjust the size of each app, you can drag the divider bar that separates the two apps.

If you’re already in an app and want to split screens, simply long tap on the app switcher icon and select the second app you’d like to open. The divider bar between the apps will allow you to quickly change the size of an app.

When you’re ready to close your split-screen session, drag the divider line to the top or bottom of the screen.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Moto E5 Plus review
• Moto E5 Play review
• Moto E5 Plus and Play are solid budget phones that won’t get Android P
• Here are Moto G6 tips and tricks to help you master your new phone
• The best Moto E5 Play cases

Nvidia ‘more than happy to help’ if Tesla’s self-driving chip doesn’t pan out

CEOs from Tesla and Nvidia, each company a powerhouse in its niche, spoke during respective 2018 second-quarter earnings calls about new autonomous driving artificial intelligence chips for the next generation of Autopilot in Tesla cars.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was asked about Tesla’s previously announced plan to switch to in-house A.I. chips, which are still in development. Huang spoke first about Nvidia’s own new Xavier autonomous driving chipset and software stack, which he described as “super hard to build” but in production now.

Huang said about Tesla’s chips, “And if it doesn’t turn out for whatever reason it doesn’t turn out for them you can give me a call and I’d be more than happy to help,” CNBC reported.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk told investors during a call earlier in the month that Hardware 3, Tesla’s homegrown A.I. chipset, due next year, is,  “the world’s most advanced computer specifically for autonomous operation.” Comparing the in-house silicon to the Nvidia chipset in Tesla’s current vehicles, Musk said Hardware 3 would deliver an “order of magnitude” greater performance.

CNBC reprinted Huang’s full response to the question about working with Tesla.

Huang referred to 2016 when Tesla decided to discontinue using Mobileye’s EyeQ image processing chips in future Autopilot development and first started using Nvidia’s autonomous solution.

“With respect to the next generation, it is the case that when we first started working on autonomous vehicles, they needed our help. And we used the 3-year-old Pascal GPU for the current generation of Autopilot computers.

“And it is very clear now that in order to have a safe Autopilot system, we need a lot more computing horsepower. In order to have safe computing, in order to have safe driving, the algorithms have to be rich. It has to be able to handle corner conditions in a lot of diverse situations.

“And every time that there’s more and more corner conditions or more subtle things that you have to do or you have to drive more smoothly or be able to take turns more quickly, all of those requirements require greater computing capability. And that’s exactly the reason why we built Xavier. Xavier is in production now. We’re seeing great success and customers are super excited about Xavier.”

Following Nvidia’s earnings call, Musk replied to a tweet about Huang’s offer to help Tesla. “Nvidia makes great hardware,” Musk tweeted. “High respect for Jensen & company. Our hardware needs were just unique & matched tightly to our software.”

Nvidia makes great hardware. High respect for Jensen & company. Our hardware needs were just unique & matched tightly to our software.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 16, 2018

Editors’ Recommendations

• Nvidia GeForce GTX 11 Series’ arrival is uncertain after Computex remark
• Tesla gives its self-driving cars a performance boost with custom chips
• Performance option pushes Tesla’s mass market Model 3 into Model S territory
• Tesla board waits for Musk’s plan to go private as Saudi Arabia stays silent
• Nvidia’s mini supercomputer is the fastest single computer humanity has built

What you missed this week on CordCutters.com

Choice. It’s all about choice.

More streaming options are always a good thing. Because the whole point of this is to trade in our old cable companies for something with better choices, better flexibility — and, hopefully, lower prices.

That’s why HDHomerun expanding with its own streaming lineup is a big deal. That’s why another $35 option is a big deal. (And, by the way, it’s one of the few services that offers The Weather Channel.)

We now have plans ranging from Philo’s $16 a month (or $20, if you want to splurge) to PlayStation Vue’s whopping $80 a month all-inclusive monster. (OK, mostly all-inclusive. There are still add-ons.) And we have plans in between.

The point is, This is about building the best system that works for you. Spend as much or as little as you want. Spend a little extra, maybe, to make it all work a little more the way you want it. Use the free trials and try all the things.

Or, hell, keep your cable subscription. If that gets you more for your money, keep it!

Here’s what else you missed this week:

• The September Amazon Prime Video listings are in!
• It’s not quite as easy as we’d like, but there’s about to be a ton of soccer on ESPN+.
• Folks got themselves all excited over Roku’s analytics. Don’t really know why, though.
• Are people still playing HQ Trivia? And do they really want to on an Apple TV?
• Samsung has a new SmartThings Wifi hub thing, and it’s not bad.
• We’ve rounded up three sub-$100 sound bars that aren’t bad at all for the money.
• Ouch.

Introducing CordCutters.com

• The hardware you need
• All about streaming services
• What channels are on which service
• FREE over-the-air TV
• How to watch sports
• Join the discussion

Get the latest deals

Amazon hardware, Xbox Live, and more are discounted today

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on tons of Amazon hardware, Epson’s 1080p home cinema projector, Sennheiser’s open-back headphones, and more!

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!