Latest news with #iPhonePhotography
CNET
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
2025 iPhone Photography Award Winners Prove Any Phone Can Create Stunning Images
The winners of the 18th annual iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS), a competition that showcases stunning photos captured worldwide by photographers using an iPhone or iPad, were announced on Friday. The full collection of this year's winners and their photos -- along with which Apple device they used to take their masterful shot -- is now available at the IPPAWARDS site. You might be surprised to learn you don't need the latest iPhone models to capture great images. In the Photographers of the Year category, Jarod Peraza took the grand prize for his photo "Viajero Nocturno." The US-based photographer captured the nighttime scene in Villa de Leyva, Colombia, using an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Enlarge Image Viajero Nocturno Villa de Leyva, Colombia Shot on iPhone 16 Pro Max Jarod Peraza/IPPAWARDS In first place, US photographer Carol Addassi won for "Passage," a black-and-white night shot of Central Park in New York City taken using a 7-year-old iPhone XS. Enlarge Image Passage Central Park in Manhattan, New York City Shot on iPhone XS Carol Addassi/IPPAWARDS In second place, "Moto Cães" is a playful shot of two dogs in a motorcycle sidecar at sunset, captured by Brazil's Thiago Bernardes de Souza on an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Enlarge Image Moto Cães Brasília, Distrito Federal Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max Thiago Bernardes de Souza/IPPAWARDS Third place is a moody early morning photo of Virginia's Corrotoman River, entitled "Foggy Morning on the Corrotoman," taken by US photographer Martha Nance on an iPhone 15 Pro. Enlarge Image Foggy Morning on the Corrotoman Merry Point, Virginia Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Martha Nance/IPPAWARDS Since the first iPhone appeared in 2007, the awards have showcased both the technology and the aesthetics of mobile photography. "When we began, the idea was simply to explore how this new device was transforming the way people create and share images," said Kenan Aktulun, founder and editor-in-chief of IPPAWARDS, via email. "Early on, there was a heavy use of filters; users were experimenting with the novelty of mobile photography. Over the years, as users grew more fluent with the medium, the work became more personal, emotional, and relatable." Enlarge Image Lan Zhanxiang's photo took second place in the Architectural category. Light Chaser Zhiyi Building, Shenzhen City Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max Lan Zhanxiang/IPPAWARDS In addition to the four top slots, the awards also name three winners in 12 different categories, including Abstract, Architecture, Landscape, Nature and Portrait. Dozens of photos are also named as honorable mentions in each category. This year's winning photos were made using a wide variety of iPhones, the oldest being an iPhone 8 Plus from 2017. Nearly every model since then is represented, with just a handful of the latest iPhone 16 lineup appearing among the awarded photos. The competition stipulates that photos must be captured using an iPhone or iPad, and not edited in Photoshop on a desktop computer, although editing using apps on the device (presumably including the mobile versions of Photoshop) is allowed. This year's grand prize winner received a 13-inch Apple iPad Air, and the other Photographers of the Year received an Apple Watch Series 10. In the 12 specific categories, the first-place winners each received a gold bar, and the second and third-place winners each received a platinum bar. Enlarge Image This photo by Dominic Dähncke received second place in the Other category. Untitled Tenerife, Canary Islands Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max Dominic Dähncke/IPPAWARDS Judges evaluated images and determined winners based on artistic merit, originality, subject and style. According to Aktulun, the panel is made up of 10 to 12 judges from different backgrounds, "such as photographers, art buyers, creative directors, architects, academics, people in the creative field and occasionally selected winners from previous years." Submitting work to the competition involves an entry fee of $7.50 for one image and discounted per-image rates for batches of up to 25 images. There are no limits on the number of entries you can submit. Submissions for the 2026 iPhone Photography Awards are now open through March 31, 2026.
Forbes
07-08-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
How To Photograph The Full Moon With An iPhone — And When To Try This Weekend
How do you take a good picture of the full moon with an iPhone? August's sturgeon moon will turn full on Saturday, Aug. 9, but a quirk of celestial mechanics means it's going to be best photographed on not one, but two successive evenings. A few minutes after moonrise where you are on both Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, is when to look to the southeastern sky (from the Northern Hemisphere) to see the moon appear on the horizon. That will occur during dusk, soon after the sun has set in the west. Taking a great photo of the full moon using an iPhone isn't easy. Despite the full moon looking big when it's close to the horizon, it's not — that's the "moon illusion" tricking your brain. The iPhone's lack of optical zoom is a serious limiting factor, while the brightness of the moon is another challenge. However, it's possible to get a photo of the full moon you'll love. Here are some tips: 1. Time It Right If you're photographing the full moon with your iPhone, don't wait until it's high in the sky. Your best chance is at moonrise, when the moon is low on the horizon and glows orange and yellow in dusk or twilight. With more light around than at night, your iPhone will better handle contrast and balance exposure. Check the time of moonrise and be in position 10 minutes beforehand, choosing an east-facing location with an unobstructed view (rooftops and beaches are good locations). 2. Use a Tripod and Timer Your iPhone is capable of sharp images, but only if it's kept still. Even a slight shake from pressing the shutter can blur your moon shot, especially with slower shutter speeds in low light. A small smartphone tripod and a universal mount make a huge difference. The iPhone's built-in timer can delay the shutter by three seconds, giving you a chance to steady the shot. If you're without a tripod, rest your iPhone on a wall, bag, or stable surface to keep it as still as possible. 3. Lock Focus And Adjust Exposure To stop your iPhone from overexposing the bright moon, tap and hold on the moon in your camera preview to lock focus. A yellow box and 'AE/AF LOCK' will appear. Then slide your finger down to lower the exposure until the moon's surface detail becomes visible without losing the surrounding scene. This manual adjustment is crucial because otherwise the iPhone attempts to balance the shot and struggles to do so. 4. Use RAW Mode If you're using an iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, or later, turn on Apple ProRAW in your Camera settings (Settings > Camera > Formats > Apple ProRAW). This mode gives you more data to work with when editing, preserving shadow and highlight detail that compressed formats miss. Combined with Smart HDR (enabled by default on newer iPhones) you'll get a more balanced image with more texture and contrast. Stick with ISO 100 when possible if using a third-party camera app. 5. Think Creatively And Avoid Zoom When you zoom in on an iPhone, you're mostly just cropping and degrading your image. So resist the temptation to zoom and instead, frame your photo to include objects in the foreground — such as tree branches, buildings, mountains or silhouettes of statues or street furniture. Shooting through a gap in buildings or capturing a reflection in water adds atmosphere and depth, something even the best zoom can't replicate. Keeping the moon in the background of an image with another subject is often much more powerful than an image of just the moon. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
Geeky Gadgets
15-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone Photography Trick: Instantly Improve Your Photos
Reflection photography offers a captivating way to add depth and creativity to your images, transforming ordinary scenes into visually compelling compositions. With your iPhone and a few practical techniques, you can explore the art of capturing reflections to create unique perspectives. The awesome video below from iPhone Photography School will help you identify reflective surfaces, optimize your camera settings, and experiment with creative approaches to elevate your photography skills. Watch this video on YouTube. Spotting Reflective Surfaces The foundation of reflective photography lies in recognizing reflective surfaces in your surroundings. These surfaces are abundant in both natural and urban environments, offering endless opportunities for creative compositions. By training your eye to notice them, you can uncover hidden photographic potential. Common reflective surfaces include: Water: Look for puddles, lakes, rivers, or even wet sand after rain. Look for puddles, lakes, rivers, or even wet sand after rain. Glass: Explore windows, glass walls, or smooth storefronts for intriguing reflections. Explore windows, glass walls, or smooth storefronts for intriguing reflections. Shiny objects: Polished cars, metallic surfaces, or even ice can serve as reflective canvases. Slowing down and observing your environment with a creative mindset is key. By paying attention to light, angles, and textures, you'll begin to see reflections in places you might have previously overlooked. Techniques to Capture Stunning Reflections Once you've identified a reflective surface, the way you position your iPhone and compose your shot plays a significant role in the final image. Here are some effective techniques to enhance your reflection photography: Use a low angle: Position your iPhone close to the reflective surface to create a mirror-like effect, making the reflection more vivid and immersive. Position your iPhone close to the reflective surface to create a mirror-like effect, making the reflection more vivid and immersive. Focus on symmetry: Symmetrical compositions are naturally pleasing to the eye and emphasize the harmony between the subject and its reflection. Symmetrical compositions are naturally pleasing to the eye and emphasize the harmony between the subject and its reflection. Blend reality and reflection: Experiment with positioning your subject within the reflection to create layered or surreal effects. For instance, capture a person walking through a puddle or a building mirrored in a car window. Urban environments, in particular, provide a wealth of reflective surfaces. From glass skyscrapers to rain-soaked streets, these settings encourage experimentation and creativity. Fine-Tuning Your Camera Settings To achieve professional-looking reflection photos, it's essential to adjust your iPhone's camera settings for optimal results. Here are some tips to get started: Lock focus and exposure: Tap and hold on your subject to lock focus and exposure. This ensures the camera doesn't inadvertently shift focus to the reflective surface itself. Tap and hold on your subject to lock focus and exposure. This ensures the camera doesn't inadvertently shift focus to the reflective surface itself. Adjust exposure: Use the on-screen slider to brighten or darken your image. Proper exposure enhances contrast and ensures your subject stands out against the reflection. Use the on-screen slider to brighten or darken your image. Proper exposure enhances contrast and ensures your subject stands out against the reflection. Use burst mode: For dynamic scenes, such as rippling water or moving subjects, burst mode captures multiple frames in quick succession, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot. These adjustments allow you to take greater control of your images, helping you capture reflections with clarity and precision. Exploring Urban Reflection Photography Cities are a treasure trove for reflection photography, offering a mix of natural and man-made reflective surfaces. To make the most of urban settings, consider the following strategies: Keep it simple: Avoid visual clutter by positioning your subject against a clean background, such as a reflected sky or minimalist architectural lines. Avoid visual clutter by positioning your subject against a clean background, such as a reflected sky or minimalist architectural lines. Experiment with post-processing: Use editing tools to flip reflection images, creating surreal effects or introducing unexpected perspectives. Use editing tools to flip reflection images, creating surreal effects or introducing unexpected perspectives. Play with light: Reflections often appear more dramatic during golden hour or after rain, when surfaces are wet and light is softer. Urban environments encourage bold experimentation. Don't hesitate to explore unconventional angles, compositions, or lighting conditions to create striking images. Practical Tips for Success Reflection photography requires patience, creativity, and attention to detail. To improve your results, keep these practical tips in mind: Frame carefully: Pay attention to symmetry and eliminate distractions in the background that could detract from your composition. Pay attention to symmetry and eliminate distractions in the background that could detract from your composition. Be patient: Wait for the right moment, especially when photographing moving subjects or dynamic reflections, such as ripples in water. Wait for the right moment, especially when photographing moving subjects or dynamic reflections, such as ripples in water. Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become at spotting reflective surfaces and composing creative shots. With consistent practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense for capturing reflections, whether in serene natural settings or bustling cityscapes. Over time, your ability to see and photograph reflections will become second nature, allowing you to create images that stand out and tell compelling visual stories. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on iPhone photography that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: iPhone Photography School Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Phone Arena
08-07-2025
- Phone Arena
The iPhone has become awful at photography as of late
if you ignore some Chinese phones Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence Have you noticed this on your AI-enabled iPhone? Yes No Yes 0% No 0% Receive the latest Apple news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Grab Surfshark VPN now at more than 50% off and with 3 extra months for free! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area. Cameras — their sensor sizes, megapixel counts, and lenses — are a huge part of marketing for modern flagship smartphones. The iPhone, which was arguably once the king of mobile photography (), has now become simply awful at that one very important stems from Apple Intelligence : the incomplete and, in many aspects, relatively inferior suite of AI features provided by Apple . Software enhancement is a very common trick that phone manufacturers use to help their devices take better photos, buthas done the are now multiple user accounts ofprocessing and 'enhancing' a photo after it's been taken, only to turn all the letters into gibberish. Sometimes it works fine, other times it completely spoils a perfectly good image. As one user put it, we are just basically 'estimating reality' at this my opinion, as someone who has used many different AI models for various tasks, this is something that usually occurs on a model that isn't very powerful. The AI tries to estimate what the image should be showing, but doesn't possess a comprehensive enough dataset to do that Apple's AI isn't able to enhance lettering with a 100 percent success rate, then it should either not carry out this 'enhancement' or the user should have an option to disable it. The cameras on modern iPhone models are powerful enough that they don't need phony processing to improve the pictures they take.
Fast Company
07-07-2025
- Fast Company
This new app makes using your iPhone camera tons more fun
I have not found much joy in iPhone photography of late. Between the flat, HDR-heavy image processing and the stagnant hardware compared to competitors, it's rare that I'll use my iPhone for anything beyond quick, functional snapshots. 'Here is the price of eggs at the supermarket today' in a chat message. That sort of thing. But over the past week, I've been having more fun with my iPhone camera than I've had in years. The reason for that is !Camera, a new app that completely reimagines the experience of taking photos on your phone. Inspiring design !Camera—no, I am not entirely sure how you're meant to say that out loud—comes from Not Boring Software, which also makes a suite of iOS apps including a weather app, a timer, a calculator, and more. I've tried some of these in the past and admired their stylish, original design, but none of them really stuck with me; I tend to lean into functionality if I'm going to learn a new app. But cameras are the opposite. Unless I'm shooting professionally at a critical event, I want cameras to have their own personality and inspire me to use them. That's exactly what you get with !Camera. Although !Camera solely exists in software, its unique 3D interface makes your iPhone feel like a new device. The colorful, customizable UI is not intended to look realistic, exactly, but the combination of visual effects and haptic feedback is surprisingly believable. I set up a shortcut to open !Camera with the iPhone's physical Action Button, which adds to the verisimilitude. The chunky virtual dials show shadows in the knurls as you tilt your phone, based on input from the gyroscope. The iPhone's haptic system lets you feel every notch along the dials, together with satisfying clunks when you swap between lenses or turn the flash on. And I can't remember the last time I didn't immediately turn off the beeps on a digital camera, but the stereo sound effects here actually add to the experience. Simple UI The UI itself is extremely simple. There is a huge shutter button that's impossible to miss, plus two key dials: one for exposure compensation, and the other to select photo styles. You do have the option to switch to a manual mode, but it feels intentional that the two virtual dials are dedicated to accessible features that are more likely to make a real difference on a phone camera. There's also a clever take on manual focus that brings up a loupe-like ring when you drag directly on the viewfinder. The UI is rounded out by two switches for the flash and to swap between lenses—there's no option for 2x or any other 'fake' digital zoom—as well as a settings button that takes you to a more conventional menu with all the customization features. One feature you won't find is the ability to view all your photos; they just get saved straight into your iPhone's photo app. This is presumably so that you don't spend half your time 'chimping,' or immediately checking the pictures you took rather than concentrating on taking some more. It's a good decision, especially since the photos themselves can take a second or two to process. After pressing the shutter button, you get a quick preview on the viewfinder that doesn't quite match the final results but is enough to let you know whether you got the shot or not. Great results The results are usually great. !Camera can shoot in Apple's ProRAW format or use the basic JPEG processing, but it defaults to its own SuperRaw system that adds a slight grain and goes for punchy exposure. These photos can all capture HDR data, and you can also save a regular RAW file at the same time for editing later. !Camera supports importing LUTs, or lookup tables, the same kind of presets used by many pro photographers. It also comes with several styles of its own, including a couple of monochrome filmlike options by Tokyo-based AgBr, the collective behind the excellent Mac and iOS photo editing app of the same name. These aren't just filters: They're embedded right into the image-processing pipeline. Last month Apple announced that it is shifting all of its operating systems to a new visual style built around a virtual material called Liquid Glass. Design chief Alan Dye said in a statement that it 'combines the optical qualities of glass with a fluidity only Apple can achieve, as it transforms depending on your content or context.' !Camera takes a similar approach in some ways, as it acknowledges the physical properties of the iPhone and reacts in real time. But you couldn't make !Camera out of Liquid Glass—it's already made out of something else. Its materials have a style and a charm entirely their own, and they make your phone feel like a timeless camera in the real world rather than something that exists only in the Apple universe. More to the point, it is simply a heck of a lot of fun. I'd fallen out of love with iPhone photography, but !Camera has pulled me right back.
