Camera-equipped phones have changed the world in just about every way possible, from the advent of selfies to virtual business meetings to citizen reporting and beyond. But they have also created an unprecedented interest in the art form itself.
While we all want to invest in the smartphone with the best camera, as it turns out the best camera to shoot great images is the one you have with you. Today most camera phones are equipped with everything you need to snap perfect pictures, which means you no longer have to buy the latest flagship smartphone device to ensure you have a decent camera on-hand at all times.
If you’re serious about photography then invest in the best smartphone your budget allows and do your research to find the best price on an entry level smartphone or mid-tier device with a decent camera.
PriceCheck tip: Set up your own home studio with a range of photography studio items, inluding ring lights, tripods, studio boxes, and more.
Gone are the days when people are just happy to point and shoot. Today, people understand that what they photograph is a representation of how they see the world, and accordingly, the images become statements of individuality in themselves.
Africa is an ideal destination for photographers as it has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
The moments captured on our cameras, whether they feature people or idyllic destinations, are a unique lived experience for every one of us and should be celebrated.
According to Expert Photography, one of the latest trends in smartphone photography is ‘unedited beauty’; that is, showing people as they really are. The authenticity of this project is increasingly finding favour among photography lovers and social media users alike.
Technology like never before
The world is ever-changing, so it stands to reason that photography does too, particularly when it comes to advancements in camera technology.
Counterpoint Technology Market Research, which specialises in products in the technology, media and telecom (TMT) industry, cites the example of Tecno Mobile’s Taivos (Tecno AI Vision Optimisation Solution) technology. An advanced signal processing technology that interprets raw data through an AI multi-framed, portrait segmentation based on tens of millions of data points, which can filter image noise better and optimise image clarity, thereby enhancing night photography effects. Technology such as this is assisting people to hone their craft in previously unimaginable ways.
Powerful themes emerge
Keeping records helps tell the story of humanity, and camera phones allow us to document history like never before. Accordingly, photography is not only about what cameras and camera phones can do, but also the type of things people are choosing to photograph.
Powerful themes are emerging that signify a shift in society, both in South Africa and abroad, and photographers are ready to document the occasion.
Expert Photography says many images are focused on developments like the empowerment of women. There is also a trend towards bold self-expression, where self-portraits suggest happiness in one’s endeavours. Coupled with this, is a determination to convey inner tranquillity, an important theme as more attention is paid to mental health issues.
Another trend is the imagery of activism, which is growing by the day as especially younger people use their phones to bring attention to issues like the environment. Their cameras have become their voices, in a sense.
Of course, cameras should also be fun, and playing around with different techniques is one of the joys of photography.
In 2021, the “smoke bomb” has come of age. These can make any image look surreal and also provide plenty of colour – another prominent theme this year. But remember to only use them in outdoor settings.
The 360-degree photography trend is also making waves this year, according to Format magazine. With its origins in property photography, it is now popular for landscapes and city panoramas.
Tried-and-tested tips
Whatever the motivation, for a picture to convey what is intended by the photographer, it is important that several fundamentals are adhered to.
Technology may have changed over time, but there are some tried-and-tested methods that hold true. These include:
Framing: Framing is one of the key aspects of composing a photograph. There should be no unwanted objects in the frame.
Natural light: Smartphones come equipped with LED lights but it is still best to seek out natural light such as the setting sun. The photograph will have a more organic feel.
Steadiness: Snapping a landscape can be done with a smartphone, but as people take their photography more seriously so the need for tripods becomes greater. These remove human error from the equation.
Exposure: This is a big one, and something most amateur photographers struggle with. You should always tap the screen to lock the focus on your subject, which will prevent dark imagery.
