A camera alternative
Your smartphone is adequate for your travel photography needs, writes Izwan Ismail
CARRYING a dSLR while travelling is troublesome for many people. Even a small camera can be a hassle. Therefore, many prefer to just use their smartphone as it fits easily into their pocket or handbag. I took a lot of photos using just a smartphone lately, in this case, the new iPhone XR. While I have a camera always with me, I find that the capability of today’s smartphones is spectacular.
I can safely say that smartphones nowadays take better photos than digital cameras could five years ago.
With the use of better processors, imaging technology (such as dual cameras), a bigger aperture and photography simulation technology (such as bokeh creation), lighting and high dynamic range capability, smartphones these days give us beautiful shots.
What you need is some creativity and photography knowledge in composing your photos.
Here are some photos that I shot with the iPhone XR.
1. SHOOT LOW AND USE WATER PUDDLE:
People who take photos with their smartphone normally shoot from eye level. As a result, they get the same boring angles.
Look around you. If there are water puddles, try to use them as a medium of reflection. Angle your phone as low as possible to the puddle so that you’ll get a bigger reflection.
This photo was taken at a busy alley in Shibuya, Tokyo, after a downpour.
2. ALIGNMENT: Make use of the surrounding to create a good sense of alignment in your photos. A photo which is centralised and aligned will always look nice.
This shot was taken in an alley in Shibuya, Tokyo.
3. LOW LIGHT: Smartphones today have very good sensors with a large lens aperture. The iPhone XR, for example, has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, enabling it to take low light shots easily. If you don’t have a tripod for smartphones, just position your phone close to your body to minimise movement.
This low light shot was taken at Haji Lane street in the Bugis area of Singapore.
4. CONTRAST: Look for good contrast between your subject and the background or surrounding. A blue sky against a building, for example.
In this photo, the majestic Masjid Sultan in Singapore stands out when taken against the blue skies in the background. 5.CLOSE UP: Smartphones can take really close-up shots. Some even have macro mode or will automatically adjust the camera settings for such shots.
Just bring your phone close to the subject like what I did to this delicious lobster.