When we travel, we tend to focus on what we might miss.

Do I have the right equipment?
Battery Chargers and Cables?
Accessories?
Have I packed enough socks and underware?!

But there’s another question worth asking:

What’s the simplest way to protect the photographs I make—without interfering with the fun of the experience?

iCloud Is a Great Start—But It’s Not the Whole Story

If you're using an iPhone, iCloud is the easiest answer.

Turn it on, and your photographs are backed up automatically in the background. It’s effortless—and that’s a good thing, especially when you’re immersed in a place like Tuscany or ... (you fill in your destination!).

But iCloud is best thought of as a safety net, not a final destination.

It protects your photographs while you’re traveling.
It doesn’t replace having your own copy.

A Quick Note About Airplane Mode

If you’re traveling internationally, you may have your phone in airplane mode much of the time.

When you do, iCloud simply pauses.

Your photographs are still on your phone, but they won’t upload until you reconnect to Wi-Fi. Once you do, everything resumes automatically.

This is important to understand:

• During the day, your photos may only exist on your phone
• Which is why having a second back up option can be helpful.

What’s Changed (and Why This Is Easier Now)

With newer iPhones using USB-C, there’s a simple option that didn’t really exist before.

You can now connect a small portable drive directly to your phone and copy your photographs in just a few taps.

No special apps.
No complicated setup.

Just a cable and a drive.

Ancient Olive Tree, Tuscany, photographed in iPhone Infrared

A Simple Two-Layer Approach

Here’s what I recommend:

• Let iCloud run quietly in the background, and 
• Add a simple, manual, intentional backup at the end of each day

That second step can be as easy as plugging in a portable solid state drive (SSD) and copying your photographs using the Files app on your iPhone.

What You Need

Here are a few portable drives for different budgets that work well:

• Samsung T7 Portable SSD ($189.99)
  A fast, reliable, and widely trusted portable SSD—great all-around choice for travel.
• Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD ($224.99)
  A rugged version of the T7 with added durability—ideal if you want extra protection while traveling.
• Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD ($119.99)
  Excellent balance of performance and price—very strong alternative to Samsung.
• ONN Portable SSD 500GB ($59.00)
  A more economical option that still works well for simple, reliable photo backups.

A Quick Note About Cables

One small detail that’s easy to overlook: not all USB-C cables are the same.

The cable that comes with your portable drive is designed for both power and data, and it will work perfectly for transferring your photographs.

If you happen to use a different cable, just be aware that some USB-C cables are designed only for charging and won’t transfer files. If your drive doesn’t appear in the Files app, the cable is usually the reason.

When in doubt, simply use the cable that came with your drive.

If You’re Also Using a Traditional Camera

If you’re photographing with a traditional camera that uses an SD card you can include those photos in this same process.

All you need is a small card reader. I like:

• Anker USB-C 2-in-1 SD Card Reader ($14.99)
  Compact, reliable, and easy to use—plugs directly into your iPhone for quick transfers.

Then:

• Insert the SD card into the reader
• Open the Files app on your iPhone
• Copy those images to your portable drive

Now everything—your iPhone photographs and your camera photographs—lives in one place.

A Simple End-of-Day Routine

At the end of the day:

• Review your photographs
• Copy your iPhone photos to the SSD
• If you used a camera, copy those as well
• Open a few images to confirm everything transferred
• Let iCloud continue syncing when you’re on Wi-Fi

A Different Kind of Practice

This isn’t just about backup.

At the end of the day, when you sit down and review what you’ve photographed, something else happens.

You begin to see what drew your attention.
What you responded to.
What you might want to explore more tomorrow.

The backup becomes a small ritual.

A pause.

A way of staying connected to the experience—not just the images.

A Simple, Reliable Approach

We want our photographs to be safe—but we don’t want to be thinking about that all day.

This isn’t the most elaborate backup system you could create. It doesn’t need to be.

It’s reliable, lightweight, and easy to do.

And once it becomes part of your day, it quietly does its job—so you can stay present with the experience, not concerned about whether your photographs are safe.

If you enjoy thinking about photography this way—less about gear, more about the experience—I share ideas like this in my newsletter, along with workshops and learning opportunities.

Subscribe to my newsletter here.

Thank you for being here. I look forward to seeing you online or – better yet – in the field in 2026. Safe travels and however you photograph... enjoy!

Tear of the Sunflower

Editor’s Note

I’m pleased to share this interview in celebration of the release of Don Komarechka’s book, Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet, 2nd Edition, which is currently Amazon's #1 best selling photography book! 

In this edition, Don invites us to slow down, look closer, and reconsider the hidden worlds beneath our feet. What follows is a conversation about curiosity, craft, and the joy of discovering the extraordinary within the ordinary.

I first met Don in 2019 at Out of Longwood, a workshop sponsored by Out of Chicago. Even in that short initial encounter, it was clear that Don wasn’t just a master technician, but a deeply curious visual thinker — someone driven as much by wonder and experimentation as by results.

Since then, I’ve followed Don’s work closely. His ability to reveal extraordinary beauty in the smallest and most fleeting subjects — snowflakes, crystals, liquids, textures we rarely stop to notice — has earned him international recognition, including collaborations with major broadcasters, scientific institutions, and educational organizations around the world. His photography consistently lives at the intersection of art, science, and discovery.

Not long after the war in Ukraine began, I had the opportunity to partner with Don on a fundraising effort he'd initiated to support Ukrainian refugees — an experience that reinforced my respect not only for his creative vision, but for his generosity and sense of responsibility. He is an artist and a compasionate human being with strong convictions.

Through the Looking Glass – Mantis

How long have you been involved in macro photography, and what first drew you to it?

The joy of discovering the unknown has always been a part of my ethos. Exploring hidden landscapes, the night sky, and science experiments are treasured childhood memories. I never had access to a telescope, but I did have a magnifying glass. The window to the universe at my feet opened up, filled with unseen curiosities.

What is it about macro photography that continues to hold your attention year after year?

The same initial curiosities still propel my enthusiasm, backed with scientific understanding as well as artistic composition. The ideas don’t need to be complicated, but they do need to be “real." Real in the sense that what the camera captures is properly respected, but also that reality is highly subjective – and so is art.

Through the Looking Glass – Lady Bug

When working at such close distances, what do you find to be the biggest challenge — technically or creatively?

Photography is a woven mesh of art and science. The two elements are inseparable. The closer you get, the less you have in focus – which can be a problem, but in some cases an artistic tool. The technical challenges can be overcome with inventive lighting, focus stacking, and specialized equipment. It’s all possible. However, the bigger challenge is telling a story at high magnification. Just because you can get close, does that make it interesting? What’s the narrative? Is there a spark of curiosity? More time is spent on the creative fibers of this fabric than anything else.

How important is specialized macro gear compared to technique and seeing?

Specialized gear is needed for highly technical work. However, most macro photography can be done extremely simply with hardly any additional equipment required. The gear isn’t the most important part of the equation. The most successful macro photography from an artistic and narrative standpoint is almost never the most technical. Working quickly, capturing the right moment, patience, creativity, and asking the question “what if?” are far more important than specialized (and often expensive) gear. These words come from a man who has more macro lenses and equipment than would be considered mentally healthy.

12-Sided Star

Do photographers sometimes overemphasize equipment when learning macro?

When learning any skill, you need to understand your tools. Without this basic understanding, you have no way to progress creatively and develop techniques. The problem is that most people get stuck at the beginning of this journey; they get stuck on the tools. Ever have someone come up to you and say “wow, that’s a great image – you must have a nice camera!”? That person hasn’t even begun the journey. It’s not their fault that they don’t understand the process, and the process is far more important than the tools. If I had Shakespeare’s pen…

Mustard Blossoms – Shot on iPhone

Do you consider the iPhone a legitimate tool for macro photography? Why or why not?

I’ve used my iPhone extensively for macro photography, with and without add-on lenses. It’s a few generations old (iPhone 15 pro Max) and the newer models make the process even better and simpler. Sure, you need knowledge and skill to use any tool, but an iPhone is an incredibly viable tool – if you have the proper understanding.

Yes – there are certain limitations in the extremely technical areas of macro photography, and these will always require specialized equipment. However, photography is becoming more approachable from every subject and genre with a phone of any flavour. As the tools evolve and become more impressive, the end results fall back to the person wielding the tool.

Splash of Pink – Shot on iPhone

How does shooting macro with an iPhone change your approach compared to using a dedicated macro lens?

Shooting with an iPhone offers spontaneity. Then and there, the photograph can be created. A story that would have been lost to technical processes and setting up special equipment, is right in front of you. While you can create complex setups with a mobile device, even in this scenario the phone is an element of simplification. The less complex the entirety of the scenario, the more the focus can shift to the creative elements.

Does it influence how you compose or how spontaneous you are?

100%. There are images I’ve taken in my garden, or on a hike, where the big and bulky gear wasn’t present. Could that “traditional” camera gear make a better shot? Maybe, but not of a bee sitting on my fingertip – and certainly if the equipment isn’t in my pocket to begin with.

Allium Nova – Shot on iPhone

What advice would you give to someone using an iPhone for macro for the first time?

Understand “working distance” – how close you can actually get to your subject – which is closer than you think! When the camera switches to the wide-angle lens for macro, you can almost touch your subject with the lens.

Also know that you don’t necessarily need to get that close. The newest models of iPhone Pro have 48MP sensors behind each of the lenses. This allows you to crop in and frame your subject afterward, maximizing your opportunities to get the shot without adversely affecting your subject.

Finally, consider apps that give you more control over the camera than the default app. Explore the options – my personal favourite is Halide but there are so many choices. Know that you can control focus, exposure, and you can shoot in a RAW format if you’re keen on editing extensively afterwards. The power is at your fingertips.

Path of Water – Shot on iPhone

What inspired you to write your book, and who did you have in mind while writing it?

Macro photography can be very technical. In the film era, there were calculations for depth of field, focusing frames for placing your subject, careful assessment of diffraction causing resolution problems, it was very scientific. It can still be frustrating today, especially when you push limits. However, the majority of the effort has switched to composition, and an exploration of these curiosities without the burdens of the technicalities.

The book was designed for the “every person.” Taking the technical notes and distilling it down into digestible nuggets of knowledge that a hobbyist photographer can understand. There are deep dives for those technically minded, but even these aspects benefit the casual reader in understanding exactly where the rabbit hole goes.

How does the book help photographers working across different tools — from traditional cameras to smartphones?

The 2^nd Edition of Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet includes a chapter in smartphone photography. Effectively, it illustrates how the traditional techniques described in the rest of the book are adaptable to an iPhone. The techniques are essentially the same, but knowing how to connect it to your mobile device is paramount to your success in macro work. Absolutely you can use the latest and greatest 50MP+ mirrorless camera with a $1000 lens and flashes, and, and, and… or you can also use your phone. Are they the same? No. The gap is shrinking, and there are certain advantages with an iPhone over the traditional processes (and vice versa).

Well Deserved Meal

For someone curious about macro photography but unsure where to start, what would you say to encourage them?

Ask “what if?” – stay curious. I suppose this is applicable to life in general, but it’s essential for macro photography. This mindset guides you through the creative process, and allows – encourages – you to make mistakes. Revel in your mistakes, for they are not failures. Mistakes are only stepping stones in the creative process; you’ll encounter more of them with macro photography than almost any other photographic genre.

Also, check your backgrounds. With landscape photography, the foreground is the framing element to the subject. The opposite is often true for macro photography – your background becomes the frame, and it’s the one element that can easily elevate a mediocre image to a spectacular one.

Do you use accessory macro lenses?

I have the Moment 75mm Macro lens (and accompanying iPhone case) which tends to work very well. This is NOT the only good option, but it’s built well and is easy to quickly attach when needed. I’ve just purchased the newly-announced version II of that lens as well as their 10x macro lens. I expect similar results from the new optics, and the same high-magnification frustrations from the 10x lens that I have experienced with traditional equipment. The closer you get, the more challenging things become.

Faerie Sage – Shot on iPhone

Do you find the iPhone’s Macro Mode useful?

Personally, I like a tactile/manual approach. Using a separate app that allows for manual control is the most useful for me, including features such as “focus peaking” which I became a huge fan of with mirrorless cameras. Apps such as Halide allow for manual focus and lens selection, so I can choose the wide-angle lens, set the focus to the closest point, and then physically move the camera forward and backward to have the subject pass through the focal plane.

With this technique, even without an add-on accessory lens, the magnification you can achieve is quite impressive.

Temple of the Sun – Shot on iPhone

What tripods or grips help you with iPhone macro photography? I find getting close and holding still to be very challenging.

Tripods are a challenge. When working in the field, a light and easy tripod works best – I find my Peak Design Travel Tripod works best for all my cameras, including my phone. The phone holder, however, is an important component. Platypod has a “MagGrip” that uses the iPhone MagSafe connector and a ball head, offering a lot of flexibility.

I’ll use similar equipment when working with tabletop macro subjects, substituting the travel tripod with a Platypod base – it works well with their phone holder, and is quite easy to configure with extra arms to control lighting, etc.

I find the depth of field to be so shallow that it’s difficult to find a satisfying focal point. Any tips for achieving a satisfying result?

With the latest iPhone Pro models, all cameras (main, wide, telephoto) offer a 48MP camera mode. You likely don’t need 48 megapixels for anything, but this gives you the ability to crop into your image and throw pixels away. The prevailing logic is this: the closer you get to your subject, the shallower your depth of field becomes. Conversely, the farther away you get, the greater your depth; the more you will have in focus. By getting further away and cropping in, you’re gaining on your focus while not compromising on the image quality.

This opens up the next question: depth of field vs. focal point. Where do you focus? How do you focus? Firstly, I don’t let the phone focus for me. I’m behind the wheel on that one, but exactly how I maneuver is important. I’ll often choose a manual focal point, and then physically move the camera forward and backward (handheld) and when the subject passes through the focal plane, shoot. Multiple times. Repeat excessively.

If on a tripod, tabletop? Manually focus or move the subject itself forward and back. If on a tripod, in the field? Set a manual focus point. For example, waiting for a bee to enter a flower, focus on where you expect the bee to land. You’ll be wrong of course, because the bee will be closer than the flower. Adjust again, repeat. You didn’t just make a mistake, you walked across a stepping stone towards your eventual success.

Sleeping in a Daisy

There are two ways to get Don's book; from Amazon or directly from the publisher. 

Here's the Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Macro-Photography-Universe-Our-Feet/dp/103276984X/

If Amazon sell's out, you can purchase directly from the publisher here:

https://www.routledge.com/Macro-Photography-The-Universe-at-Our-Feet/Komarechka/p/book/9781032769844 (free shipping)

20% off Platypod Gear Through January 6, 2026

Don mentioned that he uses Platypod Gear for some of his macro photography accessories. He reached out to his contacts at Platypod and they provided this discount code – DonKom2026 – good for 20% off all individual Platypod products through January 6, 2026. (Please note that neither Don nor I benefit from this code.)

Go here: Platypod Gear

Use code: DonKom2026

Where to Find Don

See more of Don's photos:

On his Flickr site (https://flickr.com/photos/donkom/)

On his website: (https://www.donkom.ca/)

On Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/donkomphoto/)

On Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/komarechka)

###

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Thank You!

Whether you are new to iPhone photography, have a new iPhone you'd like to get more familiar with, or are a seasoned veteran who would like to go deeper with editing, crafting, and stylizing using apps like the recently updated SnapSeed, Lightroom Mobile or one of the many stylizing apps for iPhone, these mentoring sessions would serve you well.

Whether you’re just starting out, honing your technical skills, or refining your artistic vision, personalized mentoring can make all the difference. Through one-on-one Zoom sessions, I offer customized guidance designed around your specific goals, interests, and experience.

Each mentoring session is an opportunity to dive deep into what matters most to you — from mastering mobile photography or editing in apps, exploring creative iPhone techniques, or building confidence in the field. We can review and critique your images together or work through editing challenges step-by-step. We can work with my images as examples or we can work with your images to explore crafting options with various tools.

Because these sessions are completely individualized, you set the pace and direction. Whether you prefer a single session to tackle a specific skill or set up a new iPhone, or a series of sessions for ongoing development, I’ll meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.

How It Works

Mentoring sessions are conducted via Zoom, so you can participate from anywhere in the world.

After scheduling, I'll share a short questionnaire and we'll have a 15 minute intake interview via Zoom or phone so you can help me understand your goals, equipment, and experience level. This ensures our time together is focused and productive.

Sessions are arranged to fit our respective schedules. Multiple sessions can be done over a few days or a few weeks, depending on your preference.

Zoom sessions allow me to share my desktop and iPhone for demonstrations, and depending on your computer equimpent, you may be able to share your iPhone and perform various actions with me looking over your shoulder.

After Each Session You'll Receive:

• Session notes summarizing what we coverer along with links to any tools or resources introduced
• A link to the recording of our Zoom session available for you to view and download for up to 30 days after the session.

Potential Topics

You tell me what you'd like to learn and if it's in my wheelhouse, I'll let you know. If it's not, I'll refer you to a trusted colleague who is more knowledgable on that subject.

Topics I've addressed with other photographers over the years include:

• Determine camera settings for camera formats and functionality to achieve desired results
• Explore new features that come with a new iPhone or a new operating system
• Master the native camera features including Photo, Portrait, Pano, Long Exposure, and more
• Editing and stylizing in SnapSeed. (Note: SnapSeed was updated in June 2025 and has had two updates since at the time of this writing. There are new things to learn and new ways to navigate the inerface that I can share.)
• Crafting in Lightroom Mobile. This app is, in my opinion, the best app we have for processing all types of photos on our mobile phones, crafting infrared images, converting images to black and white, and doing selectiving editing with its robust Quick Actions and masking features
• Exploring composition guidelines for creative inspiration and license to break the rules
• Stylizing for texture, mood, nuance, nostalgia, with various mobile apps, some old and some new, that allow you to make your images uniquely your own

Cost

To accommodate different budgets, experience levels, and needs, I offer three options:

1. One 90-minute session for $175, suited for those who need a refresher, want to get set up with a new iPhone, or have a focused need to learn a particular app.
2. Four 60-minute sessions for $425, ideal for structured learning, image review, or progressing through a project or editing workflow.
3. Seven 60-minute sessions for $700, best for ongoing suport to build skills over time, exploring multiple photo techniques and apps, on-going support, and long-term growth.

Photography is a lifelong journey, and having a guide along the way can help you grow faster, stay inspired, and create images you truly love. If you’re ready to refine your craft and expand your creative vision, I’d love to work with you one-on-one.

Email me here to start the process.

Put Mentoring in the subject line.

What Participants are Saying about 1:1 Mentoring

Your Mentoring sessions were amazing and just the perfect way for me to learn ...  I looked forward to each session and couldn't wait to try out what I'd learned. You made learning fun!
– Mary D, North Carolina


I found Mentoring to be highly educational and Rad to be as entertaining as he is knowledgeable. I would recommend this class to anyone from a beginner to a middling hobbyist like myself who wants to fine-tune their skill and strive to make art from the modest phone photo. 
–Tom L., Indianapolis


This is all good information. I appreciate your knowledge, hospitality and patience! Thanks for writing up notes after each session and for taking time to show me the iPhone apps. You've helped me see the world through the eyes of an artist.
– Jimmy A, North Carolina

When I returned from Italy, I went out for some fall color in my home state of Indiana, and played some more. 

I made the blog banner photo of the barn along the forest last week by stitching 10 48mp photos made with the 4x camera on the iPhone 17 ProMax. I processed each image in Lightroom Mobile to get the most from the RAW data, saving them back to the iPhone camera roll as JPEGs. Then, I stitched these 10 images using the iPhone app, BimoStitch. I then processed that resulting pano in SnapSeed  3.6.0 and finished by using Touch-Retouch to remove a few telephone lines at the far right of the image.

The final stitched image is a 72 mp panorama. (If viewing on the iPhone it looks its best when you open it in an external browser and turn the iPhone horizontally, or better yet, viow it on a desktop monitor to fully appreciate the image.)

The image below is one of the photos made in Calabria with the 17 Pro Max and the 1x camera.

Taormina, Sicily, on the Tyrrhenian Coast

Stunning 48MP Camera Performance

The highlight of the new iPhone for me is the 48MP capability now available on the 0.5x, 1x, and 4x cameras. In bright light, these lenses deliver crisp, detailed 48MP RAW or HEIC files. In dimmer conditions, the 4x sometimes drops to 12MP, but in good light, the results are consistently excellent.

A Smarter Telephoto Setup

The 17 Pro Max improves on the 16’s telephoto configuration. It offers 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x lenses, with the 0.5x, 1x, and 4x capable of producing full 48MP files. The 4x (100mm) lens is perfect for portraits, while the 8x (200mm) delivers impressive reach for landscapes and distant subjects. I recommend using a tripod with the 8x lens for best results.

Dual Capture: Two Views at Once

A fun and practical new feature is Dual Capture in video mode, which records with both the front and rear cameras simultaneously—ideal for tutorials, demos, or narrated travel videos.

Video tutorial frame using new Dual Capture feature on 17 Pro Max

See my short video

on iOS 26's imact

on the iPhone's camera interface here. 

The New iOS 26: What to Expect

The 17 series ships with iOS 26, Apple’s first year-based operating system. Instead of iOS 19, it’s now iOS 26—aligning Apple’s systems (iOS, macOS, iPadOS, etc.) with the calendar year, much like car model naming.

iOS 26 runs on iPhone 11 and newer models and features a redesigned camera interface that I find more intuitive, organized, and easy to navigate.

Embrace the Change

Change can be uncomfortable, but this one feels smart and user-friendly. I recommend updating now — you’ll need to eventually –– and once you explore the new camera tools, you may find, like I did, that you actually enjoy the upgrade.

(Note: I've focused only on the iOS 26 changes that photographers care about. In fact, there are many other features that come with iOS 26. This video from Proper Honest Tech does a nice job of describing the other features.)

Mastering the iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera:

What Fusion Cameras Really Do

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max brings some of the biggest upgrades ever to iPhone photography — three 48-megapixel “Fusion” cameras, massive zoom power, and smarter image processing that makes high-quality photos within everyone's reach.

Our iPhones have always been technological wonders, but they have moved into a new realm. I'm not that technically oriented and I admit that I don't care about many of these under-the-hood details, but I think it helps to understand a little of how are devices are working. So I've been digging, reading and learning. Here’s some of what I've discoverd about what it all means and how to use it in the real world.

The Hardware in Plain English

The phone has three lenses, each with a powerful 48 MP sensor:

   •   Main (Wide) – Your everyday lens (24 mm equivalent). Great for portraits, landscapes, and low-light shots.

   •   Ultra-Wide – Captures much more of the scene (13 mm). Ideal for travel, architecture, and group shots.

   •   Telephoto (4×) – Gives crisp zoom up to 4× (100 mm) and “optical-quality” results up to 8×.

Every camera is part of Apple’s Fusion System, which blends hardware and computational processing. Instead of just snapping one image, the iPhone instantly merges multiple exposures and sensor data to create a single, detail-rich photo — even in low light.

Why Some Photos Are 48 MP and Others Aren’t

All three cameras can shoot 48 MP images, but not every shot uses that full power. By default, the phone often saves 24 MP or 12 MP photos to balance image quality with speed and file size.

Here’s the "hocus pocus": the iPhone uses something called "pixel-binning," where four smaller pixels combine into one larger “super pixel.” This helps in darker scenes by reducing noise and brightening shadows — though it lowers the resolution.

When you’ll get 48 MP:

   •   Bright daylight or good lighting

   •   Using the Ultra-Wide lens (0.5x, 13mm) the Main lens (1x, 24mm), and the 4x lens (100mm).

   •   Shooting in ProRAW or “High-Resolution” mode

 When you won’t:

   •   Low light or Night mode

   •   Heavy zoom (especially 8× or more)

   •   If you are not using the 4:3 aspect ratio

Practical Shooting Tips

1. Enable High-Res Mode

Go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Photo Resolution Control and turn on 48 MP (ProRAW or HEIF). This unlocks full-resolution shooting.

2. Use the Right Lens for the Job

      •   0.5× (Ultra-Wide) – Tight spaces or creative perspectives.

      •   1× (Main) – Best quality and full resolution.

      •   2× – Quick zoom, but often 12 MP cropped from the main sensor.

      •   4× (Telephoto) – Full 48 MP detail; perfect for portraits and distant subjects.

      •   8×+ – “Optical-quality,” but limited to 12 MP. I get better resoults with 8x optical quality, but resolution falls off more as you zoom out farther. I've found that using Gigapixel AI from Topaz Labs on 8x and longer zoomed images can improve them considerably. 

3. Light Is Key

The iPhone’s smart processing does wonders, but good lighting still matters. Bright natural light will give you the cleanest, sharpest 48 MP photos.

4. Edit Smartly to Get the Most from RAW and HEIC 48mp Files

If you shoot in ProRAW, use a RAW editor like the Photos app, SnapSeed, or Lightroom Mobile to adjust exposure and color without losing detail.

The Bottom Line

The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s Fusion cameras bring high-grade imaging capability to your pocket.

Whether you’re recording everyday moments, or making portraits, landscapes, or fine art images, remember:

   •   Use high-resolution modes when you want maximum detail.

   •   Trust the Fusion processing in low light — it’s designed to give you balanced, noise-free images.

   •   Choose your zoom level wisely for the best resolution.

Thanks for being here! Subscribe to my Newletter for more info, tips, techniques, learning opportunities, and news.

In the meantime, keep on creating!

Best,

Rad

Abandoned Abode in Badolato, Italy, along the Ionian Coast
iPhone 17 ProMax

 Email Me Here to schedule your presentation.

When I founded Rad Drew Photography, LLC in 2010, my goals were simple: to learn more about the rapidly changing world of photography, to share what I learned, and to support others on their photographic journey. Over the years, that vision has taken me farther than I could have imagined — exploring and leading workshops throughout the United States, and to Tuscany, Calabria, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Cuba, and France –– and, since 2021, connecting with photographers worldwide by presenting to local camera clubs. It’s been deeply rewarding to see how these programs bring people together to learn, create, and see the world in new ways.

Inspiring Programs for Camera Clubs

One of my favorite ways to connect with photographers is through live Zoom presentations for camera and photography clubs. These sessions are engaging, visual, and designed to spark creativity while deepening photographic skills.

Tuscany
Sharing ideas and creative techniques with photographers around the world.

What to Expect

Each presentation runs 60–90 minutes, including time for questions and discussion. Topics range from traditional photography to the exciting and ever-evolving world of mobile photography, where the iPhone has become a powerful creative tool.

Popular Topics Include:

• Photography Techniques – tips for composition, portraits, infrared, and creative expression

• Crafting images using desktop software like Luminar NEO and Topaz Labs, and with powerful mobile editing tools tools like SnapSeed and Lightroom Mobile

• Stylizing with Distressed FX Plus, Formulas, AI Gahaku and more – turning photos into expressive art

Chicago Botanic Gardens

From recent workshops and presentations.

Taormina, Sicily, on the Tyrrhenian Coast

Olive Grove near Badolato on the Ionian Coast

Canal at Fiumincino, Italy

View from Steptoe Butte in The Palouse

What Clubs Receive

To make hosting easy, clubs receive a full promotional package that includes:

• Presentation title and description

• Program duration and audience details

• Presenter bio and headshot

• A selection of images for newsletters, flyers, or social posts

Clubs may also record the presentation for member-only viewing for up to three months.

Fees and Booking

Single Club Fee: $300
Consortium and Business Presentations: Custom rates available

Let’s Connect

If your club is looking for engaging, educational, and inspiring programs, I’d love to present to your group!

 Email Me Here to schedule your presentation.

Drummer, Havana, Cuba

Seeing the world through the lens — and sharing the joy of photography.

The big question is: Should you upgrade or not? 

My philosophy is that life is short and we should purchase the iPhone that will provide us the most options for doing the photography we love. I'm not one to suggest waiting until next year. I recommend getting the best phone your budget will allow.

Here are some of the new features of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max that might help you make a decision.

Keep in mind most of these things are rumored at this time but seem to be fairly consistent predictions across a lot of sites. Still, we will not know for sure until the September 9 announcement.

• Larger battery, longer battery life, faster charging
• Faster A19 Pro chip to accelerate machine learning tasks for Apple Intelligence 
• New design (this could be a pro or a con; it means accessories like cases and filter mounts will need to be replaced)
• Shift from titanium to part aluminum frame for lighter weight
• Reverse wireless charging (this is more questionable than other predictions)
• 24mp selfie Camera 
• Improved optical zoom to 8x (192mm vs 5x at 120mm)
• These three lenses (0.5x, 1x, 4x) to have 48mp capability 
• Anti-reflective display with matt finish (this is more questionable than other predictions)
• Dual Video Recording with front and rear cameras (this is more questionable than other predictions)
• 8K Video Recording

So, here's my take.

If you feel like you can't live without any of the features of the new iPhone, and your budget won't scream bloody murder, then upgrade, regardless of which iPhone you currently have. Like I said, life is short!

If, however, you're not all that wowed by the new features, and you have an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or a 16 Pro/Pro Max, the benefits of getting the 17 Pro/Pro Max are minimal.

Both of the 15 and 16 Pro iPhones produce up to 5x optical zoom and yield a 48mp file when using the 1x (24mm) lens. Sure, it would be nice to have the 48mp file size from all the lenses, but do you need that to continue making worthy photos? Probably not, and, there may be a downside to weigh this against.

The 17 Pro/Pro Max has a new design, which, while very cool, means that you will require a new case and other accessories such as attachable lenses or filter mounts that may not work on the 17 iPhones.

If you are using your iPhone to create infrared photos, your current filter mount is not likely to work with the 17 and it may take a while before there is a replacement. The companies that make these, like us, are just getting the new iPhones and must start the design/manufacturing process for a new filter mount.

Tiffen and JJC currently make the best magnetic filter mounts for the iPhones 13-16 Pro and Pro Max. Tiffen has indicated that they have plans to update their filter mount for the 17, but they don't yet have a timeline. I've not yet heard back from JJC about their plans for an updated version of their mount.

If, however, you have an iPhone 14 or earlier, upgrading to the 17 Pro/Pro Max will be huge. All your lenses will be able to create 48mp files, you'll have a larger and much better display, a bigger battery with longer life, 8x optical zoom and many other advances like the faster chip and features like the very good Clean Up tool in the Photo Editor that doesn't work on the 14 phones.

If you decide to upgrade, here are some things to consider:

• Get the Pro or Pro Max model. The iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air that replaces the Plus model may be less expensive than the Pro model phones, but they do not have the camera features that you will want as a photographer. The Air has only one lens and the 17 has only two. As a photographer, you'll want the benefit of these other lenses as well as their ability to create 48mp files.
   
• Don't skimp on storage. Get the most storage space your budget will allow. Why? You may be creating more RAW photos and videos which take up two to three times more storage space. I've never regretted getting the most storage space available. I recommend at least 500 megabytes of storage for heavy users.
  
  
• If your current iPhone has performance issues like slow operation or poor battery life, the advances provided by the 17 Pro/Pro Max may justify upgrading.
  
• If your budget is a major factor in your decision to upgrade or not, and you have a 14 or earlier iPhone, you might want to consider getting a 16 Pro/Pro Max after the 17 iPhones are released. Often prices on earlier models drop when the new iPhones come out. 

Above all, as you're thinking this through, remember what Ansel Adams said:

The single most important part of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.

Your unique vision and all you bring to the image making experience is far more important than a few extra megapixels or a faster processor.

Editor’s Note, August 2025

Distressed FX's co-creator, Cheryl Tarrant, died in October 2023. I had the privilege of inteviewing Cheryl in 2021 about her life, work, and inspiration for Distressed FX. I so enjoyed our exchange! She was gracious, funny, and candid and gave me the feeling of sharing with an old friend. I miss her as do many others around the world who appreciate her creative spirit. I share this interview in the hopes that you will have a better sense of who this extraordinary person was. It's very satisifying to see Cheryl's creative labor of love, Distressed FX,  continue to be a beloved tool for so many. I'm grateful to her for her legacy of Distressed FX and to her co-creator for doing the programming necessary to keep the app alive. Thank you Cheryl and Steve.

– Rad

Editor's Note, April 2021

Cheryl Tarrant and I met on line a few years ago when she saw one of my early How I Did It!™ YouTube videos on Distressed FX. 

I thought it would be fun to learn a little more about Cheryl, her work, her life, and her story on the origins of Distressed FX. She agreed to this interview and answered a few of my questions.  – Rad

– *** –

Rad: Where do you find your inspiration for your art? 

Cheryl: Like so many others, nature is a very large influence on my art.  Also, moments in time from my past, trying to recreate a time when life was simple. My grandfather was an early rancher in Southern California and he had an old barn on his property and it was really a magical place as a child. I can remember cautiously approaching the wooden structure, not being able to resist the light streaming through the slats, finding little bird nests in its rafters… Because of this I have a true appreciation for old barns and sheds, so that is a common theme in my art work. 

 LIily and Lace by Cheryl Tarrant

Rad: What led you to create Distressed FX? 

Cheryl: Distressed FX was born out of necessity and security to be honest. I had moved to East Tennessee with literally nothing. I saw an article in the newspaper about a virtual world called “Second Life.” I went in and after a while started making textures in the world there. I was also taking photos and using textures to create painterly images. I met a programmer in Second Life and one day he approached me and said, “If you know anyone who wants an app, I am making iPhone apps now.” I said, “I do!” This is a very short story, of a long story. The reason for the name “Distressed” is due to the hard nature of life during that time for me. I literally had to find a way to survive and all of this came from that.

She Left in March by Cheryl Tarrant

Rad: Your FB page is filled with poetry from favorite poets, photos of your cats and peacocks, posts of favorite music, and samples of your own wonderful writing. Will you tell us a bit about how you live and what you appreciate about your lifestyle?

Cheryl: This ties into my photos, my poetry, my animals and lifestyle. Due to life experiences that challenged me and created a great deal of loss and trauma I truly appreciate the little things in life. Taking moments to see every perfect feather on my peacocks, or taking photos of spring buds, writing as a way to release feelings, memories and thoughts – all of it is a part of me and my life experiences. Some things I am willing to disclose; others things I tuck away privately for me. It all ties into the app actually. A lot of the textures and gels have symbolic names. Not all of them, but many of them have names close to my heart and hidden meanings. The birds, all of those are flocks I have chased here in East Tennessee. Long car rides alone are very healing for me and I would drive for miles looking for flocks and then ultimately turning them into transparencies to use in the app and for Photoshop brushes on my website. Most of the photos used in the app are from places I have been, or are just around the block from my home. The app is deeply personal. 

Rad: What other ventures are you involved in? I know you offer a line of textures that can be used by traditional camera photographers as well as mobile photographers. Do you have any other ventures or projects you’d like to share?

Cheryl: As for other ventures, I have been taking oil painting lessons for four years now. A bucket list item of mine. I am so fortunate that a renowned portrait artist lives 25 minutes from me. I could not draw a thing before this but had a dream to paint like the old masters. Working remotely with the app and my texture site has made this all possible for me. I have even incorporated some of my oil painted canvas in some of the texture packs. 

Rad: Describe your relationship with your audience and how you incorporate user feedback, suggestions, and requests.

Cheryl: My relationship with users of the app and my textures, is important. I man the live support line myself, 24/7. I am the one looking at the Distressed FX hash tags on Instagram. I see almost every photo under that tag. When I look at images on Instagram I love seeing artists support one another, the interactions between all of them. 

Welcome to Why Not Hollow by Cheryl Tarrant

Cheryl: One last interesting fact: Right, when the app was released I was walking downtown one summer day. I walked by a store and was immediately drawn in, I felt like I had to go in. There was a psychic there. After some chatting and her giving me a Gratinini*, I agreed to have my tarot cards read. After we got settled in at her table she looked up and had tears in her eyes. She said, “You have the most beautiful colors surrounding you, you have so much creativity flowing from you, I have never felt this before. It’s so beautiful!” She went on to say, “I have no idea what you are doing, but keep doing it because it affects THE WORLD.” And she was right on that, the app had just been released and was being featured all over the world.

(*A Gratinini (I had to ask!) is a gratitude martini made with seltzer water and fresh fruit.)

– *** –

In addition to the iPhone app, Distressed FX Plus, Cheryl also offers a line of textures beyond those found in the app. I have these textures on my desktop for use with desktop apps like Topaz Studio 2, and also have them in folders on my iPhone so that I can easily select them when I'm editing on my iPhone or iPad.

Link to the app in the App Store

Distressed FX Plus

You can purchase Cheryl's textures here: http://www.distressedtextures.net/cheryltarrant/

Distressed FX Plus on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/distressedfxapp?igsh=cnNnYjcxOWRoZTh2

Accessories for the 17 Pro iPhones from my favorite manufactures  – JJC and Tiffen – are not yet manufactured and ready to ship. I've been told to look for something from them around the end of the year. 

Creating infrared photos with your iPhone is just one more way to have fun and create unique photos with your iPhone.

While iPhone infrared requires some accessories and some know-how, it offers the convenience and freedom that we love about the iPhone, and, with today's iPhones, the quality of our images is extraordinary!

If you are interesting in exploring iPhone infrared photography, you’ll need the following accessories. 

1. A filter mount for attaching an infrared filter to your iPhone,
2. A case that will accommodate the filter mount,
3. A 720nm or 760nm infrared filter with a thread size to fit your filter mount.

I began creating infrared photos with my iPhone in about 2019 with the iPhone 11 Pro Max. At that time there were very few accessories available.

During the years since first doing iPhone IR, there have been many advances in the hardware that have made filter attachment more convenient, secure, and reliable. Keeping up with the advances in both the accessories and iPhone software has made iPhone infrared an constantly evolving endeavor.

In this blog post I share the accessories I've tested and used most today. Will this change in the future? Probably! The new iPhone 17 that comes out in the fall may be a new size and there may be new advances in the filter attachment accessories. But, as of today, this is the gear that I use and enjoy.

NOTE: If you have accessories from an earlier period, it’s likely that they work fine so you don’t necessarily need to get new gear. However, there are new accessories that are more convenient, and depending on the era of your iPhone you may need to retool with new accessories. 

Here are the accessories that I currently use. I’m using both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but these filter mounts work with iPhones from the 13 to the 16. You just need to get the one for either the Pro phone or the Pro Max phone. 

This is worth saying again. The exact same filter mount will work with the iPhone 13 to the 16, so long as you get the right size filter mount for your iPhone, either the Pro style or the Pro Max style. 

Favorite Filter Mounts from JJC

JJC Model for PRO MAX iPhones

• JJC 49mm Magnetic Lens Filter Mount Adapter for iPhone 13 to 16 PRO MAX phones: https://a.co/d/3B8vysY

JJC Model for PRO iPhones

• JJC 49mm Magnetic Lens Filter Mount Adapter for iPhone 13 to iPhone 16 PRO phones: https://a.co/d/3b0N87M

Recommended Infrared Filter for JCC Mount

• 720nm 49mm Infrared Filter works with either of the JJC 49mm filters https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1688728-REG/kolari_49mmk720_01_49mm_720nm_filter.html 

Favorite Mounts from Tiffen

• Tiffen 58mm Filter Mount for iPhone 13-16 PRO style phones. https://a.co/d/8BvALKN
• Tiffen 58mm Filter Mount for iPhones 13-16 PRO MAX style. https://a.co/d/7tVZaGX

Recommended Infrared Filter for Tiffen mount

• 720nm, 58mm Kolari Vision Infrared Lens Filter https://kolarivision.com/product/kolari-infrared-lens-filter-720nm/

I like both the Tiffen and the JCC filter mounts, but slightly prefer the JCC model for it's slightly more substantial feel and snug, secure fit.

Limitations and Tips for Success:

1. I recommend using a black or dark colored Apple Silicone case. https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MYYT3ZM/A/iphone-16-pro-max-silicone-case-with-magsafe-black
   
   Both the JJC and the Tiffen filter mounts fit perfectly on the silicone case. 
2. Use a dark colored case because clear cases allow light leaks that will ruin your photo.
3. If using a tripod bracket for your iPhone, you’ll need to mount the phone at the space at the bottom of the phone to clear the filter mount. The filter mount will be in the way of most iPhone brackets.
4. When using the 49mm IR filter, you can’t use the 0.5x (13mm ultra wide lens) because the small size of the filter blocks the wide angle lens. This isn’t really a limitation for me because I don’t use the ultra wide lens for infrared as the results are poor. 

Common Mistakes when Ordering

Each iPhone make and model is a different size and getting the correct case and filter mount to fit your specific iPhone is critical or it will not fit.

Both the JJC Filter Mount and the Tiffen Filter mount will fit the iPhone 13 to 16 phones, but you must get either the mount for the PRO or the PRO MAX phone. Pay attention to the small print when ordering and make sure you are getting the right mount and case for your type of iPhone.

A Word about Infrared Filters

There are many infrared filter makers and the quality varies widely. The filters for which I’ve provided links for here are filters that I’ve tested and gotten good results with. Other filter makes I’ve had success with include Neewer, Hoya, Kolari Vision, and Spencer’s Camera. 

There are other off brands that are very inexpensive and in my experience they don’t work well or don’t last long. The coating is important and many of the cheaper lenses use a cheap coating that wears off easily. 

One filter that I tried recently but have not had good luck with is the Green.L filter. I would avoid this one. 

If you already have infrared filters in your collection of gear, but they are not the right size to fit the filter mount you get, you can always get a step-up/step-down adapter that will allow you to use the filters you already own.

I prefer infrared at the higher end of the spectrum, 720nm to 760nm. This produces a beautiful black and white quality photo. I’ve experimented with both the 720nm and the 760nm filters and choose the 760nm for very bright days. The differences are subtle but noticeable. You can’t go wrong with either, but I recommend starting out with the 720nm. 

I’m not a fan of color IR at this point and so I’ve not experimented with color IR on the iPhone. I don’t use any of the filters at the lower end of the spectrum (640nm, 530nm, etc.) that would produce a color result.

If you're interested in learning more about creating beautiful infrared photos with your iPhone check out these video tutorials on my Thinkific Site. Some are free and some are offered for a modest fee.

1. How I Did It!™ Create Infrared Photos with Your iPhone! https://courses.raddrewphotography.com/courses/new-course-1 
2. Infrared Hot Spots; Three Ways to Fix in Post Processing https://courses.raddrewphotography.com/courses/FixingIRHotspots
3. Lightroom Mobile: Unmasking the Magic with Jack Davis and Rad Drew https://courses.raddrewphotography.com/courses/LrM_UnmaskingMagic; This course is not about infrared specifically, but it is a very thorough reference document for using Lightroom Mobile which is my favorite iPhone app for processing infrared images.
4. One Minute Mobile Photography Miracles: Brand New iPhone Secrets to Capturing and Crafting Perfect Pics. https://courses.raddrewphotography.com/courses/DnDMiracles 
   This course is also not specifically about infrared, but it a great primer for all things iPhone. Many of these techniques are used in the creation of iPhone Infrared Photos.
5. How I Did It!™ SnapSeed Masking Demystified! https://courses.raddrewphotography.com/courses/SnapSeed-Masking This tutorial, again, is not exclusively about iPhone Infrared, but many of the features of SnapSeed are used to apply finishing touches to iPhone Infrared photos.

Thanks for reading and being here. I look forward to seeing some you in July at Madeline Island School of the Arts, and in August for the Out of Chicago Botanic 2025 at the Botanic Gardens!

Solo Diner

Editors Note:

I'm so pleased to share this guest blog post by my friend and workshop co-leader, Rachael Sololowski. It's a testament to our resilience as human beings, and to the power of photography to communicate emotions and unite us in challenging times.

Rachael Sokolowski and Susan Karchmer are friends that I've known through photography for more than 10 years. We've traveled and photographed in Cuba and on Cape Cod, and in the process have become life-long friends. I've led workshops on the Cape for about that same length of time, the most recent years collaborating with Rachael as co-leader. Since the pandemic I've seen the Hearts all over the Cape and have been fascinated by the story! I hope you enjoy hearing about it. – Rad

Author's Note:

For the past few years, I've had the great pleasure of collaborating with Rad on our Cape Cod Magic workshop, where we immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Cape Cod. From Chatham to Provincetown, sunrise to sunset, we chase the ever-changing light, capturing its magic on beaches, lighthouses, fishing piers, harbors, and tidal flats. This October, we'll have the opportunity to do it all again. (Click here for information about our October Cape Cod Magic workshop.)

But today, I want to share another collaboration with my friend, photographer, and fellow Cape Cod resident, Susan Karchmer,  and a different kind of magic that unfolded along the shores of Cape Cod.

Thank you, Rad, for this opportunity to tell the story of Take Heart – A Cape Cod Love Story. – Rachael

Rachael and Suz

Take Heart – A Cape Cod Love Story

by Rachael Sokolowski

What Was Once Is No More

The Hearts Begin

In the early spring of 2020, wooden shipping pallets, painted with hearts, began appearing along the roadside in my hometown of Truro, Massachusetts. At first, there were just a few. Then more. Different colors, different sizes. Soon, they became impossible to miss – scattered across Cape Cod, silent but striking, waiting for those who were paying attention.

By May, a smaller version of these hearts – crafted from wooden paint-stirring sticks from the local hardware store – started appearing in windows throughout Provincetown, the outermost town on Cape Cod.

In a moment when human connection felt impossible, these simple yet powerful symbols of love, resilience, and hope appeared – messages to no one and everyone. By September, I began photographing them. I wasn't sure why. How long would they remain? Would the pandemic ever end? I had no clear focus, only a feeling that these hearts, placed with intention, mattered.

Suz (Susan Karchmer) had also been photographing them. When we discovered our shared fascination, we decided to document them together. Why not? It was a safe way to be in each other's company, doing what we loved most – capturing images, inspiring each other, and talking about life.

That's the beauty of collaboration. You share perspectives, knowledge, and techniques – and in doing so, you see the world differently.

Even in Our Darkest Hours

A Community Transformed

The hearts were especially prolific in Truro and Provincetown, two small communities known collectively as the Outer Cape. With fewer than two thousand year-round residents each, these towns exist in a paradox – a tight-knit rural community and a world-renowned tourist destination.

In the summer, Provincetown's population swells into the tens of thousands. At the very tip of Cape Cod, surrounded on three sides by water, it has long been a haven for artists, misfits, and the LGBTQ+ community. Truro, stretching just four miles from ocean to bay at its widest point, is defined by vast open space – about 70% of both towns fall within the Cape Cod National Seashore, protecting them from further development.

Then, in 2020, the world changed.

The lively, welcoming streets of Provincetown fell silent. Shops, galleries, and restaurants shut their doors. A town that thrived on togetherness was suddenly isolated.

And yet, life continued.

The closest hospital to the Outer Cape is 50 miles away, much of the route a narrow, two-lane highway. The pandemic magnified the town's remoteness and its reliance on the dedication of healthcare workers, first responders, and essential employees. Through the hearts, we saw a silent acknowledgment of their sacrifices.

We also witnessed another movement – protests for racial justice sparked by police violence. The Outer Cape, in its quiet yet powerful way, responded with art, activism, and endurance. In a small community, people come together.

Each heart was a message. Someone cared enough to create it, to place it where others could see. You are not alone. Take heart. We will get through this together.

BLM

The Magic of the Hearts

Over time, the hearts took on personalities, reflective of their creators. Some became like old friends – just seeing them made us smile. If a heart had fallen over, we would prop it back up. They reassured us. They reminded us to hold on.

Through the course of the pandemic, we photographed thousands of hearts – tiny hearts, weathered hearts, hearts with messages, hearts hidden in unexpected places. We had no plan for these images, no agenda. We simply wanted to document them.

We photographed with our iPhones which were always within reach, ready to snap a photo whenever and wherever we spotted a heart. Looking back at our archive, it's fascinating to see how the images evolved – how the newer iPhone models rendered the hearts with sharper, richer detail.

Provincetown Town Hall Peace Heart

Like many creative journeys, Take Heart evolved in ways we never expected. Neither of us had ever worked on a long-term documentary project before. I'm not a journalist – and to be totally honest, I don't really like talking to people I don't know. Suz isn't a journalist either, but she's comfortable striking up conversations with strangers. Together, we made the perfect team.

As we photographed, we grew more curious. We started asking questions. People were generous with their time and their stories. We tracked down some of the heart creators, listening as they shared their motivations – expressions of love, grief, resilience, and hope. We even began making and placing hearts of our own.

That's when we realized this wasn't just a documentation project.

It was a love story.

Not in the traditional sense, but a love story nonetheless – a community searching for connection in a time of disconnection.

American Revolution

Beyond the Photographs

Suz and I have continued this journey beyond photography. We are creating a documentary film about the hearts and the people who made them. This spring, we will release a self-published book – a visual poem told through our images.

Take Heart is the story of our pandemic journey - a journey that took us in many directions, always with our iPhones in hand. It is the story of one small community, but its message extends far beyond Cape Cod. Some may prefer to forget the pandemic – to move on from the fear, the isolation, the loss. But out of times of great uncertainty, symbols of hope emerge.

The hearts of the Outer Cape – created by anonymous hands, placed for strangers to see, weathering the elements – remain as a reminder.

A reminder of love. Of community. Of resilience.

Even When Peace Is in Tatters

These magical messages deserve to be remembered. If you are interested in learning more, Lower Cape TV did a segment on our exhibit in February 2025: https://vimeo.com/1056925915. 

The desktop software, Luminar Neo, is on sale through August 25 at heavily discounted price. It's inspired me take time this week exploring Neo's three great merge tools  – Panorama Stitching, Focus Stitching, and HDR Merge and share what they are capable of!

Today I spent some time experiementing with the Focus Stacking tool.

Focus Stacking (aka photo stacking and focus layering) is a technique used to create one photo that is sharp across multiple focal planes. It's done by combining several photos, each made with a different focal point. The result is one image in which everything througout the photo is in sharp focus. 

Luminar Neo's Focus Stacking tool makes it easy to combine multiple images into one. While I also create with "big" cameras (Fuji and Lumix), I love the capability of today's iPhones. So, I decided to try Neo's Focus Stacking tool with several RAW files made with my iPhone 15 Pro Max.

This was an interesting experiment that yielded a worthy result! See my landscape photo pictured above.

Here’s what I did.

Step 1

With the iPhone 15 Pro Max mounted on a tripod, I used the Native camera's main 24mm lens to create  four 48mp ProRaw photos.

I gave each photo a different focal point by tapping on a different focal plane in each image. So, on image 1, I focused on the the log in the foreground; for image 2 I focused on  the foliage at the water’s lower edge; for image 3, I focused on the trees in the upper third of the frame;  and for image 4, I focused on the clouds at the top of the frame.

Step 2

I opened Luminar Neo on my iMac and imported the four iPhone photos from Photos into Luminar Neo.

Step 3

I processed one of the four RAW files using Luminar Neo’s Develop editor which edits raw files.

Step 4

I made a preset that included the edits I made to this RAW file.

Step 5

I applied that new preset to each of the other three photos so all four RAW photos are now processed the same.

Step 6

I selected the four images and dragged them into Neo’s Focus Stacking tool.

Step 7

I used Luminar Neo to make a few other adjustments to the focus stacked photo.

The result is a very sharp and detailed 43mp, 44.5mb file.

Focus Stacking is one of Luminar Neo's three merge tools. I used one of Neo's other merge tools, Panorama Stitching, to create this panorama of an Indiana barn by stitching six iPhone 15 Pro Max RAW files.

I'm looking forward to making other photos using Luminar Neo's merge tools and images created with the iPhone!

Thank You!

The black and white image of the lilies (above) was created from a previously processed color image. When I came across the color version, a little voice in my head said, "Try it in B&W!" so I did!

I used Luminar Neo's Black & White  adjustment to convert the image from color to B&W, and then used Neo's GLOW adjustment to add the sweet glow to the lilies. 

For the image of the Cuban ballet dancer (below), I processed the image in Luminar Neo, then, applied  Neo's Studio Light adustment to add add the streaks of light reminscent of light coming through a venetian blind. 

The panorama of an Indiana landscape in my home state, below, was created from six iPhone 15 Pro Max 48mp ProRAW files. I used Neo's Panorama Stitch tool to stitch the six images together and then processed the final version using other Luminar Neo tools.

Ths image of the great grain elevator under beautiful clouds in The Palouse (below) was created with my iPhone. I then used Luminar Neo's Develop tool to process the raw file. I used other Neo adjustments including Enhance and Landscape to craft this final version.

These are just a few of the images I've created with Luminar Neo. I love the support the team provides and also engineers are constantly adding new features that make the program even more fun!

Thanks for reading! Enjoy what remains of the summer. 

Best,

Rad

UPDATE September 25, 2024

The iPhone 16's have arrived and I'm happy to share that three of these accessories work with the iPhone 16 Pro Max when it's in the Apple Silicon Case. I'm unable to test the mount that requires the treaded case because those new cases are not yet available for the 16 phones, but based on what I'm seeing, I predict that that one will work also.

Besides a new case to fit your new iPhone, it doesn't look like we'll need to buy new filter mount accessories!

When I began making infrared photos with the iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2019, I manually held an infrared filter in front of the camera. That's because at that time there were few accessories available for attaching an infrared filter to the iPhone and those that did exist were pretty crude and didn't always work very well. 

We've come a long way in the last five years and today there are several filter attachment options available.

This blog post is a review of existing filter attachment options that I've used and find work as well as anything available today. They are listed here in the order in which I've found and used them and the order has nothing to do with one being better than another. The options are simply different. Some options may be more appealing to you based on your equipment and personal preferences.

I should note that my phones since my first iPhone 4 in 2009  have all been iPhones. What I've learned about compatibility with android phones comes from some limited personal experience, and from observing clients using these accessories in the field.

For each attachment method, I'll list it's name, provide a link for purchase, and note its pros and cons. I'll also share some insights from my use of these accessories with different phones over the years.

A Word About Infrared Filters

Infrared filters come in a variety of nanometer lengths that produce different results. I prefer the 720 nanometer filter that produces a black & white result. I know some have tried filters lower on the spectrum that produce various color results, but color is not something that I've been attracted to. I encourage you to explore it if it's an interest, but I don't have experience in that relm with either photographing or processing color IR. To learn more about color IR, I suggest you follow Tony Sweet who is an expert in B&W IR with traditional cameras and has recently begun to explore color IR. 

A 720nm filter from one company may differ slightly from one from another company. This is not a bad thing, just a variable that will require some slightly different processing to account for these subtle differences. 

The IR filters I prefer are from Spencer's Camera, although you can find filters from your favorite camera store or on Amazon. I've used filters by Spencers, Neewer, Hoya, and LifePixel. IR filters can vary in price but I've found that inexpensive ones may not hold up as well and are quicker to become scratched or lose their coating with regular use and cleaning.

Links to Filters I Use

• Spencer's Camera ; If you choose to purchase from Spencer's use my code RADDREW25 for a discount.
•  
• Life Pixel Magnetic External Mounted Infrared Filter
•  
• Hoya and Neewer brands from your favorite camera store or Amazon.
•  

A Word about Cases

While you can use many of the filter attachment methods described here without a case, I don't recomment it. I don't use my phone without a case because the phone is slippery and too vunerable to damage from dropping.

There are a wide variety of cases and some work better with the different IR filter attachment methods than others. I've attempted to note that in the descriptions below.

Unless I'm using the threaded filter attachment from ReeFlex (described below), the best case I've found is the iPhone Siicone Case from Apple. It offers a good grip so it's easy to hold onto, and tends to work with most of the filter attachment methods and gets the best seal against lightleaks. 

Here are a few general tips when choosing cases to work with the IR filter attachment methods described here.

• Avoid clear cases because they allow light leaks that will ruin your photo
• Avoid cases that have credit card holders or finger grips or anything attached to the back of your phone because they will interfer with the filter mount

Infrared Filter Accessories for iPhone

1.  Moment 67mm Phone Filter Mount.

This mount from Moment is a clamp that attaches to the phone with a thumb screw.  It is treaded to accommodate a 67mm filter.

Of all the methods I'll mention in this post, this is one of the most versatile and will work on many phones. 

Even though it is 67mm, you can obtain step-up or step-down rings to accommodate different size infrared filters you already have instead of buying a new one. Step-up rings are much less expensive than new IR filters.

Option 1: Moment 67mm Phone Filter Mount.

67-52mm Step-Down Ring from B&H

You can find step rings from your favorite camera store or online.

Links to Items

Moment 67mm Phone Filter Mount

67-52mm Step-Down Ring from B&H

Pros

• Works with most iPhones and some androids
• Securely holds filter
• Covers all lenses
• Doesn't interfere with most phone tripod mounts or grips like the ProGrip by ShiftCam.

Cons

• Does not work with all cases
• Does not work with some androids
• Device covers buttons on the phone; must remove to access buttons
• Will not work with bulky cases such as Otter Cases or cases with attached wallets or other add-on accessories.

Insights

• Case choice matters
• iPhone Silicone case works best (for me)
• Avoid clear cases to avoid light leaks
• Knock-off cases may be different enough from Apple's Silicone case that they won't achieve a good fit and may produce light leaks.

2. JJC 49mm Magnetic Lens Filter Mount. 

The JJC Magnetic Filter System was the first of the mag safe magnetic systems I used. I love the convenience of quickly and easily attaching or removing it. The filter opening is 49mm and I've gotten good results with both a 49mm IR filter and a step-up ring to a 67mm IR filter . 

Mag Safe Magnet attachment, 49mm to 67mm Step-Up Ring, and 67mm, 720nm IR Filter.

JJC Magnetic Filter System on the iPhone 15 Pro Max with Apple Silicone Case.

Links to Items

 JJC 49mm Magnetic Lens Filter Mount. 

Pros

• Securely holds filter
• Cover's all lenses
• Magnetic system makes if very convenient to quicky put on and off.

Cons

• Works only with the Max size iPhones with Mag Safe (at time of writing this, it's not available for the Pro or Plus size iPhones)
• While it covers all lenses, there can be vignetting when using this system with the 0.5x ultra wide angel lens. This doesn't bother me because I don't use the ultrawide angle lense for IR anyway because I don't get satisfying results with any setup.
• Does not work with some androids
• Does not work with all cases
• Interfers with phone tripod mounts or grips like the ProGrip by ShiftCam.

Insights

• Case choice matters
• Works best with the iPhone Silicone case 
• Requires Mag Safe case
• Requires 49mm IR filter (or a step-up/step-down ring to the filter size of your choice).
• Avoid clear cases to avoid light leaks.
• Knock-off cases may be different enough from Apple's Silicone case that then won't achieve a good fit and may produce light leaks.
• Will not work with bulky cases such as Otter Cases or cases with attached wallets or other add-on accessories.
• Fit is better on some phones than others; you may need to adjust the fit to insure there are no light leaks.
• To use this with a iPhone tripod mount, secure the tripod mount across the bottom portion of the iPhone instead of across the phone's center where the magnetic mount can interfer.

Option 3: Tiffen Smart Phone 58mm Filter Mount

The Tiffen Smart Phone 58mm Filter Mount is the lastest of the mag safe magnetic systems I've found. Like the JJC accessory described above, I love the convenience of the magnetic system which makes for quick and easy attaching and removing.

The filter opening on the Tiffen unit is 58mm. I don't have a 58 mm filter, so I've used it with a 58mm to 67mm step-up ring and a 67mm IR filter. 

Tiffen Mag Safe Magnet attachment, 58mm to 67mm Step-Up Ring, and 67mm, 720nm IR Filter.

Tiffen Smart Phone 58mm Filter Mount on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Apple Silicone Case.

Links to Items

Tiffen Smart Phone 58mm Filter Mount

Pros

• Designed for all size 14 and 15 iPhones
• Securely holds filter
• Cover's all lenses
• Magnetic system makes if very convenient to quicky put on and off.
• Tiffen accessory is thinner than the JJC unit so it interfers less with the iPhone tripod mounts

Cons

• Does not work with some androids
• Does not work with all cases
• Although thinner than the JCC mount, it can stil Interfer with some phone tripod mounts and grips like the ProGrip by ShiftCam.

Insights

• Case choice matters
• Works best with the iPhone Silicone case 
• Requires Mag Safe case
• Even though it's not designed to work with the iPhone 12 & 13 Pro Max phones, I've used it successfully with these phones. The fit is not perfect so you need to be more careful about bumping it and you need to watch closely for light leaks and make slight adjustments if they occur.
• Requires 58mm IR filter (or a step-up/step-down ring to the filter size of your choice).
• Avoid clear cases to avoid light leaks.
• Knock-off cases may be different enough from Apple's Silicone case that they won't achieve a good fit and may produce light leaks.
• Will not work with bulky cases such as Otter Cases or cases with attached wallets or other add-on accessories.
• Fit is better on some phones than others; you may need to adjust the fit to insure there are no light leaks.
• To use this with a iPhone tripod mount, secure the tripod mount across the bottom portion of the iPhone instead of across the phone's center where the magnetic mount can interfer.

4. ReeFlex G-Series - Step-Up Adapters and Camera Mount Set 67mm

The Reflex system consistes of a magnetic disc with male threads that screws into a case with 17mm female threaded ports. The disc screws into the case and is magnetic so that it will receive a 67mm magnetic infrared filter from LifePixel. 

Note: When you purchase the Reeflex system, it comes with two step-up attachments that are useful if you are using other Reeflex lens systems.

For infrared photography, the only piece in this collection you'll need is the threaded disc, shown in the image below:

This ReeFlex threaded disc is the piece needed for IR photography.

The threaded attachment of the disk makes for a very secure mount to the case, and the LifePixel filter has a strong magnetic attachment making this a very secure system. 

The disc is threaded into case over the primary iPhone lens, the one at the lower left in the lens configuration.

Since it's screwed into one lens, the other lenses on the camera are blocked and inaccessible. So, when using the iPhone's native camera you can switch between the 1x and 2x lenses, but can't use the 0.5x or the 5x. This is a limitation of this system, but since I use the 1x camera most of the time for infrared photos, I don't mind. I get my best IR results with the 1x camera, regardless of which lens attachment method I'm using. I'm willing to only use the 1x camera in exchange for this very convenient system that doesn't have anyting on the back of the camera to interfer with an iPhone tripod clamp or with the ProGrip by ShiftCam  that I like to use.

The ReeFlex Case, Reeflex threaded magnetic disc, LifePixel 67mm magnetic IR Filter, and the LifePixel magnetic lens cover. 

This shows the Reeflex magnetic disc screwed into the Reeflex case, the LifePixel 67mm magnetic infrared filter and lens cap on the side.

Here the LifePixel 67mm magnetic IR filter is attached to the ReeFlex magnetic plate on the camera, and the LifePixel lens cap is on the side.

Here's the what it looks lke when all the pieces are assembled.

I keep the LifePixel filter magnetically attached to the ReeFlex magnetic disc. I unscrew the disc with the filter still attached, pop on the magnetic lens cap, and store it all in the plastic case it came in from LifePixel. When I want to use the filter, I remove it from the case and screw the entire assembly to the phone and I'm ready to go.

This system requires a case with a 17mm threaded mounting system. Reeflex has it's own case, but there are other companies that use this 17mm thread method. One is SandMarc. I have a Sandmarc case for other attachments and it works fine with the Reeflex threaded disc.

Threaded case options

Links to Items

ReeFlex G-Series - Step-Up Adapters and Camera Mount Set 67mm

ReeFlex Case with 17mm Threaded Ports

Life Pixel Magnetic External Mounted Infrared Filter

Sandmarc iPhone Cases

Pros

• Will work with any phone for which you can purchase a 17mm threaded case (Reeflex, Sandmarc)
• Securely holds filter with magnetic threaded disc
• Magnetic filter from LifePixel makes it very convenient to quicky attach and remove.
• Does not interfere with tripod mounts or grips like the ProGrip by ShiftCam.
• It comes with a magnetic lens cap that I find useful

Cons

• Does not work with some androids
• Requires a case with threaded ports 
• Does not cover all lenses

Insights

• Requies a case with 17mm threaded ports, available from ReeFlex and SandMarc.
• Cases with threaded ports are available with Mag Safe, but MagSafe is not required
• Requires a 67mm magnetic filter from LifePixel.

As always, thanks for reading. I hope this informs you about the options available at this time for attaching an IR filter to your mobile phone. 

For more information and to network with others who are exploring infrared photography with their mobile phone, visit or join our Facebook group, Open Group! Infrard on the iPhone. It's a great place to see the work others are doing, ask questions, and learn photographing and processing methods.

For additional information about webinars and tutorials:

Subscribe to my montly newsletter

Sign up to my new learning space on Thinkific. 
I recently launched my first video tutorial,  How I Did It!™ SnapSeed Masking Demystified! on this new site and will be adding additional titles soon, including, How I Did It!™ Creating Infrared Photos with Your iPhone, which I'm updating and hope to have ready soon!

This new iPhone and iPad app makes it possible to edit RAW and other file types on the iPhone using some of the same features we've come to love in Skylum's desktop version of Luminar Neo. 

************

Note: The desktop version of Luminar Neo is currently on sale at a steap discount!

Luminar Neo Sale Price through August 25

************

While the new iPhone app doesn't have all of the features of the desktop version, it does offer an intuitive interface and these features that you may know from the desktop:

* Develop function for editing RAW files

* AI Enhance 

* Relight AI for adjusting near and far brightness

* Skin and Body enhance tools

* Sky Replacement using provided skies or your own sky photos

* A set of presets for Portrait Toning and Creative styliztion

Here are a few examples of recent images that I've processed with this new iPhone app.

I made this image from the window seat with the iPhone 15 Pro Max's native camera on a recent flight departing Las Vegas. This extraordinary landscape and terrain is the terminus of the Grand Canyon as seen from about 30,000 feet.

The original RAW photo right out of the camera (below) looked flat with little contrast or detail.

Here's what the image looks like after a few adjustments in Luminar Neo.

If you like to add skies to scenes that have none, Luminar Neo's sky replacement is very easy and effective. The app comes with a number of skies to choose from, or, if you like to use your own sky photos instead, as I do, Luminar Neo makes it easy to select and add your own skies.

On a recent trip to The Palouse, I made this photo of Palouse Falls on a day when there wasn't a cloud anywhere to be found. 

I took the original original photo into the Luminar Neo app, performed basic edits, and then used the Sky Replacement function to add a sky from another photo made on the same trip a day before creating a much more engaging image (below).

I made this photo of a young dancer with the Cuban National Ballet in February. This is what the image looked like after just a few minor edits in the iOS editor on the iPhone.

I then took it into Lumunar Neo and applied a few edits using Enhance, Skin, and RelightAI and transformed it (below).

I'm excited to see Skylum entering the mobile app arena. I love their desktop tools and their creative approach to integrating AI tools. I'll be interested in watching this app mature. For example, I'd love to see them add a masking component in the future. 

Maybe you'll give Luminar Neo – AI Photo Editor at look. 

And if you don't already receive it, you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter here. Each edition I share photographing and processing tips, articles, workshops, and learning events for mobile and traditional photography. 

Thanks for being here, and, as always, keep on creating! 

Best,

Rad

P.S. If you enjoy sky replacement, but aren't ready to commit to Luminar Neo just yet, sky replacement can also be done using the free app, SnapSeed for iPhone and Android. The process is not as automated as it is with Luminar Neo but the results are just as rewarding. Here's a link to my tutorial video, How I Did It!™; Add  a Sky in SnapSeed.  I did this a while back but it's still relevant.  – R

At one point, Roger asked if I was a veteran. I later learned that he often asked this of people he met on workshops because, if they were, he had a gift for them.

Even though I'm not a veteran, Roger and I "clicked" to the extent that he presented me with a copy of his book, Remember. I'm so glad he did. 

Roger's book is one of the most poignent collections of words and pictures that I've ever seen. I'll never forget going through it with Nancy in our dining room one Sunday morning. The combination of Roger's photos, quotations, and poetry (some of it Roger's), moved us both, summoning a deep emotional response.

Even though I don't have a military background other than my father serving in the Korean War, Roger's book informed me on an emotional,  intellectual, and psychological level about a topic that can be so very difficult for many of us to explore. 

As is written on the jacket cover, 

Remember, by Roger Raepple, is a heartfelt tribute to our military and to its service to our country. 

With Memorial Day coming, it seemed a good time to talk with Roger to learn more about the inspiration for this work, how he went about it, and what the response has been. 

Before going on, I need to share something about Roger. He is more internally motivated and inspired than any photographer I know. He is extraordinarly deliberate in his compositions and he does not seek input from others about what to photograph or how to photograph it. In fact, he will walk away or hum a tune if a group leader or workshop participant begins to discuss a particular scene. He does not allow himself to be influenced by others in what or how he photographs. I mention this because I think it's important when looking at Roger's work and especially the photographs in this book. When you see an image of his, know that what you see in the photograph is there because Roger chose for it to be there. His photographs are not arbitrary or accidental, but thoughtfully composed.

I hope you enjoy this interview. I also hope you will look at Roger's book and perhaps make a gift of it to someone close to you who will benefit from the sentiments expressed therein.

Interview with Roger Raepple

Roger Raepple

Rad: Roger, your book, Remember, which is a tribute to veterans and their families is unlike anything I have seen before. Where did the idea for the book originate?

Roger: A very close friend of mine told me that my images of military subjects – memorials, cemeteries and monuments – had a special feeling to them, something he could not define. He told me I needed to do something with them. That was the impetus for the project. I wanted to create a “message” book, one of respect and admiration for veterans and their families. As you know, each image is paired with words in the form of a poem, song lyric, quotation or brief essay, many from well-known poets who write about the ravages of war. The pairing idea came from my seeing a book where a landscape photographer added a poem of his own with each image.

Rad: Feedback shows that the book resonates with families of veterans, their spouses, children, parents, and siblings. It certainly resonated with Nancy and me. Was that your intent? 

Roger: The original intent of the book was to, hopefully, get non-veterans and their families to appreciate the sacrifices of veterans and their families that are made on behalf of all of us. I have a brother-in-law who is a retired Air Force pilot and a nephew that is currently in the Air Force serving as a pilot. And, a friend of mine had a son who served several tours in Afghanistan. I saw the sacrifices that families and extended families make when a spouse or parent or other family member is serving, especially when deployed overseas alone and away from their family – a strain on everyone. I think the sacrifices that families make are often unrecognized and unappreciated by the general public. I wanted to honor that sacrifice and bring attention to it.

Rad: How did you get your start in photography?

Roger: I went in the Army for four years right out of high school. My first permanent duty station was Fort Myer which is adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. Two fellows in my barracks where amateur photographers and they introduced me to photography. I walked out the door of my barracks with a used Pentax camera onto Arlington Cemetery and took my first serious photographs. Even at eighteen I was moved by the scenes there and of the nearby Marine Corps Memorial. My two friends also introduced me to multiple exposures, something I remain very interested in and several appear in the book.

Rad: While I find each of the images in the book compelling, one resonates with me more than others. (Maybe because of my memory of seeing the Wall for the first time in 1983.) It's the double exposure of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Wall, and the Three Soldiers statue. Will you say how you came to make this photo?

Roger: On my first trip to the Wall many years ago I saw the couple in a very private moment. I did not want to intrude so I took the image from afar with a telephoto lens. Years later on a subsequent visit I noticed that the then newly erected Three Soldiers statue was located in almost the same spot that I had been standing when I took the first image of the couple. Loving multiple exposures because of the additional layer they provide, a story more readily told, I took the image of the Three Soldiers and combined the two images.

Rad: Your book was publicly released last November. How has it been received?

Roger: The most frequent comment I receive is that the combination of images with words associated with each image creates something quite unique where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Remember has received several national book awards and all the reviews, thus far, on Amazon have been very favorable. Most importantly to me, are the comments and letters I have received from veterans and family members of veterans. One of the most touching included this, writing about her father: “Thank you for honoring him and my memories! I’m the only one left who knew him but I’m trying to pass those memories on. I’m going to place his last letter, the telegram announcing his death, etc. in between the pages of your book to remind my family of his sacrifice and to tell his story after I’m gone."

***

In closing I want to say thank you to Roger Raepple for this remarkable body of work and for sharing through this interview with me.

I'll leave you with an excerpt from what Roger wrote about the Vietnam War Memorial photo that so resonated with me. Maybe the photo was made more impactful in part because of his words:

... If one place can evoke every emotion, this place can: anguish, contempt, remorse, bitterness, hatred, love, betrayal, fondness, warmth, forgiveness. The most hardened persons soften when they see the sought-after name, touch the name, think of that person. Some cannot go to see and touch. They start down the brick path and stop. They stop and then return to a more distant spot where a name cannot be discerned, where a blurred memory can be dealt with because a focused reminder is still too overhelming. 

On occassion a  person in a very private moment in this very public place will touch the name they sought, will lift a piece of paper to the etched name, a special name, and carefully will stroke the name with soft lead making a hazy tracing of a vivid life. – Roger Raepple

***

You will find Roger's book on Amazon here. Even if you don't plan to make a purchase, follow the link to read what others have said about Remember. If you do get the book, please write a review. 

What is an "atmospheric theater?"

Atmospheric theaters, popular in the 1920s, are, according to Wikipedia, "... theaters designed and decorated to evoke the feeling of a particular time and place for patrons, through the use of projectors, architectural elements and ornamentation that evoked a sense of being outdoors."

At one time there were 155 of these threaters throught the united states, but today there are belived to be only 12 remaining. 

The Paramount was designed to give the illusion of a Spanish courtyard at night. Its lush interior is filled with statues, iron gates, and elaborate details one would find in a real Spanish courtyard.

The illusion of an outdoor location is enhanced by a ceiling painted with a night sky full of twinkling stars. Projected clouds move across the ceiling to complete the illusion.

The Paramount opened in 1929, flourished for a number of years, and then entered a period of decline. In 1989, it was saved from demolition with an heroic 11th hour intervention by Anderson lawyer, Leslie Davisson, who inspired a local group, now known as the Paramount Heritage Foundation, Inc., to begin efforts to save the Paramount. 

A a meticulously renovated Paramount Theatre re-opened in 1995. Restored to its orginal grandure, the theatre is a showcase of fine detail and Art Deco design. 

Today, the Paramount is a prominent gem of the Anderson Downtown Historic District. It offers a full calendar of events including concerts, dance, theater, and movies. Silent films, such as The General staring Buston Keaton, feature live accompaniment on the theater's rare Page Organ.

To learn more about the historic Paramount, upcoming events, and ways to support the theater through donations, visit The Paramount Theatre Centre & Ballroom web site.

When I'm working in my studio at home, I have two 27-inch monitors set up side-by-side, but when I'm on the road I'm limited to my MacBook's smaller 16" screen.

With the Duex, I've added a second screen and I feel much less cramped. 

Having two monitors allows me to have a number of apps open and spread out for easy access. I can move programs to the other screen when not in use and I can do multiple tasks or reference content from one document and paste it into another. It's great whether I'm writing an article, responding to email, or editing photos in Lightroom Classic, Luminar Neo, or Photo AI.

–––

The Duex Max

is currently on sale

for 60% off. (Go Here)

(It's regularly $429.99, but is now $169.99)

–––

Attaching the Duex Max to my MacBook took less than 10 minutes. Everything I needed was included in the kit. Using the provided adhesive tape, I mounted four provided round nickle-sized magnets strong enough to hold the monitor's track assembly. I just needed to decide which side I wanted the extension to go on and once I determined that, (I chose the right side), the rest was simple. Once attached, it becomes part of the computer so I don't think about the portable monitor unless I need to open and use it.

For use, I can use the MacBook without the Duex Max, or I can quickly slide the Duex out to the right, plug it into my MacBook with the provided cable, and voila! I have an extra monitor at my side. 

For travel, the MacBook with the Duex mounted securely on its back, fits snuggly in the computer sleve of my ThinkTank camera bag. 

The Duex Max can also connect to any device including your iPhone or iPad. In the image below, I've plugged in my iPhone and it displays on the Duex a bit larger. 

If you're considering adding a portable monitor to your laptop for travel or even work at home away from the office, the Duex is easy-to-install, easy-to-use, easy on the wallet, lightweight, and durable. 

I traveled with it to Cape Cod recently, and I will pack it on my trips to Tuscany in May and The Palouse in June.

Visist this link (HERE) to learn more about the Duex Max and Mobile Pixels, Inc. 

Thanks for being here and taking time to read my posts.

Have a great spring!

Best,

Rad

P.S. Check my Workshops page for several workshops with openings this year. I have one opening in Lush Palouse June 2-7, one opening in Cape Cod Magic in October, openings in Calabria's Tyrrhenian Coast in September, and three openings in Beauty & Grace in Havana in November!

And sign up for my newsletter for inspiration and tips for mobile, traditional, and infrared photography, and 2024 photo tours.

Join me Tuesday, April 9, as I delve into this remarkable tool and share settings, processing tips, and demonstrate workflows for color and infrared photos. 

What: WEBINAR: Lightroom Mobile for iPhone and Android
Where: Zoom!
When: Tuesday, April 9
Time: 7-9pm EST
Cost: $25

Is it Recorded?

YES!

You'll receive a link to the recording within 48 hours.

I've been invited by photographer, Angel McNall, to present to her BaseCamp Photo Club next Tuesday, April 9, at 7pm EST and it's open to the public for $25.

*****

Register HERE

You'll receive an email from "noreply@digitaldownloads.com" with the Zoom link.

*Don't see the email?

CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER!

*****

Dusk in Havana, Processed in Lightroom Mobile

If you've not yet discovered the amazing power of Lightroom Mobile for your smartphone, you're in for a treat!

With updates to the mobile software late last year, Lightroom Moble has gotten amazingly good! It offers three cameras that allow us to create DNG files (Adobe's open source RAW format), and, in my humble opinion, it offers the best on-the-go RAW editing capability available for iPhone and Android. 

If you use Lightroom on the desktop computer, you know just how powerful a tool it is for editing our photos.

Well, Lightroom Mobile has many of the same features as the desktop version, but in the palm of your hand!

In this webinar, I'll share my phone on the screen and demonstrate how I use this remarkable app to process RAW and other format files.

Concentric Circles and Reflection, Processed in Lighroom Mobile

I'll cover the following:

Lightroom Mobile camera settings
How to use these camera options:
–– AUTO
–– PRO
–– HDR

A workflow to process RAW files (or any format) using Lightroom Mobile’s remarkable editor

A workflow for processing infrared Images made with the mobile phone

How to take advantage of Lightroom Mobile's remarkable masking tools for selective adjustments

and a ton more!

I hope you can join us for this fun and informative event!

The photos shown with this blog were all edited using Lightroom Mobile. Some where created with the app's cameras.

Great Smoky Mountais, iPhone Infrared, Processed with Lightroom Mobile

Lightroom Mobile is not a free app. If you subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud to have Lightroom and Photoshop on your desktop computer, the Lightroom Mobile app is included with your current subscription.

If you don't subscribe and don't want to, you can install a free copy of the app, but it will not include all the tools and functionality, such as the Geometry, Healing, and Masking Tools. 

I hope to see you next Tuesday for this fun and informative session!

Tobacco Harvest, Southern Indiana, Processed with Lightroom Mobile

On a Saturday, March 16, 2024, I drove to Bellbrook, Ohio, to visit photographer friends who exhibit their work at the Sugarcreek Photography Gallery.

The Gallery sits on the main street of Bellbrook, a quiet town of 7500 residents about 15 miles southeast of Dayton, Ohio.

Twelve photographers exhibit their work on about 160 linear feet of wall space, so, it’s a BIG gallery.

What’s notable is the wide variety of genres and uniquely individual styles.

The one thing all these images have in common is that they are all of extraordinarily high quality in terms of composition, creativity, photographic technique, and presentation. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous photographs in one place!

***

See the

Sugarcreek Photography Gallery Video 

HERE.

***

Among photographers exhibiting here are my long time friends Bill Woody, Beth Larsen, and Judd Plattenburg.

Each is an exceptional photographer with their own unique style and an ethic of life-long learning. I’ve enjoyed traveling and photographing with these friends on multiple occasions and it was a pleasure to see a body of their work exhibited at The Gallery.

In this post, I'll share images created by Bill, Beth, and Judd, as well as a images made by Bob Hawkins, Bill and Marty Welch, and Jeffery M. Smith, who I just met on this visit to The Gallery.

In addition to the work of photographers featured in this post, you can see the outstanding work of all the photographers who exhibit at The Gallery by visiting their website HERE. 

Bill Woody

Pictured here is my friend and photographer, Bill Woody, along with two of his dance photos. Bill's diverse body of work ranges from landscapes made in The Palouse and The Smoky Mountains, to dancers photographed at Silo City in Buffalo, NY, and dancers with the Cuban National Ballet in Havana.

Photographer, Bill Woody, at Sugarcreek Photography Gallery in Bellbrook, Ohio

Dance on the Malecón, © William Woody

As part of Rad Drew and Ramses Batista's Beauty and Greace workshop in Havana, in February 2024, we had been looking for a place to balance the dancer with the iconic Morro Castle fortess in the background. This seemed to fit best. Several other trials missed a bit, some missed a lot. The curve of the dancer seems to wrap the fort. – Bill Woody

Dance in the Silo, © Willam Woody

This is a dancer and fabric photo from one of the Silo City workshops. The specific room earned the name, “the white room." Having dancers is GREAT because one can give a direction to “fill the space below the Silo exit in that shape." With good dance collaborators, this is the result! It is amazing how the shapes of the dancer and the structure align! – Bill Woody

Beth Larsen 

Beth Larsen's work is top shelf and I love that she is always taking on new challenges in her photography. She is skilled in a variety of photograhy techniques and enjoys night photography, photographing dancers in Cuba, and recently took a course in light painting.

This image is one of her recent light paintings that is currenlty on exhibit at Sugarcreek Photography Gallery.

Mom's Tools, © Beth Larsen

This image is a light painting of my grandmother's thimbles and thread. I enjoy photographing still life images that evoke emotion in the viewer. The light painting technique allows the photographer to control the light on the subject.  – Beth Larsen

Judd Plattenburg

Judd's work has a special dynamic feel to it. He's an outdoorsman who carries his camera on nature trecks sharing sights rarely seen by many of us, and he's open to creative approaches such as doing long exposures with off-camera flash as he did in the photo of the Afro-Cuban dancer made in Havana.

Fountains, Dayton's Riverside Park © Judd Plattenburg

I paddled down the Mad River in a kayak, and timed it so that I would be paddling into the fountains just as the sun set and the fountains would be going off. The fountains turn on for 10 minutes on the hour all summer long. I had to lean out of my kayak and shoot it with an iPhone just before getting soaked with water.  – Judd Plattenburg

Afro-Cuban Dancer, Havana, © Judd Plattenburg

Conveying the energy and dynamic motion of Afro-Cuban dance in a photograph can be a challenge, but Judd has succeeded with this image made during a dance rehearsal in an abandonded theater in Havana. By using a slow shutter speed and off-camera flash, Judd recorded the movement of the dancer and the flash illuminated her face at precisely the right time to provide a focal point that conveys the dancer's ecstatic state.

Other Photographers I Met on My Visit

In addition to seeing my friends and their work on my recent visit, I had the opportunity to meet new friends, too. I met Bill and Marty Welch who shared their amazing wildlife and landscape work; Jeffery M. Smith who is known for his landscapes and for his Dayton-area scenes, many of which adorn the walls of homes and businesses throughout the Miami Valley; and Bob Hawkins who recently began exploring still-life light painting. 

Below are examples of their work that can be seen in The Gallery.

Jeffrey M. Smith (Art of Frozen Time)

Jeff's Fine Art landscape photos feature scenes from Ohio, the Midwest, and our US National Parks.

Sunrise along Osage Orange Tunnel No.7
© Jeffrey M. Smith (Art of Frozen Time)

This spectacular autumn sunrise took place at Sugarcreek MetroPark, near Bellbrook Ohio. One of the park’s many features is the Osage Orange Tunnel. In the 1800s, farmers planted rows of these Osage Orange (Hedge Apple) trees creating a natural fence line. Today, this tree line forms a delightful tunnel giving park visitors a visual treat.  

 – Jeffrey M. Smith

Dayton Rainbow Skyline, © Jeffrey M. Smith (Art of Frozen Time)

This scene took place on 3 May 2020 where in moments before, the skies were grey, and winds blustery which drove me to ponder the wisdom of standing in the rain with my digital camera. When I started this 86-image panoramic sequence, the sun found a break in the clouds at the last possible moment. Realizing I had seconds left, I quickly pointed my camera into the sun. During this bustle, the rainbow unknowingly formed behind me. Perhaps it was the steady rain and the constant wiping of my lens, but I was engrossed in the technique. With my last planned shot I stepped back from the camera and finally noted the still off-camera rainbow, so I continued the panoramic sweep. Despite building a big picture, I nearly missed an even larger one.  – Jeffrey M. Smith

Marty and Bill Welch, A Natural Selection

Marty and Bill Welch of A Natural Selection, photograph with Canon equipment and travel far and wide to make extraordinary images of landscapes, wildlife, birds, the Aurora Borealis, and more. 

Dory in the Rain by Marty Welch, © A Natural Selection

I  Love My Mom,  by Marty Welch, © A Natural Selection

The Breach by Bill Welch, © A Natural Selection

Landing Gear Down, by Bill Welch, © A Natural Selection

Bob Hawkins

Bob created the two works below using a technique called light painting. Here's how he describes the process.

"It is technically challenging, but the results can be quite dramatic. Light painting is a photographic technique where the subject is “painted” with light from a handheld light source (such as a small flashlight) in a dark room during a long exposure. This fine control of light increases the three-dimensional nature of the subjects and allows highlights to be placed exactly where you want them to be. I may take as many as 20 separate photos into Photoshop to combine them into the final image. By studying the works of the old master painters one can turn a simple arrangement of a pewter pitcher, a wine glass, and a pear into an almost “painterly” looking photograph. The opportunities are endless!" – Bob Hawkins

Cherries, © Bob Hawkins

Dressing Up, © Bob Hawkins

You can see why I'm dazzled by this work!

Whether you’re a photographer looking for inspiration, a home or business owner looking for gorgeous wall art, or simply someone who appreciates quality photographic artwork, you’ll enjoy a visit to Sugarcreek Photography Gallery in Bellbrook, Ohio.

Road Trip!

Camera clubs, this would make a great road trip (with lots to photograph in the countryside along the way)! You'll have the chance to see a variety of extremely well-done photography from which to learn and be inspired.

The Gallery is just a stone's throw from Dayton, only about two hours from Indianapolis, and only an hour from both Cincinnati and Columbus.

Oh, and, after visiting the gallery, stop by McIntosh Pub and Grub across the street for a bite and a brew!

As always, thanks for being here and taking time with me. I hope you found this post to be enlightening and inspiring.

Maybe we'll see each other online or in the field in the coming months.

Best, 

Rad

P.S. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter (HERE), and check out upcoming workshops and photo tours (HERE). – R

Creating infrared photos with the iPhone is something I've been exploring since about the iPhone X and 11. It's been a journey to find, test, and sometimes modify accessories to hold the infrared filter on the phone in a way that is secure, convenient, and functional. 

In a blog post from from last November, (Accessories for iPhone Infrared Photography), I described the accessories for one method for attaching the IR filter. This method still works and many may even prefer it, but I've been turned on to a new method.

Last month one of the members of our Facebook group, Open Group! Infrared on the iPhone, (thank you, Stuart Moore!), introduced me to a new method that I've come to appreciate. I ordered it several weeks ago and have used it now with success and will share it with you here.

The item is the JJC 49mm Magnetic Filter System, available from Amazon. 

Photo from Amazon web site

It's a well designed system that magnetically attaches to the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15. (It's not clear to me that it works on earlier iPhones.) It has a female threaded opening over the lenses that accepts a 49mm size filter. 

It only comes in the 49mm size, so you have these options:

1. buy a 49mm IR filter to fit the JJC filter system, or 

2. buy a step-up ring to allow you to use filters you may already have. The step-up ring has a 49mm male thread that screws into the 49mm female thread on the filter system and a female thread to receive the filter you have. For example, I have a 49mm to 52mm, and a 49mm to 67mm step-up ring to use with  the 52mm and 67mm infrared filters I already have.

I have a 67mm, 720nm filter and a 52mm, 720nm filter, both from Spencer's Camera. If you buy from Spencer's, I recommend the 02 - On-Lens IR Filter - Standard Color IR (720nm). Don't be misled by the term "standard color." The 720nm filter produces a black-and-white IR result. Use discount code RADDREW25 for a discount with Spencer's.

You can also use infrared filters from other manufacturers. Hoya and Neewer are two that I've used and you can find them online or at your favorite camera store. The ones I get from Spencers are more expensive but they are high quality. While others may be less expensive you may find that the coatings wear off or they may not be of the highest quality. Also be aware that the same 720nm filter from different companies may vary in the color of the image they create. This variability is not unusual in my experience using a variety of IR filters from different sources.

Here are the pieces that I have. 

From left to right, the JJC Magnetic Filter System, a 49mm to 67mm step-up ring and the 67mm, 720nm infrared filter from Spencer's.

This is what it looks like when attached to the iPhone:

Pros and Cons of the JCC Filter System

Pros

I like how easy and convenient this system is. It simply snaps in place magnetically and aligns almost perfectly. You may have to move it slightly to ensure that it's seated properly, but once it's on, it's on.

Unlike the screw-on filter mount, there's nothing that blocks buttons on the camera interface. 

It's easy to take on and off so if you have trouble seeing your scene through the infrared filter, simply remove the JCC Filter System, compose your photo and return the filter to the phone. 

Cons

The system gets in the way of the 13mm ultra wide angle lens (0.5x). It blocks a corner of the frame. I wish it didn't, but for infrared photography, I don't mind because the 0.5x lens is not a good option for infrared photography because it will almost always produce a severe hot spot. 

The JJC Filter System might interfer with your tripod camera mounts that attach across the phone. I use it successfully with the Pictron Metal iPhone Tripod Mount, and with the Manfrotto Universal Clamp. 

Shopping List

Here's a shopping list with links on where to find these items:

1. JJC 49mm Magnetic Lens Filter Mount,

2.  Hoya 49mm R72 Infrared Filter to fit the JJC mount without need for a step-up ring,

OR

3. 02 - On-Lens IR Filter - Standard Color IR (720nm). I recommend either the 67mm or the 52mm.

4. Step-up Ring. If you plan to use a filter you already have, like a 52mm or a 67mm, you'll need either a 49mm to 52mm, or a 49mm to 67mm, step-up ring. You can find these from your favorite camera store or get them online here:
49mm to 52mm from Amazon

49mm to 67mm from Amazon

5. iPhone 13 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe
While the JJC Filter System will fit over the "naked" phone (i.e., without a case), I don't like to ever use my phone without a case. The iPhone case I prefer is the Apple Silicone case.

I don't know yet how the JCC System works with other cases. 

Do you NEED this new system?

If you already have and use the Moment 67mm Phone Filter Mount, that system continues to work well and there's no need to change systems.

The JJC Magnetic Filter System is simply another option with features you might appreicate. You can learm more about the Moment filter mount in my previous blog post, Accessories for iPhone Infrared Photography. 

Thank you!

As always, thanks for taking time to read my posts. I hope they offer you useful information and help you continue to have fun with your photography! 

To stay up to date, get other photo tips, and hear about learning opportunities subscribe to my montly newsletter HERE.

I had the opportunity to interview Cheryl for a blog post a few years ago and learned that she was not only a talented artist, but a truly lovely person who appreciated the simple things in life, especially living in rural Tennessee with her dogs, cats, peacocks, and other animals. Her death was a shock to us all and she is missed by many around the world.

The late Cheryl Tarrant (Photo from Distressed FX App)

Status of Distressed FX Plus

A few weeks ago, I had an exchange with Cheryl’s collaborator on Distressed FX and learned that he intends not only to maintain the app that he and Cheryl created but also has new plans for the app’s future.

This comes as good news to so many of us who use the textures and gels Cheryl created for Distressed FX to enhance our mobile photos in artistic ways.

It pleases me to learn that Cheryl’s legacy will continue at least for now and we can all honor her by continuing to create with the tools she left us.

Bug and Temporary Work-Around

If you use Distressed FX Plus as frequently as I do, you may have noticed recently that a bug surfaced in the masking tool after the last iOS update. Fortunately it's not a show-stopper and I suspect will get fixed in time. Until then here's a work-around.

The app works perfectly, except that there's a glitch when you launch the masking tool. The masking tool lets us wipe the texture effect away from select parts of the image. The masking tool also can be used with images that have a depth map, like those created with the iPhone's Portrait Mode.

To use the masking tool, tap the eraser icon shown circled in the screen shot below.

Sometimes when the masking feature is launched, the image will appear scrambled as shown in the screen shot here.

I've found that if I tap the delete (trash can) icon, the tool will reset, the image will appear as it should, and the tool will function normally. 

How I Did It!™; Masking in Distressed FX PLUS

Here is a link to a video tutorial I made in 2021, How I Did It!™; Masking in Distressed FX PLUS. The app hasn’t changed a lot since then, so the information is still current. If you haven’t used this tool before, I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s really fun and I think it’s a great way to honor Cheryl’s memory.

Thanks for being here. I hope this information is helpful as you enjoy creating imagery with your iPhone. Until next time, keep on creating!

Best,

Rad

Equipped with a little know-how, this easy-to-carry and simple-to-use camera can help you create extraordinary photographs that you'll be proud to share with family or friends, or even hang on your wall. 

Here are ten tips that will help you create memorable photos with the camera that fits in your pocket  - your iPhone! 

1. Use the iPhone's Native Camera 

That’s the camera app that comes with your phone. It’s so good these days that you don’t need other camera apps. It’s quick and easy to access, and it will let you attend to image composition without worrying about camera settings.

TIP
Access your camera quickly without unlocking your phone by swiping from right to left, or long-press the camera icon that appears on the screen.

2. Create in ProRAW

If you have the 12 Pro Max or later, I recommend setting the camera to create ProRAW files so you have more data to work with in post processing.

3. Tap for Focus and Exposure

Tap on the bright areas in a scene (like clouds) to expose for the brightest area, even if the darker areas of your scene look too dark. Why? If the bright areas are two bright, you will not be able to recover details in post processing. But the dark areas can almost always be brightened and details recovered in post processing. Creating in ProRAW will also help you recover details in bright and dark areas when you edit your photos later.

4. Don't Pinch or Dial to Zoom

Avoid pinching to zoom or using the zoom dial; these zoom methods cause the camera to switch from a high quality zoom (optical zoom) to a lower quality zoom (digital zoom). Instead, “zoom with your feet” when you can and always use one of the options you have on the camera interface — 0.5x, 1x, 3x, 5x, etc. This will ensure the camera remains in optical zoom and your images will be recorded in the highest resolution.

5. Take advantage of your camera’s multiple lenses.

One of the great features of our iPhone is to be able to photograph macro, ultra wide angle, and telephoto all with the touch of a button. Photograph the same scene with different lenses and you might find you prefer one look over another. I especially like the ultra-wide (0.5x, 13mm) lens effect when you get close to some subjects like this bus. It does great things with clouds, too!

iPhone 11 Pro Max, 13mm ultra-wide angle lens

6. Take advantage of Night Mode (iPhone 11 and later).

You can handhold in Night Mode for up to 10 seconds in low light situations for great photos of cities at night or other lowlight scenes. Put your camera on a tripod and, if it's dark enough, the camera will fire for up to 30 seconds. The image below is a street scene in Havana made handholding the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

iPhone 12 Pro Max, Night Mode; Alicia Alonso Grand Theater, Havana

7. Use LIVE Mode for Long Exposures

For fountains or waterfalls, use LIVE mode and the Long Exposure option to create beautiful “soft water” images. You can create these photos handheld without a tripod or neutral density filters. Just be sure to turn off LIVE Mode when you’re finished with your water photo.

To turn on LIVE mode, tap the bullseye icon in the upper right of the screen as shown in the screen shot below. The word LIVE will appear briefly in yellow to indicate that LIVE mode has been activated. (I wish they left that yellow indicator on for us, but, hey, they didn't ask me!)

Hold steady and press the shutter button and the camera will record the LIVE photo.

To transform the still image into a long exposure to show "soft water," open the image in the camera roll and you'll notice that it is labeled as a LIVE photo.

Tap on LIVE and then Long Exposure in the menu that appears.

After selecting Long Exposure, anything in the image that is moving will be blurred, while other parts of the image remain sharp, like the image below of Cumberland Falls in Kentucky.

Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Live Mode, handheld

8. Take advantage of Portrait Mode to create photos with a shallow depth of field.

This allows your subject to be in sharp focus while the foreground and background are blurred. This is great for photos of people or pets, but also can be used on any subject you want to isolate and have a soft blurred background.

The Late Duke, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Portrait Mode

TIP 1
Make sure the Portrait Mode is activated before tapping the shutter button. You must be the right distance from your subject for Portrait Mode to activate. You'll know it's active when the light option you've selected turns yellow. 

Portrait Mode is not active in the image on the left because the camera is too close. Notice that there is a message at the top of the screen to "Move farther away," and the label NATURAL LIGHT at the bottom of the screen is grayed out. 

In the image on the right, the camera has been moved farther from the subject, the message has disappeared, and NATURAL LIGHT has turned to yellow indicating that Portrait Mode is active.

If you tap the shutter when Portrait Mode has not been activated, you'll get a photo, but it won't have the depth map that allows light selections and f/stop adjustments.



TIP 2
Create the photo in the Portrait Mode’s Natural Light setting and wait to try and apply other light settings or adjust the f/stop until after making the photo. It's so much easier to make these adjustments after you've recorded the image than to fuss with it before. It will save you a lot of time and possibly missed photos.

9. Don’t forget to make a panorama!

The pano option is great for vast land or cityscapes and you can also turn the camera on its side for vertical panos. Vertical panos are great for church interiors.

Try making a pano at the intersection of two or more streets and see how the camera distorts reality for a fun and unusual photo.

Vertical Panorama's

Tropea, Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Coast, Horizontal Pano, iPhone XS Max

Horizontal Pano of three intersecting streets in Diamante, Italy, appear to be almost parallel. 

St. Paul's Within the Walls, Rome, Vertical Pano, 14 Pro Max

TIP 1
When making a pano: find the brightest spot in the scene and tap and hold your finger on the screen to lock the exposure on the bright spot. Now when you move through the scene to create the pano, the camera will not constantly readjust the exposure. It will give you consistent exposure throughout the panorama. If you don't do this, your pano may have lines in it showing different exposures. Don’t worry if the areas in shadow look too dark. These shadows can easily be corrected in post processing in tools like SnapSeed or Lightroom Mobile.

Tip 2

Experiment with making panos with each of your camera's lenses. You'll be surprised at how different they can look and you may find one focal length that you prefer for different subjects.

10. Remember to make the occasional video!

I set video to 4k at 30fps. I find this is a good compromise that provides good quality and a manageable file size. The later iPhones have tremendous video capability, so if you're into video, I encourage you to look at the capabilities of the 15 Pro Max. With the 15 you have additional video options and the ability to record in LOG format. Some of these options create some very large files, but now that the 15 has the USB-C port, it's possible to record directly to a portable hard drive and avoid using your iPhone's storage space. 

TIP
Did you know, you can record a video and make still photos at the same time? Seriously!

Simply set up your photo as if you're about to make a still but instead of tapping the shutter button, drag the button to the right and release. The video will begin to run as indicated by the red counter at the top of the screen and the white shutter button will remain at the right side of the screen. To make a still photo while the video is recording, tap the shutter button. To stop the video recording, slide the shutter button back to the center of he screen.

Both the video recording and all the stills you made will be in the camera roll.

Set up for a still photo (left), then drag the shutter button to the right and release. The camera will begin to record the video. To make a still photo while the video is running, tap the shutter button on the right of the screen. Drag the shutter back to the center to stop the recording.

NOTE: These stills cannot be created in ProRAW and they are 10MP files instead of the 12MP default. Still, to be able to make stills and a video at the same time is awesome!

Enjoy the Ride!

Our iPhone – this one device – allows us to make a wide variety of photos including macro, long exposures, night photos, ultra-wide, telephoto, portraits, and panoramas, and thanks to computational photography tech, we no longer sacrifice quality when we photograph with our iPhone. (See my previous blog post, Macro Control: Getting Close with the iPhone 15 Pro Max  for a look at creating macro photos with the Macro Control setting on the iPhone 13 to iPhone 15.)

Notice that only one of the photos on this blog post – the title photo of the Ballet School in Havana – was made with the 15 ProMax. I chose photos made with phones as early as the XS Max just to make the point that you don't need the latest iPhone to create wonderful photos of high quality. 

To create in all these ways with a traditional camera would require a tripod and a camera bag full of lenses and neutral density filters. Take advantage of the freedom, versatility and quality our iPhones offer us today. I think you'll love the variety, the quality, and definitely appreciate the freedom of carrying a lighter load.

Thank you! I appreciate you being here. Until next time, have fun and keep on creating!

Best,

Rad

P.S. I hope you'll subscribe to my monthly newsletter and check out my website for the photo tours and workshops I have coming up in 2024!

We have two spots in our Cape Cod Magic Workshop April 16-20, and one opening in Tuscany 2024! May 1-8.

Then in the fall there are two opportunities to photograph in Cuba and two in the Calabria region of Italy. It would be great to travel and photograph with you!

Calabria is in the southern most part of Italy, "the toe of the boot."

I first traveled to this region in 2018 and I immediately fell in love with the landscapes, medieval villages, olive groves, vinyards, seascapes, and, of course, the food and wine!

And I have come to appreciate the people in this predominently agricultural part of Italy. The pace is slower, people take pride in their work whatever that may be, and there is a deep appreciation for food and its importance in terms of family and community. 

My friend, Guerino, who was born and raised near the medieval mountain village of Badolato, says something to the effect, "To know a people, you must know how they eat!"

In Calabria, everyone in the food chain takes pride in their role, from the organic farmer to the processors of virgin olive oil, to those who prepare and present meals, and ultimately to the sharing of that meal with others. Meal time in Italy is a social experience to be savored and enjoyed with family and friends.

It's this emphasis on what's important in life that permiates every aspect of the culture that I find so appealing about traveling in this part of the world. 

And it all has an old world feel to it, a timeless quality. Walking the streets of medieval villages that have been traversed by countless others for centuries, or photographing the caves where ascetic monks lived in the mountaions around Stilo, tends to add perspective to one's life.

I look forward to returning to Calabria in September of this year to lead two small groups, one on the western coast of the peninsula and one on the eastern coast.

On the west is Sicily, separated by the Strait of Messina which opens into the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Follow this link to learn more about

Calabria's Tyrrhenian Coast 2024! photo tour.

On the east is the Ionian Sea which Italy share with Albania and Greece. The influences of these countries is evident in the architecture and of course, the food!

Follow this link to learn more about

Calabria's Ionian Coast 2024! photo tour.

We take only eight (8) photographers on these trips, which is a  number that makes travel a little easier yet still provides ample opportunity for forming friendships and sharing photo knowledge.

Accompanying us on both of these trips is my Italian friend, Isabella Voce, who has been my guide since my first trip to the region in 2018. She speaks fluent Italian and English and is a pleasure to travel with!

If you have any questions about either of these tours, email me here!

Best,

Rad

Hi, everyone, 

Some of the best-run, highest quality photo events I've ever been involved with have been done by the Out of Chicago team. 

The upcoming 3-day paid weekend event, Out of Chicago LIVE! is amazing!

But did you know there are also, as part of the promotion for the weekend event, five, one hour-long FREE  pre-event webinars!?

If you're a photograher of just about any kind, intent on honing your skills, expanding your photo repetoire, or just looking for inspiration, Out of Chicago LIVE! is something you won't want to miss! 

Out of Chicago LIVE! 2024 is an online photography conference happening the weekend of February 9-11, 2024. Here are the details:

• Out of Chicago LIVE! 2024
• February 9-11, 2024
• Cost: $300
• Register Here (Register before February 4 and participate in the Conference Kickoff Session with Nick Page!)
• All sessions recorded and available for one year.

This interactive event features 50 professional photographers from around the globe leading 100+ live presentations and interactive sessions including keynote talks, instructor presentations, group image reviews, ask-me-anything sessions, gear talks, an attendee takeover, and so much more. 

Each session is recorded and available for viewing for a year. 

I'm honored to be back again this year with Out of Chicago and excited to be one of the 50 instrucors for this year's event!

This year I'll be sharing what I've learned about making infrared photos with iPhones from the 11 Pro Max to the latest 15 Pro Max on February 9.

Also on February 9, I'll be part of an Ask Me Anything About iPhone Photograhy session with Rick Sinnott.

But I'm just one of 50 instructors!

I'm looking forward to seeing presentations by many of my friends, mentors, (and, yes, heros!), who are at the top of their game.

I'm sure you'll find photograhers whose work you've admired and this is a great chance to learn from them!

And, FREE Webinars!

If you'd like to get a taste of Out of Chicago LIVE, there is a series of FREE webinars that were presented and recorded over the past few weeks.

If you missed seeing them live, you can see the recordings now on the Out of Chicago blog.

One I presented in last week is called A-ha Moments!

In this session six of this year's Out of Chicago LIVE instructors (Sue Bishop, Angie McMonlgal, Tony Baldasaro, Rad Drew, Sean Bagshaw, Mark Bowie) all share an A-ha! Moment, something that came to them while photograhing or editing. It's a lot of fun, educational, and inspiring!

In addition to the A-Ha Moments session that I was part of there are four other FREE webinars from this year:

• Donna Eaton on Double Exposures
• Stephanie Johnson on Intentional Camera Movement
• Nick Page on Exposure Blending Landscape Photography
• John Kosmopoulos on Playful Absractions of Urban and Natural Settiings

And these are all FREE and available on the Out of Chicago blog. 

It's our hope that these free webinars will give you a taste of what the full weekend holds and it's value, and that you'll join us for the full event!

Again, here are the details:

• Out of Chicago LIVE!
• February 9-11, 2024
• Cost: $300
• Register Here (Register before February 4 and participate in the Conference Kickoff Session with Nick Page!)
• All sessions recorded and available for one year.

I hope to see you there!

Best,

Rad

P.S. Don't forget to register before February 4 so you can hear the Conference Kickoff delivered by extraordinary landscape photograher, Nick Page!

Thanks for being here!

It's convenient to be able to go from photographing landscapes or portraits to making macros with the touch of a button. No changing lenses like we do with a big camera and no need for an accessory lens (although you can get even closer with a good macro lens attached).

Here are few steps for creating macro photos with macro mode on the iPhone 13, 14, and 15.

You first need to turn on Macro Contro in the phone’s camera settings. (Settings>Camera>Macro Control>ON)


When you turn Macro Control on in the settings,  a macro switch is added to the camera interface. It appears as a tiny flower icon when you move the camera close to the subject.


The macro switch icon appears in the lower left of the screen. When macro is ON the icon appears yellow; when OFF it is white and has a line through it. It's ON in the screen shot below.

Tap the Macro icon to turn the macro feature ON and OFF. As you move close to the subject, the icon will appear. Move away and the icon will disappear.

You may notice a flicker as you move closer to the subject. This is the camera switching to the 13mm ultra wide camera which is used to make the macro photo. You can still choose any of the camera lens options (.5x, 1x, 2x or 5x) to frame your photo but when macro mode activates the phone automatically switches to the .5x, 13mm ultra wide angle lens. 

Macro mode produces a very shallow depth of field meaning that only elements that are the same distance from the camera will be in focus. You'll need to move the camera (or the subject) until you get the part(s) of the subject that you want to be in focus.

Holding the camera still and having a still subject is critical to being in focus. Photographing a flower that is being blown by the wind will not usually yield a sharp photo. I get the best results when I brace myself to hold the camera as still as possible or use a tripod.

Tips for Making Macro Photos

Use Burst Mode
When using macro mode outdoors when wind is moving the subject, take a burst of photos instead of a single shot. You’ll have a better chance that one of the photos in the burst will be in focus.

Note: Photos made in burst mode will be jpegs; you can’t create a RAW photo in burst mode.

To make a burst of photos, drag the shutter button to the left and hold. The camera will fire for as long as you hold the button and stop when you release it.

Use a Tripod for Stability
While you can get good results handholding, macro photos are very sensitive to any camera movement so using a tripod will increase your odds of an in-focus photo.

Here are links to four small tripods I use. The first three fit in my pocket.

2018 Pocket Tripod Wallet-Size iPhone Tripod - Universal Kit

Kenu Stance Mini Tripod Stand (Lightening Port)

Kenu Stance Mini Tripod Stand (USB-C Port)

SIRUI Table Top Tripod, 13.5 inch Mini Desktop Tripod

Photograph in Bright Light

Having sufficient light will produce a better photo.

Bright overcast conditions are great for photographing flowers out doors, while direct sunlight can be too harsh and produce unpleasant shadows.

If you’re indoors, find a spot near a window where you can use the ambient light. To soften the light use a sheer piece of fabric as a diffuser. Our dining room windows get great light and the sheer curtains serve as the perfect diffuser.

Otherwise illuminate your subject with artificial light. You can use lights you have around the house but using lights designed for photography will give you the most control over the light temperature which affects color accuracy. If you're creating in the RAW file format, you can easily adjust the white balance and color temperature in editing software such as Lightroom Mobile which lets you select a white balance in the Color management tool, or SnapSeed, which has a surprisingly good White Balance adjustment.

Try the app
Camera +: Pro Camera and Editor

What if you don't have Macro Control on your iPhone? If you have an iPhone 12 or earlier, your camera doesn't have that feature.

But there's a great option: Camera +: Pro Camera and Editor! This app has a fantastic macro feature that does about as well as the built-in version in the later iPhones.

Be Patient and Take Your Time

Macro photography takes time and patience. It requires practice, making lots of photos, many of which will not be up to par. Trying different angles, different lighting options, and varying your subjects is all part of the fun!

Thanks for taking time to read this blog post. I hope find it useful and that you'll give macro mode a try! For more posts like this, how to videos, and other photography tips, I hope you'll subscribe to my newsletter or visit my YouTube Channel! 

Best, 

Rad

In Part 1, Exploring the Timeless Elegance of Black and White Films: A Watch List for Contemporary Black and White Photographers, I suggested Classic black and white films as a source of inspiration and influence for your own b&w photography. 

In this installment, Part 2, I share some of the black and white photographers from the 20th century who, through their creative black and white images, not only influenced me as a young photographer, but also helped elevate photography to an accepted art form. 

I close by sharing several contemporary photographers whose work I admire.

(See my video tutorial, How I Did It!™️; Create Black & White Photos with Your iPhone!)

In college in the 1970s studying fine art and photojournalism, I was fortunate to have teachers who introduced me to some of the giants in 20th Century black and white photography. I have always celebrated them as heroes who instilled in me a love of the medium.

While there are a number of influential 20th Century black and white photographers, there are a few whose work continues not only to inspire me, but to shape the world of photography today. 

These are some who were important to me as a young photographer:

Imogen Cunningham, Edward Weston, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange, and, the only one still with us today, Duane Michals. 

These artists not only showcased technical expertise but also made powerful and impactful images that defined the medium. We contemporary black and white photographers can learn from their unique styles, composition, techniques, and the narratives they conveyed through their work.

Imogen Cunningham was known for her diverse range of subjects, including botanicals, nudes, and portraits. Her work often emphasized the beauty and intricacy of nature, using light and shadow to highlight details. Her photograph "Magnolia Blossom" (Imogen Cunningham: Magnolia Blossom - SAMBlog) is a renowned example of her ability to compose and capture the delicate forms found in nature. Cunningham's keen eye for detail and her ability to infuse her subjects with emotion make her a compelling study for contemporary photographers.

Edward Weston is celebrated for his mastery of form and composition. He often photographed natural and industrial landscapes, as well as still lifes. Weston's work is characterized by his use of sharp, detailed focus and careful attention to textures. His iconic image "Pepper No. 30" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_No._30) demonstrates his ability to transform an ordinary subject into a visually arresting image through his expert use of light and shadow. We can learn from Weston's precise composition and his ability to find beauty in everyday objects.

Henri Cartier-Bresson, a pioneer of street photography, is renowned for capturing candid moments of everyday life. His concept of "the decisive moment" revolutionized the way photographers approached capturing fleeting, spontaneous scenes. Cartier-Bresson's photograph Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behind_the_Gare_Saint-Lazare) exemplifies this concept, capturing a man leaping over a puddle in an otherwise mundane setting. His ability to anticipate and freeze these unique moments provides contemporary black and white photographers with valuable lessons in creating impactful images in the chaos of daily life.

Dorothea Lange's photographs from the Great Depression era, such as "Migrant Mother," (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migrant_Mother) have become iconic representations of the human costs of economic hardship. Lange's ability to convey deep emotions through her subjects' expressions and body language make her work a powerful study for contemporary photographers interested in documentary and social photography. Her impact goes beyond aesthetics, highlighting the importance of storytelling and empathy in visual storytelling. 

In August 2023, Nancy and I got to see the exhibit, Changing Views; The Photography of Dorothea Lange at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis that was tremendously inspiring. 

At 91, Duane Michals is the only one of my heroes who is still with us. I first encountered his wonderful sequences in the 1970s and his work inspired me to do some of my own in-camera double exposures using the 1953 Argus C3 that I’d claimed from my father’s camera collection. 

Michals is known for his creative and conceptual approach to photography. He often incorporated text and sequences of images to tell narratives and explore philosophical ideas. Michals' work challenged the boundaries of traditional photography, incorporating elements of storytelling and imagination. His iconic series Things Are Queer, demonstrated his ability to create enigmatic and thought-provoking narratives through the combination of text and images. We can all learn from Michals' willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of black and white photography.

I’ll close by mentioning some contemporary black and white photographers whose work I find fascinating and which continues to influence how I think about black and white. These photographers continue to push the boundaries of black and white photography, incorporating their own unique visions and perspectives.

Clyde Butcher’s photographs caught my attention only a few years ago. Regarded as one of the top landscape photographers in America today, it’s his photography of swamps in the Everglades that I find fascinating. You can learn more about him and view his work here: https://clydebutcher.com/photographs/.

Arthur Ransome (https://www.aransomephoto.com/the-contemplative-landscape) and I met in 2010 when we were both part of a “secret” Facebook group full of mostly professional photographers who created the space to explore what was then the new iPhone. What I love about Arthur’s work is what strikes me as its purity and the wonderful tonal qualities he achieves in his images.

Cole Thompson (https://colethompsonphotography.com) and I have never met, although we’ve corresponded a bit. I became acquainted with Cole’s work through my friend and mentor, photographer, John Barclay (https://johnbarclayphotography.com). What I love about Cole’s approach to photography is that his pursuit is uniquely his own. He practices something he refers to as “photographic celibacy.” That is, he avoids looking at the work of others so that he can clarify and pursue his own unique vision. You can read more about his concept of Photographic Celibacy here: https://colethompsonphotography.com/2018/03/22/photographic-celibacy-thoughts-ten-years-later/. While I think it’s a fascinating concept and I applaud Cole for his effort in this regard, the practice is not for everyone. Whether it’s his “celibacy” or something else that has enabled him to create, Cole’s black and white photography is some of the most engaging I’ve encountered.  There is one collection of Cole’s that I find particularly compelling: the ghosts of auschwitz. You can read his words and view his images here: https://colethompsonphotography.com/portfolios/series/the-ghosts-of-auschwitz/ This, to me, is what photography is all about, and black and white is the perfect medium to communicate this powerful story.

By exploring and celebrating these pioneering photographers and our contemporaries, we aspiring black and white photographers can gain valuable insights into how to create impactful, emotionally charged images and communicate meaningful, even profound, stories through our photography.

Here are a few of my black and white images created over the years, all influenced in one way or another by the photographers mentioned here. 

Abandoned Gary, Indiana

Ambassador Apartments, Abandoned Gary, Indiana

Along the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA

Untitled, Cuba, 2017

Succulent

Tuscany

Shadow, Light, Form

Farmer, Vinales, Cuba

Fern

Stream, Great Smokey Mountains

Vickery Creek, Roswell, GA

Tobacco Farmer, Vinales, Cuba

Palouse Loess

The Palouse

In one life he is the new mayor of the medieval village of Terravecchia, in the Calabria region of Italy, and his mission is to breathe new life into the historic community.

In his other life, the one that has been his livelihood, he is a cheesemaker who makes cheese by hand in the old way. 

Paulo's life as a cheesemaking artisan faced a challenge when he decided to become mayor. How would he manage his cheesemaking and his mayoral responsibilities?

When we first met, he invited me to a traditional Italian lunch in a small restaurant in his village of Terrevicchia. We were joined by his two young sons and his mayoral assistant, Vanessa Filaretti, and others from his staff. 

Lunch was a boisterous family affair and featured a meal of local meats, vegetables, cheeses, anchovies, and red wine. As we ate, various locals paraded through the bar to say hi and to meet the visiting American curiosity! 

Lunch conversation was limited by my lack of Italian but Vanessa graciously translated many of my questions and Paulo’s answers. It was during this lunch conversation that I learned about Paulo’s other passion: artisanal cheese making. 

He explained that it is with the help of Vanessa, other staff, and community members, that he manages his mayoral responsibilities while continuing his work making cheeses.

Unlike much of today’s cheese manufacturing, Paola makes his cheeses by hand using traditional methods. And, he also raises the cows that produce the milk used in his cheeses. This allows him to influence all of the raw materials needed and to ensure their quality. His cheeses are sold throughout Italy and used in local restaurants. A few nights after meeting Paulo, I had dinner in a nearby gourmet pizza restaurant in Cariati run by an award-winning chef who features Paulo’s cheeses on his pizzas and other gourmet dishes. (Watch for my blog post about gourmet pizza making in Cariati!)

Here are a few photos showing Paulo at work making cheese, along with some of his products, and a couple of photos of the village that Paulo serves as mayor.

The Village of Terravecchia

The Medieval Village of Terravecchi where Paulo is Mayor.

Paulo Making Cheese

iPhone 15 Pro Max, Moment Filter Mount, 720nm IR Filter

Since starting to make iPhone infrared photos about three years ago, I’ve gotten lots of questions about the best accessories for attaching an IR filter to the iPhone.

Here is the best option I’ve found to date. I found this method with the iPhone 12 and have used the same device with every iPhone since. 

Here’s why I think it’s best:

• This filter mount fits all the iPhones I’ve tried it on and some androids. 
• It fits over most cases so you can usually continue to use it with your favorite case.
• It is secure so you’re not likely to bump it off which can happen with some clip-ons. 
• Its size is 67mm, but if you already have a 52mm IR filter, you don’t need to buy a 67mm filter. Instead, get an inexpensive step-down ring so you can use the filter you have.
• If you’re buying a filter for the first time, you can usually find one at your favorite camera store, or on line. There are many different makers and quality varies as do your results. I’ve used Hoya, Neewer, and one from Spencer’s Camera.

Below are links to these accessories. 

FILTER MOUNT

 

* Moment 67mm Phone Filter Mount

https://www.shopmoment.com/products/67mm-filter-mount

 

INFRARED FILTER

Look for Neewer, Hoya, or Spencer’s.  Prices vary. 

The one I use the most is this one from Spencer’s Camera.

On-Lens IR Filter - Standard Color IR (720nm).

https://www.spencerscamera.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=219&Category_ID=11

(If you purchase from Spencer's use discount code RADDREW25)

I have both the 67mm filter, and the 52mm with a stepdown ring. 

Hunt's Photo and Video has offered me this link with a 15% discount on their IR filters. 

 

STEP DOWN RING

 

You can find a 67-52 mm stepdown ring from your favorite camera store. Here’s one I use.

Sensei PRO 67-52mm Aluminum Step-Down Ring

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1068047-REG/sensei_sdrpa_6752_pro_67_52mm_aluminum_step_down.html

 

CASE

 

This mounting system doesn’t require a specific case. Usually, unless your case has protruding features like a wallet or lens protection, this filter mount will fit. 

We all have a favorite case. Mine is Apple’s silicone case.

 

iPhone 15 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe 

 

https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MT1W3ZMh/kA

To learn more about iPhone Infrared, see my 90-minute tutorial, How I Did It!™; Create Infrared Photos with Your iPhone.

 

You can also visit or join our Facebook Group, Open Group! Infrared on the iPhone.

 

iPhone 12 Pro Max, Moment Filter Mount, 720nm IR Filter.

 

Here are a few images made since 2019 with various iPhones.

Infrared (iPhone)

(13)

 

 

 

 

This being that time of year, many of the products I love have holiday sales going on. Here are links to their deals, some with additional affiliate discounts that I can share.

–––––––––––

Flypaper Textures

Purchase Link: HERE

Sale Dates November 21 to December 29

Discount Code: Black23

30% OFF

Try their latest addition to the collection, Midas Gold.

–––––––––––

Nik Collection6

Purchase Link: HERE

Silver Efex alone is worth the price of this collection! I use it on black and white and infrared images with wonderful effect! There’s noting quite like it.

In addition you get:

• 8 powerful plugins for non-destructive editing

• Every plugin lovingly rebuilt by DxO for unity, performance, and stability

• Hundreds of filters, effects, and premium presets

• U Point™ technology for effortless local adjustments 

• 1 x license code valid for 3 activations on Windows or Mac computers

• Use as plugins or as standalone applications

• Free updates until next major release

Nik Collection6

–––––––––––

Topaz Photo AI 

Purchase Link: HERE

Topaz has corralled its three AI tools – Denoise, Sharpen, and Gigapixel – into the single tool Photo AI. This took does a remarkable job of removing noise, sharpening, and increasing resolution all in one fell swoop! Photo AI will increase the resolution of a tightly cropped image or smaller iPhone images. It works wonder for those of us creating infrared with the iPhone as it reduces noise while increasing resolution.

Topaz Photo AI

–––––––––––

Luminar Neo

Purchase Link: HERE

Sale ends November 22

Savings up to 85% depending on the plan you choose.

Luminar Neo is the latest collection of tools from Skylum. The “remove spots” tool is the bomb for removing dust spots from my Palouse photos with a single click, and I love the new feature, “Studio Light” that allows you to add patterned light – like the light coming through venetian blinds – to any photo. That’s what I did with the image of the ballerina below. You can now also do photo stacking and compile multi-image panoramas. Luminar Neo is extremely powerful, yet intuitive and simple to use!

Created with Luminar Neo's Studio Light

In the 13 years I've been photographing with the iPhone I've gotten use to comments like these.

• Did you make a version of this photo with your real camera, too?
• Do you have a real camera, too?
• Oh, so that's just an iPhone photo?
• No way you made that with an iPhone!

1. Portrait Mode; The ability to make portraits of people and pets with a shallow depth of field

2. Macro Mode: The ability to make macro photos with the native camera

3. Live Mode: The ability to create long exposures of waterfalls or moving clouds handheld, without the need for a tripod or neutral density filter.

4. Live Mode: Photograph people or pets and switch to Portrait Mode after the photo is made, to create a soft blur behind the subject

5. Panorama Feature: The ability to create extraordinary panoramas in both horizontal and vertical orientation.

6. RAW; The ability to create in RAW format for more resolution and better quality prints. (for more, see my video tutorial, How I Did It!™ Create and Process RAW on Your iPhone.

7. 48mp file size; The iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro create 48mp RAW files when shooting with the main camera (1x, 24mm lens).

8. The ability to create Infrared photos with your iPhone. (For more details, visit or join our Facebook group, Open Group: Infrared on the iPhone! or see my video tutorial, How I Did It!™, Create Infrared Photos with Your iPhone.)

–––––––
FREE Webinar November 30

How I Did It!™
Creating Infrared Photos with Your iPhone
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9. Nightmode; Our iPhone camera senses when it's dark and activates Nightmode which determines settings and then fires for a duration of 1-10 seconds handheld, and up to 30 seconds when on a tripod. The images created during the timed duration are "stacked" using what is referred to as computational photography. Each image created has noise, but that noise is random, appearing in different locations on each photo. When the photos are stacked together, the noise disappears, leaving a sharp, noise-free night photo.

10. Video improvements; you can now record in several video formats, including HDR and LOG. These improvements along with greater stability, make the iPhone an excellent video camera.

11. Multiple lenses; the iPhone 15 Pro now has three lenses with 7 focal lengths, including a macro lens and a 120mm optical telephoto.

12. We now have Topaz Photo AI; For those with earlier iPhones that produce smaller images and don't have ProRAW capability, we now have the desktop image enhancement software, Photo AI from Topaz Labs. (Available here.) Photo AI has corralled three Topaz tools – DeNoise AI, Sharpen AI, and Gigapixel AI – into one new tool called, Photo AI. I often run my iPhone images through this software to eliminate noise and to enlarge images before printing.

 

iPhone 15 Pro Max has a macro mode 
and six different focal length options 
from 13mm ultra-wide to 120mm telephoto.

 

 

Infrared Photo with 720nm Infrared Filter
15 Pro Max, Native Camera, Nightmode

 

Imagine all the gear you'd need to carry to do this many different types of photography with your traditional camera!

 

While I'm not yet ready to give up my Fuji camera's entirely, I find that I'm photographing more and more with my iPhone, especially now that I no longer have to sacrifice image quality for the advantages of portability. I recently returned from nearly three weeks in the Calabria region of Italy and (I'm a little embarrassed to say) I've yet to download my Fuji images. Everything I've posted and shared from that trip so far has been from my iPhone 14 Pro Max or the iPhone 12 Pro Max!

 

Whichever device you choose, it's important to remember that the most important feature of any camera is the "loose nut" behind the viewfinder! The new technology is great and fun and sparkly and all, but it's no substitute for our creativity and imagination.

 

But what is it about black and white photographs that captures our attention and draws us in? I think it's the textures, patterns, graphic elements, and light/dark contrasts, that, with the right post-processing, so effectively allow us to set a tone or create a mood. A well crafted black and white photograph often takes me into the past, allowing me to savor a melancholy memory or feel the mystery of a timeless scene. 

Take for example, this photo made recently on a country road in rural Indiana.

Here is the color version.

It's arguably a pretty picture with compelling leading lines to a vanishing point, the repetition of the poles, and the prominance of a great sky all making a contribution to hold the viewers' attention. And the color is something most viewers can identify with as a beautiful midwestern summer day. But, for me, it's somewhat one-dimensional in terms of any deep meaning and leaves little to the imagination. 

Now, look at this version that I converted to black and white, adding a few other stylizations to affect the tone and create a somber mood. 

For me, the black and white version is far more compelling and engages my imagination much more. It pulls me in in an emotional way and invites me to consider various story lines. It sets a tone that is timeless, remote, distant, and evokes a mood that is simultaneously melancholy and mysterious. 

As I converted this image and explored its potential as a black and white photograph, I quickly realized its potential to be something more than the color version. The realization prompted me to think about where my inspiration for black and white comes from.

Have you thought about where you draw inspiration for your black and white creations?

For me, it's from old movies and from photograhers from the 20th century. Films I watched as a young man, and photograhers whose work I was introduced to in college, both fuel my appreciation of black and white and inspire me to explore its potential in my own photography.

This blog post is Part 1 of a two part series. In this first part, I'll suggest Classic black and white films as a source of inspiration and influence for our own b&w photography, and in Part 2, I'll share Black and white photographers from the 20th century who, through their creative black and white images, helped elevate photography to an art form.

Black and white films hold a special place in the history of cinematography, capturing moments with a timeless elegance. Today, they continue to inspire photographers, provoking emotions and pushing creative boundaries. If you're a black and white photographer eager to enhance your craft, here is a curated list of influential black and white films worth experiencing.

1. Citizen Kane (1941) - Director: Orson Welles 

Considered a masterpiece in storytelling, "Citizen Kane" showcases the exceptional cinematography of Gregg Toland. The film's innovative use of deep focus and low-key lighting techniques makes it a must-watch for photographers, providing valuable lessons in composition and mood-setting.

2. Seven Samurai (1954) - Director: Akira Kurosawa 

Kurosawa's iconic film is a visual treat, combining intricate camera movements and striking composition to capture the intensity of battle scenes. Photographers can learn from its masterful use of light and shadow, as well as the art of storytelling through visuals.

3. The Third Man (1949) - Director: Carol Reed 

Sought after for its atmospheric visuals, "The Third Man" perfectly encapsulates film noir aesthetics. Through its dramatic lighting and clever framing, photographers can learn how to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, and add an air of suspense to their work.

4. Raging Bull (1980) - Director: Martin Scorsese 

Robert De Niro's portrayal of volatile boxer Jake LaMotta is a visual masterpiece in black and white. Scorsese's use of high-contrast imagery and expressive lighting adds depth to each frame, providing photographers with valuable insights into creating powerful and emotionally charged images.

5. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) - Director: Robert Wiene 

This German expressionist film is a treasure trove of surreal visuals that continue to inspire artists to this day. With its distorted sets and exaggerated lighting, photographers can learn to experiment with unconventional framing, angles, and visual storytelling techniques.

6. Schindler's List (1993) - Director: Steven Spielberg 

"Schindler's List" poignantly tells the story of the Holocaust through black and white cinematography. Spielberg masterfully uses stark black and white imagery to convey the gravity and emotional impact of the historical events, demonstrating the power of simplicity and symbolism in visual storytelling.

7. Metropolis (1927) - Director: Fritz Lang 

A groundbreaking science fiction film, "Metropolis" offers a glimpse into a dystopian future through its innovative visuals. Lang's use of shadows, geometric shapes, and grandiose set designs make it a compelling reference for photographers seeking to incorporate architectural elements and dramatic lighting into their work.

8. La Haine (1995) - Director: Mathieu Kassovitz 

This French film examines the social tensions in urban environments through its gritty black and white aesthetics. Kassovitz's raw and documentary-like style offers photographers inspiration for capturing the essence of street photography, while also exploring the nuances of social commentary.

9. The Artist (2011) - Director: Michel Hazanavicius

A modern silent film that pays homage to the era of black and white filmmaking, "The Artist" showcases the timeless visual language of classic cinema. Photographers can learn from its brilliant use of light, composition, and the art of storytelling through visual cues, without relying on dialogue.

Black and white films continue to captivate audiences, showcasing the immense creative potential of monochromatic visuals. By immersing yourself in these influential films, you can gain inspiration and valuable insights, equipping yourself with the tools and knowledge to enhance your own black and white photography journey.

In Part 2 of this blog post, I'll share the photographers from the 20th century (some still working into the 21st) who inspire me in my pursuit of black and white photography today.

Thanks for being here! Until next time be safe, stay well, and keep on creating!

Best, 

Rad

Infrared Camera Conversion

Traveling to photograph in different parts of the world is always an adventure, but few places I've photographed inspire and move me in the way The Palouse does.

When friends first introduced me to The Palouse about ten years ago, the big joke was, What's a Palouse?!  Like many others, I'd never heard of the area and its name didn't afford any clues as to where or what it was!

I've since learned that The Palouse is a region in eastern Washington and Western Idaho where much of the nation's wheat is grown. Other grains include rye and barley, and other crops including peas, lentils, mustard, canola and garbonso beans (refered to as garbs by local farmers) are rotated from year to year.

The rolling hills of The Palouse were formed over tens of thousands of years as glaciers carried debrie that became dust and silt (known as loess; pronounced like the name Lois). Glacial melt water and floods distributed the material and as the water evaporated, winds blew it all over. This is why the hills in the region resemble desert sand dunes.

Classic View from Steptoe Butte

The Palouse is made up of not only natural landscapes, but it's also an area that is greatly influenced by people, farmers mainly. While there are rugged forested areas, canyons, and waterfalls that remain as they have for centuries, there are also vast fields that have been created by farmers. 

Palouse Falls at Record Flow in 2022

The landscape is dotted with abandoned barns and homesteads, and the fields are a patchwork of textures, shapes and the colors from crops and fallow fields that change depending on the season. The hillsides often look as if the farmers are artists in their own right, intentionally creating great works of art using the Earth as their canvas.

Aerial Photo from a Cessna 172 from about 1500 ft

This year we had a small group of six photographers from across the country and we explored many different subjects from barns and old work trucks to the natural beauty of Palouse Falls and areas near the Snake River. We created with both "big" cameras – Fuji, Nikon, Cannon, Lumix, Sony –and with a variety of iPhones. We also created color and infrared images.

iPhone infrared image created with Camera+ 2 and 30 sec exposure

To see some of the images made by our group this year, visit our Facebook group, Lush Palouse 2022! 

See this album for more of the images I made during my recent 10-day stay as well as images from previous years.

If you have an interest in joining me for Lush Palouse 2023, subscribe to my newsletter for the latest schedule and email me here to be added to my early notification list.

In the meantime, be safe, stay well, and enjoy your summer!

Best,

Rad

No more!

All of the images on this page were made handholding various iPhones and using the Native camera's Live Mode. (See Examples below)

Characteristics of Apple's Live Mode
Live mode is part of the Native camera, so it requires no additional apps (so no added expense) and produces a JPEG file (or HEIF file depending on how you've set the default in your camera settings).

However, Live Mode will not produce a RAW file.

{Note: If you prefer working with RAW files as I do, there is a Lightroom Mobile option that allows you to create long exposure photos in RAW file format! I like the added creative control a RAW file affords when processing and the ability to print larger with integrity. I'll be doing a webinar on the topic on Monday. Follow this link for details and registration: Webinar on Lightroom Mobile Magic on Monday, May 23!}

And, you don't need the latest iPhone to use Live Mode. It's available on almost all iPhones. The image examples below feature photos made with the 7 Plus, 10XS Max, as well as the 13 Pro Max.

Generally, the later the iPhone version, the better the technology (larger sensor, bionic chip, etc.) and the better the image may be technically, but the earlier iPhones do great job creating Long Exposure photos.

How to Create Long Exposure Photos in the Native Camera's Live Mode

To make a long exposure with the iPhone's Native camera follow these steps:

1. Open the Native camera by tapping the icon:
2. Tap the "bullseye" icon to turn on Live Mode 
   
   
   
3. Hold the camera steady while taping the shutter button. 
   
   
   

   Notice when you turn on Live Mode (above), RAW is turned off. (This is only on the iPhone 12 and 13 models that have ProRAW). The yellow live button flashes on the screen and disappears. The only way you know Live mode is on, is to notice that there is no line through the Live Mode icon.

   Next locate and open the image in the camera roll. At the top of the screen you'll see the label Live.

Tap Live to reveal a menu of options, with Long Exposure at the end of the list:

Tap Long Exposure and your image will be transformed into a long exposure photo:

That's all there is to it! Take a look at the examples below made with various iPhones as far back as the 7 Plus.

If you have any questions about the content here, I invite you to email me here.

>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<

Examples of Native Camera Live Mode Photos

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone XS Max

iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro Max

To say the iPhone has come a long way since my first iPhone 4 in 2010, is a colossal understatement!

Today's iPhone cameras produce a 12mp image (or more when we shoot RAW or create panoramas), can make long exposures without a tripod or neutral density filter, and can achieve a shallow depth of field with the Portrait mode.

Additionally, computational photography has come a long way in helping us get noise-free night and other low-light photos, and balanced exposures with built in Smart HDR (high dynamic range) features.

And, then, there’s the ability to create RAW with select apps, or Apple’s proprietary ProRAW with the native camera in the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, and the 13 series iPhones, which gives us more data to work with and increases our creative control when editing our images.

All these advances enable us to produce extremely high-quality photographs. They are so good, in fact, that, as I photograph with the iPhone, Fuji, Lumix, and Nikon cameras, I often have to look at an image’s metadata to determine which camera made which photo. I can no longer always tell just by looking at the image alone.

Yet, with all these advances, I still see images that are needlessly of lesser quality than our iPhones are capable of producing.

Case in point, I recently had the pleasure of judging a mobile photography competition. The composition of the images was tremendous as was the creativity and impact of the photos entered, but many images, when I enlarged them to get a better look, appeared noisy and grainy. It was evident that the quality of these images was compromised by a common mistake that many mobile photographers are unaware of making.

It’s very easy to make this one little mistake that has some very big consequences on the quality of our photos.

It has to do with how we zoom with our iPhone.

To understand the concept of zoom, it helps to take a closer look at the iPhone cameras and lenses built into today's iPhones.

Most iPhones today have three lenses:

1. an ultra wide angle 13mm, labeled 0.5x on the native camera interface, 
   
   
2. a wide angle 26mm, labeled 1x on the camera interface, and 
   
   
3. a telephoto which is either 52mm, 58mm, 65mm, or 77mm depending on your iPhone model. These are labeled either 2x, 2.5x, or 3x on the camera interface.

The Image below shows the camera/lens selection on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, with the 1x option selected.

As long as we select one of these lenses to get closer to our subject, we are staying in the superior quality zoom known as optical zoom. That is, we are using the actual optics in the camera’s lens, the physical properties of the lens itself, to magnify a distant subject, making it appear closer. Using the physical properties of a telescope to view a distant ship at sea is an example of optical zoom. The ship looks closer and there is no loss of quality in what we see.

The topic of optical zoom can get very technical very quickly, but the gist is this: when we select one of our iPhone’s cameras/lenses by tapping on 0.5x, 1x or 2x, (or 2.5x, or 3x depending on the model), we are telling the camera to use the actual physical lens to magnify the subject and make it appear closer with little loss of quality.

Optical zoom is what we want to use if we’re looking for the highest quality in our images.

If you are intending to print the image, especially if you want to enlarge it for a print, images created with optical zoom will provide the best results.

The lesser quality zoom is digital zoom.

Anytime we use a two-finger pinch or spread gesture, or use the Zoom Dial in the camera interface, we are forcing the camera to switch from the superior optical zoom to the inferior digital zoom, unless we ensure that we land on one of the optical options (.5x, 1x, or 2x, 2.5x, or 3x). If you stop anywhere else on the dial, you'll be getting a lesser quality digitally zoomed image.

Rather than using the physical properties of the lens itself, digital zoom engages software to help enlarge the image. The result is very similar to what happens when we enlarge an image after cropping.

There is no additional data in the image file, so the software essentially “stretches” the image which results in noisy, grainy images with enlarged pixels.

If the sole destination for your images is social media and posting online, you may not notice much degradation in the image quality of a digitally zoomed image. Most images look good online. But as soon as you go to print or enlarge the digitally zoomed image, even the smallest amount, you’ll quickly see the photo’s quality limitations.

Smart phone makers don’t make clear the consequences of this switch from optical to digital zoom. In fact, they use how much their camera can zoom as a selling point. And they make digital zoom really easy to do with a two-finger gesture to “zoom in” or the Zoom Dial that appears when you long-press on one of the optical designations (1x, 2x, etc.) in the camera interface.

On the iPhone 13 Pro Max, you can digitally zoom up to 15x, but when you do, the quality of your image suffers. Manufacturers do a great job of selling the ability to “zoom in,” but they don’t always share the fact that doing so can significantly degrade your image.

So, what’s the best way to zoom with your iPhone?

Here are some tips:

1. Zoom with your feet. If you can, walk closer to your subject.
2. Select one of the camera/lens options on your native camera interface (0.5x, 1x, or 3x). Choosing one of these will ensure that you will be using the physical lens in the camera to magnify the subject and make it appear closer with little compromise in quality.
3. Avoid using the two finger pinch/spread gesture to zoom as doing so will lead to a digitally enlarged image of lesser quality.
4. Avoid using the Zoom Dial unless you zoom to one of the three optical designations of 0.5x, 1x, or your iPhone's telephoto lens, 2x, 2.5x, or 3x. If you use the zoom dial to land anywhere except one of your iPhone's optical designations, know that you'll be degrading your image. If you see Sasquatch riding a unicorn under a rainbow on the distant horizon by all means, zoom to 15mm to remember the moment! But do it with the knowledge that the image will be of lesser quality and probably not have sufficient resolution to print with integrity.
5. If getting close is important and you can’t zoom with your feet, and the telephoto lens on your iPhone is not getting you close enough, you may want to consider a 58mm or 60mm accessory lens. My favorites are lenses from Moment and ShiftCam. Each system requires that you use their case to attach the lens to the camera. While both these companies make a great product, I prefer the ShiftCam lenses because not only are they great quality glass, they are threaded so that they attach securely to the case.
6. As a last resort, Gigapixel AI to the rescue! This desktop software from Topaz Labs can save the day. If you have an image you want to print, but which has been created with digital zoom, consider using Gigapixel AI to enlarge it before printing.

(Use my Link (https://www.topazlabs.com/gigapixel-ai/ref/8/) and Code (RAD15) for a 15% discount.)

The sole purpose of Gigapixel AI is to enlarge smaller, lower resolution images with integrity and it does a marvelous job. You can enlarge a cropped, zoomed, or otherwise lower quality image by as much as six times (6x) and the result is an image with higher resolution that will often look far better than the image at its original size.
Thanks for reading! I hope you find this helpful as you create images with your iPhone.

Please, click the links below to ...

• Subscribe to my monthly Newsletter for other tips and tricks on iPhone photography desktop processing, Topaz tools, and How I Did It!™ video tutorials.
• Visit my YouTube Channel for free videos on a variety of photo topics.
• See my list of How I Did It!™ Video Tutorials on a variety of topics from iPhone to desktop processing with Topaz tools.

Until next time, be safe and stay well.

Best,

Rad

Photographer, Steven Koppel, lives on the Brewster Flats on Cape Cod, one of the most beautiful places on the Cape and, some would argue, in the world. Steve's images make a strong case for the latter!

Steve has combined his passion for photography with his love of Cape Cod to produce a growing body of work in a style uniquely his own.

His gallery, aptly named Expressions, (opened less than a year ago in Chatham on the Cape), features his photographs, many of which have been compiled into two books, The Brewster Flats, and The Cape Cod National Seashore. Proceeds from the sale of these books go to two endeavors near and dear to him: the preservation and protection of the National Seashore, and, the non-profit, Expressive Digital Imaging (EDI), which he founded "to promote healing, connection, and self-expression through imagery created on mobile devices." (See his website, EDI Institute.)

Photographing almost daily on the Brewster Flats and the Cape Cod National Seashore, Steve approaches each outing as a gift and uses his skill with a camera to share the beauty and awe of his experiences with others.

While perusing his recent newsletter, I came across two videos that wonderfully describe both of these endeavors: EDI, and sharing the beauty of the Cape. I find both videos inspiring!

Steve has a mindful way of immersing himself in the beauty of nature and, through his photography, expressing his emotional experience in a way that is healing, compelling, and gratifying to others, and, I think, especially meaningful to photographers.

Here are links to these two videos.

• Expressions of the Brewster Flats, and
• Open Studio with Jared Bowen (an interview with Steve about EDI)

I hope you enjoy them both and are inspired as much as I am by Steve's photography and his mindful approach.

Thanks for reading!

Be safe, stay well, and keep on creating!

Best,

Rad