Jun 11Liked by Lester Picker, Paper Arts Collective
Interesting project. When I was 19, I traveled alone in Spain, including the 3 cities you mentioned. Back then, my only camera was an instagram pocket camera, point and shoot, no controls. When I returned home, that fall I enrolled in a photography school and for a few years became absorbed in that effort.
Today, many years later, I shoot exclusively with a cellphone camera, the same model that you used. I print on 11x17 and 5x7 paper for work I sell. Technically, just as you say, there are real limitations but at the same time creatively, there are amazing shots I can take with my 13 pro max that I could not do even with my Leica M3 and a couple of prime lenses.
My question on the cropping and low light noise concerns, are you unimpressed with some of the software tools such as Topaz for enlargement (image enhancement) and for noise reduction? As well, from Lightroom and Photoshop?
I applaud your bravery with the simplicity of tools you brought to Spain! I also believe that fine art is not dictated by the caliber of equipment used, rather the vision and the mastery of the artist over whatever tools they choose to employ. As but one example, lots of great photographers used the SX 70 polaroid camera.
I too am looking forward to the iphone 16 hoping it will provide higher resolution than just for its main lens and greater telephoto capability. I would love to see your finished work from your trip!
Fred, I agree with your perspective on this. Since I am relatively new to using the iPhone for "serious" photography, I have not yet delved into Topaz or other software for post-processing the iPhone files. I will delve into this much deeper when I have the 16.
Nice experiment. The single biggest issue in my experience with iPhone photos is the over-sharpening out of the box. I just can't find an app that doesn't bake it in. And therefore every photo to my eye looks incredibly digital (and not in a good way).
I agree with your assessment of a "digital" look in the iPhone app. However, I found that shooting in the Lightroom Mobile app toned that down a bit when shooting in RAW.
Jun 11Liked by Lester Picker, Paper Arts Collective
Though much of what I shoot is done with a Fuji xh2, I have also shot a lot on my iPhone 14 Pro Max and earlier phones. My iPhone came through for me in a pinch when my Nikon dslr crapped out at the start of the 2015 Canadian F1 Grand Prix in Montreal. So, I got out my iPhone and just played. It was so freeing, and I found a technique using panoramic mode that lead to the creation of my award winning “Moving Landscapes” series. Though I totally agree that it falls hard in less than ideal lighting, I’ve learned to take advantage of those characteristics and been able to achieve some fine results. A happy accident combined with perseverance, practice and time. Gotta say, I love my iPhone camera. Can’t wait for the iPhone 16.
I came to the same conclusions regarding iPhone vs. my Nikon system. I shoot mainly for web sites and the small images needs are perfect for iPhones. I'll take my system camera when I need fill flash and long lenses. As a senior myself, the lightness of the iPhone and post processing with software fill the vast majority of my needs with reduced physical effort. Many thanks for your perspective.
In difficult lighting, when I don’t have a tripod for taking pics at different exposures for blending, I’ll use my iPhone 12 Pro, which can do the blending for me in a single photo. Better to get the photo, even at a lower pixel density, than not.
This is really interesting to me. I now have two mirrorless bodies (Nikon Z7 and Z7ii) and really like how it lightens my load. I travel with less gear and my shoulder and neck are happier these days (a very real consideration for me, as my physical therapist gives me a lecture about heavy bags and gear!).
I’m currently traveling in Vancouver Island, with a pretty light kit — both bodies, 105mm macro, 28-400mm zoom — but I get a lot of shots with my my iPhone 14Pro Max. I use it to take the straightforward landscape shots, for “documenting” purposes (the nice to have shots that aren’t “fine art”), and doing quick studies of subjects to see if I’d like to pursue them deeper with the Nikon. But sometimes I really have to say, I prefer the iPhone shot, and a lot of shots just aren’t possible with the Nikon!
I have printed iPhone photos from previous phones at a 5x7 size and they look great. I have yet to print any of my more recent ones but I’m betting that they hold up well at 8x10! I need to try this when I return home. Thank you for the inspiration!
I have the Leica Q3 and it has usurped my Canon R5 with all the fancy lenses about 95% of the time now. I also have the iphone 15 Pro Max which I use for "test" shots. The surprise here is that often when I get home and take a look on my Mac, I like the iphone results over the Q3. Go figure. However, I have found if I want to print iphone, the image falls far short of the amazing Q3. Topaz Gigapixel AI sometime can conjure up a miracle for me but I must admit there is nothing like German glass.
Jun 11·edited Jun 11Liked by Paper Arts Collective
Likewise, I just returned from Northern Italy and used my Nikon gear side-by-side with my iPhone 13. As I shot my phone in RAW the files had more latitude though I would certainly agree with your summary. Apart from those items you mentioned, I think another big shortcoming was the lack of a polarizing filter. Though there are some available for phones, I didn’t take one. Some of the portraits and landscapes turned out well enough as you o served for 8x10’s or even slightly larger though they clearly lacked the acutance, color depth, bokeh, etc.
Thanks for your insights and experiences with an i phone. Once i get the 16, I plan to get a polarizer for it. I’ll lay out my plan for a more involved series of experiments once i am familiar with the phone. Stay tuned!
My favorite Ansel Adams quote - "The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!" Wanting to explore the proposition, I set about to create a body of work armed only with my HTC Android mobile phone, employing the Vignette camera app. Part of that body of work was accepted for a museum exhibit comprised of 20 individually framed images printed 12 x 12 on Epson Enhanced Matte. While I still shoot primarily with my phone (iPhone 12Pro), every so often I'll dust off my "proper" gear. Cheers
With an iPhone 15 Pro using Apple raw and the 48 megapixel format processed in Photoshop camera raw filter utilizing the enhanced feature, those images will stand up to most “professional“ camera gear images In terms of quality. It is truly amazing and a game changer.
The iPhone 16 Pro promises to be even better.
I have been doing this for over 50 years and my iPhone is now my primary camera much to my amazement.
Mr. Pierson beat me to it. I've been shooting 67 years now, and have images in museums and galleries. I got the iPhone 15 Pro specifically to use with ProCamera software, which allows me to get a 48 MP raw file for post processing. I agree with his conclusion that resulting images stand up very well... enough so that I don't really need to lug my Nikon and other gear in most cases, which is allowing me the freedom to keep shooting comfortably as I approach 80 years old.
Tip: with ProCamera, I set the secondary shutter button to a 3-second time delay, giving me time to brace and steady the camera with both hands before it shoots.
Jun 11·edited Jun 11Liked by Paper Arts Collective
Excellent article, sir. Not paranoid to be concerned about your gear in Spain! There really are pickpockets and moped-riding thieves everywhere there is a crowd. Of course, your iPhone is easier to steal than your 400mm lens, so there is that. The no-GND filter problem is easily solvable with a Moments adapter. And one more note: the iPhone has something your medium format camera doesn't, i.e., an IR depth sensor. Last I saw the LR camera app does not record depth information, but there are apps which do. Possibly an interesting topic for a future project to determine if using depth mapping can actually improve print quality?
Laughed at my 400mm being harder to run off with. I actually keep my iPhone on a zippered cargo pants pocket, but probably a newbie pick pocket could still get in.
I like your suggestion regarding the IR as it pertains to printing. Rest assured we will explore that angle once we get the 16.
For larger format, I shoot with an OM-1 system and Olympus lenses….but I have shot on iPhone for the 11/13 and presently 15 - all Pro Max. A few years ago I did a test and determined that I got excellent results shooting in HEIC, using the camera’s native app - much better than shooting raw using LR’s camera. On the 15 I can get a 24mp image; i let it go into Photos and then from Photos on my Mac I do a Export Original into a LrC auto watch folder and then edit them in LrC. I then usually delete them from Photos; but if I want them back I export them using LrC back directly to Photos where they get imported. I usually watermark them with my sig in the lower right corner so I can be sure they are copies. So, as an experiment - go and shoot some stuff the same using LrC’s camera apps and the native iPhone app - In Heic. Compare the results. Also try RAW (but you will figure out pretty quickly that pushing around 48MB files isn’t worth the effort). You might also find difficulty maintaining HEIC format all the way through if you shoot and import to LR Mobile and then eventually work the files back to LrC on the desktop - I found circumstances where the files got converted n the pipeline to JPG’s - so the workflow I described above averted that. I’ve been very pleased with the results and I can print them large on my 44” HP Z9. Also, TOPAX or Giga Px can be your friend.
Jim, Thanks a bunch for your experience and the tips. I'm sure I won't be the only one to benefit from them. I'll wait for the 16 before doing further experimentation, but then I'm planning a series of reports to our community. If you intend to do the same, we should compare notes.
I’d be delighted. We can compare the 16 Pro Max to the 15 Pro Max - and I’ll be able to share some additional details then as I was writing that as a passenger in the car this morning to pick up our dog from dog-cation.
.. thanks Mucho hombre ! Wuz lookin forward to your report ! No real surprises to me.. & my current iPhone 8 - ‘urban street/docu work ain’t goin to ‘Print.. Love the quick ‘rundowns style ! Lovin the aircraft shot too.. with truly fine detail ! Stunning ! 🦎🏴☠️
I love working with an iphone (13 pro is my current). While I agree on the low light situation, I find it a challenge I enjoy. Forces me to think about what it is I really want out of the image, and then, if it's not visually possible, and still want the image, I rethink my priorities and expectations. That is so freeing, and challenging. As for the weight issue - I dumped traveling with my Fuji XT3 a few years ago. No regrets. I print regularly at 13 x 19 with no concern about loss of anything. A lot of this, of course, depends on your subject matter. I'm rarely shooting portraits, and I rarely print large my landscapes or architectural images. So - hooray for the quality of a phone - at my age - and I believe i'm around the same vintage - it's a relief and a challenging pleasure.
I too have used an iPhone with a 12mg camera. not bad, but I carry a Sony RX100-2 20 meg with a 28-105 equivalent Zeiss lens. it fits in a pocket. The results are outstanding at 13-19, far better than the iPhone. I can show you prints, 12x18, made on an Epson 5000 using Canson infinity Bayarta paper that rival my silver work on Adox paper.
Interesting project. When I was 19, I traveled alone in Spain, including the 3 cities you mentioned. Back then, my only camera was an instagram pocket camera, point and shoot, no controls. When I returned home, that fall I enrolled in a photography school and for a few years became absorbed in that effort.
Today, many years later, I shoot exclusively with a cellphone camera, the same model that you used. I print on 11x17 and 5x7 paper for work I sell. Technically, just as you say, there are real limitations but at the same time creatively, there are amazing shots I can take with my 13 pro max that I could not do even with my Leica M3 and a couple of prime lenses.
My question on the cropping and low light noise concerns, are you unimpressed with some of the software tools such as Topaz for enlargement (image enhancement) and for noise reduction? As well, from Lightroom and Photoshop?
I applaud your bravery with the simplicity of tools you brought to Spain! I also believe that fine art is not dictated by the caliber of equipment used, rather the vision and the mastery of the artist over whatever tools they choose to employ. As but one example, lots of great photographers used the SX 70 polaroid camera.
I too am looking forward to the iphone 16 hoping it will provide higher resolution than just for its main lens and greater telephoto capability. I would love to see your finished work from your trip!
Fred, I agree with your perspective on this. Since I am relatively new to using the iPhone for "serious" photography, I have not yet delved into Topaz or other software for post-processing the iPhone files. I will delve into this much deeper when I have the 16.
Nice experiment. The single biggest issue in my experience with iPhone photos is the over-sharpening out of the box. I just can't find an app that doesn't bake it in. And therefore every photo to my eye looks incredibly digital (and not in a good way).
I agree with your assessment of a "digital" look in the iPhone app. However, I found that shooting in the Lightroom Mobile app toned that down a bit when shooting in RAW.
Though much of what I shoot is done with a Fuji xh2, I have also shot a lot on my iPhone 14 Pro Max and earlier phones. My iPhone came through for me in a pinch when my Nikon dslr crapped out at the start of the 2015 Canadian F1 Grand Prix in Montreal. So, I got out my iPhone and just played. It was so freeing, and I found a technique using panoramic mode that lead to the creation of my award winning “Moving Landscapes” series. Though I totally agree that it falls hard in less than ideal lighting, I’ve learned to take advantage of those characteristics and been able to achieve some fine results. A happy accident combined with perseverance, practice and time. Gotta say, I love my iPhone camera. Can’t wait for the iPhone 16.
Thanks, Steve. Very inspirational. Looking forward to the 16.
I came to the same conclusions regarding iPhone vs. my Nikon system. I shoot mainly for web sites and the small images needs are perfect for iPhones. I'll take my system camera when I need fill flash and long lenses. As a senior myself, the lightness of the iPhone and post processing with software fill the vast majority of my needs with reduced physical effort. Many thanks for your perspective.
I think iphones come into their own for video where a large sensor is less crucial.
In difficult lighting, when I don’t have a tripod for taking pics at different exposures for blending, I’ll use my iPhone 12 Pro, which can do the blending for me in a single photo. Better to get the photo, even at a lower pixel density, than not.
Good point!
This is really interesting to me. I now have two mirrorless bodies (Nikon Z7 and Z7ii) and really like how it lightens my load. I travel with less gear and my shoulder and neck are happier these days (a very real consideration for me, as my physical therapist gives me a lecture about heavy bags and gear!).
I’m currently traveling in Vancouver Island, with a pretty light kit — both bodies, 105mm macro, 28-400mm zoom — but I get a lot of shots with my my iPhone 14Pro Max. I use it to take the straightforward landscape shots, for “documenting” purposes (the nice to have shots that aren’t “fine art”), and doing quick studies of subjects to see if I’d like to pursue them deeper with the Nikon. But sometimes I really have to say, I prefer the iPhone shot, and a lot of shots just aren’t possible with the Nikon!
I have printed iPhone photos from previous phones at a 5x7 size and they look great. I have yet to print any of my more recent ones but I’m betting that they hold up well at 8x10! I need to try this when I return home. Thank you for the inspiration!
Janet, thanks for sharing. We all appreciate the differing perspectives.
I have the Leica Q3 and it has usurped my Canon R5 with all the fancy lenses about 95% of the time now. I also have the iphone 15 Pro Max which I use for "test" shots. The surprise here is that often when I get home and take a look on my Mac, I like the iphone results over the Q3. Go figure. However, I have found if I want to print iphone, the image falls far short of the amazing Q3. Topaz Gigapixel AI sometime can conjure up a miracle for me but I must admit there is nothing like German glass.
Interesting perspective, Elizabeth. I’ve never used Topaz, but coming from you I’m game to try it.
Likewise, I just returned from Northern Italy and used my Nikon gear side-by-side with my iPhone 13. As I shot my phone in RAW the files had more latitude though I would certainly agree with your summary. Apart from those items you mentioned, I think another big shortcoming was the lack of a polarizing filter. Though there are some available for phones, I didn’t take one. Some of the portraits and landscapes turned out well enough as you o served for 8x10’s or even slightly larger though they clearly lacked the acutance, color depth, bokeh, etc.
Thanks for your insights and experiences with an i phone. Once i get the 16, I plan to get a polarizer for it. I’ll lay out my plan for a more involved series of experiments once i am familiar with the phone. Stay tuned!
My favorite Ansel Adams quote - "The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!" Wanting to explore the proposition, I set about to create a body of work armed only with my HTC Android mobile phone, employing the Vignette camera app. Part of that body of work was accepted for a museum exhibit comprised of 20 individually framed images printed 12 x 12 on Epson Enhanced Matte. While I still shoot primarily with my phone (iPhone 12Pro), every so often I'll dust off my "proper" gear. Cheers
Tony, so nice to hear of your successes with the iPhone. It’s inspiring. Stay tuned for my further adventures with the 16.
With an iPhone 15 Pro using Apple raw and the 48 megapixel format processed in Photoshop camera raw filter utilizing the enhanced feature, those images will stand up to most “professional“ camera gear images In terms of quality. It is truly amazing and a game changer.
The iPhone 16 Pro promises to be even better.
I have been doing this for over 50 years and my iPhone is now my primary camera much to my amazement.
Mr. Pierson beat me to it. I've been shooting 67 years now, and have images in museums and galleries. I got the iPhone 15 Pro specifically to use with ProCamera software, which allows me to get a 48 MP raw file for post processing. I agree with his conclusion that resulting images stand up very well... enough so that I don't really need to lug my Nikon and other gear in most cases, which is allowing me the freedom to keep shooting comfortably as I approach 80 years old.
Tip: with ProCamera, I set the secondary shutter button to a 3-second time delay, giving me time to brace and steady the camera with both hands before it shoots.
Tracy, thanks for the 3-second delay tip. I love hearing from seniors (like me) with your attitude. Keep shooting!
It sure is a game changer that will only improve.
Excellent article, sir. Not paranoid to be concerned about your gear in Spain! There really are pickpockets and moped-riding thieves everywhere there is a crowd. Of course, your iPhone is easier to steal than your 400mm lens, so there is that. The no-GND filter problem is easily solvable with a Moments adapter. And one more note: the iPhone has something your medium format camera doesn't, i.e., an IR depth sensor. Last I saw the LR camera app does not record depth information, but there are apps which do. Possibly an interesting topic for a future project to determine if using depth mapping can actually improve print quality?
Laughed at my 400mm being harder to run off with. I actually keep my iPhone on a zippered cargo pants pocket, but probably a newbie pick pocket could still get in.
I like your suggestion regarding the IR as it pertains to printing. Rest assured we will explore that angle once we get the 16.
For larger format, I shoot with an OM-1 system and Olympus lenses….but I have shot on iPhone for the 11/13 and presently 15 - all Pro Max. A few years ago I did a test and determined that I got excellent results shooting in HEIC, using the camera’s native app - much better than shooting raw using LR’s camera. On the 15 I can get a 24mp image; i let it go into Photos and then from Photos on my Mac I do a Export Original into a LrC auto watch folder and then edit them in LrC. I then usually delete them from Photos; but if I want them back I export them using LrC back directly to Photos where they get imported. I usually watermark them with my sig in the lower right corner so I can be sure they are copies. So, as an experiment - go and shoot some stuff the same using LrC’s camera apps and the native iPhone app - In Heic. Compare the results. Also try RAW (but you will figure out pretty quickly that pushing around 48MB files isn’t worth the effort). You might also find difficulty maintaining HEIC format all the way through if you shoot and import to LR Mobile and then eventually work the files back to LrC on the desktop - I found circumstances where the files got converted n the pipeline to JPG’s - so the workflow I described above averted that. I’ve been very pleased with the results and I can print them large on my 44” HP Z9. Also, TOPAX or Giga Px can be your friend.
Jc
Jim, Thanks a bunch for your experience and the tips. I'm sure I won't be the only one to benefit from them. I'll wait for the 16 before doing further experimentation, but then I'm planning a series of reports to our community. If you intend to do the same, we should compare notes.
I’d be delighted. We can compare the 16 Pro Max to the 15 Pro Max - and I’ll be able to share some additional details then as I was writing that as a passenger in the car this morning to pick up our dog from dog-cation.
.. thanks Mucho hombre ! Wuz lookin forward to your report ! No real surprises to me.. & my current iPhone 8 - ‘urban street/docu work ain’t goin to ‘Print.. Love the quick ‘rundowns style ! Lovin the aircraft shot too.. with truly fine detail ! Stunning ! 🦎🏴☠️
Thanks Thomas.
I love working with an iphone (13 pro is my current). While I agree on the low light situation, I find it a challenge I enjoy. Forces me to think about what it is I really want out of the image, and then, if it's not visually possible, and still want the image, I rethink my priorities and expectations. That is so freeing, and challenging. As for the weight issue - I dumped traveling with my Fuji XT3 a few years ago. No regrets. I print regularly at 13 x 19 with no concern about loss of anything. A lot of this, of course, depends on your subject matter. I'm rarely shooting portraits, and I rarely print large my landscapes or architectural images. So - hooray for the quality of a phone - at my age - and I believe i'm around the same vintage - it's a relief and a challenging pleasure.
I too have used an iPhone with a 12mg camera. not bad, but I carry a Sony RX100-2 20 meg with a 28-105 equivalent Zeiss lens. it fits in a pocket. The results are outstanding at 13-19, far better than the iPhone. I can show you prints, 12x18, made on an Epson 5000 using Canson infinity Bayarta paper that rival my silver work on Adox paper.