I recently received an email from Emil Pakarlis that reminded me of attitudes, questions and bias I see on a daily basis about capturing content with a mobile device.
While there is no question that there are more things you can do with “pro line” cameras, it doesn’t mean the “device you have with you” isn’t worthy of consideration. This preconceived notion tends to color our judgement.
The Problem is Attitude!
Consider Emil’s thoughts on the subject.
The one thing that holds back 98% of people taking photos with the iPhone has nothing to do with talent, experience or megapixels. And it’s affects new photographers as well as seasoned professionals coming from traditional photography.
When most people pick up a DSLR or dedicated video camera, they generally treat it seriously. They spend a few seconds composing the shot. They walk around to find the best angle. They make sure that their subject is well exposed and in focus. That may take a few seconds, but it’s time well spent.
Most iPhone users however casually capture the first thing they see without even thinking about composition, angle and exposure, because they think the iPhone is only good for taking quick snapshots.
And guess what? They never get anything other than quick snapshots out of their iPhone’s camera.
Fortunately, there’s another group of iPhone owners, albeit a smaller one, who recognize that the iPhone is a powerful camera so they give each shot the attention it deserves.
The iPhone is their preferred camera and it’s often the only camera they use. They think about subject, composition, focus and exposure before they press the shutter.
These people constantly capture amazing images with the iPhone.
Of course, attitude is not the only thing that makes a difference in iPhoneography but without the right attitude, you’ll never move past the snapshot mentality.