Do we even need point and shoot cameras anymore? I think it is pretty evident that the iPhone and other smart phones have dominated over the need to carry another camera with you. I have been a professional photographer for over 14 years and even I will rarely bring my big camera with me on trips. I usually just stick the good ole iPhone in my pocket and go. One thing I love about the iPhone is it’s natural macro photo ability. It pushes me and how creative I can get with my mobile photos. There are definitely some tips and tricks to get better macro photos with your smart phone. I want to go over some of those, plus some extra accessories that are available to push that macro photography creativity even further.
I am going to talk mostly about the iPhone because that is what I use and what I know. The iPhone’s macro capabilities are pretty impressive. I know that there are some android cameras that boast even better close up photos, my wife’s HTC has a pretty incredible macro function. (again, this is not an ad for iPhone…it’s just what I know). Without any add on lenses you can get a pretty decent close up photo. It’s not a true 1:1 macro ratio, but if you are just playing around then it is enough to get creative photos.
I know that the iPhone’s camera technology is getting better with each release. So these downfalls apply to general photography with your iPhone. It is difficult to retain highlights without them blowing out (going white), and unless there is abundant light you will see that nasty noise in your photo.
Here are some before and after photos of iPhone macro photos taken without a macro add on lens and with the add on lens.
Here are a few potential accessories needed to achieve the better macro shot. These are just recommendations. You may not need any of these
flashlight
led light source
I want to give you some size recommendations for printing your macro photos. Whether printing them as canvas prints, metal prints or on fine art paper I would say that there is a size you want to aim for (completely my opinion…feel free to totally ignore this and print whatever size you like). I love to see big prints of macro photos because it makes you feel like a part of that world. Taking them with a smart phone though can be challenging to enlarge them to giant sized canvas prints. The detail can sometimes break down at the big sizes. I would say the largest you would want to print your macro photos from your phone would be around 18"x24". This is still a great size to enjoy on a wall or give as a gift.
If you have any specific questions please leave a comment or your can email me at marketing@canvaspress.com. Have fun getting creative.