For professional photographers, cameras and lenses are tools of the trade—not baubles. When a particular system no longer fulfills their needs, they switch or fortify their arsenal by adding the brand that delivers. They don’t always need the latest and greatest; in fact, an established, time-proven setup is often the preferable option. Equipment that is seldom used is a debit, not an asset.

Passionate amateurs have the same gear options and generally the same motivations. Furthermore, recent research from MPB, the largest online platform to buy, sell and trade used photo and video gear, reveals the US population is hoarding $650 billion worth of devices they don’t use. And bear in mind that older tech does not improve with age. It has a shelf life. It’s fish, not canned green beans.

According to the survey, the average US adult is sitting on $2,459 worth of unused electronics including cameras, phones, smart tablets, TVs and more. Wow! That’s a surprising statistic, but it’s also very good news, because you can quickly and safely convert idle tech into gear you’ll use daily.

Of the 13,000 adults surveyed by MPB alongside research provider CINT, two-thirds feel that the cost of technology is too expensive. Furthermore, consumers say the reason they haven’t sold an unused piece of tech is that they don’t think they’d receive much money in return, or they imagine someone close to them might need it one day. While these concerns are understandable at some levels, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are more secure trading partners who close the confidence gap.

Make Informed Decisions
Buying, trading and selling at MPB.com means zero blind alleys and no unfulfilled expectations. When you sell to or trade with MPB you know the value of your gear upfront, because you can obtain a free instant online quote. If you like the deal, MPB pays for shipment, including the pick-up from your house. If you’re trading in and have picked out something you want to buy, MPB freezes that item until you finalize the transaction.

Expand, Extend and Enjoy
Switching systems doesn’t necessarily mean scrapping one brand and jumping to another. It can mean extending your reach and capabilities by adding a smart drone, GoPro-like wearable video device, or a one-off camera body that melds better with a much needed lens for a specialized application, something like astrophotography or whatever new direction your photo or video storytelling passion takes you.

Pay Less, Maybe Even Zero
One thing is for certain: trading in means paying less. On average, customers earn $900 each time they sell to MPB. MPB’s dynamic pricing engine regularly analyzes the market to ensure you are receiving a fair price. Purchasers typically pay 33% less than new.

Sell Outright
Don’t want to trade up? Rather just convert some unused hardware into cash for the holidays or maybe a stimulating 2024 vacation? No problem. You get the same deal from MPB whether you’re trading in or selling outright.

To Heck With Selling, Buy Some Fantastic Used Gear
Shop MPB and select from one of the largest assortments of used gear to expand your current system or test new waters. You can buy from MPB with total confidence for several reasons.

To start, MPB enjoys an Excellent Five Star rating on Trustpilot with more than 31,000 reviews from photo and video storytellers like you.

Browse MPB’s extensive catalog of used gear which includes DSLRs, mirrorless marvels, lenses, drones, video gear and popular accessories. The camera or lens pictured in every MPB listing is the actual item you receive. All included accessories are clearly listed. Every camera and lens sold by MPB undergoes a thorough 8 to 10 point inspection process by a trained specialist and is covered by a six-month warranty. If you find the item your receive isn’t as described, you can return it free for a full refund within 14 days of arrival.

There’s no guesswork; MPB uses a simple five-point condition rating system. The condition ratings are: • Like New – unboxed, unused or lightly used • Excellent – minimal signs of wear, otherwise pristine • Good – fair amount of use, but well-kept • Well Used – significant use, signs of normal wear and tear • Heavily Used – clear signs of wear and tear, still works.

As a shopper, odds are excellent that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at MPB. If you don’t find it on your first pass, check back in a day or so because the inventory changes literally by the minute. MPB adds more than 2,000 products every week.

In fact, MPB recirculates more than 500,000 pieces of photo equipment every year and has hundreds of cameras, lenses, drones and miscellaneous equipment items in stock. Lumping all the photo and video gear together, MPB has more than 16,000 pieces of equipment in the US and over 47,000 globally.

Do More in 2024
Picture yourself driving a new system as the new year dawns. Glide into a full-frame mirrorless or slide up to the beefy DSLR you lusted after — but just couldn’t afford — when it was introduced a couple years ago. Life is short; photo ops magically appear and tragically vaporize when no one is there to capture them. Revitalize your equipment closet with gear that brings you more photographic success and greater happiness in the upcoming year of good fortune and prosperity, the zodiac Year of the Dragon.

∞ Shutterbug Staff

Belinda Burton is a London-based portrait photographer who’s fanatical about photography and expresses a “…passion to empower all women, no matter what age, size, race and occupation, that they are worthy of admiration.” We had a chance to connect with her and share her story with Shutterbug readers. All photos ©Belinda Burton.

Shutterbug: When, how and why did you become interested in photography?
Belinda Burton: I first became interested in photography soon after I started working in the corporate world. I was a qualified accountant by day, and I was attending an evening Art Diploma course out of interest in the evening (I have always been both a logical and creative person). One of the core subjects was photography. I invested in my first big SLR camera and, a couple of weeks later, I took it with me on a business trip, during which I ventured into the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. I used rolls and rolls of film among the sand dunes (those dates pre-dated digital cameras), and I could still vividly remember the excitement of waiting for my negatives to be developed. From then on, I was hooked! I explored all photography subjects and genres. Travel photography was my first love and, ultimately, I set my sights on portrait photography.

Shutterbug: What brand of camera and lenses do you usually use?
BB: I have two camera systems – Canon and Fujifilm; both have their own merits. I have a collection of prime and zoom lenses. The ones I use mostly are 35mm, 50mm, 85mm for prime, and 28-70 or 70-200 for zoom.

Shutterbug: What are your goals when you capture an image?
BB: I want to create images that make my clients proud, and that often involves portraying the most photogenic and flattering sides of them. That comes from my personal experience – I am not photogenic by default, and as a youngster, I felt that bad photos really dented my confidence.

These days, people are much more used to being in front of cameras but many of us still don’t like how we look in photos. In fact, a survey conducted by the Women and Equalities Committee in 2020 suggested that 6 out of 10 women in the U.K. feel negatively about their bodies. Often women feel they are not “enough” or up to society’s standards. To counter that, a set of great portraits or boudoir photographs can do wonders for a woman’s self-confidence and mental health.

Most importantly, I believe that this shouldn’t be the privilege of women who own media-perfect bodies. I work with women of all body shapes and all ages to bring out the best of them, enhancing their look through the best angles and poses, lighting, styling, and photographic techniques.

Shutterbug: If you could do it all over, what would you do differently?
BB: As a pro, I would’ve decided on my niche quicker. I started being a generalist in people photography, as I wanted to cover every genre! It was when I decided to niche into glamour-style portraits (with a strong focus on women), and felt so empowered by it, I thought – “why didn’t I do it earlier?”

Shutterbug: What advice can you provide for Shutterbug readers?
BB: I love photography as it is an area that I can keep learning – even though I got sucked into the subject more than two decades ago. My advice is to never stop learning. I used to do every course I could find time for in every photography subject matter at the very start. As I gained more knowledge and experience, I became pickier. Now I focus on learning from trainers and world-renowned photographers whom I look up to.

If you’re planning to make photography your profession, then it’s vital to be at your very best in terms of skill set. It’s a competitive industry, and everyone has a smartphone. Only when your work is highly convincing can you make it as a professional photographer.

Shutterbug: What else would you like to say to Shutterbug readers?
BB: Go back to basics from time to time. Remember: photography means “art of light.” While it’s important for the pros to have high-quality equipment, ultimately, the quality of light and how we leverage it massively affects our work. It’s always worth going back to the drawing board and experimenting with what you can get out of natural light before you add on the complexities.

Belinda Burton’s studio is located at 8 Uplands Road, London N8 9NL. Connect with her via her website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Special thanks to Zoe Hiljemark, Zoe Hiljemark PR, who helped make this story possible.

Become a Member of the Shutterbug Community
Register for a free account. Sign up for our newsletter. Spend five minutes (or less) uploading your best shots once every week or so. Potentially become a Shutterbug Photo of the Day winner. Enjoy viewing the fantastic work being done by thousands of photographers all over the world—and add your images to the enduring collection.

—Jon Sienkiewicz

Ever held your iPhone, stared at its camera, and wondered how some folks make magic with the same device? Ever thought about having a DIY photoshoot on iPhone? Well, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there.

I remember the first time I attempted an iPhone photoshoot… My heart was pounding with excitement as my fingers danced around the shutter button. The result? Not exactly ‘Instagrammable’.

No fancy filters or heavy editing apps could fix it because I missed one crucial thing: knowledge of key photography techniques and settings that can transform ordinary iPhone snapshots into breathtaking visuals.

It’s all about mastering portrait mode to get stunning depth-of-field shots, using night mode effectively, and setting up your own home studio for DIY shoots.

Mastering iPhone Photography Basics

If you’ve recently acquired an iPhone and are seeking to take amazing pictures, it is critical to be familiar with the fundamentals of its camera functions and configurations. It’s not just about pointing your phone at a subject; there is so much more that goes into making an image visually appealing.

Unleashing the Power of Portrait Mode

One of the most impressive aspects of modern iPhones is their ability to shoot in portrait mode. This feature allows you to take stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field, creating a sharp focus on your main subjects while softly blurring out everything else in the background – giving professional photography feel right from your pocket device.

To use this function effectively, first select ‘Portrait’ from the various photo modes available in your camera app. Make sure that the subject stands within 8 feet for optimal results. You’ll notice a yellow box appear around them as soon as they’re correctly positioned.

Making Night Mode Work For You

Night time often poses challenges for photographers due to low-light conditions. But fret not. Your iPhone has night mode built-in for such scenarios where light isn’t exactly on our side.

This innovative feature lets you capture well-lit images even under moonlight without resorting to flash or other external lighting equipment which may disturb natural ambience. The trick lies in adjusting exposure settings accordingly by dragging the slider left or right after tapping the night icon appears once a dark enough environment is detected by the camera automatically.

Burst Mode: Moving Subjects Are No Longer A Challenge

Holding down the shutter button on iPhone will capture multiple shots in rapid succession, making it easier to get a great shot of moving subjects. This feature comes in handy while capturing moving subjects or for ensuring that you get at least one perfect shot out of many.

Moreover, iPhones offer a live photos option. This cool feature records a 1.5-second video clip with your photo, giving it an awesome sense of movement.

DIY Photoshoots with Your iPhone

Taking professional-looking photos isn’t limited to fancy DSLRs. Believe it or not, your iPhone can be a powerful tool for capturing stunning images right at home.

Setting Up Your Home Studio

The first step towards a successful DIY photoshoot at home with your iPhone is setting up the perfect environment. Creating a neat and illuminated space is all that’s needed, no need for extravagance. Natural light from windows works wonders, but you can also use lamps or other household lights if necessary.

Avoid using flash as it often results in harsh shadows and overexposed subjects. Instead, try adjusting the exposure settings on your camera app manually by tapping on the subject stand and dragging the yellow box that appears upwards or downwards until you get the desired brightness level.

You’d be surprised how everyday objects like chairs, walls, and plants could serve as great props for compositions in your shots.

Capturing The Perfect Shot

Your choice of photo mode plays a crucial role too. If you’re aiming for close-up portraits showing intricate details of an object or person’s face – portrait mode is ideal. This will create beautiful bokeh effects where background elements are blurred out while the main subjects stay focused sharply.

Moving subjects? Burst mode should do justice. By pressing and holding down either volume button (or on-screen shutter), burst shots capture multiple frames per second so you won’t miss any action-filled moments.

Bonus Tip: Camera Stability Is Key

To avoid blurry pictures due to camera shake, simply hold the phone steady against something stable like a wall or table edge when taking a picture; this tip applies regardless of whether you’re using an iPhone SE, Pro Max, or any other model.

Editing Your DIY Photoshoot Images

Taken the photos? Now it’s time to add that professional touch. Your phone comes with basic editing tools built-in – but for more advanced adjustments like precise control over exposure, contrast, and saturation – consider downloading Lightroom Mobile.

Instagram and Snapchat aren’t your only options. Discover other applications that enable you to give your photos a distinctive flair. These can range from simple color filters, to more complex effects like distortions or vintage film overlays. The right app for you will depend on what kind of editing tools you’re looking for.

Exploring Advanced Features of Your iPhone Camera

Your iPhone camera is not just a simple point-and-shoot device. It’s packed with advanced features that can transform your everyday snaps into stunning shots, rivaling those taken by professional cameras.

The Art of HDR Photography

HDR (high-dynamic-range) mode is one such feature you need to master. This setting balances exposure in scenes with both bright and dark areas, ensuring every detail pops out in your photo.

You might ask how it does this? Well, when the HDR mode is turned on, your iPhone camera automatically takes multiple shots at different exposures then merges them into one image – producing photos that show an impressive range of details from shadows to highlights.

Try switching on HDR when capturing a gorgeous sunrise or sunset – the sky will be brighter than the ground, and you’ll get more details from shadows to highlights. So next time you’re capturing a beautiful sunset or sunrise, don’t forget to switch on HDR.

Tapping Into Apple ProRAW Power

If you own one of the latest iPhones like Pro Max or SE models featuring Apple ProRAW format support – congratulations. You have got access to another advanced feature capable of bringing more depth and flexibility into your mobile photography game.

In essence, shooting in Apple ProRAW lets you capture all sensor data before any processing occurs which means much better control over adjustments like light levels during editing without sacrificing quality. Simply put, it gives freedom for fine-tuning edits later while retaining maximum detail within each shot captured.

Nitty-Gritty Details About How To Use These Features:

1. To enable HDR mode manually turn on “SmartHDR” from Settings > Camera > HDR (High Dynamic Range).
2. For ProRAW, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and toggle on Apple ProRAW.

Now you have unlocked the potential of your iPhone camera, don’t let it gather dust. Go out there and start capturing the world around you in all its high-dynamic-range glory or dive into raw editing with Apple ProRAW shots. Just remember – these features may consume more storage space. So make sure to regularly move images onto your computer or another safe location for optimal performance.

Self-Photoshoots with iPhone

If you’ve ever asked the question, “Can I do a photoshoot using my iPhone?” we’re here to tell you – yes, you absolutely can. Your trusty iPhone is not just for taking selfies or snapping food pics. It’s also your secret weapon for DIY photoshoots.

Your self-timer and other features make it easy to get professional-quality shots without leaving home. Let’s dive into some key tips that will help you take advantage of these tools and set up an impressive self-photoshoot with your iPhone.

Utilizing Self-Timer and Other Camera Features

The first step in setting up a successful at-home photoshoot with your phone involves understanding how to use its camera features effectively. This includes the self-timer function on your iPhone’s camera app.

You’ll want to start by setting up a spot where your phone can stay steady during shooting (pro tip: gimbals are great for this). Next, go into the settings within the camera app and set the timer; 10 seconds usually gives enough time to pose after pressing the shutter button. You might also want to try burst mode which takes multiple shots when holding down on-screen shutter button so you have more options later.

Pose Like A Pro

Nailing those poses is vital in any photo shoot including one done via an iPhone 12 or the latest iPhone Pro Max models. Here are some posing ideas.

• Sitting casually but elegantly
• Lying down while reading a book
• Gazing out of a window

Experiment with different poses until you find what feels most natural and appealing to you. Be daring and innovative.

Framing the Perfect Shot

Framing your shot is another important factor in self-photoshoots. Remember, not every photo needs to have the subject stand dead center. Play around with leading lines and grid lines on your iPhone camera settings for more visually interesting compositions.

When you’re focusing, the yellow box that pops up can be a big help. It’s designed to keep your main subjects crystal clear.

Editing and Enhancing Your iPhone Photos

Your iPhone is a powerful photography tool. Rather than just snapping shots, you can maximize the potential of your iPhone camera by utilizing editing apps. Editing apps for iPhones can help take your images from good to great.

Why should you edit photos? Because it’s proven that editing can greatly enhance their quality and appeal. It gives you control over various aspects of your image like exposure, contrast, color balance, and more.

Adjusting Exposure and Contrast

The first step in enhancing any photo is adjusting its exposure settings – this determines how light or dark an image appears on screen. Too much light washes out details while too little makes everything seem gloomy.

You also want to adjust the contrast levels which dictate how distinct different parts of an image are from each other. An easy rule-of-thumb: look for clear distinction between bright areas (highlights) and darker ones (shadows).

Precise Adjustments with Editing Tools

To make these adjustments precisely, use built-in tools like Lightroom Mobile. This app offers slider controls for both exposure & contrast allowing detailed tweaking until your picture looks perfect.

• In Lightroom mobile tap on the ‘light’ panel where there are sliders available for manipulating highlights/shadows/contrast/exposure, etc.
• Tweak these as needed but remember subtlety often works best when aiming for natural-looking edits.

Applying Filters and Effects on Photos

Once the basic adjustments have been made, it’s time to get creative and experiment with filters or effects for a unique look. Apply filters or effects for a stylized look. This can give your images an extra punch of color, add vintage charm, or even transform them into abstract art pieces.

Take care not to over-apply filters or effects, as this may detract from the original qualities of your image. They should enhance your image rather than overpowering its original qualities. Also, remember that some editing apps apply stronger effects than others, so experiment until you find what works best for you.

Understanding Different Photographic Styles on iPhone

Your iPhone is more than just a communication device. It’s a powerful photographic tool capable of capturing professional-looking photos with the right settings and techniques.

Different Photographic Styles on Your Fingertips

The advanced camera settings for more control in your iPhone open up an array of different photographic styles to explore. From stunning landscapes to captivating portraits, your creative possibilities are endless. You can experiment with these styles by adjusting exposure, using filters, or trying out new angles.

For instance, landscape photography shines when you use the rule of thirds – imagine your frame divided into nine equal squares and place key elements along those lines or their intersections. This technique gives balance to your image making it pleasing to look at. Learn about the rule of thirds here.

Comparing Different Models of iPhones for Photography

With the continuous advancements in technology, iPhone models are becoming more potent tools for photography. Let’s delve into some of the latest iPhone models, comparing their camera capabilities and features.

iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone SE is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It uses Smart HDR to adjust light and color beautifully, even though it lacks the night mode shots feature present in newer models.

On the other hand, we have the powerful 12 Pro Max with its superior three-lens system allowing diverse photographic styles from wide-angle to telephoto images. Plus, it’s equipped with an advanced Night Mode ensuring excellent low-light performance.

iPhone 11 vs. Latest iPhone: The mighty 13 Pro Max

The popular choice among photographers has been the bright star -the iPhone 11 due to its impressive dual-camera setup which takes great photos in various conditions including moving subjects where burst mode comes handy.

However, Apple raised the bar higher with their latest flagship model –the stunningly designed iPhone 13 Pro Max featuring Cinematic Mode and Apple’s new image format called ‘ProRAW’ making your edits feel pro-level while retaining high-quality details.

Here are some additional tips to leverage these cool features effectively.

Tackling Camera Shake: Is there any difference?

In terms of combating camera shake across different models — a common issue that can blur images — all recent iPhones come equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS). However, only premium versions like ‘pro’ or ‘pro max’ models include sensor-shift OIS which is even more effective, ensuring your phone steady while capturing those stunning shots.

Unlocking the Potential of HDR Photos

All iPhone models from X and onwards have HDR capability. However, only with 12 Pro Max and beyond can you manually turn on/off this feature by tapping the yellow box indicating the HDR icon on-screen.

Opting for a good editing tool is key. High dynamic range (HDR) photography provides an opportunity to adjust the illumination and shadows in a picture, without compromising any of its details.

FAQs

Is an iPhone good for a photoshoot?

Absolutely, iPhones boast high-quality cameras that can capture stunning images. Their advanced features make them a handy tool for professional-grade photography.

How to do a self photoshoot with iPhone?

To start a self-photoshoot, use your iPhone’s timer or remote control feature. Adjust the lighting and composition, then snap away.

How do I start photography on my iPhone?

Dive into your camera app. Experiment with different modes like Portrait and Night mode. Practice framing shots using the rule of thirds technique.

Can you take shutter pictures on iPhone?

You sure can. Use burst mode by holding down the shutter button in your camera app – it’s great for capturing action-packed moments.

Conclusion

Unlocking the magic of a photoshoot on an iPhone, it’s not just about owning the device, but mastering its capabilities. From utilizing portrait mode for stunning depth-of-field shots to harnessing night mode in low-light situations, you’ve got an arsenal at your fingertips.

Remember that successful DIY photoshoots can happen right in your living room! With natural light and props around you, transform any space into a studio.

Dive deeper into advanced features like HDR and Apple ProRAW to level up your photography game. Never forget: The editing phase is where good shots become great!

You have all the tools needed for self-photoshoots with iPhone – timers, remote controls and more. And yes, don’t underestimate different photographic styles waiting to be explored. Click the following link to learn how to take long exposure photos with an iPhone.