Alec Chester
July 2025 - Untitled
Original
About the Image(s)
Here is an image appropriate for July. I was watching the fireworks in Annapolis and only had my iPhone 16 with me.
Actually, that might be quite fortunate since my big camera (Canon EOS D Mark IV) didn’t do a good job at all last year.
I fully realize that it was me last year who didn’t do a good job, but the iPhone is so easy to capture a delightful shot on a moments notice, I was glad I had it.
It has, as you know, a fixed aperture, and loads of computer enhancement to make the image look good.
Usually, with iPhone pictures I build up the pixels with Topaz AI and then do post processing. In this case I just used the ones on the iPhone to modify it slightly.
7 comments posted
Nice photo Alec. I really like the color coming off the water. If I have to add a critique, I feel that the photo is slightly tipped to the right.
Phone cameras have come a long way. Portrait mode allows you to adjust aperture. I'm not sure how to adjust speed in the phone through. I think it would be interesting to see a slower shutter speed or even a higher one.
Love the color though. Posted: 07/10/2025 19:09:44
Phone cameras have come a long way. Portrait mode allows you to adjust aperture. I'm not sure how to adjust speed in the phone through. I think it would be interesting to see a slower shutter speed or even a higher one.
Love the color though. Posted: 07/10/2025 19:09:44
Linnea Matthiesen
Hi,
This is a good shot. I am amazed what phone cameras can do. I have an older phone but am looking for a new one, I like the Samsung line, however. :-)
I do think that the horizon should be straightened. That is my only negative thought. The reflection with the silhouettes is great.
I think some famous photographer said 'the best camera for the shot is the one you have in your hand!' Posted: 07/12/2025 03:13:13
This is a good shot. I am amazed what phone cameras can do. I have an older phone but am looking for a new one, I like the Samsung line, however. :-)
I do think that the horizon should be straightened. That is my only negative thought. The reflection with the silhouettes is great.
I think some famous photographer said 'the best camera for the shot is the one you have in your hand!' Posted: 07/12/2025 03:13:13
Alec,
Nice shot. Phone cameras are taking over the world!!!! (lol). I think the best part of this shot are all the people lined up along the fence against the bright red background. I agree with Lori's observation that the shot tips down and to the right a little, an easy fix in post. I like the way the sky color came out in your edit. Point of curiosity: Whey you say you "build up the pixels in Topaz AI" what exactly does this mean and why do you do it? Is it the same as upscaling the image? Nice shot. I'll bet your Canon is jealous! Posted: 07/13/2025 02:47:05
Nice shot. Phone cameras are taking over the world!!!! (lol). I think the best part of this shot are all the people lined up along the fence against the bright red background. I agree with Lori's observation that the shot tips down and to the right a little, an easy fix in post. I like the way the sky color came out in your edit. Point of curiosity: Whey you say you "build up the pixels in Topaz AI" what exactly does this mean and why do you do it? Is it the same as upscaling the image? Nice shot. I'll bet your Canon is jealous! Posted: 07/13/2025 02:47:05
This is a lovely image. The colors are quite vibrant and the tone is wonderful. The image is sharp throughout. The single firework burst balances the shadowed people lined up on the fence. Nice job! Just curious, what iPhone version do you have? Posted: 07/17/2025 21:20:24
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Lori, I started out taking pictures from the IPhone by using the Procamera app, which allows for control of speed, aperture and ISO. The results were terrible because the speed was slow and the ISO was high. Even when I tinkered with the settings the results weren't any better. The IPhone Pro Max (in answer to your question Pauline) takes a great photo using a million methods that I don't understand. I love it! Posted: 07/21/2025 19:03:57
I love when people try new things. We all learn from eachother. Posted: 07/21/2025 19:44:51
Alec, I like the crop, though agree it leans a bit to the right. The reflection of light in the water is great and the smoke color having those wonderful colors adds to the image. Perhaps on a tripod the city lights would be sharp? The fireworks burst is good and the people in the foreground make the shot even more interesting. I agree our phones take amazing shots and if we play with them enough, we can almost leave our cameras at home. Posted: 07/28/2025 20:03:19