Smartphone News

Do you think you could tell the difference between an image that was shot with a pro DSLR vs one that was captured with a smartphone? Do you think a pro photographer could tell the difference?

It’s probably safe to say spring has finally sprung across most of the country, and the new season brings with it an abundance of photo opportunities at nearby parks, a walk around the block, and even in your own backyard.

As much as some Shutterbug readers consider it blasphemy to shoot “serious” images with an iPhone, it’s difficult to deny that—when used properly—today’s sophisticated smartphones are capable of making truly superb photographs. In the detailed video below, you’ll learn everything you need to know to do that yourself.

If your creative juices are running low, and you need a jolt of inspiration, the quick video below is exactly what you need. You’ll pick up a bunch of simple tips, in less than three minutes, for creating eye-popping images than make people ask, “How did you do that?”

Like most photographers I occasionally become equipment obsessed, but sometimes even the smallest tool, something as simple and useful as a new LensPen, can make creating new images a little easier. I’ve often said that the most important piece of equipment is the one between a photographer’s ears, but creating images also requires tools. Choosing the right tool or accessory may not make the difference between a good photograph and a bad one, but may make the difference in whether or not you even try to capture it.

We’ve seen a multitude of new smartphone accessories lately, but the 3D­‑printed DotLens is definitely one of the more zany. This self-adhering “conversion” lens comes in three strengths: 15X, 30X and 60X—the later of which enables you to view objects as small as 1/10 the width of a human hair.