Amazing iPhone 5s shots by a National Geographic Photographer

In general, there are few people more skeptical of smartphone photography than professional photographers. According to many people who make their living with photography, mobile photography is weakening their artform, and sometimes putting them out of work. Other professionals, like Jim Richardson, see their smartphone as just another tool in their camera bag. Richardson left his Nikon DLSR at home and instead took his iPhone 5S on a trip to the Scottish Highlands.
Lauren Crabbe

Here are some of the amazing photos taken by Richardson on his iPhone 5s.


Great Tips For Amateur Photographers

Becoming a photographer seems like a long and complicated process, however in reality, anyone can become one if they have enough passion. Like any other skill or hobby, photography is something that's going to take time to master, but the reward can be infinitely more valuable than the time it took to learn. If you're an amateur photographer who is just starting, here are some great and helpful tips you can use in your journey.

1. Watch Your Budget And Don't Buy Expensive Equipment


One of the biggest mistakes amateur photographers make is to spend a lot of money on equipment they don't need. The only thing an amateur photographer needs when first starting out is a digital camera, and processing software that can be found free online.




Eventually, as you gain greater confidence in your photography skills, you might find you want to buy some new equipment. Still, that is a decision best made when you've gained more experience.

2. Balance Learning With Action


Anywhere, you read about photography tips you're always going to find recommendations that you spend some time online reading about photography, or that you need to focus on taking pictures.

Both things are true if you want to take your photography skills to another level it's important that you take the time to study some of the standard practices of professional photographers. On the other hand, though taking photos is what it's all about; you should do your best to split the difference between both.

3. Start Outside First


Natural light is always going to offer the best conditions for taking photographs; this means that when you first start taking photographs you should try to do so in a natural setting.

One of the easiest ways to do this is simply go for a walk every day with your camera. This not only gives you chance to get outside it gives you a chance to take photos in a natural light setting.

4. Learn To Steady Your Hand


Learning to steady your hand is one of the most important photography tips around. Simple as it sounds it's still going to take some time to master. This is one of those things that can only be mastered after taking a lot of photographs, so if you find your first few pictures come out blurry than don't be that surprised. Given enough time you will find it easier to steady the camera and your pictures will begin to reflect that.

5. Even The Simplest Items Can Produce Great Photos

Everyone has seen famous pictures and admired the photographers who took them; this can give amateur photographers a false impression of what they should be aiming to photograph. In actuality, some of the most common items around your house could produce a great photograph. It might all depend on what time of the day you catch the light, or in what context you take the photo.

Becoming a photographer means embracing a new way of looking at the world, this skill that takes years to master. In the end though by following a few basic photography tips you'll find a path is little easier.