Unless we are one of those admirable people who carry their favourite camera with them at all times, the chances are we miss great photographic opportunities. However these days most of us keep a smart phone with us at all times so these opportunities need not be missed. Smartphones are nowhere near as powerful as a DSLR as the sensor and megapixel count are significantly smaller and the versatility of smartphone may be more limited. However smartphones are becoming increasingly more advanced, with each new generation offering greater megapixels and sophistication including a move away from focus-free system to one which will allow focusing by the photographer; scene modes (e.g. landscape, night portrait, sports and macro); HDR (allowing us to capture more detail in shadows and highlights) and effects (including monochrome, tinted and vintage filters.) 

Today’s smartphones have narrowed the gap with conventional cameras and now awesome shots are within reach wherever we go. By practising our photographic skills by concentrating on the fundamental elements of photography (composition, light, colours, texture, line and shape) we can do amazing things with our smartphones. 

A great example of this is Jill Gardiner’s image ‘Poplar line on Lake Wānaka.’ Jill took her picture using a Samsung7SMG935 smartphone choosing auto setting over other modes. This setting gave an aperture of f1.7 shutter speed of 1/2000th sec and an ISO of 40. Jill also has a top-end Fuji-filmX-T20 mirrorless camera, but loves the versatility of her smartphone which is always with her. She is impressed by the quality of the images achieved and has printed, mounted, sold, and entered in photographic competitions. 

Jill loves to concentrate on composition, light, lines and shapes and the foreground shadows of the poplars, their symmetry, the lake and the background mountains she found really appealing. Autumn is her favourite time for landscape photography because of the beautiful richness of the colours. Jill image received an ‘Honours’ award from the judge of the Club’s competition. Wānaka Camera Club is dedicated to help improve the skills of anyone interested in photography. We welcome anyone to join us, irrespective of photographic ability. If you know nothing about photography come along and see what we can do for you. Because of Christmas our next meeting is Monday February 10, 7.30pm at The St John’s Rooms, Link Way.