Raise your hand if you only purchase a new smartphone for the updated camera.

Guilty.

I love the convenience of having my iPhone fit in my pocket for spur of the moment photography. As a hiker, the size of the phone, along with the quality of the photo is a win-win.  As a traveler, it is a pleasure to stay connected to the outside world, and sometimes, the immediacy of posting on social media outlets is a blessing.  

Smartphones continue to get better with every new upgrade and model. And most would agree they have  evolved to a place where the image can rival those of a point and shoot camera. We can burst/rapid fire for sports, we can create mood and emotion with the slide of a finger, and the editing tools are efficient, and a worthwhile exploration. 

Today I explored the long exposure setting of my iPhone with encouragement from Sofia of the Lens-Artists community.  Her wisdom, along with a unique view of the world through her lens is always a worthwhile visit. 

Long exposure: the use of a slow shutter speed, to create photos where the moving elements are blurred.

This technique is used for capturing trail lights, night photography, and also to soften photos, like the clouds in the feature photo. Personally, I love long exposure for capturing movement in nature. Waterfalls and ocean waves are great examples.   

The first set of images are from Chocolate Falls in Arizona. I have posted many photos of the falls, but this is the first time I looked at changing the exposure setting. I love the first photo, as it shows the power of the falls. The second, in long exposure, and the falls appear smooth and creamy like chocolate milk should look.

This next set from Nubble Lighthouse in Maine shows a change in mood. The first shows the crispness and movement of the water. The second smooths out the water, to me giving it a softness, and maybe icy look. Melting ice comes to mind.

This last set on James Island, WA changes the look of an incoming tide.

I admit I feel like I cheated a little bit, since my photos can be converted to long exposure with a button.   

You DO know this is an iPhone feature? It is simple. In fact I discovered it by accident. I take most of my photos in Live mode so I can capture the expression of a face, or maybe the exact moment a wave hits the shoreline. The Live setting is also the starting point for editing and conversion to a bounce, loop and/or long exposure.

How?

In the camera app select Live mode (a circle with concentric rings).

Take your photo and then find it in your gallery.

Use the dropdown Live arrow and change it to Long Exposure. You are done. The change is automatic.

And the best part? You can always revert to original.

You are as wise as your level of exposure -Jobuloni B

Wind Kisses, Donna

Inspired by: Lens-Artists, and Cellpic Sunday