Mike's Smartphone Photography, Travel, and anything else I can think of, Blog

Welcome to my latest blog, which this week is an update about the Ulanzi Cap Grip II that I first reviewed in 2024. I have included that 2024 blog below for your information, which I suggest you read. Hi! Welcome to my latest blog, which this week features a review of my latest piece of smartphone camera gear. I didn't used to be a gadget/gear type of person, that is, until I discovered smartphone photography, and now I can't get enough of them. If you've read my Blog #33 titled What's in my smartphone photography bag ? you'll have a good idea about the various bits of kit I have accumulated to go with my smartphone camera. My newest thing is a smartphone grip holder.  In this blog I am going to set out the advantages of using a grip holder, as well as some instructions on how to set it up. The grip holder I will be reviewing is the Ulanzi Cap Grip II (See Photos 1- 4 below) which retails for less than £20 from Amazon. Using a grip handle for smartphone photography ...

Welcome to my latest blog, which today is going to look at one of the most basic aspects of photographic composition, the rule of thirds. Do your photos feel... boring? Most people put their subject right in the middle, which makes for a predictable shot. To prevent this happening you need to learn about and apply the rule of thirds to every shot you take. It's a simple trick that pros use to create dynamic, engaging photos. In my last blog I talked about cropping as a way of improving the composition, the point of focus, and story. That was all in post, but now I am going to show you how to use the four lines, nine squares grid feature to transform your everyday snapshots in camera. First, you have to find and turn on the grid (Camera > Settings > Grid). Next, instead of centering your subject, place the most important elements (like a person's eyes, a tall tree, or a far-off horizon) along these lines or at the four intersection points. It is best when shooting landscap...

Welcome to my latest blog, which today is focusing on why you should take the cropping of your photographs very seriously, and why a great crop can make a world of difference to your photos. Cropping a photo means cutting away the outer edges of an image to focus on a specific part or to change its shape or composition. Essentially, cropping helps you refine the image so it shows exactly what you want. Cropping is one of the most powerful post-processing techniques in your editing armamentarium, which if used correctly can enhance your photographs and create maximum impact. Cropping involves consciousness decisions to remove unnecessary elements from the edges of your image to guide the viewer’s eye and strengthen the composition. It also helps to set your subject, the point of focus, where it will evoke maximum interest. There are three fundamental principles to great cropping: composition, focus, and story. One bit of guidance is to use the rule of thirds. Imagine dividing your image...

Ever wondered why your smartphone photos sometimes come out blurry? In this blog I will be giving you three very simple tips on how to sharpen up your images. The first tip is to clean your camera lenses. Your phone probably spends a good part of its time nestling up against dust and debris in your pocket and your bag, all of which compromise the clarity of the images. So start by giving the lenses a gentle wipe with a proprietary lens cleaner.  The best way to hold a smartphone when setting up a photo is with both hands, gripping it firmly with your elbows tucked into your body to maximize stability and minimize blur. Holding your smartphone with one hand with your arm fully extended is inviting camera blur! My third tip is for when you're using a tripod, whether it's because you're working in low light or when you want to create that silky smooth water effect when photographing a flowing river or a waterfall, and so need a longer exposure. Everytime you reach ...

Welcome to my latest blog, which this week is about how you can revive your old photos by undertaking some simple edits. If you're like me, you've probably got thousands of photos sitting quietly in your digital libraries, from holiday snapshots, family moments, creative projects, to random experimental edits. At the time you took them, they captured something meaningful, but as time passes, you've probably forgotten they're even there. Revisiting and re-editing old photos isn’t just a trip down memory lane, it can breathe new life into your photography and reveal potential you perhaps missed the first time around. Here's five reasons why you should consider re-editing as a worthwhile activity. Over time your editing skills will have undoubtedly improved. The way you edit evolves with experience. Tools you barely understood years ago might now feel second nature. You're not still fumbling with sliders and are probably better able to apply subtle changes rather t...

I have recently returned from a holiday in Malta. Amongst the places I visited one in particular stood out as being truly fascinating. In this blog I will set out a brief history of catacombs in general before telling you why if you're ever in Malta you must visit theirs. Across the world, beneath bustling cities and quiet countrysides, lie hidden realms carved into stone. These are the catacombs—ancient underground networks used for burial, worship, refuge, and remembrance. They are places where archaeology meets mythology, where silence speaks, and where history feels unexpectedly alive. The earliest catacombs date back thousands of years. The word is derived from the Greek  kata (down) and kymbe (hollow). The concept is simple: carve chambers into the earth so the dead can rest safely when space above ground is limited or when communities needed to hide their practices. Ancient Romans built elaborate underground necropolises to honor family lines and preserve social status....