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

Welcome to my latest blog, which this week takes a close look at the Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile photo editing apps. I have been a fan and a user of Snapseed for many years; I was also aware of Adobe's Lightroom Mobile app, in fact of the whole Adobe photography ecosystem, and had dabbled with their mobile version over the years, but had always returned to Snapseed. I decided to take a deeper dive into these two apps and see what each of them has to offer and what makes me stick with Snapseed. In the age of smartphone photography, snapping a stunning shot is sometimes only half the story, the real magic often happens in the edit. Whether you’re polishing up your travel photos for Instagram or fine-tuning portraits for a professional portfolio, having the right mobile editing app can make all the difference. Among the crowd of editing tools, Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile stand out as two of the most powerful and popular options. But which one truly deserves a spot on your home scr...

Welcome to my latest blog, which this week is about something I am passionate about, that is smartphone photography as opposed to lugging a 'proper camera' about with me everywhere I go. Think about this statement for a moment: a photo can only work on a phone because the phone disappears. Why might this be true? Let's take a look at the evidence. First off, a smartphone is smaller than, for want of a better term, a conventional camera. When you take a photo with your smartphone the process is generally quiet, no clicking sounds as the shutter is activated. Generally, because smartphones are everywhere these days, people don't feel threatened by them, whereas pointing a conventional camera at someone, say in the street, can sometimes provoke a hostile reaction. Lifting a conventional camera up to your face is like announcing ‘I am going to take a photograph!’. Discreetly raising your smartphone means people don’t stiffen, scenes don’t break, moments stay honest and cand...

Welcome to this week's blog, which I am hoping is going to be the first of a mini-series that highlights interesting photography walks around a number of towns and cities with which I am familiar. I thought I would start with my own hometown. Set dramatically above the River Nidd, Knaresborough is one of those rare towns where every turn feels composed for the camera. Medieval stonework, steep winding streets, and the striking silhouette of Knaresborough's iconic Victorian viaduct create endlessly layered scenes, while the atmospheric ruins of Knaresborough Castle deliver sweeping views and rich historical texture.  The riverside (named Waterside) offers reflections, wildlife, and human moments, balancing grand landscapes with intimate details. This combination of history and nature makes the town exceptionally rewarding for photographers of any style. Whether you favour architecture, street photography, or natural scenery, Knaresborough provides an unusual density of visua...

Welcome to my latest blog, which is all about choosing the right day bag for your smartphone photography trips. The first thing to say is that if you're venturing out to take photos with just your smartphone, then you probably don't even need a bag, but if you're looking to carry more than your smartphone, then you might want to consider buying a suitable bag. So, here’s a short, practical blog with some useful tips about choosing a day bag for smartphone photography — focused on real-world needs. 📸 What to look for when buying a day bag for smartphone photography. Smartphone photography has never been more accessible, but to make the most of it on the go, you need the right day bag. A good bag keeps you organised, will protects your gear, and keeps you shooting comfortably all day.  🎒 1. Comfort and wearability You’ll likely be carrying your bag for hours, so comfort is critical. Look for padded straps (wide ones reduce pressure points), breathable back panels to minimis...

Welcome to my latest blog, which this week highlights two of my very different photographs, which are nevertheless connected by the theme of Old and New. I have tried to give you a critique of the images, which as a serious photographer I think is something you need to learn how to do. Please feel free to add your comments, after all, it's all about learning. Taken in Berlin in June 2023. I feel this photo has a strong sense of place and contrast. The vintage Trabant cars (an iconic symbol of Communist East Germany) in the foreground are the immediate focal point, which I think inject character, nostalgia, and humour, especially when set against the clean, modern apartment blocks behind them. This juxtaposition—old versus new, playful versus austere—is, I feel, the image’s greatest strength. In terms of composition, I deliberately positioned the cars slightly off-centre, which I felt added balance and kept the scene from feeling static. However, although the clear dayli...

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 ...