PORTRAIT MODE: THE END OF COMPACT CAMERAS?

BEN STEWART

It seems like having dual cameras on your phone has become almost the norm nowadays, but many people don’t even know that they are there, let alone why. However, I believe that Portrait Mode is an incredible tool for the modern photographer to promote themselves - particularly on instagram.

Portrait Mode is what Apple calls their artificial shallow depth of field tool in the camera app, although many other phones also have a similar feature. It uses the dual lenses on the back of the phone to approximate distance information of the subjects in the frame, and calculate how much to blur the background based on that. I use a third party app called Focos, which uses the Portrait Mode engine but gives you more control over the amount of bokeh, lets you focus after the fact and gives you a few other tools.

With the right conditions, you can create great photos with your phone, and continue your photography brand’s high quality image from your phone.

I use this all the time when I’m at an interesting place or on an interesting job, for example a food photoshoot. I’ll take a quick photo, then edit it and put it up as an instagram story. These posts usually grab people’s attention as most other stories are low quality shaky videos or directionless snapshots.

The Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand

Here’s the sort of photo I’d use if I was on a food shoot, with a picture of my camera and a caption saying what I’m doing, encouraging engagement.

I’ll leave you with a challenge I did with fellow photographer Will H Cho on the set of a music video we were working on (coming out soon…), where we took the same photo with his Mamiya Medium format film camera, and my iPhone. Here are the two photos, let me know if you can see the difference! (Full disclosure, I edited the iPhone photo to match colour-wise.)

Ben Stewart is a New Zealand based photographer and videographer specialising in events, music, portraits and commercials. Get in contact with him here or on instagram.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 21ST PHOTOGRAPHER?

BEN STEWART

The 21st birthday is a rite of passage for many young people. It is a chance to reflect on life so far, to catch up with friends and relatives, and to get some great photographs of a special night. 

Recently I've been lucky enough to photograph a lot of 21st birthday parties, and I've noticed some things that can really help make your photos special.

One thing that makes great photos is a great backdrop. This can be very simple, like some fairy lights or 21st balloons, or it can be a beautiful floral affair. I believe the most important thing for a backdrop is to be big enough for groups to stand in front of - this may sound simple but it is very easy to underestimate the size of a backdrop! Having a backdrop gives people somewhere specifically to get photos taken, and means the photographer can make your photos unique. You can also use the backdrop for phone photos/polaroids on the night! 

This backdrop can also double as the location for speeches, which can make for some really great photos too. 

This may sound like a strange request, but it can really make a difference for your photographer. 

Many photographers use a flash, and if they can bounce the light off a white ceiling then it will result in much more flattering lighting for you and your friends. Of course without a white ceiling I can still do my job, but the light will be more direct as opposed to bounced. 

If you have booked a photographer from 7pm until 10pm, don't wait until 9:55 to start speeches! 

If you plan your evening ahead of time and let the photographer know at the beginning of the event, then you won't have to stress about making decisions throughout the night. This can be as simple as saying what time you would like to do speeches and cake cutting, and where this will take place. The photographer can also make sure they are in position to capture the moments at the right time, and the night can go more seamlessly. 

The most important thing to do at a 21st is to have fun, and let the photographer do their work behind the scenes! The best photos come out when everyone is having a great time, so don't stress too much about every little detail going perfectly. 

I hope this has been helpful to you, and gives you more of an idea of what to expect from your photographer. 

Ben Stewart is a Wellington based photographer specialising in events, food and portrait photography. You can check out his previous work here, and book him here!