How to Make Money with Photography (14 Tips for 2022)

By Josh Dunlop 

You’ve discovered the art of photography and honed your skills. But now you are wondering, “how can I earn money through photography?”.

Here are a few lesser-known ways a photographer can find work. Doesn’t matter if you’re setting up a portfolio, or struggling to find the work you’re ready for. This post will help you figure out how to make money with photography.

 

14. Sell Prints Online

If you practice enough, there’s a good chance you’ve taken some amazing shots by now. So good in fact that people are going to want to buy them. So why not start selling prints? There are different ways to make money by selling prints. Both options can be very easy to do and inexpensive.

The easiest way is selling photos online through a third-party seller. They will do all the legwork, process the order, print and send out the prints. In return, they provide you with a commission. There’s no reason why you can’t go through all your best photos right now, and upload them to a site. Start making money from the prints you sell today!

A great platform on which you can sell your prints is Etsy. This is a website that offers a platform to sell all kinds of handmade products. Each listing is only $0.25 so it is a cost-effective way to sell. All you need to do is print your image, put it on the website, and then send the print to the buyer. If there are any complaints or refunds, you will have to manage them.

Another way of selling prints is a little bit harder. You have to print them yourself and sell them through shops and restaurants.

Say, for example, you’ve taken plenty of nice photos from your area. You could approach a cafe or a restaurant, and come to an arrangement where they display and sell your photographs. All you have to do is print them and give them a commission. They get artwork, you get money. At the very least, you will have your photos displayed to thousands of people.

13. Sell Your Travel Photography Stories

Do you love travelling and photography? You could make money doing both!

There is an increase in demand for original content. Clients such as magazines and newspapers are constantly looking for new content. This means you can try to make money by creating and selling travel content. This could be photos or videos highlighting destinations.

If you are also a talented writer, you can provide a complete package of an article with photographs. To be able to sell these, the article and photos need to create a story. So, it is important to take photos that don’t only look good. They need to tell a story.

Newspapers and magazines aren’t the only organizations that need travel photos. You can also sell them to tour operators, travel companies, airlines, or even your local magazine.

Often you’ll find that the more you work with a client, the more other opportunities will present themselves.

12. Pursue Wedding Photography

Many photographers prefer to go down the wedding photography route. This niche has the potential to make you a lot of money as a photographer. And for a good reason. The stress, planning, and amount of work you need to do are immense.

Not only are the financial benefits high, but it is also a very rewarding job. You get to be a part of one of the happiest days of some people’s lives.

But, the pressure is quite high. You are responsible for capturing one of the most important moments of the happy couple. Hence, it is important to make sure you have enough practice. If you already shoot events or portraits, you are on your way to being a wedding photographer.

If you aren’t sure you are ready to shoot weddings, you can try the following to get a similar idea:

• Work as a second shooter.
• Photograph engagement sessions.
• Create a stylized shoot (a fake wedding).
• Photograph the rehearsal.

Here, you’ll learn how to start a wedding photography business and how to make the most of it.

11. Make Your Own Photo Book

One of the less common ways to make money through photography is to make your own photo book. There are many galleries available online. However, photo books are superior to virtual galleries in many ways.

Photo books offer a lot of customization. Unlike a photo album, you can customize your photo book any way you like. You can add text, create frames around your photographs, and organize your collection of images. If you’re efficient, you can create a photo book within an hour or two. You can also try to buy a photo book online such as the Self Adhesive Photo Album and customise it to your taste.

Photo books are cost-effective. Printing hundreds of photos and buying a good album is costly. Many photo book services offer books that cost as little as $10.

They are also great gifts for friends and family members who want to keep their memories in a single reliable place.

They’re ideal for sharing with clients. Some photographers prefer to share their portfolios in books. This helps prevent a variety of internet-related issues. It also makes you look more professional.

There are many ways to create a photobook. You don’t necessarily have to spend hours editing and compiling one on your laptop. Some websites, like Shutterfly, have designers who will create your photo book within 3 business days. Blurb is also a great platform to create your own professional portfolio. All you have to do is upload your photos.

It is important that you choose a specific theme for your photo book. This will make it look more appealing and interesting. You can create one theme for your entire book or pick different themes for every 10 pages.

Once you have a theme in mind, it’s time to start choosing your favourite photos.

Try to avoid having too many photos of the same kind. Use images with different angles, lighting, and poses. This will make your photo book as diverse as possible.

Prioritize bright images over dark ones. It is also a good idea to avoid very grainy photos as they look unappealing when printed on a page. Likewise, too much contrast or sharpness may ruin your image.

When choosing the resolution of your photos, try to keep them as large as possible. Most photography sites have a maximum and minimum size limit. The closer your pictures are to the maximum, the better they will look when printed.

10. License Through Flickr & Getty Images

Flickr helps thousands of people to start making money from their photos. If you have a Flickr account, you can now license your photos through Getty Images. So, when people see them, they can pay to use them, and earn you money.

Flickr members can turn on a “Request to License” link on their photo pages. The link will show right next to the licensing information. When a member makes a request, Getty Images reviews the photographer’s work. They will contact the Flickr member and help handle details like permissions, releases, and pricing. I would recommend only showing your best photos on Flickr, though.

9. Sell Your Photos in Galleries

Selling your photos in local galleries is a great way to make some money. But, it is important to figure out what sells. Photos that remind people of the local areas, such as nice views or local landmarks will sell. International landmarks, famous landscapes, and portraits of famous people may sell well to a large audience. But they’re going to be less popular in a local market.

As a general rule, if you have people in your photos, they won’t sell. Photographs of cliched subjects work well. For example, a photo of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or a boat in a sea town. Although these are overdone for locals, they appeal to tourists.

Ask in person to get wall space. The best way to actually get your photos featured in a gallery is to go and visit the gallery. Show them your work in person, and only take around 10 of your best photos.

If the local gallery decides they want to feature your photos, you will have to discuss pricing. Pricing differs in each situation. Some will allow you so rent wall space. Some will ask for a small monthly fee and a percentage of your profits. Others might handle all the printing and pricing but take a larger commission.

8. Sell on Stock Photography Sites

We’ve all heard of stock photography before, and it’s like what Getty is doing with Flickr. How do you make money from stock photography?

You can sit around and wait for clients to find your photographs. Or, you can sell photos online by submitting them to a variety of stock photography sites. You can add keywords, making it easier for people to find them.

Companies and businesses are always looking for stock photos. If your images fit what they are looking for, they will buy them. When I say buy, I really mean license. You can continue to sell photos time and time again, and make a good living if you have a large portfolio.

Commissions vary depending on which of the many stock photography sites you use. Here are a few to consider: iStock, BigStock, and Shutterstock.

7. Pursue Club Photography

This is a very specific type of photography, that’s listed here for a reason. Proper nightclubs have with well-established promoters. These promoters all want photos from their club at night, and you can be the one to provide them. It’s worth the promoter paying for a photographer to come along and take photos. These photos end up on Facebook and are used to promote the club.

You’ll probably notice that the majority of club photographers are in their early 20’s. So you don’t have to have the greatest experience in the world to get work. If you want to expand your photography, go down to a nightclub with your camera anyway. I have NEVER been stopped from going into a club with my camera.

And, as a little added bonus, if you enjoy this sort of thing, you start going to a lot of gigs for free. Go out tonight and take some photos at a local club/gig/event.

6. Try Real Estate Photography

Another great way to make money is to offer your services to an interior designer or real estate agent. Determine who you would want to work with. Figure out local photography job rates, and take a look at some sample images for real estate photography.

You’ll then need to create your own package. It should include a rate sheet, a contract, and other details to make sure the whole process goes smoothly.

Then, all you have to do is networking and identifying potential clients! Meetup.com, Meero or Facebook groups are great platforms to find local real estate events. You can also try to find connections at design-related conferences or events.

Regardless of how you are networking, do not overlook the power of word of mouth! Be sure to let your family, friends, and colleagues know that you’re looking to connect with new clients. In addition, create a social media page targeted just for real estate photography.

5. Assist Other Photographers

You want to make money with photography, but aren’t yet ready to get your own projects? Try assisting other photographers.

Assisting a photographer is one of the best ways to gain experience and start making money fast. You will need a strong portfolio if you’re expecting to work at weddings and such, though. There is also high-end work, such as fashion. Here, you won’t get behind the camera but still gain experience and money.

Photographers often need assistants on jobs, and you should expect to be compensated for your time. The biggest advantage of all is that you don’t have to look for the work, it comes to you.

The hardest part is finding people who are willing to pay you the money you want, for the work you’re good at. Take some time now and find local working photographers in your area. Contact them, ask if they need an assistant. Offer to do the first time for free if you like. If you’re any good, they will want you back.

4. Build a Blog

Starting a photography blog is a great way to get your photographs seen. Creating a strong photography blog to complement your photography portfolio is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.

To create your own website, you first have to buy your own domain name and hosting for your website. Then, install WordPress, a theme, and some plugins. Write your first post, and ta-da, your website is ready!

3. Start Teaching

Getting into a rather competitive market takes a lot of hard work and dedication. If you are you don’t want to be constantly fighting for clients and jobs, I would suggest teaching.

Not everyone can learn from the internet. If you have the ability to teach, reach out to those people, and show them how it’s done, one on one. A good teacher can make a good living, whether it’s from group classes or one on one sessions.

2. Enter Photography Competitions

I think photo contests is one way to make money that most people seem to forget about. I went round one of my model’s house and up on the wall was a pretty terrible picture of her when she was younger. It looked like a friend had taken it in a playground. It turns out that some photographer won $2500 for it in Canada. My jaw dropped. I couldn’t take my eyes off the thing, it was just so… average.

It doesn’t take long to enter photo contests. Even if you do not end up winning, it will get your work out there. If you’re lucky, your work might even get critiqued.

1. Share All of It on Social Media

Instagram is a great source of inspiration for good photography. But, you can also use Instagram to make money by selling your images.

You can supply photos to businesses and blogs that constantly need images. Many photographers sell the images that they post on their page. All they do is add a link that allows you to buy their photos from a third-party site.

Common Questions on How to Make Money as a Photographer

How Much Money Can You Make as a Photographer?

According to the New York Institute of Photography, here are some general figures about how much photographers should earn based on their expertise.

• Hobbyist: Free (or under $100). These are mainly people who love photography and simply like to practice their passion for fun. They offer to do shoots for relatives and friends for free or way below market price.
• Amateur: $25 – $75 per hour. This is someone who is just beginning in the photography world.
• Student: $50-100 per hour or $25-100 per image. Students’ rates depend on their skill and the amount of experience they have. But, if they are advanced, they can charge as much as professionals.
• Semi-Pro: $50–$150 per hour or $50-125 per image. These are photography school graduates who have completed formal training and have some professional experience. Although they might not yet own their own studio, they are not beginners and therefore charge a slightly higher rate.
• Professional: $75-$250 per hour or $75-$250 per image. This photographer has a lot of experience and has earned respect for his or her work.
• Top Professional: $200-$500+ per hour or $250-$1,500 per image. These are the cream of the crop, the elite, highly in-demand photographers.

How Do Freelance Photographers Make Money?

Freelance photographers are self-employed photographers. They take projects from various organizations and people as and when they like.

Freelancers have the flexibility to choose what project they take. For example, it could be for a media company, a newspaper, an event, or a commercial shoot. They get paid by project/hour/day. To make money, freelance photographers have to market their work. It is important to have a strong portfolio and network to find new projects.

What Type of Photos Sell Best?

There is no one kind of photograph that sells the most universally. It depends on where you are selling your images, which niche you are targeting, and who your customer is. More specifically, if you are selling on stock photography sites, there are a few categories that sell better than others.

For example, pictures of people doing everyday things, nature, animals, transport are especially popular. In addition, images of businessmen and women, electronics, and money are hugely in demand for businesses.

There are many ways to make money through photography. You can sell prints, offer your photography or retouching services, or teach. Depending on your personality and what you are interested in, you can monetize your skills in photography. 

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Free Photography Ebook 

Stock Photography: The Nitty Gritty of Image Licensing – Free Quick Guide

Download Your Free Guide Now →

Most of us have dreamed about, or at least thought about, the potential of earning some money with our photography.

That dream could span from becoming a full-time pro to simply paying for that next lens we’ve been lusting after.

If you’re like me… You can’t just quit your day job to go take pictures.

So, what options are there?

One possibility for earning money is image licensing, also known as stock photography.

Anyone with a camera, and a desire to do so, can enter this money-making venture.

However, there are some things that you need to know.

Author, photographer, and educator Robin Nichols has been selling his stock photography for over 25 years. He’s going to give you a primer on how to get started.

Here is what Robin covers:

• Is image licensing worth your time and effort?
• Why a non-specific image can be beneficial.
• What makes a good stock photograph?
• Tips to get you started
• Some stock agencies that you should know
• How to set your expectations

This is a very interesting read!

Don’t miss out.

Photo Credit: Robin Nichols

Download Your Free Guide Now → 

 

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12 Tips for Making It as a Magazine Photographer

Tags: Shutterbug, Photography for Beginners, Newbie Phothographer

By Chad Verzosa 

 There’s really nothing like seeing your name and images printed in a magazine for the first time.
Do you think you’re ready to make the leap and become a magazine photographer?
Here are 12 tips to help you get there. 

1. Choose a Speciality to Stand Out More

Some people tend to think that publications love portfolios with different types of images. That’s not true at all.
Editors like consistency. Focus on what you’re good at, and stick with that.
Don’t worry about not landing gigs if you like landscape or food photography. There are a lot of freelance and professional photographers out there, but better to be the best in your field than average in a niche.
Niche photographers are harder to come by. Pursue less popular genres. You’ll have a better chance of getting hired for magazine photographer jobs.
Try out still life, or astrophotography, or even macro photography.
But don’t discard popular genres altogether. The important thing is that your work stands out, regardless of the field you’ve chosen.

2. Ask Your Friends to Pose for Practice Shoots

Ask your friends to be your “models.” Even though you’re doing it for “fun” at this point, you should still treat it seriously.
Remember that you need to use the pictures you took of your mates for your portfolio. So make it look professional even when you’re just playing around.
Ultimately, you need to be comfortable around your camera no matter the situation. This will help.
Learn how to manipulate aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Make sure you know how to focus correctly as well as how to use manual settings.

3. What Equipment Should You Buy

You don’t need professional equipment when you’re still starting. That doesn’t mean that you can get away with using your phone or a compact camera, either.
The best choices are DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. These let you change lenses and use Manual Mode.  It’s okay if you buy the entry-level option.
It may be cheap, but believe it or not, it has all you need to produce work that’s magazine-worthy.
For lenses, you’ll need at least one f/1.8 or f1/4 prime lens (either 35mm or 50mm) on top of your kit lens.
These are especially useful for portraits that need significant background blur. They’re also great for shooting fast movement.
Once you earn more money doing commercial photography, you can upgrade your equipment.
Having said that, don’t obsess over buying gear even if you have the money. What matters is how you use whatever you already have.

4. How to Build a Portfolio

The next step is creating a decent portfolio. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done any real photo shoots yet. You still have to make everything look professional.
Select a few images that you consider are the best. If you have any doubt about any particular picture, don’t include it– even if you can’t explain why it seems off.
Try to include at least 10 photographs for your first portfolio. That’s more or less the right amount of pictures to help editors gauge if you’re a good fit for the publication or not.
Just make sure everything looks coherent. If you plan to do an editorial photography portfolio, stick to editorial images and nothing else.
Say you have non-editorial photos that you think the publication would also be interested in. Put them in a separate category.
Organize everything so the editor doesn’t get a headache navigating your website.
They’ll be much more likely to stay on your website.

5. Use Instagram to Increase Your Potential Reach

Consider social media as an extension of your portfolio. Anyone who decides to look you up online is bound to find your Instagram sooner or later.
You might as well make sure that the photos you post on your feed are topnotch as well.
Photographers get discovered on Instagram all the time. So you should use the platform to promote your work as well.
The amount of followers doesn’t matter that much. Especially now that people are reluctant to follow you even if you’re really good.
What’s important is the number of impressions you get from each photo you upload. If you get a lot of likes on your posts all the time, that means you can engage people through your photography.
You should also integrate hashtags of your favourite magazines where appropriate. If they like your work, they might end up reposting some of your tagged photos.
Later on, you can mention your interactions with them when you decide to apply for a job.

6. Read Magazines to Figure Out What Styles They’re After

If you want to sell photos to magazines, read a few that interest you. It may seem strange to buy physical copies of publications these days. But they offer a plethora of information you’ll find helpful.
Browsing through the pages of a magazine allows you to get a sense of its style. Study the photographs and list down the patterns you see.
Do you find more documentary-style photos or fashion-related work? How do they use images to tell stories? Can you relate to their aesthetics?
Try to incorporate what you like in those photos into your own work. Of course, the goal is not to copy exactly what you see, but to help build your personal style.
Ultimately, you don’t want your pictures to look like they’ve been torn out of a Vogue magazine. Just about everyone wants to achieve that look. Make your work unique and it’ll stand out.

7. Check the Masthead for Submission Guidelines

You’ll find this in the first few pages of the magazine. Masthead is the other term for the editorial page of the publication.
It provides the names of the editors, writers, photographers, and their contact information.
It also lists their submission guidelines.
Not every magazine accepts submissions. But if they do, the masthead is where you’ll find information about it.
Submission guidelines give you the chance to appear in the magazine. Each publication has a different set of guidelines. So follow the directions carefully when submitting photos to magazines.
You don’t want to blow your chances just because you failed to rename or resize your files the way they wanted you to.

8. Contact Editors to Get Noticed

If you don’t see the submission section, that doesn’t mean you should give up. You can correspond with the publication via email, instead.
You can also use websites such as Workbook. These provide access to a directory of various publications.
Once you have an email address, feel free to write the publication a short message. Introduce yourself and share your portfolio. You can also tell them what services you can offer for them.
In most situations, you’ll want to send your email to a photo editor or a creative director. They’re the ones who handle photographers.
Don’t be surprised if most won’t answer back. They get letters from other photographers like you all the time.
You might only get one response or two. But you’re already a step closer to becoming a real professional photographer.

9. Start Locally

If you want to jumpstart your commercial photography career, look for local publications. They’re more accessible than well-known companies.
Local publications will pay you less or even have you work for free. But this type of work means experience and exposure.
Working locally also gives you the chance to collaborate or interact with magazine photographers. Talk to them and ask for advice.
You’d be surprised how willing they are to help you out with photography.

10. Being Prepared Will Help You Work Under Pressure Better

Your first professional photo shoot is going to be the most nervewracking. When a publication takes a chance on you, you’ll need to create quality work no matter what happens.
On your first professional photo shoot, you’ll realize that things may not always go according to plan. The shots you expected to be awesome may end up looking terrible.
That’s why knowing the ins and outs of your camera is essential. You have to know how to capture any subject in any situation using the right settings on the spot.
To avoid any issues you may face on the field, make sure you’re prepared for the shoot.
Bring two of everything, especially batteries and SD cards. Also, throw in a black gaffer tape in your bag. If you’re wondering what you need it for, wait for something to break, and you’ll understand why.
Eventually, when you’re confronted with problems in the future, you’ll know exactly how to solve them.

11. Always Follow the Assignment Guidelines

Some photographers make the mistake of going against what their editor tells them. They think that their vision is better than other people’s, so they ignore their opinions.
The truth is, doing that only risks their chances of achieving what they want.
Once you start working for a publication, always keep in mind that your editors know best.
They have significantly more experience than you. Follow what they tell you–even if you don’t exactly agree with them.
Take notes all the time and avoid the mistakes that your editors warn you about.
If an editor tells you that he doesn’t like how you shot a particular image, ask them why. List down what they want to see in your work and make sure you include them into your next set of images.
Most of all, don’t make the same mistakes they already pointed out.
Knowing how to accommodate your editor’s needs gives them a reason to work with you more in the future.
Make them feel that you’re easy to work with, and you’ll increase your chances of getting even more gigs.

12. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Own Style

Although you should always do what your editor tells you, you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment as well.If your editor tells you to capture a subject using a specific manner, you can create extra pictures in your own style.
As long as you make sure you’ve satisfied what your superior wants, it won’t hurt to include a few photos of your own.
Editors love a magazine photographer who has a vision. It’s okay to take the initiative every once in a while and show them what you’re capable of.

Your success in commercial photography will depend on how different your images are.
There are a lot of photographers that can shoot fashion. But only a few of them are truly unique.
Keep working at your craft and strive to be excellent… and one-of-a-kind.  

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FREE Photography Ebook

Depicting Diversity With Your Photography – Free Quick Guide

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You have probably heard a lot about diversity in recent years.

You’ll know that it’s been a huge and controversial issue, with protestors pushing for diversity and representation across all forms of media.

While Hollywood films, fashion magazines, and business leaders may have been heavy targets, all kinds of photography should be considered places to push for greater representation.

Diversity in photography means ensuring that your photos include people from different backgrounds and walks of life, rather than always presenting a homogeneity in the people you photograph.

There are some surprising benefits to taking this route. Once you’ve learned what they are, you’ll be keen to incorporate more representation in your shots.

This guide will show you how by covering the following topics:

• The Benefits of Diverse Photography
• Diversity vs. Tokenism
• Finding Diverse Models
• Presenting a Balanced Portfolio
• Working With Minorities

Grab your copy hot off the press!

Photo Credit: Rhiannon D’Averc

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iPhone vs Android for Smartphone Photography

Tags: Shutterbug, Photography for Beginners, Newbie Photography

By Chad Verzosa 

 

When buying a phone, there’s one question that a lot of us often ask: Is the iPhone better than Android for photography? It’s a tricky question.

We’ll discuss the differences between iPhone vs Android and help you decide which is the best. 

Price

Price is one of the crucial factors that any phone buyer needs to consider. All the cool features of the newest phone wouldn’t matter if you couldn’t afford it. Let’s look at the difference in price between iPhones and Androids.

There’s no denying that iPhones are generally more expensive than many Android versions. The cost of Apple’s latest release, the iPhone XS, exceeds $1000.

Meanwhile, some Android phones can be as cheap as $30 (Alcatel Raven and other models).

But Android also has high-end options that are even more expensive than some iPhone models. Devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 have as many, if not more, features as the iPhone XS or XR.

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll have better chances of owning an Android phone. Or you could buy a used iPhone instead. This would still cost more than $100 in most cases.

If you’re willing to shell out top dollar for a phone, then you have to do some research on what you want.

At this price range, it can be hard to tell apart the difference between Android and iPhone. Many of them share similar features.

Hardware

Apart from the price, you’re going to want to look at the physical features that iPhone and Android phones offer.

Hardware varies a lot from one phone to another. Even iPhone models differ in the features they offer. But in general, the iPhone has a uniform look and parts.

Since only Apple manufactures the iPhone, they get to have full control over the design.

On the other hand, Android phones look a lot more different from each other than iPhones. And the reason is that there are dozens of manufacturers from Samsung to LG that create these devices.

That means some Android devices may have plastic lenses while others have glass. The sensors also vary from one manufacturer to another. So despite being Android, the quality of the photos may differ from each other.

But the fact that Android phones are different is also the reason why they’re popular.

People get to enjoy more variety of features instead of getting stuck with the uniform features of the iPhone.

Resolution

As we mentioned earlier, it’s the price that determines your device’s features. And this category is where you’ll see tangible differences between the Android and the iPhone.

iPhones feature some of the best cameras for mobile devices. Their latest model, the XR, has a 12-megapixel camera that can even record in 4K.

Meanwhile, camera features vary a lot when it comes to Android. A cheap Android phone such as the Alcatel Raven only has a 5-megapixel camera that produces grainy pictures.

But Android also has a few phones with cameras that rival that of the iPhone’s. Let’s take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus’s specs for instance.

Apart from a 12-megapixel dual camera, it also features a 16-megapixel wide-angle camera. And just like the iPhone, it can also record 4K.

When it comes to cameras, you get what you pay for. So invest in a good phone that does the job for you. If you want a hassle-free experience that lets you take pictures with ease, then go with the iPhone.

If you like customization and features that the iPhone doesn’t offer, then consider buying an Android, instead.

Dual-Camera

Dual-cameras used to be exclusive to expensive flagship phones a few years ago. But these days, even the cheaper options also have them. And that steps ups the game when it comes to the iPhone vs Android debate.

These days, you can get a great Android dual-camera phone such as the Honor 10 Lite for less than $200. It features a whopping 24-megapixel main front camera and a 13-megapixel rear dual-camera.

That means you can now take beautiful bokeh shots on your device without breaking the bank.

But of course, the cream of the crop for Android phones are still the expensive flagship options. In general, they offer better resolution and performance in low-light conditions. Not to mention that they also have way more features than their budget counterparts.

For instance, Smartphone such as the $900 Huawei P30 Pro offers both telephoto and wide-angle cameras that cheaper dual-camera phones lack.

Its aperture can also go as low as f/1.4 to let you shoot in low light without bumping the ISO.

Meanwhile, the iPhone XR’s camera features seem to pale in comparison to phones such as the Huawei P30. For instance, it only has a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens as opposed to Huawei’s 20-megapixel ultra-wide lens.

But the iPhone also has a larger sensor which allows it to perform better in low light than its competitors despite the lower resolution. It also has an optical image stabilization which lets it shoot crisp photos even at low shutter speeds.

Many Android phones boast more features than the iPhone. But at the same time, the iPhone often excels in what it does offer. For instance, it may not have the highest megapixel camera for example.

Its impressive dynamic range lets it shoot great photos in a variety of challenging lighting conditions.

Portrait Mode

The dual cameras have a variety of functions when it comes to smartphone photography. Of course, you can choose the telephoto or wide-angle lens individually for zooming in or taking close-up shots.

You can also use the two simultaneously to create photos with background blur.

If you want to learn how to make photos look professional, simply turn on Portrait Mode on the iPhone or Live Focus on Samsung devices.

Then the dual camera set-up does its magic to create bokeh shots that look like they have been taken with an SLR.

For the most part, both the iPhone and high-end Android phones do a really good job creating professional-looking background blur.

Unlike real DSLRs that achieve such effect through the use of lenses, these mobile devices use software in conjunction with the dual-lens instead.

The dual-lens works together to create a “depth map” that helps the phone calculate the distance of the subject from the background. Then, it uses software to blur the background.

In other words, these phones replicate the bokeh effect. Especially since even the dual-camera lenses aren’t enough to create it naturally.

The caveat of using this technology is that it tends to be a hit-or-miss when you use it. iPhones and Android devices equally suffer from miscalculating the background blur. So much so that it even appears too fake at times.

Fortunately, technology keeps improving and the newer phones that are coming out do a better job at creating realistic bokeh.

Native Camera Apps

For the most part, the native camera app of the iPhone and Android have so many similarities. The locations of the buttons and selections may be different, but they all work the same.

Both the iPhone and Android share the same features. In most cases, the only difference is what they call certain functions. For instance, the Portrait Mode on an iPhone is called Live Focus on an Android device.

So in many ways, the iPhone and Android are a tie when it comes to this category. Their native apps are both easy to use.

It’s just a matter of getting used to it especially if you’re more familiar with one platform than the other. But it doesn’t take a long time to figure out that they’re very much alike.

Third-Party Apps

Apps are as important as the camera features on your phone. That’s why you need to choose a device that is compatible with the apps you want to use.

For years, Apple has had tight control over the apps it accepts to its app store. That means it has fewer choices than Android.

But at the same time, the apps you see on Apple’s app store have better user satisfaction. The reason is that the company has strict guidelines that ensure the quality and safety of the apps they offer.

On the other hand, Android suffers from plenty of apps that are hit or miss. Many of the apps tend to suffer from more bugs and glitches due to the differences between software and/or hardware of various Android phones.

Android also doesn’t offer updates as often as Apple. As a consequence, it becomes even more susceptible to faulty apps. And this is also one of the reasons why some apps end up becoming incompatible with some Android devices.

The good news is that many camera/editing apps such as Lightroom and VSCO work with the iPhone and Android. That means both platforms get to enjoy the benefits of the best digital photography tools.

There are plenty of variables to consider when buying a smartphone. But for the most part, choosing between iPhone and Android is all a matter of preference. Android devices are just as good if not better as the iPhone.

If you love having dozens of features, then Android is the best for you. But if you want a phone that offers a seamless experience and still take great photos, then the iPhone is a great choice.

Don’t get stuck on the brand. Instead, do your research and look at all the specs of the device you want to buy. If it has everything you need for taking photos, then that’s the best smartphone camera for you.

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Another Photography Freebie

Better Landscapes with Your Smartphone

NOTE: We made a fancy PDF of this post for printing and viewing offline. Click here: https://photzy.com/better-landscapes-with-a-smartphone/   to download it for free.

by Kent DuFault

I’m going to just flat-out say it, “I love taking photographs with my iPhone 6+.” In fact, on a recent trip to Italy, I experimented with taking ALL of my travel photographs on the iPhone 6+.

 

What Is The Best Macro Lens for iPhone Photography

Tags: Shutterbug, Photography for Beginners, Newbie Photography

By Chad Verzosa 

Most modern smartphones have built-in wide angle lens and telephoto lens. But one area that even high-end phones currently lack is a macro lens feature. So if you’re looking for an excellent macro lens attachment to take close-up photos, we’ll show you a few options to consider.

What Is a Macro Lens?

A macro lens is a special type of optics that let you create close-up shots of objects.

Regular lenses convert real-life objects into a small image that could fit into the sensor of your camera. But a macro lens keeps the actual size of the item being photographed the same as the sensor. As a result, the subject in your image looks bigger.

Technically, the ratio of true macro lenses needs to be 1:1. Meaning that there shouldn’t be magnification or reduction when you convert the object you photograph into an image.

While some lenses on this list are true macro lenses, others are technically not. But they retain the “macro lens” label because they still take super close-up shots.

Easy-Macro Lens Band

This is one of the cheapest and simplest macro lens attachments on the list. It’s a rubber band with a small bead of a lens that you align with your smartphone or iPhone lens.

Frankly, it doesn’t look fancy at all and can be challenging to install. But the photos it takes are surprisingly sharp considering how simple this lens attachment is. It’s also secure enough that you don’t have to worry about it falling off while taking photos.

The lens boasts a 4x magnification at a shooting distance of one inch. Because of its design, the lens band is compatible with almost any phone from iPhones to Androids. And did we mention it works even with a case?

Black Eye Macro G4

The Macro G4 has a classic clip-on design that never fails its users for its simplicity. But don’t let its plain design fool you. It’s just as effective as the more expensive lens options on the list.

The G4 has a 15x magnifying power. It’s not as powerful as its counterparts, but it’s undoubtedly one of the sharpest. It features cinema-grade glass that’s coated to minimize flares and ghosting, and give high image quality.

Of course, we also have to mention that the G4’s simple clip design makes it compatible with all sorts of phones. It even works with dual-camera phones! All you have to do is align the attachment with the phone lens, and you’re good to go.

Olloclip Essential Macro Premium Glass Kit

If you’re a big fan of macro photography, then this is the lens kit for you. As it says in the product title, this is the essential macro lens kit which includes 7x, 14x and 21x magnification. That’s quite a good range for all types of macro and close-up shots.

The entire kit is connected, so you don’t have to worry about changing lenses all the time. All you have to do is unscrew the lenses you don’t need and keep the lens you want to use on your phone.

Olloclip is a brand known for quality lenses, so you can guarantee that the photos this kit lens takes are going to be sharp. It also comes with a remote, which is perfect if you want a hands-free operation. We all know how hard it is sometimes to take macro shots without a tripod.

Moment Macro Lens

Moment is one of the best brands out there when it comes to smartphone lenses. And their macro lens attachment is undoubtedly one of their best-sellers.

So what makes the Moment macro lens good? Well, it comes with superior optics that are coated to prevent undesirable glares. And the body that encases the lens is made of aerospace-grade metal that can endure heavy-duty use. Furthermore, it also comes with a diffuser hood that creates even lighting around your subject.

This pro lens is about $100, which is a bit expensive. You’ll also need to buy a compatible phone case by Moment to install it on your phone. It sure is a bit of an investment, but if you want top-quality for your macro images, this is definitely what you’ll need to get.

Xenvo Pro Lens Kit

The Xenvo kit includes two types of standard lenses you commonly see in most other brands. It comes with a wide-angle lens and a macro lens. To use the macro lens, all you have to do is unscrew the wide-angle lens that’s on top of it.

Xenvo also comes with a standard clip-on attachment that makes it compatible with most phones. Because of its basic design, it works on both single and dual camera phones from either Apple or Android.

So if Xenvo is pretty standard, what makes it special from other macro lenses? The answer is that it’s cheaper than both Olloclip and Moment. It is also is one of the best-reviewed budget lenses online. Don’t discount it for how simple it is, it could be exactly what you need.

Angfly 4K HD 2-in1 lens kit

Like the Olloclip and the Xenvo, Angfly also comes with both a wide-angle and a macro lens. What makes it different from its competitors is that it’s specifically built to be compatible with dual-lens phone cameras.

The Angfly works well with both iPhones and Androids. The best thing about it is its glass lens. This ensures that you can record in 4k or high definition without losing any quality. Its magnifying power is not as good as its counterparts, but at least you can guarantee sharp photos.

The downside of using Angfly is that it doesn’t work with phone cases. But it has a well-designed bracket that lets you secure the lens to your device in a snap. The bracket also goes around the phone lenses so they don’t get any damage when you install the macro attachment.

Pro Max Camera Lens Kit

If you don’t like lugging around lens attachments, then take a look at Pro Max’s lens kit.

This interesting phone case comes with five lenses that you can conveniently slide over your built-in phone camera. It features a CPL filter, fisheye, telephoto, and two macro lenses.

Pro Max’s macro lenses have a magnification power of 10x and 20x, giving you the freedom to shoot in various conditions. Like most well-made lens attachments, the optics are made of glass and can be used for shooting 4k.

The Pro Max is compatible with dual-camera iPhones and even comes with a 3-lens version for the iPhone 11. Now that’s quite a feat since this is the only brand that has tackled three-camera smartphones so far.

Super Eyes Macro Lens

This is arguably the most unique (and cheapest) macro lens you can buy online. Marketed as a dermascope that lets you take closeup photos of your skin, it has a 200x magnifying power. That means it can capture images on a micro-level.

The Supereyes macro lens is a long plastic tube with an adhesive at the base. You stick it to your phone lens instead of attaching it with a clip or a bracket. The clear shaft allows light to illuminate your subject even when you’re close.

Since the Supereyes uses an adhesive, you can only attach it so many times before it loses its stickiness. You would also need to zoom in digitally to avoid vignetting the plastic shaft causes. But despite its few caveats, it takes awesome images of even the most basic objects.

The best iPhone macro lens depends on you and your phone’s requirements. Remember that even though the products on the list do the same job, they all work a little differently. And don’t think so much about the prices. You can get a cheap lens and still take great macro photos with your iPhone.

Figure out what you need to accomplish and choose your iPhone lens carefully. Most of all, make sure that it’s compatible with your device. Otherwise, you can’t use it at all.

 

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