No filter: The importance of light when you're taking photos with your smartphone

"90 per cent of the images I post and use are taken on my iPhone X," said Ryan Pernofski, mobile photographer and graphic designer.

"When I started, I had no other option but to use my phone – I was just out of school with no money, so I just learned how to use it. I've shot using all iPhones since iPhone 4."

Pernofski's Instagram profile, made up of images taken on his smartphone, has drawn in over 112k followers for his shots of waves in Australia.

"The biggest tip I can give anyone is to focus on the lighting – shoot at the right time with as much natural light as possible," he said.

"Of course, for journalists it can be hard if you haven't got control of the situation that you're shooting in, but you want to look for, or create good light by moving your subject or investing in portable lights."

He explained that the less light in your shot, the more grainy it will appear, especially if you have to blow it up to a larger size.

Camera apps can enable mobile journalists to get more control over their image, but Pernofski noted that these aren't necessarily needed, or practical to use in every situation.

"I could use FilmicPro or other apps and tools, but the waves move so fast that I don't want to be locked into a setting – when the wave moves, it goes from dark to light really quickly," he said.

"I wouldn't be able to use a complicated app, because I am trying to stay afloat while trying to get a good photo – I just have to ensure it's in focus and I'm not drowning."

gold light pic.twitter.com/Dn0LwBINaG

— Ryan Pernofski (@RyanPernofski) May 12, 2018

Instead, he ensure to make as much preparations as he can beforehand.

"The first thing I always do when I go to shoot is wipe my iPhone lens – when you're carrying your phone it'll get fingerprints or dust on – a simple tip that makes a big difference," he said.

For his latest book, 90 Days of Summer, part of the 'Seasons' photo journal series, Pernofski photographed every day, capturing the natural way the waves moved during sunrises and sunsets.

As he often finds himself shooting in the water, his equipment comprises of an AxisGo waterproof casing and a camera leash, which helps him safely capture images that a lot of photographers would miss from the shore.

He presses the screen of his iPhone to focus the image and then uses burst mode to take 10 photos a second, which he activates by holding the shutter down when he wants to shoot as the wave is getting closer to him.

"I've learned that when you're shooting fast-moving objects, don't be indecisive. If you second-guess yourself, you'll often miss the shot," he said, noting that he has missed shots on many occasions by over-thinking and changing his mind.

"As soon as you hesitate, you miss the moment – go with your gut.

"If you want to improve your photography skills, get creative and try something different. Experiment when you're using your iPhone – every time I go out I learn something new."

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