Capturing Landscape and Nature With Mobile Devices

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS BY DANIEL BERMAN AND MELISSA VINCENT

Both Daniel Berman and Melissa Vincent, well-known artists in the mobile photography world, take stellar mobile shots of landscapes and nature. They share their favorite apps and top tips.

FAVORITE LENS ATTACHMENTS

Daniel» The olloclip because it’s so small, light and easy to use. Their macro lens gives very pleasing results.

Melissa» The olloclip and Photojojo macro attachment lenses inspire me to shoot on a daily basis. I have a cell science degree, so looking at things up close and in different ways has always been something that has piqued my interest.

GO-TO APPS

Daniel» Right now … Snapseed, VSCO Cam, Filterstorm, Blender, Handy Photo, Photo fx.

Melissa» They are constantly changing, but right now I like Repix, Superimpose, Elasticam and Facetune.

Alan and the Goose - “This mobile shot was taken on a very early spring day not long after the pond had melted. Alan had a moment with the goose.” —Daniel Berman

Sundown for Jim James - “I have a series of sundown images taken at the local millpond, and I name each one in honor of a favorite musician.” —Daniel Berman

Wishes - “Nothing makes me feel more like a child again than blowing dandelion seeds. When I saw this one on a hot summer day, I knew I had to capture it with my iPhone and olloclip macro lens. It’s a photo of wishes yet to be wished.” —Melissa Vincent

New Beginnings - “Spring is one of my favorite seasons because of the new life it brings. This photo of a pink bud just about to burst open made me pause and take a shot with my iPhone and olloclip macro lens. It illustrates the innocence, youth and hope that so aptly brings to mind the spring season.” —Melissa Vincent

DANIEL’S TOP TIPS

• In landscape photography, when you shoot is as important as what you shoot. Early in the morning and prior to sunset are the landscape photographer’s favorite times of day. The light is softer and casts a glow upon the land that is fleeting, ethereal and golden.
• Look for points of interest in the landscape like animals, a solitary tree in a field or water reflecting the sunset. Be creative and keep your eyes open!
• Use the form factor of the phone itself to create unique shots. Go places up high and down low for shots not easily possible with a bigger camera.

MELISSA’S MOBILE MACRO TIPS

• Take outdoor photos on days without wind. Your subject has to be still to achieve a crisp shot.
• Experiment by taking shots of all kinds of things in nature and in your daily life. You will be surprised how amazing ordinary things look up close.
• Keep a steady hand. Setting your smartphone on a tripod is one way to eliminate movement, but for shots in nature you will usually need to practice getting close to the subject while keeping your hand as still as possible. Use both hands to reduce motion.