Thoughts on Phone Photos

I started out taking pictures for fun (back when film was your only option) and it's turned into a bit more than hobby. Back a few years I would have said, no way if you're going to do photography you need a camera. Now, I'm studying photography in college, but what I've been taught is to approach it from the perspective of an artist. So, as long as the image you're creating is effective and interesting, then it doesn't matter if you are using a phone camera, an expensive DSLR, or a point and shoot. So, I think it really depends on how you are approaching it. If you're wanting to make a nice, pretty picture, I'd recommend a camera, but I don't think that's necessary to create a visually interesting and effective image. That said, I think in this situation, the quality of the photos in first post detracts from the overall impact of the photos. They would be stronger images if the quality was improved, because the composition is interesting. Also, the focus being off is a little distracting too, but these images do have potential.
I really enjoy the discussion about this topic.

 

...this whole topic actually reminds me of something called the "Pro Photographer, Cheap Camera" challenge from DigitalRev TV. As you can guess, they give pros cheap cameras and have them complete a challenge. Most of the results are actually quite cool and to me if definitely proves that a little knowledge and a lot of creativity can go a long way, even with something like a camera phone!

 

This (I love DigitalRev TV!). Photography is about light. I know the opening post of this thread is several years old, but the same concepts are going to apply. Phone cameras are very weak in image quality when the light is insufficient, but if the camera has enough light the quality increases a lot. With modern phone / tablet cameras, I think as long as there is a good light source, the image quality is definitely sufficient for doll photography. Keep in mind that it's necessary to keep the composition nice and clean with phone cameras. Though the image quality can be fine, phone cameras don't give options, such as blurring the background out while your subject is in focus, that a DSLR and interchangeable lenses gives.

 

I think the composition is great!

However, technically the quality is terribly
Sorry to say, but they would look so much better if you got yourself even a cheap camera.

 

I think is only about skill, and the doll you take.
bad photo can be taken by pro camera too, and how you style your dolls can be most important in your pic.

 

It depends a lot on the phone, my recent pictures were all taken with a phone because it actually takes better pictures than my camera...

Can you tell this was taken with a phone?
t04 by ninive_rb, on Flickr

 

I only use my iphone for photos at the moment. My main problem with it is that they are too big, honestly. But I think its fine, really since you can just resize them on a computer. I mean unless you're a professional or have photography as your #1 hobby I don't think it's wrong to use a phone camera. Modern phone cameras can be surprisingly good.

I used to use a digital camera and the quality was just absolutely horrid. Unless I was taking a picture outside on a very sunny day, they would come out blurry and grainy no matter what. My phone's photos are significantly better than that camera was. So just because a device is a dedicated camera doesn't mean it's necessarily good, and just because a device is a phone doesn't mean it's necessarily bad either.

Still, it pales in comparison to the camera using film I had. It would take such beautiful photos. The only reason I don't use it anymore is because it's inconvenient, since you couldn't see what it would look like until you got it developed, and going to do so is time consuming.

 

I have a Oneplus One that's not too shabby at taking pictures, it's very nice to use when I just want a quick shot or to capture a moment. My partner has a Canon that I can borrow once in a while for photoshoots but I suck at using it. It's very difficult, not a point-and-shoot kind of thing so my pictures usually turn out worse than with my cellphone camera.

It all depens on how you use what is given to you I think...

 

I prefer Camera over my Iphone. Iphone is nice but for normal pictures. I sometimes miss my camera but since it's broken, I have to do it with my Iphone T-T.


So yea, when it comes to Iphone, taking pictures will turn out better with camera. Not sure how Samsung and other phones do it.

 

I currently just use my phone, a Galaxy S4. It takes decent photos, but if I want really nice once I borrow my dad's. I forget what his camera model is, but it's a nice Pentax, I believe. Phones take pretty good pictures as long as your lighting is also good. Cameras do better when lighting is less than optimal.

 

I have an LG-E970, which I've been using for quick photos ever since my point-and-shoot camera stopped working. While the quality isn't comparable with my dSLR, it's not bad. It's actually about the same as my point-and-shoot.

This is a photo I took earlier this week. It may not be technically perfect, but it's the shot I wanted. I didn't want to bring my dSLR because I had a lot of other errands to run and no place in my vehicle to completely hide the camera bag. (I have a little SUV without a closed trunk.)

ADAD Building by ladymadrigal80, on Flickr

 

your dolls are so cute!!! I recommend taking the photos in natural light though! they will look so pretty!

 

Lovely pictures, phones are getting even better with taking photos now plus there is so many photo editing apps to tweak them and add awesome affects.

 

I think we in this hobby are unnecessarily prejudiced against phone camera photos. I've see some really good ones and bad ones from both phones and "good" cameras. Personally I can't afford a camera and even if I could it's not a priority. I take snaps with my phone and even set up photo shoots for my boy and while I'm not the most spectacular I like the results (usually).

 

If you look at the dates of the posts, this thread was started in 2008 - at which time phone cameras were much less advanced than they are now. The most recent post before Ikez's up there was almost two years ago, so even since then they've advanced quite a bit... and people's opinions have largely changed accordingly.

Nowadays unless you have a Nice Camera I think most phone cameras are as good as a cheap digital. No one is going to harp on you for using a phone to take pics of your dolls for fun!

 

Some photos I've taken with camera phone can easily match a dslr, it's all about settings and good lighting etc