Hein Van Tonder has had serial success within the competitors since its inception in 2011. Most not too long ago, he has received the On the Cellphone class again to again; taking dwelling first place in 2023 and 2024.
Our On the Cellphone class helps Motion In opposition to Starvation, our charity companion. AAH is a global charity dedicated to saving the lives of malnourished kids and supporting their households to beat starvation. For each picture entered on this class, £2 goes to AAH.
For our newest weblog, we requested Hein to share his prime suggestions from taking images on cellular gadgets.
Phrases by Hein Van Tonder
Regardless of in case you are a newbie, a hobbyist or professional photographer with years of expertise behind a DSLR, the digital camera in your cellphone is a unbelievable device to have in your pocket and the final word comfort. All it takes is a fast swipe or scan of your face and you may seize a magical second on the fly, be it eating on the hottest new restaurant on the town, a particular household event or that foodie journey of a lifetime.
Listed below are a few of my prime suggestions for taking images in your cellphone:
- Know your digital camera
Take a while and get to know the digital camera. Learn up concerning the totally different settings and what the aim is of every setting. Mess around with the totally different choices out there when taking a photograph, evaluate the outcomes and see which you favor, what works greatest in your fashion or assist you take the subsequent step in your work. This manner you realize the settings are to your liking and you may deal with capturing and never lacking a chance for a fantastic shot
- Pure mild
Meals seems at its greatest in pure mild. I don’t even attempt to take images of meals at night time (until it’s a night time time market) or in dimly lit eating places. If I do know I need to take images of the meals at a restaurant I’ll go for lunch and at all times ask for a desk closest to the window in order that I’ve ample pure mild to work with.
Fisherman by Hein Van Tonder, 2024 Winner of On the Cellphone class
- Digital camera focus
Be certain that your topic is in focus. Faucet on the world of the display the place you need the digital camera to focus – on my digital camera it’s a yellow sq.. And ensure the lens is clear.
- Shoot RAW
Shoot within the largest dimension your digital camera will permit and ideally RAW. This provides you the chance to edit a picture to your liking or take away undesirable particulars within the shot with out degrading the standard. And it means that you can have the very best high quality picture out there. You by no means know when Pink Girl Meals Photographer of the 12 months would wish a excessive res to allow them to print your finalist picture.
Bonnet Delights by Hein Van Tonder, 2023 Winner of On the Cellphone class
- Panorama vs Portrait
Meals very seldom seems good in case your digital camera is in panorama (horizontal) orientation so I (nearly) at all times use portrait orientation. In case you are capturing a bigger scene, akin to my successful picture in 2023 it needs to be panorama orientation however there the main target of the picture was the scene of which the meals was part of and the principle focus.
- Composition
Contemplate the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition. Use the grid strains on the display to information you should you need assistance with composition. You possibly can solely break the principles should you perceive the principles. As soon as you’re comfy and perceive the principles of composition, begin experimenting with totally different angles and views. And by no means be afraid of utilizing damaging area to attract the main target of the viewer’s eye.
Market Girl by Hein Van Tonder, Extremely Recommended, On the Cellphone class, 2024
- Portrait Mode
Most cameras have a “Portrait Mode” or one thing related and this perform is magic relating to photographing meals because it retains your topic in sharp focus with a blurred background. This softness across the topic leads the viewer’s eye to the topic and whereas including temper and environment to the shot.
- Edit your photographs
Photographs shot on a digital camera cellphone are often adequate as is however it’s with enhancing you could make it your individual. With just some tweaks you possibly can improve the colors, crop the picture to make your topic stand out or regulate the lighting for simply the proper temper.
Chinatown by Hein Van Tonder, Extremely Recommended, On the Cellphone class, 2020
- Inform your story
Draw the viewer into the world of your picture. Consider how one can let the viewer see what time of day it’s, maybe what’s the season of the yr or the placement of the scene you’re creating. Add some motion, a pour, a drizzle or a splash so as to add some element to the story of your topic. However you possibly can solely deal with these components as soon as you’re comfy with the digital camera and the technical bits.
- Deal with the moments, experiment and have enjoyable
With the ability to pull out your cellphone and have a digital camera out there immediately means that you can seize moments on the fly particularly when travelling. Folks additionally are usually extra comfy to be the topic in case you are utilizing a cellphone digital camera as a substitute of a big, intimidating DSLR. So use that to your benefit and seize moments and reminiscences whereas having a great deal of enjoyable with it.
See earlier finalists of the On the Cellphone class and discover out extra right here
