Annabel joins Jet Black Squares as a smartphone photography associate in Lymington and the New Forest area. She has had a love for photography ever since she acquired an old 35mm film camera as a teenager and discovered the lure of the darkroom. Since then, alongside her career as a Paediatrician, she has gained her LRPS and a Masters in Documentary Photography. In recent years, Annabel’s interest in smartphone photography has grown, and she is now keen to share her skills with more buddling smartphone photographers.
We chatted with Annabel about her approach to smartphone photography.
WHAT FIRST INTERESTED YOU ABOUT SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY?
I first realised the amazing potential of smartphone photography in 2018, whilst facilitating a group of teenagers with a photography project. As they had been asked to take photos on their phones, I realised that I would need to get some experience with this new photographic tool. Delving into it myself, I quickly became a complete convert!
What phone do you use, and what are your favourite features?
I use an iPhone 14 Pro, and I particularly like the free app Snapseed because it’s such a powerful editing tool. I also enjoy playing around with “slow shutter” apps (particularly Slow Shutter Cam) as you can achieve some astounding results.
What’s your favourite location for photography?
I love walking around the seawall among the salt marshes and looking over the Solent here in Lymington - the light and views change every day. - as well as the Forest (particularly in winter). But I also really enjoy urban and street photography when I get the opportunity.
WHY DO YOU LOVE THIS PARTICULAR IMAGE?
One of the challenges I have set myself recently is to try and capture some of the local birdlife on my iPhone with slow shutter apps….and it is a challenge! Here is an image I took and edited last year using Slow Shutter Cam on 1/8th sec capture. An egret startled into flight beside me with winter vegetation and a barbed wire fence behind it. I had the Slow Shutter app open and managed to capture the bird’s take off. Using Snapseed, I then cropped the image to remove some of the unnecessary background and used the selective tool to brighten the egret’s body and bring out the yellow of its feet. I’m delighted with the image and the fact it has been created only using a smartphone.
FIND OUT MORE
Annabel runs group, family and 1:1 smartphone safaris In the Lymington and The New Forest area. To take a look at the tours she offers and to book, please click below.