Gail is our Associate in the stunning city of Oxford. She developed her interest in smartphone photography during lockdown and has been obsessed ever since. You may spot her taking her dog, Mabel, for a walk in the local countryside and stopping to take a few snaps.
We chatted with Gail about her passion for smartphone photography and her top tips.
What first interested you about smartphone photography?
Lockdown! I came across an ad for an iPhone photography course. It wasn’t something I was hunting out, but with time on my hands (after mornings were spent home schooling) I thought it sounded like something interesting to do.
After the course, my daily exercise became me walking and taking photos. I’ve not stopped taking photos since and challenge myself to take at least one photo every day. Not as easy as it sounds!
What phone do you use?
I currently use the iPhone 13 Pro Max. I love the additional lens (3x) on the Pro; it’s been a game-changer. I’m currently having an internal battle with myself over whether to upgrade to the 15 Pro Max or wait for the next model. But I quite like the fact that I don’t have the latest model and can demonstrate to everyone who attends our safaris that you don’t need the latest model to get great results.
What are your favourite features on the phone?
I love portrait mode. It can be used for so much more than just portraits for that gorgeous bokeh effect. And (total geekiness alert!) I love the addition of the ‘level’ feature, or spirit level as I call it, as it guarantees straight horizons. I now make sure everyone I meet who has an iPhone has carried out their latest iOS updates to get this feature!
What’s your favourite location for photography?
Locally, it has to be Oxford. It’s not called the City of Dreaming Spires for nothing. It’s impossible to come away from Oxford without great photos. And there so many great characters! It is a really good place to people watch and get some street photography in.
A place I’d love to return to is Lisbon, I got to spend just one day there last year and not enough time to meander and take photos at my own pace.
Why do you love this particular image?
A difficult one but I always come back to this photo. I was hosting a safari in Oxford and had no idea it was Gay Pride. Everyone was convening around the Radcliffe Camera. It was noisy and full on. I couldn’t demonstrate what I was trying to demonstrate as there were too many people around. Then I spotted someone in front of me with embroidered jeans and tried to capture them (in my favourite position, crouched down, phone upside down!) and they started walking off. I was so annoyed as I didn’t capture the jeans! However, when I got home and looked at it again, I loved the feeling of movement. It captured the ambience perfectly. It’s not the best compositionally, but I really like it.
FIND OUT MORE
Gail runs group, family and 1:1 smartphone safaris throughout Oxfordshire. To take a look at the tours she offers and to book, please click below.
Would you like to become a JBS Associate?
If you are passionate about smartphone photography and would like to find out more about becoming a Jet Black Squares Associate, click the button below, or if you would like to have an informal chat with Jet about the best way forward, please do get it touch at jet@jet@jetblacksquares.com. We would love to hear from you!