iphone 13

iPhone 13 mini Photography

Created with RNI Films app. Preset ‘Kodak Gold 200 v.5’
Created with RNI Films app. Preset ‘Kodak Gold 200 v.5’
Created with RNI Films app. Preset ‘Kodak Gold 200 v.5’
Created with RNI Films app. Preset ‘Kodak Gold 200 v.5’
Created with RNI Films app. Preset ‘Kodak Gold 200 v.5’
Created with RNI Films app. Preset ‘Kodak Gold 200 v.3’
Created with RNI Films app. Preset ‘Kodak Gold 200 v.5’

The way we treat our phones now, I supposed getting my iPhone 13 mini was like getting a new camera. 

So I took it for a spin on a sunny Sunday in late September, a few days after receiving it in the mail. And just as I figured, it was just as my iPhone SE was: a camera. Simple.

The new wide-angle lens on this iPhone is fun to play around with, but it’s not really my style. I’m more of a 35-50mm guy. Having that wide of a view may be good for landscapes and dramatic shots with fun angles, but it doesn’t fit my photography. In fact, I wish the mini iPhones had the Pros’ telephoto lens instead. I’d use that much more. 

That said, I may be able to use the nifty portrait settings on the front-facing camera to try out some people shots. Here’s me with a fresh haircut:

Me

Not bad, considering the subject. The fake bokeh is pleasant, but the high-key options are a bit garish. 

The only thing I’m missing now is a tried-and-true photo editing app on the iPhone. My beloved Filmborn is MIA from the App store, VSCO is a confusing mess, and that leaves RNI Films and Darkroom in my list of go-to editing apps.

Any suggestions? 

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Last Go-Around

In these waning days of summer, we took a walk to the nearby elementary school. This one was built in 1952, but a brand-new school just went up next door, so the old one sits empty. Out with the old, etc.

Personally, I love the look and feel of these mid-century schools – the way they used green space, and their institutional sturdiness. The new school is all shiny metal and modern touches, though the larger parking lot will be a nice change.

It had me thinking about my iPhone SE, the 2016 first-gen model based on the iPhone 5S body design. I’ve had this phone for five years now and used the ever-loving heck out of it. It’s survived two jobs, a new kid, and a new house, along with everything else I’ve thrown at it.

But today I ordered the iPhone 13 mini – not for any of its fancy new features, including the new camera system. It’s mostly because I need the extra storage space; 256 GB will get me a lot farther than my current 64 GB does. 

The truth is, my iPhone SE camera works just fine. I point, I shoot, I edit a little bit (using mostly Filmborn these days – which may be abandoned software), and I post. Maybe I’ll enjoy using the ultra-wide lens on the 13, maybe I’ll find a use for those studio lighting settings, or maybe not. Maybe I’ll continue to use my iPhone camera like I do my other Canon cameras: simply, with no fuss. 

I will miss the SE’s classic design and small size, and Touch ID. But five years is a lot of value out of a modern-day device. 

Nothing lasts forever. 

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