Spring is finally here and we couldn't be more excited! It's the season of new beginnings, fresh blooms, and fresh opportunities to capture stunning photos in the great outdoors! With the sun shining, flowers blooming, and nature coming back to life, there's no shortage of photo-worthy moments waiting to be captured.

You don't need fancy equipment or years of experience to take amazing shots – just a willingness to explore and experiment with the phone in your pocket. We're here to empower you with some fun and simple tips to help you take your iPhone photography skills to the next level. So let's get started and capture the essence of springtime together! Here are our top suggestions for you:

1. Use natural light to your advantage - Springtime brings a lot of bright, sunny days, but harsh midday sun can cast unflattering shadows on your subjects. Instead, try shooting during the "golden hour" - the hour before sunset or after sunrise when the light is softer and more diffused.
2. Experiment with different angles and perspectives - Try shooting from low angles or getting up close to capture unique details. You can use the iPhone's macro feature to get up close and personal with flowers, insects, and other small details of spring
3. Use the iPhone's built-in grid feature to help you compose your shots and create balance in your photos. The grid feature helps with framing – to align your subjects and create more balanced compositions.
4. Pay attention to the background - Make sure the background of your photo is clean and uncluttered so that your subject stands out.
5. Look for pops of color - Spring is a season of vibrant colors, so keep an eye out for blooming flowers, bright blue skies, and other colorful details.
6. Play around with the focus and exposure settings - Tap on the screen to focus on your subject and slide your finger up or down to adjust the exposure.
7. Explore your camera preset functions such as portrait mode which can create stunning blurred background effects. The camera will automatically blur the background and create a shallow depth of field, drawing attention to your subject and making them stand out.
8. Get creative with reflections - Look for still bodies of water like ponds or puddles to capture unique reflections of springtime scenery. Reflections can be very delicate and easily disturbed by even the slightest breeze or movement. Be patient and take your time to carefully frame your shot and ensure that the reflection is clear and well-defined.
9. Shoot through objects to add a sense of depth - Try shooting through a fence or a tree branch to create a layered effect in your photos.
10. Use the self-timer to get in the shot! - Don't forget to include yourself in your springtime photos! Use the iPhone's self-timer feature to get in the shot with your loved ones.

Did you know that taking photos of the great outdoors isn’t just an Instagram-worthy hobby, but it can also have some serious benefits? There is scientific evidence to support the idea that being in nature can have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, nature photography can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. By immersing oneself in the natural world and focusing on capturing its beauty through the camera lens, individuals can engage in a form of mindfulness practice that promotes being present in the moment and fully engaged in the experience. Whether it's capturing a stunning sunset or a delicate flower in bloom, nature photography can offer a sense of calm and connection with the natural world that is beneficial in so many ways!

Photo by Cristina Mittermeier.

And that brings us to the end of our May newsletter! We had a blast putting it together for you, and we hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it! We're committed to keeping you informed and engaged, and we look forward to bringing you more tips, tricks and stories from the magical world of photography. Until next time!