It’s #TravelTuesday and I, Dave Williams, am here as always. I told you last week that I was in Iceland, and now that I’m back, I want to share a little of what I was up to armed with just my iPhone and my Platypod rig. Let’s do it.
My iPhone is on a Platypod Ergo, with a Peak Design Mobile Creator Kit bridging the gap. Beneath the Ergo is the new Platypod Handle (with great deals ending on Kickstarter during the early hours on June 1st) and the Platypod eXtreme. Here’s a shot of the entire rig I took with me. This shot was taken at Jökulsárlón during an intense storm that alerted the whole country. The Platypod rig held stable despite the powerful winds funnelling down from the glacier tongue on the right and across the lagoon’s surface.
I got some great perspectives using the Platypod rig, incorporating a foreground and background to show depth in the scene here at the Glacier Lagoon, using the iPhone’s Long Exposure Live Photo feature. Something I want to show, however, is the combination of the rig with the Apple Watch, which meant I could remotely fire the camera while I waited at Geysir to see Strokkur erupt.
Rather than squatting down low to press the shutter button on the iPhone, using my Apple Watch meant I could stand comfortably and wait patiently for this eruption. It’s an excellent method to capture a well-timed shot when you can prepare your composition.
Finally, I want to discuss the balance between shooting RAW and Live Photos. Whether to shoot in RAW (DNG format) or Live Photo mode on your iPhone depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider for finding a good balance between the two:
Image Quality
If you prioritise image quality and plan to do extensive editing, shooting in RAW is recommended. RAW files capture more data and provide greater flexibility for post-processing, allowing you to retain details, adjust exposure, and make other edits without significant quality loss. On the other hand, Live Photos combine a brief video clip with a still image, providing a more dynamic experience but slightly lower overall image quality.
Storage Space
RAW files are considerably larger than JPEG or HEIC images, taking up more storage space on your device. If storage is a concern, you may want to use Live Photo mode or switch to JPEG/HEIC format, which offers smaller file sizes without sacrificing quality.
Editing Control
RAW files give you greater control over post-processing adjustments like white balance, exposure, and colour grading. The best way to do this is with Adobe Lightroom Mobile. They also provide more scope for recovering details from shadows and highlights. Shooting in RAW is beneficial if you enjoy fine-tuning your images and have the time and skills for post-processing. Live Photos, however, offer limited editing capabilities compared to RAW.
Moment Capture
Live Photos capture a few seconds of audio and video before and after the image is taken, creating a mini-movie-like experience. This can be particularly useful for capturing moving subjects or moments beyond a single frame. If you value capturing the essence of a moment and enjoy the interactive aspect, Live Photo mode is worth considering.
Workflow and Convenience
RAW files often require more effort in post-processing and converting to more common formats for sharing. If you prefer a more straightforward and faster workflow or need to share images on social media quickly, Live Photos or JPEG/HEIC formats may be more suitable.
Ultimately, finding the right balance between shooting in RAW and Live Photo mode depends on your individual preferences, shooting scenarios, and intended use of the images. Experimenting with both will help you understand their differences and determine which option best fits your needs. And with that, thanks for stopping by Scott’s blog today, and I’ll catch you again next week.
Much love
Dave
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