That iPhone in your pocket isn't just a phone. It could be the easiest and most convenient camera you own. Just ask Brian Noppe.
The Squamish resident and veteran photographer has been overwhelmed with the photographic potential of the device since he got his first iPhone back in 2009 and he's now hoping to spread the word with his iPhonography Photography workshops.
"I want people to be inspired and feel the excitement of the amazing tool they have with them," Noppe said. "But more importantly, it's a photography course and I want to teach people to be able to be the camera. They should recognize what it is that makes you want to take the picture in the first place and then giving tips on how to effectively create that picture."
Noppe said the iPhone is a perfect platform for people to become more knowledgeable and comfortable about photography.
"I've been shooting for 20 years as a pro and I've been asked many times to do courses on digital SLRs and I've always balked at it," he said. "It would probably become a bit of a tech fest and the iPhone is a piece of technology that is more logical than the average tool. It might be intimidating at first but I want to show people how easy it is to figure out and that barrier will be dissolved."
He admitted it took a little time to master the device, but the rewards are well worth it.
"Right away I was amazed by the camera and the apps that you can use to take pictures," he said. "Within a month or two I was starting to get results I was happy with, but there was a little bit of a learning curve."
Noppe discussed his must-have apps for any iPhone camera user.
"Hipstamatic is the one I use the most with my iPhone 3GS," he said. "I also like Pocketbooth, which is kind of like those photo booths you use in the mall. It's a novelty but it's fun. But Camera Awesome is my go-to app for photography. The thing with it is that it allows you to separate focus and exposure, unlike most other camera apps."
His expertise in the field has attracted the attention of CTV, who invited Noppe on the air as an expert to discuss the photo capabilities of the iPhone.
"One of my photographer friends shared a Facebook page of one of my classes and someone from CTV saw it and told her boss about it," he said. "It was meant to be a one-off, but I did get a lot of feedback and they seem open to me coming back on."
Noppe said he'd also like to take the course around the world, possibly on cruise ships or to resort destinations.
Noppe has courses coming up in Squamish and Whistler. For more information, visit www.iphonography101.com.
