Apple’s Latest “Today at Apple” Video Gives iPhone Shutterbugs a Portrait Power‑Up
Apple just dropped a brand‑new video on its YouTube channel that’s all about helping you nail those photos of your friends, family or even your plant‑lover neighbor. The show, titled “Today at Apple”, features Mark Clennon—a self‑taught Harlem photographer who’s carved out a niche in the world of iPhone portraits.
Why You Should Tune In
- Real‑world tactics: Mark shares plant‑to‑sky ways to get that perfect lighting without breaking a sweat.
- Energy + Exaggeration: He recommends bringing in a bit of drama and playful poses to make subjects feel relaxed and, frankly, happier.
- Tech‑savvy Tips: From adjusting exposure to mastering the Portrait mode depth, you’ll walk away with hands‑on guidance.
- Laugh‑and‑Learn: The video keeps the vibe light with jokes about “phone‑cat” moments, so the learning process feels less like a lecture and more like a coffee chat.
What Mark Talks About
During the session, Mark explains how favorite shooting angles and creative framing can be managed on a phone. He also demonstrates tricks for boosting the natural ‘pop’ of a portrait using Apple’s built‑in filters and post‑processing tools.
Portrait Pointers From the Harlem Home‑grown Pro
Here’s the quick rundown of the key points Mark highlighted:
- Lighting Lingo: Keep the light soft by positioning the sun at a 45‑degree angle to the subject.
- Depth Matters: Engage the Portrait mode’s depth effect for that smooth bokeh we all crave.
- Pose Play: Encourage subjects to strike a relaxed, slightly exaggerated pose—think “No, we’re not faking a lense cap!”
- Keep encouragement flowing so the subject smiles naturally.
Whether you’re a gadget geek or just wanting to upend the usual blurry headshots on social media, this clip is a cheat‑code to turning your iPhone into a professional portrait studio.
Chasing Spectacular Angles from Afar
Clennon reminds us that sometimes the best way to capture a masterpiece is to step back—yes, literally—take that long‑range shot, then rise and swoop lower to reveal fresh, unexpected perspectives.
Three Lenses, Infinite Possibilities
- Wide‑angle: Grab the whole scene, from the horizon to the center. Great for sweeping landscapes or crowded urban vibes.
- Standard: The classic mid‑range, perfect for portraits and street snapshots that feel natural.
- Telephoto: Zoom into detail, compressing distance to bring the scene’s beating heart into focus.
Crop, Crop, Crop
After you’ve scoped the frame, don’t be afraid to trim the edges. Aim your lens at that one sizzling detail—maybe the sparkle in a passer‑by’s eye or the elegant glitch of a building’s architecture—and let it sing.
In Short: Play, Pick, and Polish
Start far, look low, look high. Use every lens in your kit. Then, crop your masterpiece to spotlight the star of the show. Voilà—your photos will read like spontaneous adventures, not staged portraits.
Unlock Your iPhone’s Portrait Potential
Apple just dropped a fresh tutorial on the official Today at Apple YouTube channel, titled “Direct, Shoot and Edit Powerful Portraits on iPhone.” If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your selfie game or capture crisp portraits, this video is your new go-to guide.
What’s Inside the Video?
- Directing tricks – Learn how to set up your subjects so they look their best.
- Photography tips – From lighting hacks to framing techniques that make shots pop.
- Editing secrets – Master the in‑app filters and adjustments that give pictures that professional touch.
Why Your iPhone 11 Is Key
Apple recommends using at least an iPhone 11 to apply all the techniques showcased. The phone’s triple‑camera system and night mode make it a powerhouse for portrait photography.
Quick Takeaway
Grab your iPhone 11, tune into the video, and start turning everyday moments into gallery‑ready portraits. Your friends will wonder if you hired a pro!
