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10 Tips for Taking Great iPhone Photos

March 11 2023 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

In an age where our smartphones serve many purposes, the iPhone continues to revolutionise the way we capture and share moments. Its powerful camera capabilities have turned everyday users into budding photographers, enabling anyone to create stunning visuals at their fingertips. Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned pro, here are 10 tips for taking great iPhone photos and capturing those picture-perfect moments.

1. Clean Your Lens

It might sound simple, but it’s often overlooked (I’m guilty of forgetting to do this ????). Smudges and fingerprints can significantly affect the clarity of your photos. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can make a world of difference in the sharpness and quality of your shots.

2. Master the Basics of Composition

Understanding composition can instantly enhance the visual appeal of your photographs. Experiment with the rule of thirds — imagine a grid on your screen and position your subject at the intersection points. It creates a more dynamic and balanced composition. Or better yet – turn on your grid in Settings > Camera.

3. Use Natural Lighting

Natural light is your best friend in photography. Whenever possible, opt for natural light sources like sunlight or soft ambient light. Avoid using the flash unless it’s absolutely necessary, as it can often create harsh shadows and unnatural colors.

4. Experiment with Perspectives

Don’t be afraid to explore different angles and perspectives. Try shooting from high above, down low, or even from unconventional angles to add depth and uniqueness to your photos. This experimentation can lead to unexpectedly beautiful shots.

5. Utilise Burst Mode

Burst mode can be a game-changer, especially for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots. Hold down the shutter button to take a series of photos in quick succession, allowing you to select the best shot later.

6. Explore Third-Party Apps

While the native iPhone camera app is fantastic, consider exploring third-party apps for additional features and creative control. Apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed or VSCO offer advanced editing tools and manual settings that can take your photos to the next level.

7. Focus and Exposure Lock

Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus and exposure on a specific subject. This feature prevents the camera from readjusting the focus and exposure settings, ensuring that your subject remains sharp and well-exposed, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

8. Embrace Editing Tools

Post-processing can significantly enhance your photos. Experiment with the built-in editing tools on your iPhone or explore editing apps to fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and other aspects of your images. But remember, less is often more!

9. Experiment with Portrait Mode

If your iPhone supports it, use Portrait Mode to create stunning depth-of-field effects. This feature blurs the background, highlighting the subject and adding a professional touch to your portraits or close-up shots.

10. Practice and Patience

Like any skill, improving your iPhone photography requires practice and patience. Take every opportunity to snap photos, experiment with different settings, and learn from both your successes and mistakes. Over time, you’ll develop your unique style and improve your photographic eye.

The iPhone’s camera is a powerful tool that empowers everyone to unleash their creativity and capture beautiful moments. By implementing these 10 tips for taking great iPhone photos and continuously exploring the capabilities of your iPhone’s camera, you’ll be amazed at the incredible photos you can produce.

So, grab your iPhone, and start capturing the world around you in a whole new light ????

Share any iPhone photo tips you have in the comments below!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Top 10 Tagged With: family, iphone, out and about, photography, top 10

2023 Reading Challenge

January 11 2023 By melbournemamma 5 Comments

Attention book lovers! I’ve set myself a fabulous reading challenge for 2023 and I’d love for you to join me.

I’ve only included 12 books in the reading challenge because I don’t want you to commit to something and then feel like it’s unachievable as the year progresses. However, I’ll also include an additional six books for those of you who will have no problem smashing through 12 books (or more) in a year.

I managed to read 29 books in 2022 – which is the most I have read in a very long time. You can check out my 2022 reading challenge here and you can see my favourite reads from 2022 here.

I’m going to try and read 30 books this year – which means less tv bingeing for me!

I can’t wait to get started on this challenge and hopefully find some new favourites that I can’t put down.

Must read books for Melbourne Mamma’s 2023 Reading Challenge

  • A book with 23 letters in the title
  • A book with water on the cover
  • A book with a title starting with ‘The’
  • A book with a three-word title
  • A classic
  • A book you keep seeing
  • A book set in a different time period
  • A book set in the city / town / state where you live
  • A book with a number in the title
  • A bestseller from 2003
  • A book with a green cover
  • A book about an inspirational person

Extra books to read

  • A book you can finish in one day
  • Re-read a favourite book
  • A book you borrowed from a library
  • A book you bought secondhand
  • One of my favourite reads from 2022
  • A crime novel

Let me know if you’re joining the reading challenge in the comments below (put your book titles in the comment section NOT the URL field) and feel free to come back and list the books you read throughout the year and let me know if you enjoyed them or not.

Keep an eye out for the books I’m reading and make sure you tag your own books on social media using #mmreadingchallenge2023

I hope you enjoy my 2023 Reading Challenge.

Filed Under: Books, Me Tagged With: books, for mammas, reading challenge

10 Best Books I Read in 2022

January 5 2023 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

I’ve read some pretty great books this year, so when it came to choosing the 10 best books I read in 2022, I knew the decision was not going to be easy.

I always aim to read of variety of books in my 2022 Reading Challenge, so I’m never sure if I’m going to find lots of books I love or only a couple.

In no particular order, here are the 10 best books I read in 2022.

The Winners – Fredrik Backman

This is the final book in the Beartown series and even though I couldn’t wait to read it, I wasn’t looking forward to saying goodbye to the characters I’ve grown to love.

I knew that this book was going to break my heart but after sitting on my bedside table for a couple of months, I couldn’t put it off any longer – and I LOVED IT!!!

It’s no secret that Fredrik Backman is my favourite author, so if you haven’t read any of his books, I highly recommend that you do – in fact, read them ALL.


The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E. Schwab

I was so intrigued by the blurb for this book and it did not disappoint.

It was so wonderful, so heartbreaking, and a such beautifully written story that will stay with me for a very long time.

I will never forget you Addie LaRue.


The Things We Cannot Say – Kelly Rimmer

I’ve read quite a bit of historical fiction over the past few years and this book would have to be one of my absolute favourites.

Inspired by Aussie author Kelly Rimmer’s own family history, The Things We Cannot Say unearths a tragic love story and a family secret whose far-reaching effects will alter lives forever.

⚠️ Warning: You will NEED tissues for this one 😭😭😭


The Lincoln Highway – Amor Towles

Such a beautiful story about the unbreakable bond between two young brothers, and their journey through America in the 1950s.

My first Amor Towles book and I cannot wait to read his others.


The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid

I absolutely LOVED this book and am so excited to learn that it is being made into a movie. Evelyn – you were definitely a force to be reckoned with and I cannot wait to see who will play you on the big screen.

My first time reading Taylor Jenkins Reid and I’ll definitely be reading more of her work.


Verity – Colleen Hoover

I finally see what all the fuss is about – this book is brilliant!!!

If you haven’t already read ‘Verity’ – add it to your list NOW.

This book sure was ‘unputdownable’ and I was so blown away by the ending that I had to go back and reread the last chapter, just to make sure that my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me.


The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

Another fabulous historical fiction story, that had me sobbing (ugly Kim K style) into my pillow.

This one has been on my reading pile for quite a while and I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading it.

Now I cannot wait to see the movie adaption with the Fanning sisters playing the lead roles.


Wrong Place Wrong Time – Gillian McAllister

How far would you go to stop your child from committing murder? 😳

Would you travel back in time to stop the crime? 🔪

Couldn’t put this one down! Loved it!


The Soulmate – Sally Hepworth

Another terrific book by Sally Hepworth, that I finished in less than 24 hours.

Full of love, lies and loss, this story will keep you guessing until the very end.

Nothing better than local authors and locally based stories.


My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry – Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman has done it again! I seriously love everything this man writes.

This heartwarming story was full of intriguing characters and a little protagonist that I couldn’t help but love.

Not quite what I expected but terrific just the same.


⁣

⁣⁣What books have you loved this year? Have you read any of my favourites?

Keep track of other books I love in my Goodreads or #MelbourneMammaBookLove

Filed Under: Books, Me Tagged With: books, must reads, reading challenge

Top 10 Summer Dresses

November 29 2022 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

Summer dresses are one of the most versatile items in a wardrobe as they can be easily dressed up or down for a trip to the beach, lunch with the girls, a day in the office or a night out. Add a blazer, a denim jacket or a cardigan on a cooler day and you’re good to go.

Summer dresses come in so many different colours, patterns and styles, making it easy to find the perfect dress for every occasion.

Pair your summer dress with sandals, sneakers, slides or heels.

Everyone needs at least one summer dress that makes them look and feel fabulous.

Check out my Top 10 Summer Dresses below.

Top 10 Summer Dresses

Cameron Yellow Linen Dress $239.95, White Broderie Arden Dress $99.95, Alina Khaki Midi Dress $89.95, Gingham Midi Wrap Linen Dress $149.99, Teal Linen Mini Dress $139.95, Poppy Lilac Cotton Mini Dress $69.95, Chrissy Tiered Maxi Dress $149.95, Lulu Smock Dress $229, Black Lux Belted Dress $119.95, Woven Maggie Slip Midi Dress $20

Which one of these dresses is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.

Filed Under: Shopping, Top 10 Tagged With: shopping

2022 Reading Challenge

January 2 2022 By melbournemamma 14 Comments

Attention book lovers! I’ve set myself a reading challenge for 2022 and I’d love for you to join me.

I’ve only included 12 books in the challenge because I know what it’s like to be a busy mum. However, I’ll also include an additional six books for those of you who will have no problem smashing through 12 books in one year.

Spending another year in and out of lockdown meant I had a bit more time to read in 2021 and I managed to read 28 books. You can see which ones were my favourites here. You can see how I went in my 2021 reading challenge here.

I’m going to try and read 28 books again this year. I’ve just started a new migraine treatment too, so hopefully, I’ll have fewer migraines and it will be easier for me to read more.

I can’t wait to get started on this challenge and hopefully find some new favourites that I just can’t put down.

Must read books for 2022 Reading Challenge

  • A book with 22 letters in the title
  • A book with an animal on the cover
  • A bestseller from the 1990s
  • A book with a pretty cover
  • A book with “good” or “bad” in the title
  • A book recommended by someone on Instagram or Facebook
  • A book written by a local author
  • A book with a colour in the name
  • A book with gold lettering
  • A book with more than 600 pages
  • A book that has been translated from another language
  • A book being made into a movie this year

Extra books to read

  • A historical fiction book
  • A book published in 2022
  • A guilty pleasure book
  • A book that will improve your life
  • One of my favourite reads from 2021
  • A different book by an author that you read in 2021

Let me know if you’re joining the reading challenge in the comments below (put your book titles in the comment section NOT the URL field) and feel free to come back and list the books you read throughout the year and let me know if you enjoyed them or not.

Keep an eye out for the books I’m reading and make sure you tag your own books on social media using #mmreadingchallenge2022

I hope you enjoy my 2022 Reading Challenge.

Filed Under: Books, Me Tagged With: books, favourite books, reading challenge

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Tracey | Melbourne Mamma

melbournemamma

After 10 weeks out with a pelvic fracture, it was After 10 weeks out with a pelvic fracture, it was amazing to see my boy back on the court last night doing what he loves. Your dedication to rehab and the patience you’ve shown have truly paid off. I’m so proud of you - 16 pts and 13 reb (+ a blood nose 🤧) is an incredible return! Can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings 💪🏻🖤❤️🏀

#BasketballLife #BasketballMum #Basketball
When the gift with purchase feels like a whole oth When the gift with purchase feels like a whole other purchase 😍 Thank you @esteelauderanz for the glow-up goodies ✨

#EsteeLauder #GiftWithPurchase #BeautyHaul #SkincareGoodies #LuxuryBeauty #FreeWithPurchase #BeautyAddict #MakeupLover #GlowUp #TreatYourself #BeautyFaves #SkincareHaul #MelbourneMamma #BeautyBuys #BeautyOver40 #AgelessBeauty #SkincareOver40 #MatureSkinCare #BeautyOver50
Seriously people! Enough! 😆 #MumLife Seriously people! Enough! 😆

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The holy trinity: dumplings, chili oil and rice 🥟🌶️🍚

Our hearts and bellies are full 😍

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Put this on your reading list NOW!!! The Five Wis Put this on your reading list NOW!!!

The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride follows 100-year-old Murray and 10-year-old Jason, a terminally ill boy, as they form an unlikely friendship and work through Jason’s five wishes. Their bond is so heartwarming and shows how connection can shape and change lives.

I smiled. I laughed. I cried my eyes out 🥹

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Join my 2025 Reading Challenge via the link in my bio 📚
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#TheFiveWishesOfMrMurrayMcBride  #JoeSiple #MelbourneMammaBookLove #MMReadingChallenge2025
Pretty sure I just spotted Yogi Bear in the clouds Pretty sure I just spotted Yogi Bear in the clouds… where’s Boo Boo at? ☁️🐻 

#YogiBear #CloudWatching #SkyArt #NatureIsAwesome #FoundInTheSky #SmarterThanTheAverageBear #CloudGazing #UnexpectedFind #CartoonClouds #NatureMagic #SkyWatch #CloudLover #BearInTheSky #FunnyClouds #WhatDoYouSee
Hey there, book lovers! I’ve created a brand new Hey there, book lovers! I’ve created a brand new reading challenge for 2025, and I’d love for you to join me. To keep things fun and manageable, I’ve designed the challenge around 12 books — just one a month. Perfect, right? 📚📚📚📚

To join the challenge, click on the link in my profile or the link in my stories.

Tag your book loving besties in the comments below 🗣
⁣
#mmreadingchallenge2025 #melbournemammabooklove #melbournemamma #readingchallenge #readingchallenge2025 #2025readingchallenge
My mother-in-law’s rare plant bloomed for one ma My mother-in-law’s rare plant bloomed for one magical night! This beauty, known as Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), blooms just once a year and only opens after dark — and the fragrance is unforgettable 🌸 🌙

Have you ever seen one bloom? 

#QueenOfTheNight #RareBloom #NatureAtItsFinest #RareFlower #GardenLove #AussieGarden #GardenLove #PetalPerfection #AustralianGardens #BackyardBliss #AussieHomeGardens
#GardenGoals #AussieFlowers
#FromMyGarden #FlowerPower
#NatureLoversAustralia #InFullBloom
#FlowerOfTheDay #GrowYourOwn
All of these amazing secondhand books for only $19 All of these amazing secondhand books for only $19.50?! 😱📚 Who says book shopping has to be expensive? Found some hidden gems, and I can’t wait to dive into them. Have you read any of these? Drop your faves in the comments below ⬇️ 

#BookBargains #SecondhandBooks #BookHaul #FrugalReads #Bookstagram
#BookwormOnABudget #BookLover #BookReels #MelbourneMamma #MelbourneMammaBookLove
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