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Lifestyle

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

2021 Reading Challenge

January 2 2021 By melbournemamma 12 Comments

Attention book lovers! I’ve set myself a reading challenge for 2021 and I’d love for you to join me.

I know what it’s like to be a busy mum (ie not have much time for reading), so I’ll only include 12 books in the challenge. 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.

As a chronic migraine sufferer, I don’t read as many books as I’d like too but thanks to an almost six-month lockdown here in Melbourne (#bloodycovid), I actually managed to read 30 books in 2020.

I’m not sure how this year will pan out, but I’m aiming to read 25 books this year.

You can see how I went in my 2020 reading challenge here.

…

Read More

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

50 Things To Get Rid Of Right Now

September 23 2019 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

yellow armchair and matching footstool alongside bedside table and lamp in a room with text overlay that reads "50 things to get rid of right now"


Are you tired of clutter and mess in your home?

I’ve put together a list of 50 things that you can throw away, donate or recycle right now.

I promise that once you’ve made your way through this list, your life and your home should be a lot less cluttered.

  1. Alarm clock – isn’t your mobile phone next to the bed?
  2. Lanyards, bags and name tags from conferences you’ve attended.
  3. Take away menus – the menu is exactly the same online. We promise.
  4. Recipe books you rarely use – one word: Pinterest!
  5. CDs that came with computer programs you’re no longer using.
  6. Travel brochures from trips you’ve already been on.
  7. Gorgeous but uncomfortable shoes that you never wear because they give you blisters.
  8. Belts that don’t fit.
  9. Hairdryer attachments that never get used.
  10. Wedding, baptism or special occasion favors.
  11. Makeup samples that you only like because they were free.
  12. DVDs you don’t watch.
  13. Scarves you never wear.
  14. Old bridesmaid dresses – have you worn it since the wedding???
  15. Travel mugs that leak.
  16. Clothes that are WAY too small – one size down is OK, but anything more? Just buy new clothes to celebrate!
  17. Cards you’ve received that have no sentimental value.
  18. Too many baking dishes – how many can you really fit in your oven at the same time?
  19. Old mobile phones – trade it in, donate it or recycle it.
  20. Backpacks or large bags that don’t get used enough – and no, don’t use these as storage solutions.
  21. Bags from a store – keep one or two – maybe.
  22. Extra bubble wrap – it takes up WAY too much room!
  23. Scratched sunglasses.
  24. Maternity bras that you are NEVER ever wearing again.
  25. Gifts you don’t really like.
  26. Books you don’t enjoy or plan on reading again.
  27. Old mobile phone covers.
  28. Extra buttons in little plastic bags from every. clothing.item.ever.purchased. Odds are you don’t even have the shirt the buttons came with!
  29. Fitted sheets that have lost their elastic.
  30. Worn out or scuffed shoes.
  31. Old ratty towels – turn them in to rags or get rid of them!
  32. Instructions books for items you no longer own.
  33. Old pillows.
  34. Tupperware containers missing their lid – I promise you’re never going to find the lid. Ever.
  35. Chopsticks – unless you really REALLY use them.
  36. Past wedding, baptism and birthday invites.
  37. Too many sets of bed linens – allow three per bed maximum.
  38. Stockings with runs – no amount of clear nail polish will take away the run.
  39. Tiny screws and nails from furniture you don’t even have anymore.
  40. Hangers from the drycleaners.
  41. Paper bills you don’t need to keep – who wants to be reminded of how much money they’ve spent?
  42. Too many hats and gloves – only keep a couple pairs that go with ALL your winter coats.
  43. Stained clothing you can’t get cleaned.
  44. Magazines you’ve already read.
  45. Dishes that don’t stack easily and/or takes up too much room.
  46. Cooking utensils you have two of – have you ever used two of the same utensil at the same time?
  47. Craft supplies for projects that you never actually started (or completed).
  48. Touristy knick-knacks that seemed like a good idea to purchase while on holidays.
  49. Mugs, cups or plates that are chipped.
  50. Emergency sewing kits – how many ‘sewing emergencies’ can one person have?

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: home, lifestyle

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Tracey | Melbourne Mamma

melbournemamma

Seriously people! Enough! 😆 #MumLife Seriously people! Enough! 😆

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

Our hearts and bellies are full 😍

#FamilyDinner #DumplingLove #ILoveDumplingsFlemington #Dumplings #MelbourneEats #FamilyFavourite #MelbourneDumplings #MelbourneFood #MelbourneFoodie #MelbourneMamma
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
Fun in the city at the advance screening of Sonic Fun in the city at the advance screening of Sonic 3 with my daughter - what a blast (literally) we loved it! 

In cinemas from Boxing Day. Go see it 💙🍿🎟️

Thanks for the invite @paramountau 

#SonicMovie3 #Sonic #GottaGoFast #FamilyFun #FamilyMovie #MelbourneMamma #MelbourneFun #MelbourneLife #MelbourneMum
Fresh, juicy, and straight from the tree 🧡Backy Fresh, juicy, and straight from the tree 🧡Backyard summer vibes don’t get sweeter than this ☀️🌳 

#Apricot #ApricotAddict #ApricotSeason #HomegrownGoodness #SummerDays #HomeGrown #Fruit #FruitTrees #FruitLover
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