iPhone Night Photography
Upcoming Class Series
Night Mode was introduced with the iPhone 11 and is revolutionary in the world of photography. Shooting in very low light usually involves a tripod and DSLR or mirrorless camera. Capturing the shadows and highlights in one photo was always a challenge with “big” cameras and required skill, patience, and knowledge of exposure modes to get the best images.
That all changed with Night Mode. Long exposures of up to 10 seconds can be made without a tripod. To be able to hand hold a camera in a situation so dark that it’s hard to see with our eyes and end up with a beautifully exposed and sharp image is essentially magic. Using a tripod with Night Mode can increase quality but leaning the phone against something also works. There are apps that allow for long exposures, but none of them come close to the quality and ease of using the native low light mode.
Important note: Night mode is available on most variations of iPhone 11, 12, or 13, but it is NOT AVAILABLE ON THE “SE” MODELS.
Left: A 5 second exposure. Right: Handheld 3 second exposure with full moon.
While other cell phone brands have their own version of Night Mode, this class will focus on just iPhones.
The three-class series will start with a class at DCP where we’ll go over settings and ways to get the most out of your night photos. We’ll then head to our on-location shoot and look for interesting subjects that are good material for photos that take advantage of this often overlooked feature.
You’ll be encouraged to continue shooting in this style after the class is over and then submit some of your images for the online, supportive group image review. We’ll end the class with a virtual gallery exhibit of everyone’s images.
A 10 second, hand-held shot of the dark interior of an abandoned building. Light is coming from a flashlight bounced off the ceiling 30 feet above.
- Cost per person is $65.
- The class portion of this series will be held in-person at DCP (4756 Algiers Street, Dallas 75207). On-location shooting will immediately follow the class and will be outdoors at Trinity Groves or a similar location. The instructor will provide more details about the meeting place and time during the class.
- A few days later we’ll meet ONLINE via Zoom from 6:00pm-7:30pm CT for the online image review.
- Please login in to the Zoom meeting at least 10 minutes before the class starts to work out any technical issues that may occur.
- Advance registration and payment is required.
- Maximum number of students is 18; minimum number to make a class is 10.
A 5 second exposure of creek lit by nearby street light and one flashlight.
Q: Do I need an iPhone to take this class?
A: This series is geared toward iPhone users. The majority of the material covered will pertain to the specific tools and settings available on the iPhone. Those with non-iPhones may join the series, but the instructor may not be able to offer advice on particular setting or features of other brands like Pixel or Galaxy.
Q: Do I need an iPhone 11 or later?
A: You will need the “Night Mode” capability. which is available on most variations of iPhone 11, 12, or 13. It is NOT AVAILABLE ON THE “SE” MODELS.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask for on-location shooting?
A: Masks are not required but recommended while at DCP. They are not required while outdoors during the on-location shoot. You can view our COVID policy and procedures here.
Q: What do I need for on-location shooting?
- Your iPhone, charger, and plenty of available memory for taking photographs.
- The right shoes and clothes to deal with the weather. An umbrella if needed.
Q: How will I know if a workshop makes or not?
A: If a class doesn’t make and has to be cancelled, you will receive an email no later than 2 days before the scheduled class date.
Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: If you cancel 7 days or more ahead of the scheduled date of the class, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. A cancellation between 5 to 7 days ahead of scheduled date will receive 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee. There is no refund or transfer credit for cancellations within 4 days of start time of the class or workshop. Full details on cancellations are on our Policies page.
Q: Where is the on-location shooting held?
A: The class will be outdoors at Trinity Groves or a similar location. The instructor will provide more details about meeting place and time.
Peter Poulides
Peter is the director of Dallas Center for Photography and teaches several of the classes and workshops. In over 30 years of shooting assignments for national magazines and corporate/stock photography he’s learned a few things and likes to pass it on. His favorite student review is “You remember what it’s like to not know”.
He also works one-on-one with clients to further particular shootings skills, organize their photos with Lightroom or work on projects like books and exhibitions. He still shoots occasional commercial jobs but is busy with personal book projects and running the expanding DCP.