Capture changing seasons with a phone camera

Fall colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (WTOP/Judy Taub)
Fall colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (Courtesy WTOP's Judy Taub)
Green leaves persist in Shenandoah Valley. (WTOP/Laurie Cantillo)
Red leaves at Shenandoah Valley. (WTOP/Laurie Cantillo)
Pumpkins at Shenandoah Valley on Oct. 13. (WTOP/Laurie Cantillo)
Shenandoah Valley on Oct. 13. (WTOP/Laurie Cantillo)
Fall In Big Meadows Shenandoah National Park. (Provided by GREG REDFERN)
Pumpkins from Butler's Orchard, Germantown. (Provided by Annette Vallone)
Photographer Bill Crandall says "Phone cameras generally focus closer than many 'real' cameras."
"Choosing what part of the image to focus on is usually just a matter of a quick tap," says photographer Bill Crandall.
Shooting at night creates interesting effects says photographer Bill Crandall, in this case using the yellow cast of a streetlight.
Experiment with smartphone apps, says photographer Bill Crandall: "In late afternoon sun, the Hipstamatic/Oggl apps further increase saturation and contrast."
Combining technologies can produce a better photo, says photographer Bill Crandall: "This one was edited from a too-dark original with iPhone 5s filters, King Camera, and a touch of Photoshop."
"When shooting people, experiment with unexpected framing and color details," says photographer Bill Crandall.
While many concentrate on shooting colorful leaves, "Even on those gray days, a simple point of color can be effective," says photographer Bill Crandall.
"Fall's clearer air and low angle of sunlight can provide an interesting play of shadows," says photographer Bill Crandall.
Not all nature shots need to be taken outside, says photographer Bill Crandall. "This was shot through a window, which works fine if you keep the camera right up against the glass."
Seasons in transition make for interesting photo opportunities, says Bill Crandall. "As the days get shorter and the leaves have fallen, try evening silhouettes."
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