Go Beyond Snapshots with Your iPhone, iPad or Android
with Photography Tips from Charles Hezsely, Award-Winning St. Paul Photographer
Have you always wanted to take the kind of visually stunning photos with your mobile phone that you suspect you’re capable of?
If yes, join me, Charles Hezsely, for my Mobile Phone Photography Adventure. We’ll start by teaching you my three secrets for getting the most out of your smart phone camera. Then we’ll explore visually evocative locations in the Twin Cities to capture some compelling images. And finally I’ll show you how to enhance those images in surprising ways with popular and easy-to-use “photo apps.”
You don’t need a lot of complicated photo gear, just your iPhone, iPad or Android phone, and the willingness to momentarily suspend your internal censor to see a subject in new way. After the workshop, I’ll put together a Blurb book with images from workshop attendees so you will have a collection of your own and your classmates’ best images to share with the world.
This workshop is for the photographer of any skill level who would like to improve his/her photographic eye while enjoying the freedom and creativity and FUN that mobile phones and apps have to offer. (See how creative past mobile photo workshop participants were in a couple of these photography workshops: Blurb photo book one and two.)
"I have taken Charles’ Mobile Photography Workshop, and I highly recommend it. The locations he takes participants to are always visually varied and exciting, with plenty of excellent photo-subjects. Plus his advice regarding iPhone and other mobile photography is quite insightful and helpful in getting the most out of a shot. He really understands the medium and its potential. The best part of Charles’ workshop is that it’s truly participant-centered —meaning that it’s focused on helping you gain new skills while having a good experience." John Mihelic, iPhone photographer, participant of the Como Park and Lowertown mobile photography workshops in September and November, 2014.
"You taught me a lot of very helpful tips about using my cell phone camera. Your advice on composition, using the built-in camera settings both before and after taking pics, storage of photos, the tutorial on free software apps and available camera attachments makes me excited about cell phone photography - thanks for the great session!" John B., an iPhone photographer, participant of the Como Park mobile photography workshop on April 18, 2015
"I both enjoyed and learned a lot during your mobile photography class. As I went back through my pictures that evening, I was very happy with the result and posted a few on Instagram. I found your workshop to be both informative and immediately useful. There were some basics I was unaware of and those editing tools/programs were new to me, too. I've had some fun playing with them this past week. I would highly recommend this class to others. You're a great instructor and the format of your class worked particularly well for me. I learn best by learning some content and then having a chance to apply it right away. I also appreciate the added information you've sent." Karla R., an iPhone photographer, participant of the Walker mobile photography workshop on August 1, 2015
About Charles, Your Photography Adventure Guide - 2014 Mobile Photography Awards Honorable Mentions Recipient for the Travel & Self-Portraits Categories, 2015 Minnesota Exposure 1st Place Winner in the Mobile Photo Contest, and 2015 iPhone Photography Awards Honorable Mention Recipient for the Animals Category.
While Charles specializes in architecture, events, landscapes, & people, capturing the unexpected perspective in order to create unique images, he also is a big fan of creative iPhone photography.
Charles has contributed iPhone photos to exhibits (2014-15 & 2011-13) nationwide. His iPhone photographs have been published by Lenscratch.com as well as iPhonephotographyschool.com. See photos by @charliesees and by other iPhoneographers to get inspired by the best contest photos selected by iPhone Photography School on EyeEm.com: 100 Best iPhone Photos of 2014, 100 Best iPhone Photos of 2015. Charles also posts his iPhone photos on Instagram @charliesees.
Mobile Photography Workshop Requirements:
- iPhone 3 or later, iPad 2 or later or Android 4.0 or later
- Phone charger and/or external batteries
- We will use the following photography apps available for both iPhones and Android phones:
- Snapseed
- VSCO cam
- Repix
- Pixlr
Before attending this workshop, please download these photo apps from the App Store if you are using an iPhone or an iPad (you will need an AppleID to download) or from Google Play if you are using an Android phone (you will need a Google ID to download). Please note that the brand of your smartphone or the version of your system could affect the availability of these photo apps for your phone.
Mobile Photography Workshop Registration:
- To register for one of the mobile phone photo workshops listed below, please send an email to me at [email protected] indicating for which workshop you would like to sign up.
- Workshops:
- Group Photography Workshops (See below the details for the next group workshop): Group workshops are about fours hours long for $95 (with an optional Blurb book for an additional fee). These mobile photography workshops are held at visually interesting locations in the Twin Cities such as the Como Conservatory, the St. Paul Union Depot, the Walker or the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
- One-on-one two-hour photography workshops (plus additional time for debriefing) are available for $125 (without a Blurb book). These mobile photography workshops are held at visually interesting locations in the Twin Cities.
- Once I receive your email requesting to register for a specific workshop, I will email you an invoice with instructions to pay with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express or DISCOVER). Register an additional person for the workshop, and both of you will receive a 10% discount.
- If you cannot attend a workshop you have already paid for, you will receive credit for future photography workshops, or you can use the credit to purchase some of my photos.
Recommended Resources for Taking Photos with iPhone, iPad or Android:
- The Art of iPhoneography by Stephanie C. Roberts
- A Guide to Mobile Creativity - Android Photography by Jolie O'Dell
- The Art of iPhone Photography by Bob Weil and Nicki Fitz-Gerald
- For tips to improve your iPhone photography, visit iPhone Photography School.
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Current Group Photo Workshop in Como Park: Capture The Beauty of Como Park with Your Mobile Phone Mobile Photo Adventure in Como Park iPhone photo by Charles Hezsely 
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Como Park Group Workshop Details: To register, email to: [email protected] May 14, 2016 10:15 am: Meet at the Como Park Zoo main entrance (outside if the weather is good, inside if it is raining). A donation of $3 is suggested to enter the Zoo, the Conservatory, and the Japanese Garden. Free public parking is available in several lots in the park, or use the free shuttle bus from the large parking lot on Como Avenue facing the MN State Fair Grounds. 10:30 am – 12:30 pm: After a brief introduction, we will visit the Conservatory, the Japanese Garden and the surroundings (lily ponds, frog pond and Carousel) & practice the techniques of capturing memorable photos with your iPhone, iPad or Android phone. 12:30 pm -1:30 pm – Lunch at the Como Zoo’s Zobota Café. Review some of the images taken in the morning and answer questions about smartphone photography. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Walk from the Como Zoo to Como Lake and the Como Pavilion taking photos with your smartphone along the way.
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Past Group Mini-Workshop at the Presbyterian Church of the Way: Discover the Power of Your Smartphone - Garden Club Photo Workshop Mobile Photo Workshop for Lake Owasso Garden Club iPhone photo by Charles Hezsely
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Lake Owasso Garden Club Mini Photo Workshop in Shoreview: Was held on March 14, 2016 7 pm: Brief introduction to the compositional and story-building techniques of capturing visually interesting photos with your smartphone. 7:20pm: Best practices of taking photos with iPhones and Android phones. 7:40 pm: Editing photos with the VSCO photo app. 7:55 pm: Answer questions about smartphone photography and a brief demo of Hipstamatic |
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Past Group Photo Mini-Workshops at the Capella Tower: Photography Adventure at the Capella Tower with Your Mobile Device Mobile Photo Mini-Workshop for Capella Tower Tenants iPhone photo by Charles Hezsely
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Capella Tower Tenants Mini Photo Workshop: Was held on January 20, 2016 and October 14, 2015 12 pm: Brief introduction to the techniques of capturing visually interesting photos with your smartphone. 12:20pm: Practice the techniques of capturing unique and memorable photos with your smartphone in the lobby of the Capella Tower and outside the main entrance. 12:40 pm: Review some of the images taken during the photo walk. Briefly review a couple of the photo editing apps. 12:55 pm: Answer questions about smartphone photography |
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Past Group Photo Workshop at the Diamondhead Education Center in Burnsville: Photography Adventure in Burnsville with Your iPhone/iPad
iPhone/iPad Photography Adventure in Burnsville iPhone photos by Charles Hezsely
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Burnsville iPhone/iPad Photo Workshop: Was held on September 26, 2015 9:30 am: Meet at the Diamondhead Education Center In Burnsville. Free parking is available next to the center. 9:30 am – 10:30 pm: Introduction to the techniques of capturing visually interesting photos with your phone. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Visit the surroundings of the center and practice the techniques of capturing visually interesting photos with your phone. 12:00 pm -12:30 pm: Pick up lunch and walk back to the center to each lunch together 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Review some of the images taken in the morning and answer questions. Review a couple of the photo editing apps. Take more photos if time permits. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather conditions since we plan to take some photos outside surrounding the community center. In case of bad weather, we will shoot inside the community center. If bad weather is forecast, please bring a bag lunch. |
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Past Group Photo Workshop at the Walker: Visual Adventure at the Walker with Your Mobile Phone Mobile Photo Workshop at the Walker iPhone photos by Charles Hezsely
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Walker Photo Workshop: Was held on August 1, 2015 10:15 am: Meet at the Walker. Paid parking is available on the street or in the underground parking lot next to the museum. 10:30 am – 12:30 pm: After a brief introduction inside the Walker, walk around the Walker & the Sculpture Garden & practice the techniques of capturing memorable photos with your iPhone, iPad or Android phone. 12:30 pm -1:30 pm – Lunch at the Walker's Garden Café. Review some of the images taken in the morning and answer questions. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Take more photos inside & outside the Walker. Unleash your creativity with your mobile device. Email your best 10 photos for the Blurb book to me at [email protected] within seven days after the workshop. (Optional) After Charles has edited the Blurb workshop book which will be available for you to view online, you will be able to order your own hard copy for an additional fee. |
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Past Group Photo Workshops in Como Park: Capture The Beauty of Como Park with Your Mobile Phone
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Como Park Photo Workshop: Was held on April 18, 2015 and October 25, 2014 10:15 am: Meet at the Como Park Zoo main entrance (outside if the weather is good, inside if it is raining). A donation of $3 is suggested to enter the Zoo, the Conservatory, and the Japanese Garden. Free public parking is available in several lots in the park, or use the free shuttle bus from the large parking lot on Como Avenue facing the MN State Fair Grounds. 10:30 am – 12:30 pm: After a brief introduction, we will visit the Conservatory, the Japanese Garden and the surroundings (lily ponds, frog pond and Carousel) & practice the techniques of capturing memorable photos with your iPhone, iPad or Android phone. 12:30 pm -1:30 pm – Lunch at the Como Zoo’s Zobota Café. Review some of the images taken in the morning and answer questions about smartphone photography. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Walk from the Como Zoo to Como Lake and the Como Pavilion taking photos with your smartphone along the way. Email your best 10 photos for the Blurb book to me at [email protected] within seven days after the workshop. (Optional) After Charles is done editing the Blurb workshop book which will be available for you to view online, you will be able to order your own hard copy for an additional fee. |
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Past Group Photo Workshop at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts: Visual Adventure at the Minneapolis Institute of Art with Your Mobile Phone 
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MIA Photo Workshop: Was held on Feb 28, 2015 10:15 am: Meet at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA), main entrance, facing 3rd Ave. Paid public parking is available in the parking ramp next to the MIA or in the MIA parking lots on 3rd Ave. 10:30 am – 12:30 pm: After a brief introduction, we will visit different exhibition halls at the MIA and practice the principles of taking unique mobile phone images. 12:30 pm -1:30 pm – Lunch at Agra Cultura at the MIA. Review some of the images taken in the morning and answer questions. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Take more photos inside the MIA while unleashing your creativity with your mobile device. Email your best 10 photos for the Blurb book to Charles at [email protected] within seven days after the workshop. (Optional) After Charles is done editing the Blurb workshop book which will be available for you to view online, you will be able to order your own hard copy for an additional fee.
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Past Group Photo Workshop in Lowertown: Discover Lowertown St. Paul with Your Mobile Phone
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Lowertown Photo Workshop: Was held on November 8, 2014 10:15 am: Meet at the Saint Paul Union Depot, main entrance, facing the light rail stop (outside if the weather is good, inside if it is raining). Paid public parking is available in the Union Depot lot or in the Lowertown parking lot (next to Twin Cities Public Television). 10:30 am – 12:30 pm: After a brief introduction, we will visit Mears Park and the St. Paul Farmers' Market and practice the techniques of capturing unique photos with your iPhone, iPad or Android phone. 12:30 pm -1:30 pm – Lunch at Black Dog Café. Review some of the images taken in the morning and answer questions. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Take photos with your smartphone inside & outside the Union Depot. Email your best 10 photos for the Blurb book to Charles at [email protected] within seven days after the workshop. (Optional) After Charles is done editing the Blurb workshop book which will be available for you to view online, you will be able to order your own hard copy for an additional fee. |
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iPhone Contest Photos: |
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| See best contest photos taken with iPhones by Charles, @charliesees, and by other iPhoneographers. Winning contest pics were selected by iPhone Photography School on EyeEm.com or on iPhonePhotographySchool.com: 100 Best iPhone Photos of 2014, iPhone Photos Taken from Interesting Angles, iPhone Photos of Water & Reflections, iPhone Street Photography, Winter Photos Taken with an iPhone, Double & Multiple Exposure iPhone Photos, iPhone Photos Taken at Golden Hour, Portrait Photos Taken with iPhone, iPhone Photos of Trees & Leaves, iPhone Photos of the Natural World, iPhone Photos of Stunning Skies, iPhone Photos Showing Vibrant Colors, Urban iPhone Street Photography, iPhone Photos Conveying Moods & Emotions, Taking iPhone Photos of Mysterious & Intriguing Shadows, iPhone Photography of Beautiful Flowers, Incredible iPhone Photos of Texture, Capturing a Sense of Fun with iPhone, Photographing Green Color Scheme with iPhone, Night & Low Light iPhone Photos, iPhone Street Photos Taken in Cities, Abstract Images Shot with an iPhone, iPhone Photos Telling Stories, Painterly Photos Created with iPhone, Landscape Photos Taken with iPhone, iPhone Photos Using Color, iPhone Photos Capturing the Beauty of Fall, Water Photos Shot with an iPhone, iPhone Photographs of Dramatic Light, 100 Best iPhone Photos of 2015, Incredible iPhone Photos of Trees, Breathtaking iPhone Landscape Photos, iPhone Photos with a Blue Color Scheme, Superb iPhone Photos of Buildings and Architecture | |
| Note from Your Mobile Photography Instructor: "Since 2012 when I took my first iPhone photography course at the Mpls Photo Center, I have been hooked on iPhone photography. I am a self-taught iPhoneographer. I learned about shooting techniques and apps from mobile photography books and from online resources. First I experimented with Hisptamatic. As I learned more about shooting with an iPhone, I started using other apps and started entering mobile photo contests. I have been gradually improving my mobile photography. In 2014, my photography friends encouraged me to start teaching others about mobile photography which is a great creative outlet for me. I have been enjoying leading the in-person mobile photography workshops. I am amazed at how creative my students are when they put into practice some of my mobile photography tips. Learning goes both ways. I learn from my students and they from me. Thank you for visiting this page and let me know when you are ready to learn more about smartphone photography and to capture unique photos with your phone." | |
