The art of a successful photograph lies in the power it has to evoke a mood, connection or reaction. Many of the photographic greats attribute this to the ordinary. David Bailey says "it takes a lot of imagination to be a good photographer, because it takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the ordinary."
Any professional cites composition, light, creativity and knowing your subject as the fundamental photographic principles. But do they translate when you're using a compact camera that also happens to be a phone? The proof's in the shooting …
Get the light right
Debbie Bragg is the first in a line-up of pros to tackle the C905 photography challenge. With a background in nightlife photography, her style is vibrant and bursting with life.
Bragg is fascinated by the neo-African club scene. Shooting in clubs is spontaneous and fun – and she's keen to highlight how using a C905 mirrors that. "It's great for capturing that energy and randomness," she raves.
She admits shooting in clubs is tricky. Patterned lights, strobes, shadows and glitter balls all fight for attention. "Get in close to your subject for a brighter picture."
Bragg is a fan of the twilight portrait setting. It "brings out the background if you are photographing a person in low light," she says.
"Shoot loads and know your subject (club) so you can sense when the atmosphere is about to go off, so you get the best shot. Also try shooting with the light behind people for a silhouetted effect."
Colour and creativity are key
Jasper White's foray into camerphone photography led him into the realms of an emerging London sub-culture: the London Roller Girls, who have brought the flat-track roller derby sport to London.
A fascination with graphics, bold emblems and images runs throughout White's work. And he's impressed with the C905's credentials when it came to keeping colours true. "The colour is saturated and vibrant," he notes.
White identifies that ideas are the most integral elements to nailing a good picture. Use the cameraphone as a handy tool to record images that get your creative juices flowing. "Snap inspiring things you see on the way to work, take it out with you to parties. You'll start to think creatively and discover what works."
Get in amongst the action
Dan Wilton, the third of our pro-photographers, is a self-confessed camera chameleon.
Choosing to shoot a bike polo match, he captured the frenetic pace of the action by "choosing the time of day wisely. Dusk is ideal if you want a slightly blurred shot that's indicative of movement."
If you want a blurred out background but a sharp, fast-moving object, Wilton has the solution. "Move the cameraphone in time with the moving subject, constantly keeping it in the frame."
Being spontaneous and stepping away from conventional rules of composition are other nuggets he divulges: "Shoot from the hip, have an idea of what you want to convey but don't be too rigid and agonise over composition."
Take as many shots as possible. "Volume is key," he says before recommending the BestPicsetting, which takes seven shots in quick succession for you.
Inject some personality
If there's a man you want to ask about portrait photography it's Muir Vidler. Counting P Diddy, Sharon Osbourne and the late Anthony Minghella amongst his success stories you'd expect him to be cynical about a cameraphone. But that's not the case. "It genuinely feels like a camera not a phone", he notes.
Asked what he believes is the essence of a fantastic portrait shot his reply is instantaneous: "Revealing someone's personality. People aren't inanimate objects, inject some humour and life and you'll clinch it."
This philosophy is evident when you admire the quirky pictures he took with the C905. Choosing urban Soho poets The Rubbishmen as his subjects, he confides that there are various techniques adept at bringing this to fruition.
Developing a good rapport with your subject is vital. Give them input in how and where they want to be photographed and they will feel comfortable – which will lead to a better shot.
His final tip is to use the flash when shooting outside in bright light, which "cleans up the face, brightens eyes and eliminates dark circles."
To find out more about the Sony Ericsson C905 Plus Cyber-shot™, visit shop.orange.co.uk/shop
