August Theme Assignment

This month, we’re turning our lenses on the City of Oaks—capture Raleigh’s icons, quirks, and skyline charm using nothing but your mobile phone.

1. Use Ultra-Wide for Big Landmarks
Got an iPhone with an ultra-wide lens? Use it to capture skyline shots, the Capitol, or the shimmer of Dix Park’s sunflower field. Hold the phone steady, and shoot from a lower angle to exaggerate size and drama.

2. Play With Portrait Mode
If you’re focusing on a statue, mural, or local person, portrait mode adds that creamy background blur and really makes your subject pop—especially effective on street-level Raleigh icons like Sir Walter or the Warehouse District murals.

3. Shoot at Golden Hour or Blue Hour
Head to Boylan Bridge at sunrise or sunset for rich, warm colors on the skyline. Or wait until dusk for a glowing blue hour shot of Fayetteville Street with city lights just kicking in.

4. Use Live Photo or HDR Mode
HDR helps balance light and shadows—perfect for scenes with both sky and buildings. Live Photos can help you find the best frame after the shot (look for one where a flag is waving or a bird flies through).

5. Look for Layers and Lines
Raleigh’s mix of historic and modern architecture is a dream for layering. Use leading lines—like crosswalks, railings, or the amphitheater steps—to draw attention to your subject and guide the eye.

6. Edit with Intention
A light touch goes a long way. Use the iPhone’s native editing tools or apps like Lightroom Mobile to punch up contrast, clarity, and color. Try black-and-white edits for old Raleigh buildings to give them a timeless feel.

Bonus Idea: Reflection Shots

Look for puddles, mirrors, or glass surfaces to create cool reflected images of Raleigh. This adds an extra dimension and can turn an ordinary piece into a striking photo.