I'm Mike James and I help amateur mobile photographers like you, intuitively create their next favourite photo using a systematic process!
My story and my why
After 20-years of working in photography, I really disliked it. The big camera was a tool of the trade and only came out on special occasions because it felt like I was working.
It was in 2015 that I realised how many precious memories I had missed and were never captured. That year my mother passed away. My eldest of 3 was 9 at the time. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and had to prepare a funeral, you know how photos help you grieve and preserve their memory. I could only find 6 photos of my mum in those 9 years. And, no video!
Mum was unwell for quite some time and like many of us over 40, she hated having her photo taken. I didn't like taking out my work camera either. I never used my smartphone, because why would I, it was inferior to my 'big' camera.
After 20-years of working in photography, I really disliked it. The big camera was a tool of the trade and only came out on special occasions because it felt like I was working.
It was in 2015 that I realised how many precious memories I had missed and were never captured. That year my mother passed away. My eldest of 3 was 9 at the time. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and had to prepare a funeral, you know how photos help you grieve and preserve their memory. I could only find 6 photos of my mum in those 9 years. And, no video!
Mum was unwell for quite some time and like many of us over 40, she hated having her photo taken. I didn't like taking out my work camera either. I never used my smartphone, because why would I, it was inferior to my 'big' camera.
After this regretful realisation, I started using my smartphone more to capture my family and reluctantly myself. Photos of you are not for you or about you. They are a gift for your loved ones. Mums passing actually hit me quite hard. Photography was and is my escape. It forces me to slow down and study the intricate details and beauty of our immediate world around us.
My photo subjects started to include flowers and nature before exploring other genres. This new passion for taking photos was due to the simplicity and limitations of the smartphone.
My photo subjects started to include flowers and nature before exploring other genres. This new passion for taking photos was due to the simplicity and limitations of the smartphone.
My obsessive personality had me researching everything smartphone photography related. I did every course, downloaded every book. I attended numerous 'big' camera workshops. Even though I often knew far more about the camera than the instructors, I wanted to get inside their head about the art of photography.
It started with mobile photography workshops
No one was exclusively running smartphone photography workshops or training. I had to share this passion and help other photo enthusiasts enjoy their smartphone more.
In 2015, I began running local weekend workshops and started to present and judge at camera clubs. If you have been involved in teaching and running workshops, you will know that the process of answering questions and articulating concepts is a great learning experience in itself.
After running DSLR workshops for a number of years in my day job, I found working with photo enthusiasts using their smartphones so much more enjoyable. Attendees were not there learning to use the tool of their trade. Mobile photographers were passionate about learning and loving photography on their smartphones.
Then came Smartphone Photography Training
The workshops became more popular leading to becoming an event speaker presenting on storytelling and visual communication at social media events and working with industry groups to deliver mobile photography in a workplace training setting as a continual professional development session.
In 2018 I started presenting online to corporate clients and camera clubs internationally. Over time this has led to the development of the website and all the free tutorials you see today on the topics of capturing photos, composition, mobile photo editing and genre-specific tutorials.
Actually, you only see a small fraction of the content that I have created over the years. The best parts, including the full Smartphone Photography Transformation Program is only accessible to Smartphone Photography Club members.
Author - YouTuber - Podcaster - Blogger!
If you haven't already noticed... I am a prolific content creator.
On the Smartphone Photography Club podcast, you will find interviews and me hosting solo explaining the most recent workshop I delivered or recently published tutorial.
My YouTube channel uploads nowadays are limited to Shorts. These are quick to consume a new technique, tip or idea, then move on to more important things in your life!
The Any Question app is where a highly curated selection of industry experts answer your questions in short form video. I have over 300 videos on there for you to check out.
The book: WOW... apart from my qualifications below, this was the biggest project I have taken on! The topic of composition, storytelling and achieving that compelling image was one that I struggled with personally. I wanted to create of the most comprehensive resources on composition and presenting it in a way that could be implemented and not be overwhelming.
This book is one of my proudest achievements.
Training credentials and presenter point of difference
Remembering how hard it was to find quality training online, I had to do something different. The next two years were committed to full time study to become a qualified instructional designer and trainer. The combination of adult learner principles and instructional design has led to the creation of the Smartphone Photography Transformation Program and delivery of individual coaching feedback.
Remembering how hard it was to find quality training online, I had to do something different. The next two years were committed to full time study to become a qualified instructional designer and trainer. The combination of adult learner principles and instructional design has led to the creation of the Smartphone Photography Transformation Program and delivery of individual coaching feedback.
Qualifications:
TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
TAE50216 Diploma of Training Design and Development
Why did I study training instead of photography?
There are already amazing photographers out there who dabble in training. My desire is to be an effective and engaging teacher who specialises in photography.
What I offer
We all go to YouTube for answers to our questions. The fastest, thorough and most effective way to get a new skill is a structured learning path.
I do not sell individual video courses, workbooks or eBooks anymore. It was too hard for you to work out which product met you at the stage of your photography journey.
Now, you can access everything all in the one location... the high value Smartphone Photography Club for the low monthly or annual membership. You get access to over $500 worth of courses, the community forum, monthly Live group Zoom calls and direct access to me anytime you want. What other photography educator offers all that?
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Acknowledgement of Country
Smartphone Photography Training acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Smartphone Photography Training acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
