Creative iPhone Photography: Tools, Vision, and Technique

Your iPhone is far more than a convenient camera—it’s a powerful creative tool that can help you make beautiful, expressive photographs once you know how to use it more purposefully. In this engaging, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to unlock the full potential of your iPhone camera and start seeing the world like a photographer.

We’ll begin by exploring the iPhone’s built-in camera tools and settings, including shooting modes, lens choices, exposure control, focus, Live Photos, and other features that often go unused. You’ll learn when and why to use each lens, how to control light and tone, and how small adjustments can dramatically improve your images.

But this workshop goes beyond buttons and menus. We’ll focus on the creative side of photography—how to see interesting light, simplify scenes, find strong compositions, and tell visual stories in everyday moments. Whether you’re photographing people, landscapes, details, or travel scenes, you’ll gain practical techniques you can use immediately.

Point Reyes is a wonderful place to learn and experiment. Its ever-changing light, dramatic coastline, open landscapes, and quiet details provide endless opportunities to practice new skills, try creative ideas, and see how small shifts in perspective can transform an image. The setting itself becomes part of the learning experience, encouraging curiosity and exploration.

You’ll also discover how fun and freeing iPhone photography can be. Because your phone is always with you, it invites experimentation, play, and spontaneity. We’ll share creative exercises that help you move beyond snapshots and develop your own visual style.

This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced photographers alike who want to make better images without carrying heavy gear. You’ll leave with practical skills, fresh inspiration, and the confidence to use your iPhone as a true creative camera—one that helps you capture images that feel personal, intentional, and alive.

Susan and Neil Silverman are a husband-and-wife photography team with 25 years of experience teaching and leading workshops. Our work is featured nationally and internationally, and we love showing how fun, creative, and powerful the iPhone camera can be for capturing meaningful images and stories.

Photo Credit: Susan and Neil Silverman

Details

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley, Point Reyes

- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

- Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests less than 48 hours in advance will be declined.

- Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

- Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

- Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

- Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

- Waitlists are available when the class sells out

Ticket Pricing

A range of pricing options is available to meet your needs. We welcome your participation and appreciate your support at any level.

What to Bring

Fully charged phone

Cord for charging battery (just in case)

Day Pack (optional)

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing (bring layers)

Water Bottle

Coffee/Tea in thermos if desired (optional)

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Health Guidelines

Masks are welcome at your discretion as we all work together to remain healthy and safe.