When to Upgrade From Your Phone to a Camera
Wondering if it's time to buy a real camera? Honest signs your phone is holding you back, and when a dedicated camera is genuinely worth it.
Iris Vance
Founder & Photo Editor
Iris Vance
Iris has shot everything from weddings to weekends away and started Horzib to demystify photography for beginners. She cares more about seeing well than owning expensive gear.
Articles
9 articles by Iris
Iris Vance
How to Use Negative Space in Photos
A beginner's guide to negative space — using empty areas around your subject to create calm, focus, and mood, plus common mistakes to avoid.
Iris Vance
Shutter Speed Basics: Freeze or Blur Motion
Shutter speed made simple for beginners — how to freeze fast action, blur motion on purpose, and avoid camera shake in your handheld everyday photos.
Iris Vance
How to Cull Photos and Keep Your Best Shots
Learn to cull photos quickly and confidently — a fast selection pass, honest standards, and a two-round method that leaves you with only your best shots.
Iris Vance
A Beginner's Guide to Leading Lines
How to use leading lines to guide the viewer's eye — spotting roads, fences, and shadows and pointing them at your subject for photos with real depth.
Iris Vance
Camera Shooting Modes Explained: P, A, S, M
The P, A, S, and M camera modes explained for beginners — what each one controls, when to use it, and why aperture priority is the best place to start.
Iris Vance
A Simple Photo Editing Workflow for Beginners
A calm, repeatable photo editing workflow for beginners — import, cull, make basic adjustments in the right order, and finish without losing your evening.
Iris Vance
How to Take Sharper Photos With Your Phone
Your phone already takes sharp photos — the fix is in how you hold it, focus it, and light it. A beginner's guide to crisp phone shots.
Iris Vance
How to Use the Rule of Thirds
A beginner-friendly guide to the rule of thirds — what it is, how to place your subject off-center, and when breaking the rule makes a stronger photo.
Iris Vance