how to get the best out of an iphone camera

the light changes a lot but whatever ^^

Now this might seem really stupid, like I'm trying to teach people how to walk or something, but there are some tips I've picked up from my traveling. I've only ever taken photos with my iPhone 5c, which has an 8 megapixel camera. It's definitely not on the same wavelength as professional Canon or Nikon cameras, but it does the job. Anyways, if you're not looking to blow it up to a huge wall-sized poster, it doesn't really matter*. This is quite a long blog post, sorry about that ;)
*side note, you can print these pictures out in approximately an A4 size before it starts to blur

1. Backup

I always backup my pictures once my storage starts to fill up. Working on a phone with a 16gb capacity, you don't really have that much space, especially if you have a lot of apps installed. Bring a laptop to backup, or for Android phones, an extra memory card/phone compatible USB. If you don't feel the need to bring around your own laptop, you can always just bring a USB and borrow the hotel's computer. 

an example of focus

2. Focus

Playing with the focus of your camera can easily bring depth to your pictures. With the 5c camera, you need to get pretty close, so using focus works better with something that doesn't have to be fully captured. Simply tap on the object you want to focus on, and when the background is out of focus you know you're close enough.

another example of using focus

3. Angles
A simple change of angle can completely alter your photo. When taking them, try a couple of different angles to have a varied selection. Try a low angle, which is effective with tall buildings, or a bird's eye view for pretty foodie shots.

not really that extreme of an angle, but you get the idea

4. Zoom
Stay away from the zoom feature as much as you can. I personally think it's aesthetic suicide for your travel pictures. It's best to get as close as you can rather than using the iPhone zoom. Also, after taking the shot you can crop and adjust the perspectives. It makes a better picture since the zoom produces a grainy, blurred shot. To do this, I have a really nice editing app.

edited with vsco cam

5. VSCO Cam
You've probably used this app before, but if you haven't, it's genuinely amazing. It's free on both the Apple and Google Play store, with in-app purchases for extra filters. To be honest, it's basically a filter app, but there are a lot of hidden features. Small icons represent the adjustment options, which include perspective adjuster, basic fixes like exposure, and things like shadow tints.  Also, I NEED TO STRESS HOW GOOD THEIR FILTERS ARE. These are little saviours for your pictures and can make a horrible photo look great. But on that note, be careful not to over edit.

for some reason, this b&w filter works really well with this photo

I honestly think no-one read this whole post, but if you did thank you vv much. I hope you got something out of this and didn't get the impression that I think I'm better than anyone at taking pictures. There's a lot more things you can do, but if I wrote them all down this post would be super long.
 xx, thea

Genting and Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's Unknown Beauties

The first time I went to Genting was when I was so small I couldn't even remember.

But the fun you'll have there, is something you won't forget.

If you like cozy, family places where you can just chill, then Genting and Cameron are the places to go.

Cameron Highland is a humid, slightly chilly place up high in the mountains. They are best known for their strawberries. If you visit, you'll get back home and realise how bad the ones we eat taste. There's definitely something in the air. No one leaves without buying something with a strawberry on it. Even if it is a pillow or a glass keychain with strawberries laser-ed into the middle which you lose because you took it to school to show your friends and still cry about it to this day.

Genting is the opposite of that. Its so cold that sometimes you need a winter coat. IN MALAYSIA. It's nearly always foggy and it's what makes the place. They had an awesome theme park (outdoor and indoor) and a gaming park too. They got rid of the theme parks... and built some NEW ones! I'm pretty sure they might open in time for Christmas this year! Another fact is, one man painstakingly built the 3 km road up the mountain for his family, so ask about the history from some staff there, it's pretty cool.

Every time I go, I always stay at Resorts World, in the Maxim tower, but it's hard to get in unless you book, so any one is good (but there are some with ghost stories so check out Genting stories before you book). 

There is a casino for adults in Genting and is SO exclusive, kids can't even go to that level! And downstairs, it gets really chilly, so all you need to do is pop into the Starbucks and buy a 15RM Venti Hot Choc! Then, when you're all warmed up, head to the Baskin Robbins there. In the morning, I always opt for the buffet- their soups are the BEST and if breakky isn't your thing, head over to the corner cafe for their carrot cake and mushroom soup. You won't regret a thing.

So do yourselves a favour, and next time you jump on a super cheap flight to Asia, take a chance with Malaysia- you'll find your second home there.

XX, Jas

Brunching: Typika Coffee Roasters

Brunch is probably my favourite meal of the day. If it counts as a meal. Why do I like it so much?

1. You get to sleep in but not be a total slob because of the 11am time
2. Since it's two meals put together, you're allowed to eat twice as much :)
3. It's a perfect time to catch up with friends, or enjoy some time with family

It's quite easy to find brunch places around you, but they're not always good. Most of them are located in the trendier areas of the city, or urban areas with lots of cafes. In Perth, a place I really like is Typika Coffee Roasters. After my first impromptu trip, which happened due to a quick Urbanspoon search, I fell in love. The atmosphere of the place is great, the staff are helpful and friendly and most importantly the food is amazing. I've eaten there a lot of times since then, and each time the standard stays high. It's nice how they have a regularly updated "specials" menu where certain dishes are spotlighted for a period of time. I suggest trying any variation of their eggs benedict, their pulled pork quesadillas, and their deconstructed hot chocolate is interesting. They also have a small cafe where you can pick up something on the go with a cup of coffee, made from their in-house coffee roaster. However, I have yet to try all the menu items so feel free to pick something else ;)

Typika's Deconstructed Hot Chocolate

Eggs Benedict (GF option)

You can find Typika Coffee Roasters in the heart of Claremont at 331 Stirling Highway
xx, thea