Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max bring a lot to the table across the board, from a gaming-ready chip, to USB-C, and — of course — photography. It is that last point where we are putting the emphasis, and this review is specifically for those of you who care about the iPhone as a camera.

I got an opportunity to test Apple’s latest devices fully, taking photographs around the San Jose area as well as back home in Calgary. This is my first time using an iPhone in any sort of serious capacity and my goal is to explain the Pro and Pro Max models leaning specifically toward photography.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Review: How It Handles

Let me say that I typically dislike any smartphone when it comes to taking pictures. The handling is always dubious at best and there is the ever-present risk of dropping it while taking photos. Trying to shoot unique angles from above or below is inconvenient because of the lack of any tilt screen function and the only way to really improve the experience is to add a cage or case that can accommodate external hook-ups for monitors and audio, especially important for video applications. At this point though your setup is as bulky as a dedicated camera would be, eliminating the benefits of the smartphone form factor.

All phones suffer in this regard though, and the beauty of any smartphone as a camera is the supreme take-it-anywhere convenience. So how does the iPhone 15 Pro handle?

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max now have a titanium frame which does reduce weight by about 50 grams. It may not be a huge difference but it’s always a welcome one and it helps to offset the larger size of the Pro Max model. Both phones have a similar LCD panel to the previous iPhone 14 Pro models, providing adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz but they double the brightness, going up to a peak of 2,000 nits. The screens are way brighter than my current phone and I found them easy to compose with even in the bright Californian sun.

The Pro and Pro Max have screen sizes of 6.1 and 6.7 inches, respectively. Although the titanium frame and thinner bezels of the screens reduce the size of both phones slightly, the difference between the 14 Pro and Pro Max is only about one millimeter. What I did find to be a more measurable improvement was the new customizable button replacing the silent switch. Setting this to operate the camera allowed me to almost instantly have it ready to shoot, and then I simply used the same button to start shooting. For quick grab shots on the street, this was very handy.

From a speed standpoint, the new A17 processor can handle sequential RAW files with minimal delay. I was able to shoot with very little waiting in between 48-megapixel RAWs or HEIFs. I noticed a slight speed increase even from the iPhone 14 Pro and I never felt like the 48-megapixel modes kept me from missing my timing.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Review: The Seven Deadly Lenses

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max advertise having seven lenses. Of course, only three cameras are on the phones and the other lenses are field of view (FOV) changes. Apple states the seven lenses as a Macro, the 13mm Ultra-wide f/2.2, the 24mm f/1.78 main camera, a 28mm and 35mm FOV shift from that main camera, the 2x 48mm equivalent FOV from the previous iPhone, and finally either the previous 77mm f/2.8 from the iPhone 14 Pro or the new 120mm f/2.8 which comes on the iPhone 15 Pro Max only.

It’s important to understand that with the exception of the 120mm lens on the Pro Max, we have seen all this camera hardware before in the iPhone 14 Pro. Although Apple states that the new phones have updated coatings I didn’t notice much — if any — difference between the 14 Pro and 15 Pro models. Don’t get me wrong, flare is well-controlled. I just didn’t see much improvement when shooting toward bright sources of light.

The new exciting lens is the 120mm f/2.8 on the Pro Max and I certainly enjoyed the new focal length for portraits and the occasional shot at a distance. The optical stabilization unit does a good job of allowing for stable hand-held shots, although image quality-wise, it’s very similar to the 77mm f/2.8 lens on the 15 Pro. The tele cameras are 12-megapixels, and due to the relatively small sensors inside, they suffer from some noise, especially in darker situations. The only appreciable differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the screen size and which telephoto camera you get, so those should be your main deciding factors.

I was very skeptical about the 28mm and 35mm “lenses” that are incorporated into the main camera. Make no mistake, these are digital crops. However, unlike the 48mm FOV which is relegated to only 12-megapixels, the new 28mm and 35mm FOVs combine a 48mm detail shot into the image capture and compilation process. This gives you a 24-megapixel image which is very similar to the 24mm main camera’s standard output.

Because of this, despite the main camera cropping in to give these different lens options, I found the images to have excellent detail and were very usable in real-world situations. I quite enjoyed having the extra options for compositions and would use them far more often than the 48mm lens.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Review: Image Quality Results

With the cameras largely being the same ones we’ve seen before, the concrete image quality changes are thanks to the new A17 processor. I love that the shallow depth-of-field effect of Portrait mode can now be a decision deferred until after the photo is taken. More importantly, though is that the transition from in focus to the background is far more natural looking.

Strange haloes around the face and issues with whispy bits of hair are handled much more realistically than we’ve seen before. The new 120mm lens still doesn’t give a very shallow DOF effect on it’s own so it’s nice to see real improvements to the Portrait mode.

In addition to the 48-megapixel Apple Pro RAW file, we now have a 48-megapixel HEIF as well. I like the detail we get in this new file when we don’t necessarily want to push and pull exposure in post. Dynamic range is handled well too, but it is not pushing the file to fill the potential of HDR displays. It’s a good choice when you want a high-resolution file that takes up very little storage space and when you have the intent to share the file on standard displays.

In my opinion, the real big change is the new 24-megapixel HEIF files. You can only get these images with the Main camera in either the 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm fields of view. However, these files make full use of the HDR color space and combine a 48-megapixel file using Apple’s Photonic engine to give it effectively double the megapixels over the previous iPhone 14 Pro camera.

The main significance is that this is the new file type that the majority of users will be shooting and the extra detail is absolutely noticeable. If the intended home for a finished image is social media, perhaps the benefits will be minor but for any situation where you want to crop in tighter, display on a larger screen, or be able to zoom in while viewing the file, the advantage is clear. Going forward, I think many users will appreciate the benefits of this new format and that they will get three different FOVs to use it with.

Lastly, the Night mode has been revamped to make use of a full 16-bit color space when compiling its images together. In practical terms, the amount of noise, brightness of the exposure, and operation of the Night mode will be similar to the iPhone 14. Where we see a benefit is in the fidelity of the color and the range of tones that are captured. Tonality is improved and the accuracy of the color is more realistic, though I find the images from Night mode to still look somewhat over-processed. File sizes are still 12-megapixels in Night mode and you still have some control over how long you can set the exposure times. Most users will find their night shots similar to what’s come before, albeit with a nicer range of tonality and color.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: A More Refined Camera Experience

It’s easy to write off the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max as being marginal improvements over the iPhone 14 Pro that came before. Similar cameras, similar screens, and similar batteries are to be found. A few tweaks to the photo-taking experience and a new button don’t seem like huge additions, but they are thoughtful changes.

Yet, what I think we should focus on is the changes to the shooting experience brought about by the A17 processor. Everything about the Main camera image quality has been improved and any of the features you would use like Portrait mode or Night mode are also better, regardless of what camera you use. Everything feels faster, sharper, and cleaner.

Being that this is my first experience using an Apple iPhone for photography I found the experience to be very enjoyable as smartphones go. I was expecting to have more issues utilizing the camera module given my extensive background with Android phones but everything was easy to set up, at least as far as smartphone photography goes. I found the image quality to be the best compared to what I am using now, but I’m eager to see how the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will compare to the new Google and Samsung phones. No matter what, there is no denying that the new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are capable and enjoyable picture-takers.

Are There Alternatives?

I feel like the soon-to-be-released Google Pixel 8 Pro will be the main competitor to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. In most situations though, the phone ecosystem you go with will be the one you’ve already been using. The standard iPhone 15 is an option but I feel like the Pro versions bring quite a bit more to the table. An older iPhone 14 Pro would be a decent move if your goal is to keep costs down.

Should You Buy It?

Yes, especially if it has been a couple of years since you last upgraded. If you’re coming from an iPhone 14 Pro, the improvements are less impactful but for those coming from an iPhone 13, this is a very worthwhile upgrade. From a strictly photographic standpoint, it’s the best Apple has to offer.

London, UK

A campaigner poses as Rishi Sunak outside the Palace of Westminster in support of the Make Polluters Pay campaign, which is calling for the UK government to impose higher taxes on big polluters, such as BP and Shell

Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

House of Secrets Boudoir by Tanya Eivin Photography Enhances Its Services to Include Couple Boudoir Sessions

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography, Austin’s premier fine arts boudoir studio, is thrilled to offer couples the opportunity to transform their love and intimacy into art through a boudoir photography session.

Bolstered by a shift in body positivity and the rise in people’s desire to own their sexuality and sensuality, boudoir photography has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the last few years, but typically these sessions have been embraced predominantly by female clients. House of Secrets owner and lead photographer Tanya Metaxa wants to change that by inviting couples into the studio. The intimate nature of boudoir photography allows people to delve deeper into their most inner selves. For couples, this is a unique opportunity to experience this together while creating lasting memories and timeless heirlooms.

A boudoir photo session with your partner isn’t an ordinary photography session. It’s a chance to explore your relationship and each other––with no judgment and in a safe and welcoming space. With help and guidance from the photographer, couples are given a rare chance to capture these beautiful fleeting moments that usually only happen behind the closed door. The result: unique, rebellious images that break down the barriers to intimacy.

“Love is beautiful. Intimacy is even better,” Tanya explained. “Boudoir for couples is an incredible art form focusing on intimacy, vulnerability, and raw chemistry between partners.”

For those intimidated by a boudoir photo shoot, Metaxa says you shouldn’t be. “Every single one of us and every body is beautiful. With our relaxed and safe environment, even the shyest clients find themselves having fun from the first click of the shutter. At House of Secrets, you’ll feel sexy and confident, and our couples will discover a stronger bond.”

“Being photographed together in an intimate and judgment-free setting brings a unique edge to the session, creating unparallel, sensuous, and daring images that are sure to lead to long-lasting memories. Not only will the images last a lifetime, so will the adventurous feeling.”

Tanya divulged couple boudoir is limitless. “Whether you’ve been together for one year or twenty, any couple can benefit from a boudoir session. It’s a very special experience unlike any other.”

No two love stories are the same, and House of Secrets wants to tell those stories through fine art photography. Couples can explore their sensuality and reclaim the power that comes from embracing their unique beauty. Bedroom secrets can come to life—safely in a comfortable studio setting. Couples enjoy the freedom to be daring without consequence.

Metaxa explained why House of Secrets feels so passionately about this new service. “There’s something magical about being in love. It’s a feeling of connection, adventure, and security—all at once. That feeling can be intense, and it can also be electrifying. Our couple sessions bring their love stories to life and celebrate the beauty of relationships.”

For more information on scheduling a session, visit the House of Secrets website.

About House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography

House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography is a luxury boudoir photography studio located in Austin, Texas. More than a photography studio, House of Secrets is your partner in becoming someone who is at peace with their body and mind, and discovering and embracing their uniqueness where society sees flaws. House of Secrets delivers timeless photography in an inclusive, safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for clients of all genders.

Contact:
Tanya Metaxa
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (512) 866-6565

SOURCE Tanya Eivin Photography

Becoming a good photographer is a complicated thing that requires a wide range of factors to come together, and rarely is the journey a straight line. If you find yourself on this journey, check out this fantastic video essay that features an experienced photographer that discusses the truth about growing as a photographer. 

Coming to you from Joshua Peg, this awesome video essay discusses the truth about growing as a photographer. I think Peg is touching on something particularly important when he discusses the amount of effort and perseverance that goes into growth and that there are no shortcuts. We live in an age when we are conditioned to expect instant gratification. A lot of products are geared toward this with the idea that they will allow us to bypass the sort of effort and practice that goes into finding success. Things like presets and automated editing promise us quick results that will look like the pros, and while it is true that under the right circumstances, they can provide a boost in efficiency, there is a vast chasm between increasing efficiency and replacing technique and creativity altogether. And even if they could do that, would you really want that? After all, we all picked up a camera because we enjoyed the creative process, so why surrender it to a machine? Check out the video above for the full rundown from Peg. 

TAIYUAN — The 23rd Pingyao International Photography Festival kicked off on Tuesday in Pingyao, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, in North China’s Shanxi province.

Themed “New Light, New Orientation” this year, the six-day festival has attracted 13,961 works by over 2,000 photographers from 28 countries.

The festival is divided into five major sections with 16 units. More than 120 educational institutions, 12 of them from overseas, are participating in one of the units, a record high for the festival.

Advocating diversity, internationalism and professionalism, the annual festival, launched in 2001, has attracted over 290,000 photography works from more than 100 countries and regions, and is considered an important platform for cross-cultural communication.

Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy, who spoke at the hearing into RTÉ’s finances last week, compared the professional photography to mobile phone photos and said his assistant can take photos at no cost.

It emerged last week during an Oireachtas committee meeting that the photographer would earn a maximum of €60,000 per annum, or €240,000 over four years, to photograph stills on the set of Fair City.

Following the hearing RTÉ’s director general Kevin Bakhurst said the broadcaster was suspending the tender for a photographer, and “stopping all discretionary spending”.

Mr Bakhurst said he “can’t believe” the salary that was being offered for photography on the show.

“Given the steep fall in the licence fee and the uncertainty over interim funding, and following last week’s announcements, we have decided to halt the current tender process for Fair City photography,” said Mr Bakhurst.

During the hearing Senator Carrigy expressed his shock at the job salary and said, “I’ve asked my assistant to take a picture of me speaking here and I’ll show it to you in about two minutes’ time and it won’t cost anything to be able to do that”.

Beta Bajgart, who holds the Fair City stills photographer contract, penned an open letter to the Senator on Monday and said she was “disturbed” by his comments.

“I found your remark highly insulting and derogatory to all people who work within the creative industries,” said Ms Bajgart.

She said that the remark is potentially insulting to all her colleagues working on Fair City, stressing that a photographer’s work is “not just a matter of pressing a button on a smartphone”.

Ms Bajgart explained that her role is to take photographs of the scenes and actors for publicity purposes, with promotional press packs forming an important part of the show.

“Firstly, not that I should have to, but your ignorant comment of reducing a photographer’s work to such a level astounded me so much that perhaps I do need to explain,” said Ms Bajgart.

She added that the average time she spends on the set of Fair City is 30 hours per week, over three full days, in addition to time editing, postproduction enhancement, prepping packs as well as emails and meetings.

“The photographer on RTÉ’s Fair City is an independent contractor who does not receive any benefits that you and your colleague are more familiar with for example,” the open letter continues.

“There is no pension, no paid holidays and no sick leave,” she said, adding that the photographer must buy and update their own equipment and have their own transport.

“The utter disregard that the photography profession received in the press in the past week, compounded by your derogatory remarks, feeds into the damaging stereotype that art and creative professions don’t deserve the same respect and financial benefits as any other profession,” she said.

She asked Senator Carrigy if he enjoys a night at the cinema, a music gig, a theatre production or a visit to the galleries. “Perhaps none of these should exist, perhaps these are all superfluous, and something we can ‘capture on our smartphone’ free of charge,” Ms Bajgart said.

“I would like to invite you to rethink your outlook and make a public apology for the ill-considered remarks you have loaded on all creative practitioners in our country.

“A representative in your position should refrain from such insulting comments and make appropriate redress for them,” she concluded.

In a statement last week RTÉ said the tender was being suspended following an announcement of a recruitment freeze and stopping all discretionary spending.

The broadcaster said it will “pause and take time to review the volume of photography required and length of contract, among other considerations”.

A revised tender for photography on the Fair City set will be issued once these decisions have been made.

The photographer would have worked an average of 20 hours per week over the course of three days per week and delivered “a minimum of 16 approved photograph stills in both high and low resolution to Fair City each week, for 50 weeks per year, as specified by RTÉ”.

RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst said: “While quality professional photography is essential to enable us to promote our programmes and engage audiences, it is not possible for RTÉ to commit to a four-year contract or to this level of spend given the challenges we now face,” Mr Bakhurst said.

It is anticipated the shortfall in TV licence fee payments will stand at €21m by the end of the year.

In the world of photography, you never stop learning, so staying inspired and informed is crucial. Whether you’re a budding amateur or an experienced professional, there are always new techniques to learn, new equipment to try, new perspectives to consider, and industry news to keep on top of.

Thankfully, there are a number of high-quality photography magazines and blogs that can help you do so.

To help you find the best resources, we’ve curated a list of the best photography publications available today. Both online and in print, these titles will provide a wealth of insights, tutorials, reviews and breathtaking imagery to ignite your passion.

1. Magazines to devour

Aperture: From its base in New York, Aperture is a nonprofit publisher that leads conversations around photography worldwide through an acclaimed quarterly magazine, books, exhibitions, digital platforms, public programs, limited-edition prints, and awards. Established in 1952 to advance “creative thinking, significantly expressed in words and photographs,” Aperture champions photography’s vital role in nurturing curiosity and encouraging a more just, tolerant society. Packed with interviews, features and incredible work, its magazine is a must-read for serious photographers everywhere.

British Journal of Photography: Operating since 1854, this is one of the world’s oldest photography magazines and has still very much got it. New issues come every two months and typically combine profiles of rising photographic artists with detailed analyses of historical figures. BJP, as it’s commonly known, is also home to some of the photography industry’s most prestigious awards, and its in-house agency connects the best photographic talent with major international brands.

Digital Camera: If you’re a beginner or keen amateur photographer, Digital Camera features tips, tutorials and hands-on projects to help you improve your technique. It also features reviews of the latest equipment, interviews with famous photographers, and masterclasses on different photographic topics written by leading experts. Every four weeks, there’s a new issue, adding up to 13 editions a year.

Black & White: Black & White is a specialist resource for connoisseurs and collectors of black and white fine-art photography. While black-and-white photography is often thought of as a medium of the past, recent years have drawn more enthusiasts into its community, with many participants using digital-format cameras to create black-and-white images. B&W believe that its title has been a factor in the accelerated growth of this medium and aims to continue to be so. There’s a new issue every calendar month.

2. Blogs that inspire

DPReview: If gear reviews are what you’re after, DPReview is a must-visit. They offer in-depth camera reviews and comparisons, keeping you updated with the latest photographic technology. Founded in 1998, their mission is to provide the most authoritative coverage of digital photography gear in the world, including news, articles and expert reviews. They have probably the most comprehensive database of consumer digital cameras on the web and provide an open, active forum and useful tools for their community.

Fstoppers: Fstoppers was founded in 2010 by Patrick Hall and Lee Morris as a web community for photographers, videographers and other creative professionals. It’s since become one of the top online resources for photography lighting, gear reviews, business tips, behind-the-scenes and industry news.

Petapixel: Established in 2009, PetaPixel is an online publication that aims to inform, educate and inspire in all things photography-related. With a fantastic mix of news and current events in the photography world, along with reviews and op-eds, it’s a great place to find the pulse of the industry’s latest developments.

3. Niche blogs for specialised interests

DIY Photography: For the tinkerers out there, this blog focuses on DIY photography and video projects and hacks, helping you get more creative with your gear. Its website offers a wide range of content for enthusiasts and professionals, from featuring talented artists to providing in-depth gear reviews. You’ll also find tutorials, tips and tricks of the trade, and news of industry trends here.

Shotkit: Ever wondered what gear your favourite photographers use? Shotkit offers a sneak peek into the camera bags of famous names worldwide. Founded by Mark Condon, a half-English, half-Japanese photographer living in Australia, this distinctive blog also features gear reviews, photography tutorials, software reviews, business advice and more.

4. Platforms that promote emerging talent

Feature Shoot: Emphasising photography as an art form, Feature Shoot showcases work from up-and-coming photographers from around the globe. Started in 2008 by Alison Zavos, it’s since amassed an archive of over 4,000 photographer profiles. With contributing writers from all over the world and a wide range of interests, you’ll find contemporary work here in all genres of photography, including fine art, documentary, portrait, still life and landscape.

500px ISO: The blog of the photo-sharing platform 500px, ISO provides inspiring stories, photo tutorials, and photo stories from the community. Head here to meet inspirational photographers and discover how they capture their best images.

LensCulture: A platform dedicated to discovering and promoting the best of global photography, LensCulture conducts contests, offers reviews and publishes stories to push the boundaries of the medium. Their mission is simple: to discover the best contemporary work and share it with the largest audience possible.

When an artist’s mind and boredom meet, it can spark a fashion brand. That was the case for junior immersive media design and information science major Nnenna Elekalachi.

Elekalachi birthed her streetwear brand, Elevated Apparel, in late 2020. She was inspired to pursue the idea after witnessing the success of other small clothing businesses on social media. These businesses often paid people to create their designs, she said, but Elekalachi believed she had an edge over any competitors: she could draw.

An artist since pre-kindergarten, Elekalachi made her first sale after customers made orders from the art they saw in her sketchbook.

The fashion brand also spreads an important message, Elekalachi added.

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“Elevated is supposed to stand for positivity and uplifting,” she said. “I’m also a Christian, so I wanted to show that and put a little bit of me and my religion and my ideology on life into clothing.”

One of Elevated Apparel’s T-shirts includes a graphic of a halo and wings, with the numbers 4:13 pasted on the front and the phrase “I am elevated through Christ who strengthens me” on the back of the shirt, alluding to Phillippians 4:13 in the Bible. 

Elevated Apparel has also received support from the University of Maryland community. Both administrators and the wider student population have supported Elekalachi at campus pop-ups. She is especially thankful for Black community members on this university’s campus because they often relate to her pieces most.

The creative’s fashion business also brought about another talent she never knew she had: photography. After a failed experience with the professional photographer she had booked for her apparel launch in 2020, she got a camera for herself.

The photo shoot was successful, so much so that she began pursuing photography by taking pictures of students on this university’s campus. Elekalachi would post on her Instagram story and ask if any students were interested in modeling and do free shoots for them. The shoots also served as a portfolio for the start of her photography business called “Elevated FX.”

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Jayden Gyamfi, a sophomore operations management and business analytics major, modeled for Elekalichi’s shoot, No Man’s Land, which was inspired by Brent Faiyaz’s Wasteland album cover. Gyamfi was on board with the project immediately because of his enjoyment of Faiyaz’s music.

“What’s unique about Nnenna’s photography businesses is her ability to bring ideas into fruition,” Gyamfi said. “The results of the photo shoot really made my jaw drop.”

Learning photography wasn’t difficult for Elekalachi because of her history in art, where she learned about composition and color theory, she said. 

Her recent photography work, Flower girls, stemmed from one of her drawings, which she felt would be a good concept to replicate live. She collaborated with her friend,  Ikechukwu Ihejirika, who is a junior communications major at Towson University.

Ihejirika describes collaborations and creative sessions with Elekalachi as a push and pull, where they constantly bounce off of each other’s creativity and end with “magic.”

“Nnenna sort of has a tunnel vision, so she sees what she wants to create in her mind, and she finds a way to make it happen,” Iherjirika said.

In a powder-blue safari suit, rainbow bow tie and bushy handlebar moustache, Lyndsay Marriner does not fit the mould of an archetypal veteran.

“My last day in the Australian Army was May 4, 2022. On May the fourth, the force was with me, and on May the fifth, it wasn’t,” he laughs.

After four decades of service in the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Mr Marriner suffered a breakdown and was discharged with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I was mentally beaten down quite a bit. I couldn’t shake it off in the end,” he says.

The Townsville veteran is now “rebuilding” and has vowed to live his life out of the shadows.

“Since I had my breakdown, I’m so much more open with my life … and being open about it has helped me immensely,” he says.

It led him to sit for his portrait as part of the Reluctant Heroes project.

Empathising with subjects

South-east Queensland photographer Mick Jones has photographed more than 50 ex-service personnel from all walks of life in the past three years.

As a veteran himself, he knows getting in front of the camera “can be a bit intimidating”.

He gets to know his subjects over a cup of tea, a biscuit, or even a beer before picking up his camera.

“Sometimes we sit there for 20 minutes and they’re comfortable to just start the process, or in some cases, we’ve been there for an hour and a half,” Mr Jones said.

“Sometimes it becomes almost like, I won’t say a counselling session, but a bit of an opportunity to talk about some experiences. I don’t promote that, I just sit there and listen.

“I’ve had some messages and conversations with family saying, Dad, or my husband or whatever, has never spoken to people about that sort of stuff.”

The photos are striking, and Mr Jones said showing the veterans the final image was “the best part”.

Capturing character with a lens

Jan Scott said she burst into tears when she received a photograph of her husband Rob.

“If we ever have a fire, and God forbid we never do, that would be one of the things I would grab  besides the dog,” she said.

As a Vietnam veteran, Mr Scott faced backlash in the aftermath of the war, and later grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder and health problems.

She said Mr Jones had managed to beautifully capture the humanity of her “very, very quiet” husband.

“That’s the Rob we see — a lot of people don’t see that — and Mick just seems to have that knack of catching the essence of that person,” she said.

“He was a man thrown into unfortunate circumstances, and he survived.

“He’s just an ordinary man that perhaps did extraordinary things in an extraordinary time.