How Do I use my Apple Watch for Photography?

How to Use an Apple Watch as a Content Creator?

As a content creator, street photography and videography are all about capturing raw, spontaneous moments. To do that effectively, you must be agile and ready to shoot whenever something catches your eye. This is where an Apple Watch can become an unexpected but powerful tool in your creative arsenal. Though it’s not explicitly designed for photography or videography, its GPS, Notes, and Siri functions can help streamline your process and elevate your content.

1. Using GPS for Location Scouting and Metadata

One of the first things street photographers do is scout locations. The Apple Watch’s GPS capabilities are perfect for this. Whether looking for a specific area to shoot or just wandering, the GPS feature will help you navigate new streets without constantly pulling out your phone and missing the scene.

• Location Scouting: When exploring, you can use the "Maps" app on the Apple Watch to easily find interesting spots and quickly navigate there. You’ll have more time to observe and less time buried in your phone.

• Geotagging for Metadata: If you use apps like Strava, Workout (outdoor walk), or others that track your movement via GPS, you can automatically log the coordinates of where you shot photos or video clips. This adds valuable metadata to your media for future reference or sharing location info with your followers.

2. Taking Notes on the Go

Great street photography and videography aren’t just about visuals but the story behind each frame. Sometimes, you’ll see something that sparks a creative idea or hear a piece of dialogue that fits perfectly with your video project. The Apple Watch’s "Voice Memo" function can help capture that inspiration before it slips away.

• Quick Idea Jotting: Whether it’s a concept for your next street portrait or a unique scene you’ve encountered, you can quickly dictate your thoughts using the “Voice Memo” app on your Apple Watch. It’s discreet and fast, so you don’t have to stop what you're doing to type on your phone.

• Pre-Shoot Lists and Concepts: Before heading out, you can create a shot list or checklist in the Reminder app, accessible from your wrist. This will help you keep your creative goals in mind as you roam.

3. Discreetly Check Notifications Without Disrupting Your Flow

One of the best parts about using an Apple Watch in street photography is that it lets you stay focused. You won’t need to pull out your phone for every notification, which can interrupt your creative flow. Whether it’s a client message or a sudden inspiration that strikes, you can glance at your watch without breaking the immersive moment.

4. Timers and Reminders for Photo Challenges

The Apple Watch's “Timer” and “Reminders” apps are handy for time-based challenges or prompts. If you want to give yourself a 30-minute window to capture as many candid moments as possible, setting a discreet timer on your wrist keeps you on task without pulling you out of the scene.

• Timers for Golden Hour: When shooting during specific lighting conditions, such as Golden Hour, setting up a reminder on your watch can ensure you capture the perfect moments before the light fades.

• Daily Challenges: You can use reminders to set personal challenges or goals for your street photography session, like "capture three photos using reflections" or "film a 10-second B-roll sequence."

5. Capture Instant Reflections from the Session.

The Apple watch’s “Mindfulness” app is great for a moment of zen in our chaotic lives, but it’s also great for recording how you felt about a session you just had.

• Reflection: You can use the “State of Mind” function under the “Mindfulness” app to discreetly reflect quickly on how you are feeling during or after the session. Especially with its emotional words, you can go beyond just “good” or “bad.” You can use that information later on to change up and improve the next session.

• Breathe: Let’s face it: Sometimes, we all need to take a deep breath when working with a client. Using the “Breathe” function under the “Mindfulness” app when you are feeling overwhelmed can help you think better, react better, and ultimately produce a better product.

Conclusion

While the Apple Watch may not be the first tool you think of for street photography or videography, its practical features include GPS for location tracking, voice memos for capturing inspiration, and mindfulness reminders for reflections. By integrating these tools into your workflow, you'll be able to work more efficiently, stay focused on the scene around you, and capture street moments with precision and flair. Whether you're a photographer or videographer, the Apple Watch can be your secret weapon on the streets.