Chapter 1: Protecting Your iPhone

When traveling, safeguarding your iPhone is essential. Despite my previous reluctance to go without a case, I opted for the leChivée Magnetic Crystal Clear Cover for my iPhone 14 Pro Max. While this case offers drop protection, I still managed to drop my phone, and fortunately, it survived unscathed. I was convinced of its effectiveness and even bought one for my partner when she upgraded to the same model.

However, our first trip abroad post-COVID highlighted the vulnerability of the phone. During security checks at Heathrow, her screen became scratched. Upon landing in Munich, she noticed the tiny scratch—a detail she spotted immediately. It's perplexing how it happened, as glass is usually resilient. Was it caught in a security tray? Or did it fracture somehow? I wished I could prove it, especially since the phone is still under warranty, but that's unlikely.

Reflecting on our past practices, we typically relied on a case with a cover, which felt safer. Unfortunately, the allure of MagSafe minimalism led to this oversight. Repairing iPhones can be costly; I checked online for estimates and found that PhoneBar would charge around £389 for a screen replacement—yikes! Apple would likely charge even more, but their site was down when I tried to check.

I’ve never opted for Apple Care on any of my devices, believing I could save enough to cover repairs. Having used iPhones since 2007, I figured my savings would pay for several replacements. While I might eventually replace the screen, I needed a solution to prevent this from happening again. I decided to use a JETech Full Coverage Screen Protector, a tempered glass film that was easy to apply. Although it leaves minor air bubbles, it doesn't compromise touch sensitivity. The only drawback is occasional reflections in bright light, which may prompt me to seek a matte version if they become bothersome.

If only I’d thought of using a screen protector sooner, I would have avoided this costly scratch!

Chapter 2: Capturing Memories with Portrait Mode

During our visit to the Museum of Fine Art in Vienna, I encountered numerous exhibits I wanted to capture. However, the glass cases often distracted from the subjects. Fortunately, the iPhone's portrait mode came to the rescue. By focusing on the subject and tapping to capture, I was able to take clear photos.

To enhance the results, I discovered I could edit the photo and adjust the focal length to f1.4, resulting in a beautifully blurred background. While this method won't eliminate all distractions, it significantly improves the image quality.

Chapter 3: Adding Location to Photos with Sony a7 IV

Interestingly, my Sony a7 IV camera lacks a built-in GPS chip and depends on a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone for location data. While I’m unsure how this functions on Android, the pairing process with an iPhone can be unreliable. To work around this, I take a quick photo with my iPhone before shooting with the Sony. Then, I import the images into Apple Photos, copy the location from the iPhone photo, and paste it onto the Sony images. This way, all my photos are accurately geotagged in one go.

Chapter 4: The DJI Osmo Experience

Last year, I purchased the DJI Osmo, hoping to elevate my travel photography. However, during my recent cruise, I hardly used it. The tight schedule left little time for setup, and I often felt overwhelmed by the device's features. Instead, I relied on my iPhone, which still produced excellent pictures.

It's important to familiarize yourself with your tech before traveling. I learned this lesson the hard way and missed out on potential photo opportunities.

Chapter 5: Final Thoughts

Traveling again after such a long hiatus was refreshing, reminding me of the different ways to experience life. However, I realized that preparation is crucial. The scratch on my partner's phone was an expensive mistake, but not knowing how to utilize the Osmo effectively was the greater loss. I missed chances that may never arise again.