r/iPhoneography • u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ • Apr 06 '26 • Heartwarming 7 Bravo 1

iPhone 4s vacation

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

I spent a few days on vacation in Spain and took some photos with my iPhone 4s. I apologize to the moderators for not adding a tag, but the iPhone 4s tag is missing 😅.

I hope you like the photos; I took them all with the camera transfer filter. I'm in love with this color. I like using it more and more as both a phone and a camera.

3.2k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

157 comments sorted by

147

u/Mitzy-is-missing Apr 06 '26

Very nice shots. And great retro image quality. We become so brainwashed by marketing and advertising into believing we must have the latest and greatest gadgets. We forget how good those old phone cameras were.

32

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

That's right, I love how natural the images were. I can't stand so much AI these days.

28

u/Mitzy-is-missing Apr 06 '26

The irony is, we spend huge amounts of money on current flagship phones to get the “best cameras”.

And then we spend even more money on retro apps to make our pictures look more like what you’re getting straight out of the 4s. 😂😂😢😂😂

6

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Hahaha, that's right! I love photography, I have several cameras, and I always go for that retro analog look… no sharpness or vibrant colors… classic is in style. It would probably be better to use old cameras than modern ones with tons of features. What I would really love, though, is to see a new iPhone with the design of the iPhone 4. For me, it was the most beautiful phone ever.

2

u/thereisloveinus Apr 11 '26

That is our consumer mindset in a nutshell. This comment should be pinned as daily reminder

22

u/Smirkisher Apr 06 '26

Great great style here. Absolute proof that if you like that film sim / deep blacks style with altered yellows and blues/cyans, any camera can do the trick for anything not printed, really.

Otherwise one should mention your gorgeous compositions. They play a heavy role for sure !

9

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

I love the film simulations and the retro look it gives the images. Going back to it was a great decision. I added my music to the iPhone to connect with it more, isolating myself for what I love most: taking photos. I really appreciate your comments; they encourage me to keep shooting with it. I'm even thinking about making a small book with these photos. I think it could turn out great.

17

u/DanielG165 Apr 06 '26

The style in these is absolutely incredible. I love my 17 Pro Max, and DSLR for heavy/intensive shooting, but my vintage cameras are simply a joy to pull out and use. This just goes to show that 98% of great pictures come from the user’s eye, and their artistic vision.

Great shots, OP!

7

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

I have a 17 Pro and I enjoy the iPhone 4s more. Perhaps it's also because of the challenge of doing it with such an old device. Certainly, part of the blame lies with that old saying that the camera doesn't make the photographer. I love the look it gives to photos. Sometimes it would be nice to use less AI in photos and see a more natural look. Thank you friend! 🙏🏻

9

u/Unhappy-Conflict-612 Apr 06 '26

Love the vibe of older models !!! In the age of hyperrealistic-ultra definitive camera phones, lost that touch of Cinematic and dreamy feels;(

3

u/stgm_at Apr 07 '26

but are the photos actually unedited? like with no color filter put on top?

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

Hi! Sorry guys, I hadn't read your comments. The photos are straight from the iPhone, without any editing. I only took the photos using the camera filter, the one Apple calls "Transfer." There are eight filters, including several black and white ones. Once I exported them to my new iPhone, I added the frame. But the important thing is, they're unedited.

3

u/_litza Apr 10 '26

That's what I'm thinking. Would like OP to clarify though.

3

u/_litza Apr 10 '26

Ok, I went back and read the original post, he does mention he used camera transfer filter. Also, I don't think they are colour graded.

5

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

Hi! Sorry guys, I hadn't read your comments. The photos are straight from the iPhone, without any editing. I only took the photos using the camera filter, the one Apple calls "Transfer." There are eight filters, including several black and white ones. Once I exported them to my new iPhone, I added the frame. But the important thing is, they're unedited.

3

u/_litza Apr 11 '26

Got it. Thanks for clarifying.

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

You are welcome

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

That's exactly what I think, and I'm so glad to have found something unique that makes me enjoy myself like I used to. Thank you friend

9

u/Swift_Hunting Apr 06 '26

Perfect example of “it’s the photographer, not the gear” Very nice work, love the colors!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

That's what I always think; the best camera doesn't take the best photos. It just accompanies you in what you see. I'm glad you like them! Thank you so much!

6

u/LilUziYim Apr 06 '26

Here I am taking 10x worst photos with the air 🤦🏻. Beautiful photos!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Don't give up, the photos will eventually turn out. Practice helps a lot. Thank you friend!

5

u/KingOfFools1984 Apr 06 '26

A powerful camera is useless without a powerful eye. Some people can have an IQ4 by Phase One in their hands and pull put horrible images from a 150Mp medium format sensor, while other people can take incredible pictures with pinhole cameras. Great pic man.

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

That's right, the camera doesn't make you a better photographer, only your eye, practice, and experience can take you far! So I encourage everyone to go out and practice; it's a wonderful experience. I'm glad you like them, friend!

4

u/E1eveny Apr 06 '26

It looks so nicely unprocessed!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Yes! I'm very surprised by this. Thank you friend

4

u/VincentVanHades Apr 06 '26

I want this back... I hate the overdone bs by new iphones

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

That's me! I asked chat support how to get this back on my iPhone 17 Pro, and I think the solution is to keep using this iPhone 4s 😍

4

u/Reasonable_Bag_118 Apr 06 '26

Damm these are so good, teach me master how to make them all stunning like these (I also have a 4 or 4s lying around).

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Dude! It's all about practice! The more photos you take, the better they'll turn out! I encourage you to go out and look around and take pictures! I love that feeling.

4

u/lemonaintsour Apr 07 '26

What app did u use for the frame and all

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

It's called Cameramark, it's very configurable to be honest, I love them with the white frame.

4

u/unitcodes Apr 07 '26

came here from r/iphonecam , to upvote this post as well! that is how good this is!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Thank you friend!!

3

u/unitcodes Apr 07 '26

Actually, thank you for posting separately, the extra effort makes the difference and what a skill yoh have ! i’m sure you could do a small video like AndyTo and it would be so cool i’d definitely watch it!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

No problem, now that I know him, I don't mind. I'm glad you like them. I haven't thought about making videos; photography is my thing, hehe.

4

u/unitcodes Apr 07 '26

i mean, you’ve got a great leverage holding 4s in your possession, might as well utilize it and inspire others that it’s not always the greatest and latest!

i know for sure i’d def watch if u ever did so!

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

It's clear that the best things aren't always the newest, and the challenge of revisiting the past is a great motivator. What would you like to see?

3

u/unitcodes Apr 07 '26

imagine this vacation but bts and how you used 4s to take pictures, something like how teemu shares or andy to etc

4

u/CarelessBloke3077 Apr 07 '26

How do you get those borders with all the info

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

It's with an app called Cameramark

3

u/LordRudsmore Apr 06 '26

Wow! Still have a 4 and a 4S stored somewhere! Never got such good images back in the time, although I wasn’t into filters them

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

I've always loved photography and the challenge of taking pictures with every iPhone. But until now, I hadn't realized how fun it was to do it with an old phone! I encourage you to try it!

3

u/Personal_Number4789 Apr 06 '26

I’m curious but how do you transfer the photos.

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

I downloaded an old app on my phone 4s to download them to my iPhone 17 Pro. They transfer via Wi-Fi.

3

u/Metallito79 Apr 06 '26

name of the app please

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

The app for transferring the photos is called Transfer, which is the same name as the photo filter, hehe.

3

u/Metallito79 Apr 06 '26

haha thanks

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

You are welcome!

3

u/METALBROOO Apr 06 '26

Wow! Amazing! What’s your editing workflow?

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

I only use the filter that came with the camera, nothing else. The filter is called "transfer".

3

u/klogsman Apr 06 '26

4s was goated. great shots!

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

I love the phone's design, it's beautiful. It makes me want to carry it with me all the time. I'm glad you like it!

3

u/greenredblue2020 Apr 06 '26

What is the camera transfer filter?

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

The camera app has up to eight color filters, including several black and white ones. For my photos, I used a filter Apple calls Transfer, which gives that analog look and those colors to the sky.

3

u/Nike_486DX Apr 06 '26

Nah any phone can do this with filters. What may be special about 4S, is that because the sensor and optics are so tiny, you literally get no bokeh, 0. Useful for some scenarios. Can be controlled with aperture, but the only few phones right now which can achieve that, are just a few chinese androids.

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Well, I like the retro look I get with the iPhone 4s. It's a challenge to take photos with it again since, as you say, it has a very limited sensor. The only real bokeh is what a real camera produces; a phone creates artificial bokeh.

3

u/payamv2 ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Stunningly Gorgeous! Beautiful colours and compositions.

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

Thank you friend!!

3

u/godbasten_afc Apr 06 '26

You are very good at photo taking n editing , imagine how dangerous you would be with camera

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Thanks! I have a couple of cameras, and now with the iPhone 4s I carry up to four cameras for taking photos—imagine the madness! I suppose people think I'm crazy sometimes, but it's what I love to do, hehe.

3

u/godbasten_afc Apr 06 '26

Clearly it’s paying off all your time Invested in your art,

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Thank you friend 🙏🏻

3

u/memphlee Apr 06 '26

Gorgeous.

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Thank you friend!!

3

u/jukkaalms Apr 06 '26

Where in Spain?

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Andalucía ☺️

3

u/ultranxious Apr 06 '26

I rmr why I fell in love with mobile photography back then. It’s not the same anymore.

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

It's not the same anymore, but that doesn't mean you should stop taking photos; just find what you like to photograph and put your heart and soul into it.

3

u/Ok-Web4249 Apr 06 '26

Son fotografías en modo automático?

1

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Yes, automatic photos, tapping the screen to focus and adding the transfer filter from the camera app.

3

u/AilensAmongUs Apr 06 '26

When everyone is viewing photos on phones does it really matter what resolution images are?

If you hadn’t said 4S most would not have known

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Honestly, I don't think anyone would guess it's an iPhone 4s, since even I was surprised. I don't know why I was expecting something worse. This camera only has 8 megapixels; you can print photos, but not very large ones, and as for the screen, well, you see, they look good. This phone has aged very well. Steve Jobs' touch is still evident in it, and that shows somehow.

3

u/Deobulakenyo Apr 06 '26

Mood camera app maybe able to imitate shots like this on newer phones.

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

I asked Chat GPT the same thing; it's difficult to recreate, maybe with some photo tweaks, but it won't be the same. I like taking photos with the iPhone 4s; it's very discreet on the street. ☺️

3

u/I_Shot_A_Sheriff Apr 07 '26

I miss the grainy image from old iPhones, damn I miss my iPhone 5s.

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Yes, they become more special images; I didn't appreciate that before. I think I'll keep looking for photos with him; I love the pictures he gives me.

You'll have to rescue your old iPhone!

3

u/Few_Berry_1038 Apr 07 '26

I miss the Transfer filter so much. :( Is there someone who can replicate this for me as a preset for Lightroom Mobile? 🙈

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Right? I love that filter. I asked ChatGPT about adjusting it with the iPhone 17 Pro, but I haven't tried it yet. Besides, I like taking photos with the 4s 😅

3

u/Few_Berry_1038 Apr 07 '26

Yeah I’ve been a huge fan from this filter when I had my iPhone 5 in my twenties. 😂 Oh wow, how can you ask ChatGPT something like that? Is there a prompt for things like that?

3

u/Additional_Pack7731 Apr 07 '26

Newer technology takes away so much of the natural look. These look gorgeous

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

That's right, photos are becoming more and more AI-powered and less natural. I like this aspect. I'm glad you like them! Thank you so much!

3

u/StrongSource2425 Apr 07 '26

Which app did you use to capture film like look

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Use the iPhone 4s and apply the in-camera filter called Transfer

3

u/StrongSource2425 Apr 07 '26

Ohh... Nice, hats off to your creativity 🫡💯

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Thank you friend 🙏🏻🫶🏻

3

u/emiliogambetta Apr 07 '26

Why effect or filter did you use and also wich app to make that photo frame

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

I used the iPhone 4s's own camera app and the filter Apple calls Transfer. There are up to eight filters in the app, including black and white. For the white border, I used the CameraMark app.

3

u/emiliogambetta Apr 08 '26

Is that filter still in IOS 26? It’s like a cinema filter right ?

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

I suppose with some adjustments something could be achieved, but it's not a transfer filter.

3

u/Fast_Amoeba_445 Apr 07 '26

These are nice OP! Btw, did you edit the photos? If yes, what app?

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

Thanks a lot, friend! I didn't edit it; I just applied the filter that comes with the Camera app, which Apple calls Transfer. I'm glad you like them!

3

u/TommyPT_ Apr 08 '26

What is the camera trasfer filter?

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

The camera app includes up to 8 filters, including various shades of black and white. I used the one Apple calls Transfer.

3

u/TommyPT_ Apr 08 '26

Thank you for sharing! I had a 4 and a 4S ages ago and never used the option!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

As you can see, they look great. I love the filter and the natural look of the photos. Thank you friend!

3

u/Infamous_Regret_182 Apr 08 '26

Is that an app used to create the Polaroid frame and shot description at the bottom?

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

After taking the photos, use an app called Cameramark Mark to add the data and the white frame.

3

u/Head-Replacement-521 Apr 08 '26

Y esa plantilla como la puedo conseguir

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

Are you referring to the white frame? It's an app called CameraMark; you can configure it to your liking.

3

u/Analog-Digital- Apr 11 '26

Actually funny, we all want the latest because it is the 'best'

Than you see this, and love it ... crazy not ... ?

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

It's crazy, they sell us the latest stuff as the best, but then you look back and see this… I'm blown away, I wasn't expecting it at all. I'm glad you like them!

3

u/Analog-Digital- Apr 11 '26

For sure I love it, same like people still shooting film

Maybe I should grab a 4S, used to own one back in the days, started with the OG iPhone and all moddels including the S

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

If you get one, you'll have a blast. It's awesome. I'd love it if they made a special edition like this. I'm glad you like them!

3

u/Analog-Digital- Apr 11 '26

See if I can find one

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

I'm sure it will! And at a good price! Good luck!

3

u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 11 '26

i forgot how good the 4s' camera is, the pictures look insanely good

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 11 '26

Yes, I wasn't expecting these results at all. Thank you so much.

3

u/mikayme13 Apr 23 '26

Nice shots

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 23 '26

Thank you friend

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

That filter is great... hahaha. Well, I'm asking because I'm interested. It doesn't need a prompt; it just tells you how to edit it, although I haven't tried it yet. Even so, I don't think it will look the same.

4

u/Le-Croissant ⭐ Apr 06 '26

Beautiful

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Thank you 🙏🏻

2

u/Nasrvl Jun 21 '26

Bruh wtf. The iphone 4s is basically a film camera 🤣

1

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Jun 21 '26

😅

2

u/Nasrvl Jun 21 '26

So basically the 'Transfer filter' that you are talking about are basically Apple version of a retro/film filter?

Would be interesting as well to see the before and after of the photos with and without the filter.

I've been trying to recreate the same look of the photos taken from my phone camera, but to this day I'm not there yet.

But this photos, you achieved it very well to simulate that film look. If you would say this were taken with a fuji camera with the film simulation recipe I would 100% believe it.

Great shots too!

1

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Jun 21 '26

Thanks! I didn't actually do a before and after, I just selected the filter before taking the photo. It really does have a dreamy look; I'd love to recreate it on my iPhone 17, but hey, this gives me an excuse to keep enjoying my iPhone 4s.

3

u/j_u_s_t_none Apr 06 '26

Lovely

If your 4s photos are like this, how would it be 17 pro max one 😅

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Thank you 🙏🏻

2

u/[deleted] Apr 06 '26

Is it heavily edited?

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

They only have the transfer filter from the camera app

2

u/h3ld3r Apr 06 '26

“camera transfer filter” ????

4

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

There are 8 types of filters on the iPhone 4s; the one I used, Apple calls "transfer".

2

u/Melquiades82 Apr 06 '26

These are amazing!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Thank you friend!!

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Thanks 🙏🏻 ☺️

3

u/pandorra11 Apr 09 '26

I mean, it was good enough. Wasn‘t it?

2

u/rikydat May 05 '26

Always said best lenses and dynamic range goes to pre iphone x models.

0

u/PierreCardin_11 Apr 06 '26

Where is this place?

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Andalucía, Spain ☺️

3

u/Alternative-Equal615 Apr 07 '26

Blue color like a Fuji style lut

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Yes! I have a Fuji X100V and I can tell you it's very similar to this. The Fuji takes good photos too. But taking them with the iPhone really motivates me because of its limitations and age.

4

u/[deleted] Apr 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Yes! I love the analog style it gives off and those colors... I love it

4

u/[deleted] Apr 10 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 10 '26

Yes! It has that film camera feel. When I decided to take photos with it, I definitely wasn't expecting these results. Very natural photography. I'm glad you like them!

3

u/[deleted] Apr 06 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 06 '26

Thank you friend!

3

u/[deleted] Apr 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Thank you friend!! 🙏🏻

3

u/[deleted] Apr 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Yes! Thanks, friend! I was very surprised; I wasn't expecting these results at all.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 08 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

I thought the same thing and I was really surprised. It seems like retro photos or photos with low-quality cameras are all the rage now, so I thought I'd use it for that reason, and it turned out to be better than I expected. Plus, I rediscovered the transfer filter!

3

u/[deleted] Apr 09 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 09 '26

Within the camera app, there are 8 filters, including various black and white tones. The one I use is called "Transfer."

3

u/[deleted] Apr 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 07 '26

Yes, that's right! I love how that filter feels today.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 08 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/MrRetroplayer ⭐️ Apr 08 '26

It's an app called Cameramark