I traded in my Iphone ll for an Iphone 12 Pro Max this week, and I did it not because I needed a new phone – I didn’t – but because the upgraded camera in this phone is getting raves from professional photographers.

One of the upgraded photo features is a powerful zoom, another is the ability to show in the dark with clarity and depth. The camera is a huge leap forward.

I took this shot in our bedroom at 3 am. Zinnia is lying on the floor on her plush blue bed, and Bud is all cozy and holed up in his crate in the far corner of the room. He loves that crate and snores peacefully all night.

I turned off the flash and let natural light work, and it did work. Our night lamp lit up the corner, and the laundry on the floor added a homey and familiar touch.

The phone’s color is rich and distinct. This upgrade was a good idea for me. I appreciate learning some of the lessons of the future, especially AI, which is a deepening feature of the new iPhones.

Apple is giving me $500 for the phone trade-in, and I paid for much of the remaining balance in cash. I owe a few hundred dollars.

I am grateful for the chance to grow and learn.