It’s that time of year when rumors begin circulating in great fervor about the next rendition of the ever popular iPhone.

You have rumors from analysts, rumors on release dates, and of course the rumored 13MP rear camera. Undoubtedly more rumors and “leaked photos” are going to be popping up all over the internet in anticipation of it rumored iPhone 5S. One thing I have not seen rumored is the one thing I think the iPhone sorely needs.

A better front facing camera.

Now I think the rear camera is great, and if they improve upon it that’ll be great too… but the front facing camera is where the REAL value is for users. You may be asking yourself, “Why would the front facing camera be important? For more poorly shot “selfies”?”

The answer is YES. Sort of.

One of the things I learned in photography, most notable in event photography but given less emphasis in photojournalism, is that one of the most important photos you can ever take of an event is the photo of yourself being there.

Example:

Photo Taken Using The Front Camera

The photo above was taken with the front facing camera. See how grainy it is? How it isn’t quite focused? It’s a great shot though of me and my friends, which is the important part… I’m in the shot.

Photo taken with rear camera

Now this photo above was taken using the rear camera. See how nice and crisp it came out, especially in comparison with the other photo? There is however just one problem with it. I’m NOT in the shot.

So yes, while the rumors may fly around I can hope that Apple has taken this into consideration and improved upon the front facing camera. I’m not looking for 13MP… I’d be ECSTATIC with 5MP. We just need something better so that we can take the most important photos of all.

The ones of ourselves in the places and with the friends we celebrate with.