I shot these epic landscapes with my iPhone, I will never go back to shooting with a camera
May 5, 2023
Maciej Blaszczuk
Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe
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In 2010, when Apple released the iPhone 4, it sparked a debate on whether a smartphone could replace a camera. At that time, professional photographers were sceptical, but little did they know that this small device would revolutionize the industry forever.
Despite having used both film and DSLRs in the past, I will never go back to shooting travel photography with them. The iPhone has become too convenient, and I see little difference in the quality of images. This is how I created these beautiful images of Norway, Italy, and Serbia, among others, with little more than the iPhone in my pocket.
When Apple released the iPhone 4 in 2010, I attended the PDN Photo Plus Expo in NYC. I remember feeling burdened by the heavy camera equipment I was carrying around. That’s when I stumbled upon Chase Jarvis, who had just released his book about iPhone photography, all shot on an iPhone 4! He was convinced that this small device would change the industry forever, and boy was he right.
For me, the turning point wasn’t until later on in 2015 when the iPhone 6s Plus was introduced. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the ease of use, size, and immediate connection to social media that iPhones offer, making them ideal for documenting my journeys.
Equipment
Despite my love for iPhone photography, I have also used DSLRs and film cameras in the past. I was a big believer in the Canon digital system, but after selling all my equipment, I now use the Fuji X100F for everyday shooting and the Fuji X-H1 for studio work. I also have a passion for film photography and own a Leica M2 that I will never replace.
When travelling, I try to keep my equipment as light as possible. I recently upgraded to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, although until last month, I was using the iPhone 8S Plus. I use Moment cases and lenses (18mm Moment Wide and 58mm Moment Telephoto). I have also used the Zeiss Exo Lenses Pro, which is a beautiful lens but, unfortunately, no longer available. The latest iPhone Pro Max versions now have 3-in-1 lenses, eliminating the need for third-party lenses.
Other gear that is good to carry around is a travel tripod and some kind of Phone holder with a tripod mount option. This always works if you need a self-portrait or long exposure shot. Companies like Small Rig and Ulanzi have great universal smartphone cages and really nice designs as well, plus all kinds of accessories to go alongside. I also enjoy shooting with a small drone for aerial photos.
Pros and Cons of Using a Smartphone
There are numerous advantages to using a phone for photography. The small pocket size makes it easy to carry everywhere, and instant access to the world allows for sharing photo stories immediately. Furthermore, in-phone editing and the abundance of resources in the App Store provide limitless possibilities for creativity. The 3-in-1 camera lens on the latest iPhone Pro Max versions allows for versatility in focal lengths. Finally, smartphones are perfect for street photography, as nobody pays attention to you, making it easier to capture candid shots.
There are obviously many advantages to shooting with a phone, but you still encounter unique challenges. Battery life is still a significant challenge, and it requires more attention. Additionally, there is a need for a travel tripod and phone holder with a tripod mount option, especially for self-portraits or long-exposure shots.
Travel Photography with the iPhone
Travel is my biggest inspiration, and I seek out places far from the world’s heat zones. Vast and wild landscapes, like those in Norway, are my quiet places, and I love to photograph the people and stories of these places.
Norway was on my list to visit for a very long time. This was my first visit to the Viking’s land, and it was like nowhere I’d been before. It felt larger, quieter, more peaceful and more beautiful. Norway is a place where I connected instantly and could let my mind explore and enjoy the beauty of its vast landscapes.
A quote from Rick Riordan’s book, The Ship of the Dead describes Norway perfectly:
Pretty didn’t do it justice. I felt like we’d sailed into a world meant for much larger beings, a place where gods and monsters roamed freely.– Rick Riordan, from ‘The Ship of the Dead’
If you want to take your mobile photography to the next level, keep creating, develop your own style, and learn to tell visual stories. Refrain from comparing yourself to others, and avoid getting caught up in gear discussions. Use what you have and make photographs!
In conclusion, iPhone photography has come a long way since its introduction. While there are still unique challenges to using only a phone for photography, the advantages far outweigh them. It is an exciting time for smartphone photography, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
About the Author
Maciej Blaszczuk describes himself as a ‘Smartographer, photographer, traveller, dreamer, and wanderer.’ He was born and raised in Poland and finds inspiration in vast landscapes, mountains, and, most of all, the people he encounters on his travels. You can see more of his work on his website or follow him on Instagram.
We love it when our readers get in touch with us to share their stories. This article was contributed to DIYP by a member of our community. If you would like to contribute an article, please contact us here.
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23 responses to “I shot these epic landscapes with my iPhone, I will never go back to shooting with a camera”
Well, these pictures make it painfully obvious that smartphones do not get even remotely close to a dedicated camera in terms of image quality.Composition is nice, you obviously know how to edit your images
effectively, but there is really nothing you can do about the general
mushiness inherent to smartphone pictures. No need for pixel peeping, just look at the picture on your computer screen they look pretty poor. If you are happy with the result, by all means, continue enjoying it.
In an uncanny flight of magnanimity, my employer provides us with high end iPhones as company phones. This thing regularly convinces me I do good having my little Olympus E-M5 mkIII with me at all times.
Great job, sir.
Nicely done.
Wonderful compositions but the image quality is not very good at all. Typical of all cell phone images. I’ll stick to my dslr.
Whatever makes you happy. I still have images that I love that were taken with a 3MP point & shoot. But am I glad I have better cameras now? You’d better believe it. I have the iPhone 13. It’s awesome, but limited. The iPhone for landscapes for me? For near scenes, maybe. For far views, Nope.
I mean, for vacation/non prints, sure. Just wait until you discover other phones with even better cameras than the iphone (i had a 14 pro for a while). IQ won’t match a proper camera but, phones have come a long way.
how did this article get past the initial first-thought neuron firing phase? jesus christ, really out here doing anything for a click.
Oversharpened, oversaturated, weird edge distortions, noisy shadows, vignetting (intentional done in post?), compression artifacts. You just gotta love those smartphones. Not saying that you can’t shoot (=compose) a good image with a phone but let’s please stop discussing quality. And then let’s add less-than-optimal weather to the bill. Sure the genious bar dude is going to repair your iPhone if it got a little wet.
I’m so tired of all these people who claim to be photographers saying that their “smart phone takes photos just as well” nonsense. If you just want overprocessed thumbnails for Instagram, great. But you’re just an influencer, not a photographer.
Your images are beautiful. It’s not about the gear, it’s about the photographer. :)
I recognized the places in Serbia, I visited them too! :)
..maybe because , you are not good photographer.
It doesn’t matter if you took em with your iPhone or not’ phones will never surpass cameras
He will never go back to shooting with a camera?
The article says “I now use the Fuji X100F for everyday shooting and the Fuji X-H1 for studio work. I also have a passion for film photography and own a Leica M2 that I will never replace.”
Might as well say you don’t know how to use a camera
This guy definetly doesn’t print
Your first headline is true enough, but as for the second, you WERE shooting with a camera. It cost a thousand dollars or more and has a tiny sensor with lousy dynamic range as illustrated in these images. It was the landscape that was epic, not your capture of it.
Peter Vines Photography True.
Peter Vines Photography Not to mention the absolute lack of fidelity when you zoom in. Everything just turns into mushy approximations of an image. It’s great zoomed out though!
Def will change his mind if he ever wants to print these images bigger than a postcard
the location are as you said epic … nothing more….
Yeah, I sold my full frame Canon camera and lenses ever since I read this article. Now I use my iphone for paid professional wedding and portrait photography. 😂 Clients can keep on complaining.
I used my old iPhone 8S Plus in Iceland recently (along with a Nikon full frame mirrorless) and my iPhone pictures look more natural than yours, with better colour and contrast. Did you over process yours? The black level is too high, and they are generally milky. Compositions and subject matter is amazing, though.
The top image is from the iPhone.
https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/357592775_7030236460337124_1826801964401931607_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_s1080x2048&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=uB3DwJxp8jQAX8yHLfT&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBKm4R8euT_UdsiCxmFpuqWj-ddKzaNFzzJl-1e1iWa0w&oe=64EC6FDC
For comparison, the following image was shot with the Nikon Z5 and a 24-120 ‘S’ lens, at 24mm f/9. Edited a bit with RawTherapee, an open source image editing software.
The iPhone 8S Plus image above of the same scene holds up pretty well. The image processing in the iPhone is pretty incredible for colour and levels; the jpg straight from the Nikon of this image was a bit flat and dull in comparison.
Pixel peeping (these are all downsampled through facebook) there’s a notable difference in detail, especially in the rock face in the distance. The iPhone image is pleasant, but has an undeniable softness compared to the Nikon.
https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/369322144_7223602227667212_4476431444612486582_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=3l43SBugj7cAX8hce7u&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBauTEsiG4e_WeTmPZheADuQEa0pLAHvFR0iT2I0wg4OQ&oe=64ED544A
I think the title is a bit of clickbait. Whereas the built-in cameras in many of today’s phones are remarkably good, there is much room for improvement with a good camera. I certainly hope the author is not content with the somewhat mediocre image quality of his otherwise well-composed shots of incredible landscapes, subject matter that is very much worth the extra expense and effort of using a “real” camera.
Perhaps it is because you have overprocessed yours? I think mine are just from the iPhone 8S Plus.
https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/357037338_7023465714347532_7149562662694381_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_p843x403&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=c-Dqr3EwKBEAX_s-KUT&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=00_AfAopjGNitb9gFATOc6SwaEFrsd7OuMemZ0xZ4vVuZ_-RQ&oe=64ECE099
For comparison, here is one with the Nikon Z5 and 24-120S lens. And tweaked in RawTherapee.
The iPhone 8S Plus image above of the same scene holds up pretty well. The image processing in the iPhone is pretty incredible; the jpg straight from the Nikon of this image was a bit flat and dull in comparison.
Pixel peeping (these are all downsampled through facebook) there’s a notable difference in detail, especially in the rock face in the distance.
https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/369322144_7223602227667212_4476431444612486582_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=3l43SBugj7cAX8hce7u&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBauTEsiG4e_WeTmPZheADuQEa0pLAHvFR0iT2I0wg4OQ&oe=64ED544A