I am almost 80 years old. My dad was a pro photographer and had me in his darkroom at the age of 5. I had my first camera at the age of 6. I have spent my life in involved in professional and non pro photography and actually worked for Nikon for a great many years. Now at this time in my life when physical limitations prevent me from hauling around tons of camera gear my photographic life continues thanks to my iPhones. While they do not replace what I used to use they do provide excellent capabilities beyond what I used to use and I have been able to produce some great images involving most categories. They have extended my love of photography.

Sean you'll probably know this quote, I can't remember it verbatim but it goes something like "every great photograph ever taken was shot on a camera less advanced than what you have today" I think people tend to forget this and will always believe a better camera will make them a better photographer

Perfect timing as I just pre-ordered the iPhone 14 Pro. It took me years to finally realize that "the best camera is the one you have with you."

I remember years ago, 'pro' photographers were saying mobile phones will never be good enough, now I see more 'pro' photographers using mobile phones - AND drones! Anything that allows the average person the ability to discover photography, is a good thing. Another excellent video Sean, thank you.

Again i might repeat myself. Your portraits in the background are from a different world.

Sean, thanks for a great video. I also started my photography experience using a mobile phone and took what I thought were pretty good pictures, even taught some iPhone photography courses. I totally agree that the phone is a great way to start for beginners and importantly, the best camera is always the one you have with you when an opportunity presents itself. Thanks so much for doing these types of videos.

Thanks for reinforcing the message that learning to see a compelling image and use whatever tool you have available is really important!

I really appreciate your thoughtful, and respectful (to novices especially) approach to these videos. I recently went back to some of my favorite photos and found they were in fact, taken on a much older iPhone-who knew?

Great video once again. It's always good to be reminded that the best camera is the one you have with you.

You are and always have been an inspiration, Sean! thank you ❤

From 2014, when I bought my first smartphone until 2020, when I bought my first used camera, I shot only with cellphones. It was - still is - an amazing teacher using it to photograph daily moments that may be forgotten otherwise. Now I obviously prefer to use my camera, but I won't go out with it in my backpack or hanging from my neck every day from home to work and back, because it gathers too much attention - and there's a huge chance to get mugged. The secrecy a cellphone provides compensates the resolution. If I lift my camera with a zoom lens everybody in the neighborhood sees me. With the phone, I'm not really there, no one notices because everybody is doing the same. Great video Sean! Amazing work!

Very informative Sean. I’ve shared this as I have many folk interested in photography who haven’t got cameras, many don’t realise just how good a camera built into their phones are. Only having a phone shouldn’t hold you back. It’s also great having a single tool where you can shoot, edit and share around the world. ❤️

I use my phones camera very, very often. I have a photo of the Corpse Flower days before it bloomed that I absolutely adore and it hangs in my living room. I've shot concert photos on every phone I've ever owned and when I started taking my composition and editing seriously the bands take note of them, share them, comment on them. It brings me so much joy as an artist to be recognized by other artists that inspire me. My last concert experience I recorded a local Hardcore band legend fill in guest vocals for my absolute favorite band. I saw the vocalist pass off the Mic. He was 3ft away from me, and immediately recorded right in his face and got just an amazing video from my phone. There was no way to get something like that in an instant if I had a regular camera on me. It's all about how we use the tools at hand. Thank you for all the content you make Sean, you're truly one of my favorite photographers, an incredible teacher, and a genuine inspiration.

It’s amazing how technology has changed in phones to be used as tools for different mediums. Always inspiring to watch your content. Thank you for your continued hard work that you do for your videos.

Sean, your videos never cease to inspire me. Using my iphone to work on taking those first 10000 bad photographs is great ! In fact the iphone 4 took me back into photography I had left because I was disentchanted with results of my efforts

The way you explained everything is great. It's encouraging. Thanks

I have to say Sean, this was a particularly enlightening video. This summer, I have been spending a lot of time in an English Garden (in Canada) on the hunt for critters, flowers, etc., generally carrying only my Canon R7 with 70-300. As this is a crop sensor, the reach is nice and long, but a number of times, I have thought to myself "I wish I had my 24-105" with me to get some wider shots. This was a conscious trade-off, as I was out with family members each time and wanted to travel "light" and not interrupt our stroll by fussing with equipment. I'm embarrassed to admit that it never even occurred to me to grab the camera from my pocket to capture scenes I was interested in at the time. I also never considered the possibilities of using the phone as a learning tool. Today, I was back in the garden and the light was fantastic and was happy to have my phone along as a second camera, offering a completely different range on the lens and I managed to get a great image that I simply could not have pulled off with the 70-300. I will definitely be challenging myself going forward to be conscious of the potential in my pocket when heading out without my heavy gear. Thanks mate!

I knew this one would be a fantastic watch. Some great tips Sean and I can't believe the size of your wonderful, enlarged photos from your phone. Thank you

Recently I find myself using my phone for taking shots of places to return to with my film kit & if I don't manage to return for a film shoot at least I have a record of ideas. Some of which as you say, are good enough to show the world. Wishing you well.

Great tips Sean. Learned something new about my mobile phone. They have come a long way.

My personal mantra is: It's all about the photo, the image. I don't care what that photo is taken on. So thank you, Sean. You as, always make good and sensible comments about why a mobile-phone camera is ideal. PS I was at the recent Talk and Walk you did in Sheffield. And wanted to say how good that was and how well you came across. Being a terrible introvert I didn't speak to you directly, although I did mention in the Q&A how your recommendation on your use of the Ricog GR range had changed my street photography for the better. Conversely using a Ricoh GRII has helped me become more confident to use larger cameras like the DSLR and Rangefinders in public. All I find that matters is the shot, even if I'm standing in a queue waiting for a coffee, the camera will be in my hands for a shot. But back to your piece here. Your advice and guidance are absolutely spot on. Thank you for bursting the myth about mobile-phone camera photography. I have taken and will continue to take photos on my mobile. Because, the tool does not matter, the image does.

Another great video Sean. I started with my phone and had alot of fun snapping images. Today i mix it up depending on what i am doing and where ever i am.

What a motivational tutorial Sean. Thanks for sharing.its always a pleasure to listen to your flow of information. 👏👍

I have a print on my wall of my motorcycle against a beach background and it is like 20x30 I think. I shot it with an iPhone 5 which was the latest at that time. People can’t believe that was shot with a phone. The phones now are much better of course, so most any phone available now can deliver great image quality.

Thanks Sean. Valuable insight as always.

More power to your Channel Sean. Thanks

Thank you Sean. I have a small Canon camera with a very small screen and have been contemplating buying a better camera with an additional monitor for better viewing. But my phone is always with me and it has a nice sized screen. This video is one of several that has me convinced I should seriously begin using what I already have in my smartphone in order to learn "on the fly", as it were, before stepping up to better equipment. I'm playing around with the LightRoom app for starters. Just a side note, a friend of mine, Robert Herman, released a book called "The Phone Book", a collection of street photos taken entirely on his iPhone and it has attracted serious attention. Robert is no longer with us, I just thought his work was worth mentioning here. Cheers.

Great video Sean, they always say the best camera is the one you have with you. We always have our phone with us.

This is an inspiration. You are an inspiration. Thank you 🙏

As one who used every camera imaginable, more of my work is on the smartphone. It’s great to have a camera and mini-darkroom on you at all times.

The economy took a toll on my business several years ago, forcing me to sell most of my gear to pay bills. But I still had my phone. I spent a year using only the phone to satisfy my need to make images. What I learned from that time cannot be underestimated. Two lessons stand out - the first, as you mentioned, is that if you understand the limitations and shoot within those boundaries, you can create remarkable work. Second is that using only the lcd to frame at roughly arms length, you may not see all the details, but you do see the elements of your composition. I often now urge beginners to use their phone for this purpose. Of course, getting new photographers to practice photography is a challenge in itself. Thanks for yet another insightful video.

I'm a newbie to your work and your channel but I enjoy both very much. Thanks for the great photos and info. I have never really used a traditional camera and only use the recent models of iPhone for all my work and love the versatility. I have been using the iPhone for about 7 years now and have learned so much. I appreciate your knowledge and skills and hope to explore a "proper" camera eventually. Cheers!

I started making music videos for bands/solo artists with an iphone 7. A couple of those videos remain my favorite work.

Was that a farewell speech to gr3🤣..Thank you for the lovely video..

I very much liked this video and your approachable style

cool video Sean, thanks for the tips 🙌🏾

It's an interesting point Sean. I actually now only use a Samsung S22 Ultra and I have to admit even a seasoned photographer like me loves this device. I did a large print the other day 10 x 8 and it was simply amazing!

As a child of the 80s and early 90s I remember walking up to billboards and looking at the dot matrix of the print. I learned then to never question print quality.

Sean, you make a very important point - never let the pursuit of the perfect drive out actuality of the good. The smartphone in your hands will take images the camera of your dreams in a catalog can’t. Another point - as a digital device smartphones develop at the rate of Moore’s Law (cpu double In capacity and half in price every eighteen months) When we bring software upgrading into play even that eighteen months gets compressed. As usual you’re videos are polished, clear, and useful. Well done

Top man .. it’s great to hear someone say this .. it’s too easy to make excuses

Thank you so much for presenting this! I have been asked to teach phone photography (not my bag), but I love how you approach the use of phone photography as a learning tool and how to get the best out of the camera in your phone!

Great video Sean!

this is the video I've been waiting for

I was in a camera club and had many competitions, which I won many times, but what everyone never knew is that the images taken was from my phone, even the prints submitted were A3 and still nobody noticed. Phone photography is underestimated, unless you require very difficult conditions, then you need a camera.

Great video as always

Good info Sean! I use my phone a lot for my photography since it is always with me.

Thank you Sean

This video is a joy

Really enjoyed this video, and the image you printed. Until recently I haven't had much success when using my mobile phone. But I have started using the delayed timer on the shutter which gives me more time to try and get my composition steady before the shutter fires

Brilliant video Sean. I'm slowly changing over to only using my iPhone and this was really interesting,,,,,,

That was a great video thank you Sean, I’m starting out as a photographer (hobbyist, nothing more) and I love using my phone as it really forces me to think and work for a good capture. I’d love a DSLR but I’m reluctant to upgrade until I can absolutely get the best out of myself and my iPhone 14 Pro first. Great to hear your thoughts on using phones for photography and to learn that there are pros that use phones for their work!

Although I really don’t like the ergonomics of shooting with my phone,I’m interested in shooting with it a bit more after seeing this video. Thanks very much for this video Sean,it really connects with me.

I remember using a phone for photography for years before getting an entry level dslr, still use it randomly for some things. But man, I don't miss it at all. The winning fact will always be, the best camera is the one you have on you.

Thank you, Sean

Thanks for sharing this video. It reminds me how I got into photography years ago. The first photo I've ever sold (multiple sales) was taken with Samsung Galaxy S4 and edited with Snapseed.

Another great video! I just bought the Samsung S23. It wasn't cheap, but since the best camera is the one you have on you, I wanted to be sure that what I always have on me is solid! I'm amazed how good the pictures are, especially those 50 MP shots!

Some lomograpthy photos are stunning took with a plastic camera. Every thing is about the image. Our grandparents loved their crinkley black and white photos of their uncles and aunts and relatives.

I shot some great images a few days ago in Cinque Terre with my Pixel 5 and edited the RAW-File, or even JPGs, with Snapseed. Best smartphone editing app I used so far. It is quiet awesome what you can do with computation photography. The Pixel 5's HDR is not so agressive as a Samsung.

I've been using the camera mode in lightroom for iPhone with great results. Shoots RAW, and subtle HDR. Export to camera roll or save RAW files.

Some of the music I grew to love I first heard as extremely bad tape to tape recordings.Good music was never spoilt by the lack of fidelity. I think good photos have the same resilience.

I use my iPhone for wide angel shots , leaving my camera with a walkabout prime glued to it for most shots and a portrait lens for those special occasions . This negates the kit zoom which has its uses , but the primes are faster and not much larger . By reducing options to one lens on each camera (phone and camera body ) reduces missed shots as I’m forced to move my legs to substitute the zoom options . Excellent video .

Thank you!

Very timely topic, Sean. I just sold my micro four thirds gear to eventually upgrade to FF, but I’m in a transition period so now new gear yet. However, I do have the new iPhone 14 that arrived today, which I got for almost free given it was an upgrade on my older iPhone 11. I’ll be using it for to get back into shooting some street photos, and creating new KZfaq content in the meantime. It may not have the depth of a true mirror less systems, but it’s good enough for now.

Great video Sean. I think today's phones are good enough for most prints. About six years ago, when I had my Epson 44" printer, a friend asked me to print two iPhone (I think it was iPhone 6) imagers for him. He wanted the biggest acceptable print. Initially I thought I would print an 11"x14" or perhaps a 16"x20" or something in that size range. I ended up giving him two 24"x36" prints, Viewed from about 6-8 ft. away they looked more than acceptable. Only when you got really close, you could see serious pixelization. The colors looked amazing. I think a newer phone will probably look even better. My friend is a trained photographer and an ace framer. Sometimes later, when I visited him at his house, I noticed he had framed one of the images and it was hanging in his dining room. I don't think anyone would have guessed that it was a phone print! Lines are blurring for general photography and printing. I cannot give a client an iPhone image and expect to be paid. But for my own use, the phone is plenty good.

Very nice video, informative and learning

This is all great device. I have a Samsung Note 10 along with my usual Fuji X series cameras. Sometimes I don't want to bring my camera but still want to take a photo as they arise. We are in an age when we have so many mediums at our disposal and can get creative with how we use them.

I have always relegated mobile phone photography to ‘record keeping’ status. I learnt a couple of things from your video and am now looking at my iPhone 6s in a different way!

I can relate to all you mention. My photographs have been exhibited in 3 exhibitions, and 2 of them featured photos that were taken from phone! Most of photos I still take and post on my feed are from phone.

02:18 - take a lot of photographs 03:38 - dimitri marcob 04:00 - julian carverly 04:57 - pro-mode 05:48 - zoom 06:24 - tap where you wanna focus (change exposure) 07:23 - limitations of using phone 10:12 - turn off hdr 10:54 - advice (summary)

would love more videos about how you use your Ricohs. Chur bru!

it's nice that you give these explanations, the only problem is that the people who are really interested in photography know these tips. all the others, who always find an excuse for not being able to take good pictures, won't take good pictures now either. but thanks for making the effort.

Super Video!

I had no idea some of those settings were turned on in my phones camera. I take my camera with me to work but sometimes I don't have time to go get it for the image I want and just use my phone to create "sketchbook" shots. If something comes out great then I'm happy, if not then I can use the geolocation to go back when I have time with my camera.

speaking about camera apps: I'll use the google pixel default camera app most of the time - but I also use "open camera" .. which is basically like "manual mode" it allows pretty full control over the device's camera.

I still use my iPhone 5s to take pictures pretty much everyday. It's not the best quality, of course, but that's not the point, and it definitely can't do raw. But it has it's own lo-fi charm, which I've embraced, pretty much as a black and white sketchbook style. Terrible HDR mode so like you I never use it. It's my favourite 'point and shoot' camera, and often feels like a relief to shoot with compared to other more capable cameras. Using it regularly has loosened up my photography a lot, and that has taught me heaps about composition lately. Even prints look fairly decent at 5 x 7" size, surprisingly. Thanks for the video!

Very good episode

I tend to shoot through the Lightroom app, it's free and good enough to shoot and edit all in the same app. When I wanna go wilder with editing, I just get the raw files to edit on the pc.

I struggle with wildlife on a phone, especially BiF photography. Macro is decent now, and landscape in the mid to long focal distance is also a struggle. Phones are a good starter for 10 in many genres, but in others, I am not sure they will get there due to sensor size - this may well change as tech changes. Good v-log :)

I presented to our Photo Club a very similar message last year. I was getting a lot of "It's OK for you, you have a nice DSLR" (but we were looking at my camera-phone images). Simply put: If you bought a smartphone in the last few years, there really aren't any excuses for taking bad photos. I used to love my 35mm Olympus XA2 but my "old" Samsung S8 phone is every bit as good. I even stopped carrying my Canon S120 "pocket camera", in favour of my phone (and the S120 was one of the very best pocket cameras in its day). I totally agree with turning off the "computational" stuff. Some of the fake Bokeh is just horrendous, as is HDR when it's turned up to 11 (I do use HDR, but I don't think you can tell).

Great video, thank you! I'm going to use my phone a bit more 🙂

I think the only computational aid that i would use and that is actually superior to cameras is long exposure at night where the phone automatically corrects for movements

Fantastic video. I use my Samsung all the time.

Thanks!

I hope you’ll update this with iphone14 and with prints. Great video!

i use my phone camera for most wide shots - it outputs raw images - so it fits into my editing process quite well.

Thank you for reminding us that we can take good photographs with mediocre cameras. Seeing, framing and being in the moment helps. I’m sure you are familiar with the work of Kathy Ryan, Office Romance.

I'd love to see you update this video using one of the new 1" sensor phones.

useful content.

This was some good advice...I'm experimenting a little with mobile photography and have some questions for u...how do we manage without the polarizing filter especially in cases like a beach sunrise or sunset where the reflection from the water is too much....2nd qstn...when I try to zoom and crop a picture taken in low light its always pixelated...I'm using a basic version of a Samsung phone...don't know how to overcome this

Good timing, as I’m sitting here justifying upgrading my phone LOL

You've said some valuable words about mobile camera sensors...can i request a video about comparison between Samsung , iPhone and Google pixel..discussing just their sensors...and if the pixels they are giving are actually translating into quality pictures...and sensor limitations

In some instances the phone in your pocket is even BETTER than the expensive camera you feel you need. A more expensive camera may make you more thoughtful about what and how you shoot, but that is in no way a reflection of the capabilities of the phone. If you are good enough, then so will be your images.

Tak!

Another iPhone only book, with a 5 SE: That Tree by Mark Hirsch. He took a photo every day for a year of a single oak tree in a corn field in Wisconsin. The book has quite a following!

👋 Sean, I learn first time to do best photos with my phone camera than easy I get the Sony mirror lens a7c

Good video Sean, with lots of good points. But, for decades I never leave home without a camera, and while a phone camera could get to some decent results, I'm more comfortable with a tool I master. Thanks anyway !

I have an s23 ultra, any chance you could do a video explaining how to edit videos in LR mobile and getting them printed without any strange colours on the prints? I only shoot in RAW. Many thanks.

Great.

Once, I tried pro mode and raw on my phone (OnePlus 6T) just for fun. How surprised I was when I opened the raw file in Lightroom. Good details (not oversharpened) and decent dynamic range. In fact, IMO the detail and color of the raw files produced by my cellphone are not much different from 2011's Fujifilm X100 (of course the low light capabilities of my cellphone are still inferior to my X100, but it's not even that much different. X100 advantages only in the choice of depth of field and ergonomics as a true camera). Considering that my cell phone was 4 years old and can produce raw files as good as that, I can't imagine today's flagship phones like iPhone 14, Samsung S22, Xiaomi 12s Ultra, and so on.

Does the aspect ratio on the camera app affect the quality of the photos? As in will you lose information if you have it 9:16 vs 3:4?