5 reasons (not the usual ones!) why photographers should embrace their smartphone camera
Taken and edited on my iPhone
The smartphone camera is a divisive tool for creatives
Some photographers embrace the smartphone and use it more than their other cameras. But, for others, smartphone cameras are to be looked down upon. They are not “proper” cameras. According to the detractors, an image made by a smartphone camera does not allow the photographer to show off their technical skill and knowledge.
I’m a big fan of smartphone photography
I make around 75% of my images with my iPhone. And I also often use it to edit images made with my other camera. Photographers who use smartphone cameras often create a better relationship with their photography. They achieve more creatively: the smartphone often liberates them.
Those who choose to ignore the smartphone often achieve less. They are able to spend less time with their photography because they have to plan to take out their camera. Their creativity can be constricted by having to use larger equipment. Their photography is less spontaneous and can suffer as a result.
Here’s why I think all photographers can benefit from using their smartphone cameras more.
1. Your smartphone is always with you
It is rare that my smartphone is not in my pocket, ready for action. If I see something interesting, I can immediately make an image of it. It may be a sketch image to remind me of a location. Or I may want to try out a new idea on a certain type of subject. But often I see something that I want to make a finished image of. And I am happy to do this with my iPhone camera. I am also more likely to actually start making images of something that I see. Here’s why:
2. Using a smartphone means you can be less invested in the outcome
This may seem strange. The idea that making an image whilst not caring too much about it seems counter-intuitive. However, what this really means is that the smartphone liberates us. We are free to go out and play. If we have lugged a heavy load of camera equipment around and spent enough time setting it up, we feel that we need to make worthwhile images. The idea of play doesn’t work nearly as well with a traditional camera setup. I think the simplicity of the smartphone also applies to my next point:
3. The smartphone camera improves your relationship with the subject
No matter how well we know our equipment, using a traditional camera involves thinking about the correct settings. There are so many choices to make. Sometimes we end up thinking more about the technical issues than about the subject. And that is not good for our creative vision. With a smartphone camera, we can press one button and make a good image. It can be argued that this leads to careless photography. But I believe that this means photographers spend more time with the subject rather than the camera. There’s a similar change in post-processing:
4. Apps lead to greater creativity
Traditionally, photographers have had to spend a lot of time learning complicated post-processing programmes. It was the only way to work with digital images. The problem is that many of these programmes are so complicated that it puts creatives off experimenting. It is easy to spend more time trying to work out how to do something than actually post-processing. With smartphones, apps make everything easy. I can combine two images or change the look of an image in seconds. Again, it is a liberating experience. I am free to play and try out new ideas rather than being hindered by technology. I often import images made with my other cameras into my smartphone for editing.
5. The smartphone is (almost) instant
I believe in living with images for a while to see if they are as good as I think they are. However, there is no denying that we live in a world where speed has become increasingly important. And there are advantages to this. Now I can show ideas to others on a photowalk for instant feedback. My social media is a lot easier to deal with. Most importantly, if I want to try out an idea I can do it right now. I do not have to wait until I have a camera with me or fired up my post processing software.
But smartphone detractors will point to one issue which they claim means smartphones are no good for photography.
Doesn’t using a smartphone camera lead to lower quality photography?
I am happy printing images from my iPhone to A2 without any special treatment. Use sharpening and interpolation software and it is easy to get to A1 and larger. Claiming that the camera in your smartphone does not have a big enough sensor size or enough megapixels is no longer true. And, by the way, this has been the case for many generations of smartphone cameras.
Go and use your smartphone camera today
Here’s a simple way to try out these advantages:
Go on a quick walk with nothing but your smartphone
Try out a new creative idea. Make an image that is not to your normal style. Test out some new editing ideas
Ask for feedback. Don’t tell people it’s a smartphone image and they will probably never know!
Those who dismiss smartphone camera are missing out
Using your smartphone liberates you! It frees you up creatively. You may improve as photographer in ways that you had never thought of.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this: please share them in the comments below.
PS Work with me to make the most of your smartphone
I can help your smartphone photography in a number of ways:
Online image editing and advanced image editing for smartphones
There are special introductory prices for online workshops and personal mentoring until 28th June. Contact me to find out more and ask any questions.