Getting Better Photographs from your Phone Camera (including for large prints)

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In this video I share some practical advice for getting better quality images out of your mobile phone camera. I share tips like which settings I use, which assists I turn off, and how I expose and compose images taken on my phone. I also show a couple of large prints of images taken on my Samsung Note to see how they hold up.

#mobilephotography #phonecamera #printyourwork

[elliotstern]

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.

[richardwilliams]

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

[glennsak]

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."

[iphoneography]

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.

[TheTuscaloosa]

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

[christopherbarber]

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

[mkphotography]

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!

[robm]

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.

[cliffblackerby]

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.

[zombne]

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.

[Jackbrsp]

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!

[davecarrera]

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.

[dougscott]

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.

[Philhellene]

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

[ijumaaproductions]

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

[cary]

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?

[tommartin]

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.

[VictorReynolds]

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.

[jameslazar]

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!

[mahgirbsti]

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.