Why I Prefer my Phone Camera for my Everyday....and my Vacations

I am a professional photographer and yet, honestly, cannot stand taking my big camera with me vacation.

Why?

Because our phone cameras are so amazing and take better phone photos than ever before!

AND I always have my phone with me.

AND it is so much lighter than my “big camera.”

Every single image in this blog post was created with my iPhone 7+ and a special tool I'll tell you about below.  I've also shared the editing app I use to edit my phone photos below. 

These images were taken during our recent European vacation. Our phones make it super easy to take amazing photos every day!  No need to lug around your heavy DSLR when your phone camera is more than capable of producing amazing images.

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My Absolute Favorite Tool for Better Phone Photos

 

My favorite tool that I’ve invested in for better photo images is my wide angle Moment Lens.

 

The reason I purchased it is because I wanted to have a wider angle than my iPhone allows. This lens is small, lightweight, and easy to carry.  They have several other lenses as well and maybe one day I’ll invest in another (or two)!  But for now, this wide angle Moment Lens makes photography with my phone so much fun! 

You do need to purchase a phone case from Moment as well to attach the lens to.  They have a simple one (which is what I use because....less expensive) but they also have one that extends your battery life - which I hope to invest in very soon!  

If you want to go the extra step Moment also offers an amazing app that allows you to control your phone camera as a DSLR! It’s a super cool feature for those who want better control with their camera phone. I’m still pretty happy with the native phone app on my phone but I will open the Moment app occasionally when I need better control for a certain image.  

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What I use to Edit my Phone Photos

I tend to be pretty minimal, in life in general, so at this point I only use one photo editing app.  PicTapGo is super easy to use.  You can stack any filters you use and create your own filter recipes to make your workflow even faster!

I’m sure there are more editing apps that may be more advanced and fancy but….I like simple.

It works for me.

I'm open to ideas so y'all feel free to sell me on what other amazing editing apps I should try!

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Keep it Simple

Like everything...it comes down to choices and preferences and being content with your choices and preferences.

I like simple.

I also like easy.

The fact that I can take every image in this blog post with only my iPhone, a $2.99 editing app, and a small add-on lens is SO COOL to me. We don't NEED the big fancy cameras.  You can just invest a little time in learning how to use the great camera you already own in your cell phone!

Let me know if you decide to use the editing app or buy the lens….I’d love to see some of the images you create!

If you'd like to see more phone images from our two week Europe vacation be sure to check those out in this blog post. 

 

Two other items that can help you out by allowing YOU to be in your own vacation photos are a mini tripod and remote.  That's my next goal - for ME to get in more photos!

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18 Comments

  1. Beckie on October 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

    ❤️❤️❤️

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 14, 2019 at 3:44 pm

      This is just a tiny sampling!!! I LOVE taking photos in Italy!!

  2. Hillary on October 14, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    These are unreal!! I need to sit down with you and chat iPhones cameras 😉

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 14, 2019 at 3:44 pm

      TOTALLY!!!!

    • Shannon on October 17, 2019 at 2:16 pm

      I see so much mixed information on whether it’s “okay” to use cell phones for professional photography, and yet I keep seeing stunning pictures such as yours that convince me that it is more than okay!!
      Thank you for the inspiring post. And incredible photos! 😊

      • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 18, 2019 at 11:54 am

        Thanks!!! I always say “the best camera is the one you have with you” because I am always grateful to have the photo memories no matter what camera they come from!

  3. Dama on October 15, 2019 at 2:14 am

    This is kinda like those “Shot on iPhone” ads but ACTUALLY REAL 😛 Love it!

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 15, 2019 at 2:16 am

      Eeeeek! Best compliment EVER! Thank you!

  4. Megan Lawrence on October 17, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    Like you, I use my i-phone 7 for my travel photos these days. I do love the photos my DSLR takes more, but it’s not worth the weight and space carrying it. And you always have your phone on you, so perfect for ‘action’ shots. Great photos by the way. Would love to know how you did the last one.

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 18, 2019 at 11:54 am

      Exactly – the convenience of it makes using my phone so worth it! The last shot was taken high on a trail between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza in Cinque Terre. That trail gives SO many picture perfect spots!

  5. Sheila Thomas on October 18, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    Those pictures are amazing. I love my phone and using it for basically everything because I always have it with me. I don’t like the idea of dragging other stuff with me.

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 20, 2019 at 2:18 pm

      Thank you!! Our phones are truly capable of doing SO much!

  6. Katy on October 18, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    True, phones are what we always have with us, I use mine for photos everyday! When I upgrade my phone I’ll have to have a look at one of those lenses, looks great.

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 20, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      It’s a great tool to invest in for better phone photos! It’s not necessary since our phones are great alone but for tight places this lens really helps open up more image possibilities!

  7. Tatiana S. on October 18, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    Thank you for this! I think it is time to change my phone.

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 20, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      You are welcome!!

  8. Jen on October 19, 2019 at 2:20 pm

    I did not know these types of things existed! Thanks for all of these tips!

    • Dusti Smith Stoneman on October 20, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      I remember being in awe when I found this tool!!! I am a frugal person but I realized how this could truly make our memories even better!

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