Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
When I first started recording our travels and sharing them here at Chasing ADVNTR, I bought an expensive DSLR camera. While I still use this camera, most of my photos here are taken with my phone. Not only are phones fantastic at taking photos, but they are small and convenient.
The number one reason this is the best choice for travellers is that it is a high quality camera that you already have in your pocket, meaning that it’s perfect for capturing quick and authentic moments without a large and expensive camera.
In this article, we’ll explore why your smartphone might be the best choice to capturing travel photos.
Looking to improve your travel photography? I offer a completely FREE 7 day travel photo challenge. All you need to do is subscribe to my newsletter.
The Evolution of Smartphone Photography
Smartphone photography has come a long way since the early days of grainy, low-resolution images. When the first camera phones appeared in the early 2000s, they often produced pixelated images with poor color accuracy and offered little control over settings.
For many years, serious photographers relied on DSLRs or point-and-shoot cameras for travel photography.
Over the last 5-8 years, the quality of phone cameras has grown rapidly. The introduction of autofocus, higher megapixels, and image stabilization makes smartphone cameras almost as good (and honestly sometimes better) than traditional digital cameras.
The game changed entirely with the rise of computational photography, where artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced algorithms process images in ways traditional cameras cannot. Features like Smart HDR, Night Mode, and Deep Fusion, found in modern iPhones, enhance photos by blending multiple exposures, adjusting lighting, and sharpening details—all in an instant. Luckily for users, this is all done behind the scenes and you don’t need to know how this works in order to take better travel photos.
Today, many travelers rely solely on their smartphones for photography. With each new iPhone release, Apple continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography, proving that you don’t need a bulky camera to capture professional-quality images.
Advantages of Using a Phone Over a DSLR
Many professional photographers swear by DSLRs, but for travel photography, the iPhone has numerous advantages:
Portability & Lightweight Design: A DSLR with multiple lenses can easily weigh several pounds, requiring a dedicated camera bag. In contrast, an iPhone fits right in your pocket, making it easier to carry on hikes, city explorations, and other adventures. While I still carry my DSLR on some specific trips, the size and weight make it difficult to carry.
Ease of Use: With a DSLR, you need to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO manually. The iPhone, however, simplifies the process with AI-driven auto settings that optimize your shot instantly. Even if you’re a beginner, you can take stunning photos without an in-depth understanding of camera mechanics.
An iphone is simply easier to use than a DSLR camera.
Instant Sharing & Editing: Unlike a DSLR, which requires transferring images to a computer or your phone for editing, the iPhone allows you to edit photos directly with apps. Plus, you can share your best shots immediately on Instagram, Facebook, or travel blogs without extra steps.
Advanced Computational Photography: While many people prefer iPhones because they are easier, they still have many powerful and more advanced features you can tap into. Features like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR enhance images in real time, capturing more detail than many entry-level DSLR cameras can. These tools allow iPhone users to shoot in challenging lighting conditions with impressive results.
Versatility with Multiple Lenses: Modern iPhones come equipped with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, offering flexibility similar to carrying multiple DSLR lenses—but without the extra weight. This means you can seamlessly switch between landscape shots, portraits, and zoomed-in details with just a tap.
No Extra Gear Required: With a DSLR, you often need additional lenses, tripods, and accessories. You can get extra gear and lenses, the iPhone alone is powerful enough to capture professional-quality shots straight out of the box.
How to Maximize Portability & Convenience
One of the biggest perks of using an iPhone for travel photography is how easy it is to carry and use. Here’s how you can make the most of its portability:
1. Keep It Easily Accessible
The best travel moments happen in an instant, so keeping your iPhone within easy reach is key. Consider:
- Using a lightweight crossbody phone case or lanyard. I use a small fanny pack across my chest where I keep my phone at all times when I travel. It not only keeps it available, but it stays safe.
- Carrying it in a pocket with a microfiber cloth to keep the lens clean.
- Setting up shortcuts for quick camera access (like double-tapping the back of your iPhone to launch the camera).
2. Optimize Battery Life
One thing that often comes up with using an iPhone for your travel photography is battery life. This is a serious consideration, especially when you are also relying on your phone for reservations, navigation and communication. Travel days can be long, and the last thing you want is a dead phone right when you’re about to capture an incredible view. To ensure your iPhone lasts:
- Carry a compact power bank.
- Enable Low Power Mode when needed.
- Turn off background apps that drain the battery.
3. Use Minimal Gear for Maximum Impact
While you can enhance your iPhone photography with accessories, keep it simple. I’ve used all of these before, but rarely carry anything besides a small lightweight tripod. Some lightweight add-ons that can improve your shots without adding too much bulk include:
- A clip-on lens (for macro or fisheye effects).
- A mini tripod (for stable shots and time-lapses).
- A Bluetooth shutter remote (for hands-free photography). I’ve yet to find one that is completely reliable so often just use the timer on the phone.
4. Master One-Handed Photography
Unlike a DSLR, which often requires both hands, an iPhone can be used with just one hand. This is great for capturing moments on the go—whether you’re walking through a bustling market, holding a coffee, or hanging onto a railing on a scenic boat ride. Use features like:
- Volume button shutter (for steadier shots).
- Burst mode (to capture fast-moving subjects).
- Live Photos (to create GIF-like effects and select the best frame).
5. Protect Your Phone While Traveling
Since your iPhone doubles as your camera, you’ll want to keep it safe. My top recommendation is to carry a waterproof case for beach or rainy destinations. If you’re travel will involve a lot of situations that could cause damage, you could also get a shockproof case and use a screen protector to prevent scratches from sand or rough surfaces.
This post is part of my series: taking better photo with your iphone.
