(A running list of the things people ask me most—some curious, some quirky, all real.)
Q: What iPhone do you use?
A: Whatever the latest and greatest is. I upgrade every year. I’m currently shooting with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. For someone like me, those small, annual, incremental improvements in hardware and software actually matter.
Q: Do you still own or use conventional cameras?
A: Nope. Sold off every single one. Haven’t looked back.
Q: What kind of iPhone photography do you do?
A: All kinds—both personal and commercial. Portraits, food, road trips, editorial, and everything in between.
Q: Why do you carry multiple iPhones?
A: Backup and workflow. I like having one dedicated to photography and the other to video. I often shoot both at the same time on a tripod rail.
Q: How many iPhone photos do you take every day?
A: It varies wildly. Some days none. Some days a few dozen. Some days hundreds. And some days, if I’m in the zone, I can shoot well over a thousand.
Q: Do you edit your photos on your iPhone or a computer?
A: iPhone only. I do everything—shooting, editing, organizing, sharing—right from the device.
Q: What’s your favorite iPhone camera lens?
A: The main Fusion 1x camera (24mm). It’s the sweet spot for so much of what I shoot.
Q: Do you have an iPhone photography specialty?
A: Portraiture, travel, vernacular, road-tripping, food, and photowalking. But really, my style is shaped more by everyday life than by genre.
Q: Do you carry a lot of gear every time you go out?
A: Not usually. For casual, everyday shooting—I shoot naked (no gear). For commercial or production work, I gear up with tripods, mics, lights, and accessories.
Q: What settings do you use?
A: This always makes me laugh. Would you ask a chef what temperature their oven is set to? Or a writer what font they use? If you’re focused more on my camera settings than on what I see—you’re missing the point.
Q: What are your most prized everyday accessories?
A: Protective case, power bank, Bluetooth shutter remote, Apple EarPods (wired), a mini tripod, and a solid metal tripod mount adapter. That’s my bare-bones, go-anywhere kit.
Q: Is there one piece of professional gear you can’t live without?
A: Tripods. Mini, full-length, and selfie sticks. For video, stability is non-negotiable.
Q: Do you use third-party lenses?
A: Occasionally. When I do, I reach for Reeflex lenses: the 220° fisheye, the 1.33x anamorphic, and the 240mm super-tele.
Q: Where do you mostly buy your iPhone photography gear?
A: Amazon, Neewer, Ulanzi, SmallRig, and Moment.
Q: Do you edit your work?
A: Always. But editing doesn’t mean hours of post. I typically tweak my shots in seconds—just enough to bring the photo to life.
Q: What would you say your photographic style is?
A: Straightforward, minimal, photographic realism. Less filters. More truth.
Q: Do you print your iPhone photography?
A: Regularly. Free your camera roll! Photos aren’t real until they’re printed.
Q: Is there a secret to great iPhone photography?
A: No secret. Just work your ass off. Rinse and repeat.
Q: Do you share everything you shoot?
A: Not even close. I share a small portion—what feels worth sharing.
Q: Do you have a favorite app?
A: For shooting: the native Apple Camera app. For editing: the Apple Photos app. Between those two, I can do 90% of my work.
Q: Any other apps you love?
A: VSCO. TinType by Hipstamatic. Lens Distortions. Firstlight (especially for infrared work).
Q: Do you shoot in ProRAW?
A: Not often. I prefer the HEIF format. It’s lighter and faster for my needs.
Q: Do you shoot a lot of iPhone video?
A: For personal use—almost none. For production work—absolutely. I shoot a ton.
Q: Do you regret leaving your big cameras behind?
A: Hell no.
Q: Have you ever shot with Android?
A: Nope. Not interested. I’ve lived my entire creative life in the Apple ecosystem and love it.
Q: Do you have a favorite shooting mode?
A: Probably Portrait mode. But I rarely use it as intended. I use it more for creative isolation and subtle depth effects.
Q: Do you shoot in ProRes or Log format?
A: Rarely. Only when a job demands it. The file sizes and workflows are too heavy for most of what I do.
Q: Will you ever go back to using dedicated cameras?
A: Doubt it. Been there. Done that. Never going back.
Q: Do you use filters when you shoot?
A: Sometimes. But they have to snap on easily and cover all three lenses. I’m not a fan of fiddly gear.
Q: How do you clean your lenses?
A: Constantly. A smudgy lens is the fastest way to ruin a great shot. Microfiber cloths are your best friend.
Q: Do you ever shoot Live Photos?
A: Occasionally. I like having the flexibility to choose a different frame or add subtle motion. But it’s not part of my everyday workflow. I “Preserve Settings” to OFF
Q: What’s the most underrated iPhone photography tip?
A: Tap to focus .Drag to Expose (Brightness Slider) So simple. So powerful. Total game-changer when you actually use it correctly.
Q: Do you teach workshops or courses?
A: Yes. A lot of them. Online and in-person. My whole brand is built around helping people fall in love with iPhone photography.
Click
Jack
