I used to think that in this day and age—when nearly everyone has a powerful camera in their pocket—we might be at the tail end of the era of the DSLR snob.
Nope. They’re still out there. Alive and well.
I was recently teaching a week-long series of iPhone photography tips, tricks, and techniques to a group of enthusiastic cruise passengers. Each session, the audience grew in both size and excitement. People were eager to learn, and I was more than happy to share what I know. After all, we were all there for the same reason—to take better pictures.
Or so I thought.
Early on, I noticed a separate group of about a dozen DSLR-toting photographers. They were part of a private photo tour, traveling together with their big rigs in tow. As a representative of the ship, I did what any good host would do—I introduced myself and invited them to drop into any of my interactive presentations.
Crickets.
I tried again.
More crickets.
I even attempted striking up conversations with a few of them during the week, only to be met with polite but chilly nods before they turned back to their cameras, adjusting their dials like surgeons prepping for a major operation. It was clear: they wanted nothing to do with an iPhone photographer.
What could an iPhone photographer teach them about photography?
Now, I get it. A decade ago, I might have had the same reaction. But times have changed. The playing field has shifted. Smartphone cameras now sit at the same dinner table as DSLRs and mirrorless rigs. And yet, for some, the idea that a phone could be a “real” camera is still unthinkable.
I could practically hear their thoughts:
Again, “What could an iPhone photographer teach them about photography?”
Oh, I don’t know… maybe the same things I’ve been teaching for four decades—composition, light, storytelling, timing, emotion, and all the other fundamental pillars of great photography. The irony? I probably have more traditional photography experience—film, digital, and mobile—than the combined sum of that group. But because my tool of choice fits in my pocket, I was dismissed.
Look, I’m not here to wage war against DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. I respect them. I’ve used them for most of my career. But if we’re still clinging to the idea that the size of your camera dictates the legitimacy of your photography, I’ve got news for you: that era is over.
This isn’t about which camera is “better.” It’s about accessibility, adaptability, and artistry. The best camera has always been the one you have with you. And now, more than ever, that camera just so happens to be a smartphone.
So, to my DSLR purists out there—do your thing. I respect your craft. But the days of looking down on mobile photographers are gone. Whether you like it or not, smartphone cameras are here to stay, and they’re not just for snapshots. They’re legitimate tools in the hands of serious photographers.
And if you don’t believe me, well… I’ll just be over here, quietly making great images with my iPhone.
No crickets necessary.
I did manage to sneak a peek at a few of their images. Their long-glass shots of birds were fantastic. I’ll admit—I was jealous. There’s no denying that when it comes to optical zoom, traditional lenses still have a distinct edge over smartphones. A 600mm prime lens will always outperform a digital crop or a computational trick. I get it.
But still…
I couldn’t help but wonder—how many moments did they miss while swapping lenses, digging through camera bags, or adjusting dials? How many spontaneous, serendipitous shots slipped through their fingers while they were locked into their viewfinders? Photography, at its core, isn’t just about gear—it’s about seeing. And while they were busy fine-tuning their settings, I was out there, capturing life as it unfolded—unfiltered, unscripted, and real.
So yeah, their bird shots were incredible. But I walked away with my own collection of images—portraits, street scenes, landscapes—moments that didn’t require a telephoto lens to be meaningful. And maybe, just maybe, one of them will come across my work, pause for a second, and think, huh… maybe there’s more to this whole smartphone thing than I thought.
One can hope.
Click.
Jack
