Photographer Toby Harriman published an impressive set of photos of the Matanuska glacier in Alaska, which he captured with his iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple ProRAW, and provided some insight into the performance. In short: he was amazed.
For a long time, taking pictures with a smartphone was a commitment. You can take photos more easily with a device that is always with you, but the image quality will not impress anyone who looks closely. That commitment has been slowly eroded, however, to the point that many no longer see him as one. With technological advances in space, it really looks like the compromise may be evaporating completely.
“I know I probably preach too much about it, but I am constantly impressed by this device,” writes Harriman. “When I worked on my iPhone 12 Pro Film & Photo Series, I was ecstatic with what I was able to capture with it. Now, playing with the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple ProRAW, it is reaching marks that I could never imagine with a “phone” – especially the dynamic range. “
Harriman says he was never “faithful” to the cameras and always uses the best tool for the job. Because of this, he thinks he may be more open to using an iPhone to take beautiful views than others.
“I never chose sides when it comes to cameras. Most people know that I have always been a Canon user, at least for my personal kit. I used a Pentax 645z for a year and recently worked on the Sony Alpha 1 launch campaign as a director of aerial photography, ”he writes. “For many of my productions, I also use a combination of Lumix cameras. Ultimately, I use whatever is requested or what fits the job request and the spec sheet. I am not sponsored by any camera brand and many of these projects are personal. “
Although he still uses several full-size cameras for professional work, when it comes to photos he takes for himself, Harriman has been relying on his iPhone.
“When it comes to my personal daily work, an important part is documenting my adventures and sharing content on Instagram or other platforms. The iPhone is starting to be my preference and has been for years, ”he says.
Echoing the original reasons why smartphone photography became popular, Harriman says it is difficult to overcome the small size of the device, especially now that it has three cameras and records RAW.
“Often, when traveling for the past two years, I have my Canon and a large lens wrapped around my neck and push it aside so I can use my iPhone,” he writes. “I am not going to put my Canon to sleep yet, but I am very impressed with how far Apple is crossing the line.”
It may be a tendency for traditional photographers to downplay smartphone photography, but it is difficult to challenge results like these.
To read Harriman’s full story and see all the images, check out his blog post here.