I have recently had a few questions asking me what gear I use for phone photography. This is all of the general gear I throw in my backpack in various combinations depending on the shoot or occasion.
The entire idea with me starting this blog was to talk about how to photograph and travel in a very minimal way without giving up the quality of the capture. (Plus a few sprinklings of conversations on art of course!)
Each item here is a purposeful choice and added weight for my bag. If I were to throw everything listed here in a bag it weighs not even 10lbs. However, I typically only take part or pieces for local hikes and outings; while traveling it all goes with me.
#1 Tri Pod and Mount
If you are new to phone photography or have never used a tri-pod before this choice could radically change your photos. It would be even more of a radical change if you shoot any type of video on your phone. Stabilization is key!
I have a Manfrotto Tripod that is heavy and sturdy, but not flexible in height. I also have a Gorilla Pod Tri-pod that is flexible, light and has bendable legs to have it “hang on” to a tree for a selfie. The con with the gorilla pod, is that because it is light a strong wind could easily blow it over unless it was “wrapped” around something. That is the reason that I have both!
The mounts that come with the tri-pods are weak and flimsy. I do not recommend them. Instead I recommend that you pick up a Reti-Cam mount. This is a metal mount that fits all smart phones and your mini tri-pods. I have used it to hold my phone directly over a waterfall before without a single worry.
#2 Osmo Mobile Gimbal
On the same note as the Tri-pods, this is my newest gadget that goes in my backpack. It is a gimbal for shooting videos and panoramas. I am still learning how to master this, but so far it has been a blast for taking video.
The Osmo 100% removes all of the shake that occured when filming on the tri-pods and moving or walking. I have a feeling once I master this, a whole post will need to be dedicated to it!
#3 Moment Lenses and Accessories
I know, you are probably tired of me talking about these, but I LOVE them. They have truly allowed me to feel decent about leaving the DSLR at home. I have all four of the lenses and tend to lean on the Macro and the Superfish lately.
In addition to theses lenses I carry the Moment lens cleaning pen, the Moment counter weight for the gimbal and a micro fiber cloth for the lenses.
#4 Straps
I always need something to help me from my dropping phone. I have three go to straps that I use depending on the outing. My go to is, you guessed it, the Moment wrist strap. I also have two types of neck straps, one for hiking and one for more of the “city” outings.
I would not say you NEED a strap, it is more of a connivence.
#5 Your Phone
Lastly the camera itself! I currently shoot most often with my own iPhone 7 Plus. However, my partner recently purchased the new Pixel 2 XL and this has also been coming with me.
Lastly friends, master the camera you always carry. Let me know if you have any questions about the gear!
Do not forget to follow me on Instagram for my latest photographs.
NOTE: The above post includes affiliate links. This means that if you purchase the item a small kickback comes my way. Thanks!