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There are many forms of photography worth exploring, and all have their place in the world. However, not all are created equal, and many people would consider DSLRs at one end of the scale, with smartphones at the other end. However, there are a handful of photography genres that I think smartphones actually handle better than DSLRs.
DSLRs vs. Smartphone Cameras
Some professional photographers look down on smartphone photographers. However, they’re proving themselves to be quite narrow-minded with that view. While DSLRs are rightly considered to be the crème de la crème of cameras, smartphones have their place too. Especially given the quality of cameras attached to middle- to top-range smartphones these days. In fact, some people think thatsmartphone cameras will kill the DSLReventually.
While no one can argue that DSLRs aren’t superior to smartphones in many ways, photography isn’t all about the quality of the hardware used. Photography is an art form, so what makes good and bad photos isn’t as clear-cut as some people may attest. So, whether it’s due to portability, versatility, or other reasons, some genres are better suited to smartphone cameras than they are to DSLRs…
1. Portrait Photography
Portrait photography isn’t as simple as pointing your camera at someone and shooting. Instead, you need to capture a person’s essence in a single moment. Whether through capturing a genuine emotion written all over their face, or some other innate quality that reveals their soul to the outside world.
Smartphones allow you to do that by removing a barrier between you and your subject. Shooting someone’s portrait with a DSLR feels very formal, whereas using the same piece of equipment that the subject also uses on a daily basis will make them feel more at home. They may then drop their guard a little, revealing the emotion you need to capture on film andimproving your portrait photography.
2. Travel Photography
Travel photography is all about showing off a place you’re visiting, anddocumenting a trip. Which means capturing the people, places, and culture you encounter on that trip. When striving to shoot good travel photography, you should aim to reveal the soul of the place you’re visiting in some way.
In a similar vein to portrait photography, travel photography benefits from the loss of an unwieldy camera. You’ll have your phone on you at all times anyway, meaning it’s on hand whenever a chance to document your trip presents itself. While the quality might not be quite as good, the ability to shoot anywhere at any time is hard to beat.
3. Street Photography
Street photography relies on you, the photographer, living and breathing the space occupied by real people. That’s the only real way to capture the candid shots that are the essence of street photography. While people are the key to street photography, they don’t have to be the star of the show; instead, their movements through the street scenes you’re capturing can create the mood you’re looking to capture.
To really capture a street scene as it plays out,the photographer needs to blend into the background. The more present you are and the more visible you are, the less able you’ll be to shoot the hustle and bustle of city life as it plays out in front of you. No one will even notice you holding a smartphone, whereas people will turn to look at someone shooting with a DSLR.
4. Food Photography
Food photography has exploded alongside social media usage, with more people than ever keen to show off what they’re eating. This is, therefore, the genre most suited to shooting on a smartphone. After all, while most people don’t carry a DSLR with them everywhere you go, your smartphone is almost always in your pocket.
The best camera to use in any situation is the one you have on you. And when you’re out eating an Instagram-worthy meal, the camera you’re most likely to have on you is the one attached to your smartphone. While you could take your DSLR out to dinner with you, and proceed to pull it out at the table in order to photograph your food, using your smartphone is a lot more appropriate.
5. Abstract Photography
Abstract photography is usually regarded as the domain of more serious photographers, as the average point-and-shoot person isn’t likely to have the creative eye required to capture a more unusual angle on the world. However, owning a smartphone with a good camera attached opens this photographic arena up to everyone.
Last but not least is abstract or experimental photography. Basically, anything that subverts the normal conventions of what’s worth being photographed. With this particular genre, it’s the small size and stature of your smartphone that makes it win out over a DSLR. And, like the other genres discussed here, the fact that you’ll likely have your smartphone camera to hand when an interesting shot shows itself is the key.
The Key to Good Photography Is Experimentation
Purely in terms of power, when it comes to photography kits,DSLRs cannot be beaten. However, as I hope I have proven above, smartphones are actually a better fit for some genres of photography. You may disagree with my reasoning, but if you normally use a DSLR for these genres of photography, I suggest trying a smartphone instead. You may be surprised at the results you get from doing so.
Whether due to allowing you to get closer to your subjects, a greater sense of freedom and portability, or the versatility to take shots not possible with larger and heavier equipment, smartphones are a great tool in any photographer’s arsenal. While the results may not be quite up to par in terms of finesse, you’ll be able to take shots simply not possible to shoot with a DSLR.
