Gear

What I actually use

I photograph with an iPhone on purpose. These are the few things around it that earn a place in the bag — nothing you need, just what has helped.

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• A small travel tripodNight sky, water, and anything that asks you to hold still. Any stable one is better than none.
• MagSafe tripod mountSnaps the iPhone onto the tripod without a cage. On and off in a second.
• Apple Silicone CaseFor iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. MagSafe, a bit of grip, and the cameras stay covered in the bag.
• Apple Watch Ultra 4On the trail when I don’t want to pull the phone out. Battery for days.
• iPad ProWhere I sit with a photo longer than the phone wants me to. Screen, Pencil, and enough room to think.
• Magic KeyboardTurns the iPad into a small desk. I write the articles on it.
• Apple Pencil ProFor the edits that still feel like drawing. Pressure, barrel roll, and it parks on the side of the iPad.
• Mac miniWhen the phone is done shooting, this is where the bigger files land.

iPhone

The camera in the pocket

iPhone 18 Pro MaxThe camera I keep in my pocket. Three lenses, and enough battery for a long day in the parks.iPhone 18 ProSame three lenses in a smaller phone. The Pro cameras without the Max in your pocket.iPhone AirThe thinnest iPhone Apple has made. Same idea: the camera you actually have with you.