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While I primarily love shooting with my camera, there are moments where it’s just not practical to set it up, or where I want the flexibility of capturing a scene on both my phone and my camera. For a long time, I used my iPhone 13 Pro for these shots, and it handled them beautifully.
But as you can see in this photo, two small dots started showing up. They weren’t dust or lighting flares, they were scratches on my lenses. For someone so obviously passionate about photography, this wasn’t going to work long term.
My Upgrade: iPhone 16 Pro Max
That’s when I decided to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The difference was immediate, the sharpness, the clarity, and the dynamic range made me feel like my phone could stand side-by-side with my camera in certain scenarios. Now my photos look like this, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
For me, this was more than just a phone purchase, it was an investment in my creative process. If I’m going to keep creating and sharing, I need tools that help me do it without compromise.
The Accessories That Changed the Game
1. Camera Lens Protector
The first thing I bought was a camera lens protector, not just for scratch prevention, but also for keeping my lens crystal-clear. This should prevent the same issue I ran into with my 13 Pro.
2. Tripod
Next, I grabbed a small but sturdy tripod. Sometimes it’s difficult to set up my full camera rig in certain places, but with this tripod, I can stabilize my iPhone anywhere, perfect for low-light shots or hands-free content creation.
3. Portable LED Light
Finally, I picked up a portable LED light. This is especially helpful for controlled lighting in my photos and videos, whether I’m shooting at night, indoors, or just need to bring out certain details.
Why It Was Worth It for Me
Photography has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life over the past year. Having the right tools means I can capture the beauty I see, whenever and wherever it appears. My iPhone 16 Pro Max, paired with these accessories, is a huge part of that.
It’s not about replacing my camera, it’s about making sure I never miss a shot. And for me, that’s worth every penny.
Final Thoughts
The best gear is the gear you’ll actually use, and for me, my iPhone is always in my pocket, ready to capture what matters.
Your tools will grow with you. Each photo you take, each little improvement in your process, is a reminder that you’re still learning, still evolving, and still showing up for the things that bring you joy.
If photography is something that lights you up, don’t wait for the “perfect time” or the “perfect setup”, start with what you have, improve when you can, and let your journey be proof that progress is worth capturing.