Convenience OVER QUALITY

The truth behind smartphone photography over professional grade camera and shooters.

When most people around the globe have smartphones in their pockets, photography has transitioned into convenience over quality. Many want instant validation they were present at an event, visited a landmark, or captured a moment with friends and family. Millions of those images are then uploaded to one of many social platforms to be shared. Most social platforms limit resolution and quality to keep the file sizes minimal; it doesn't make much sense to need a professional photographer at the ready.

Does that make professional photography obsolete? Indeed that is a loaded question because the professional world of photography is much more than the limited scope we discussed above. In some cases, we have opened the door for more unique photographers. Yet, smartphone photography and videography are, in no way, professional outside of the hands of a professional. Now, in no way am I discrediting the art created with smartphones. The reality is, these limited use cases are generally for sharing with friends and family and are not at the caliber of professional work, nor should they be. Some may choose to challenge this idea, but when you dive deeper, how upset would you be if a "professional" you hired arrived at your special day with only an iPhone 13 Pro. More than likely, you would be questioning their "professionalism." Yet, some beautiful work has been created using this marvelous device. However, the device is limited in its capabilities simply because its sensor and processor are much smaller than professional cameras and lenses. While I won't argue that people can create beautiful art with smartphones, I argue that the camera and equipment play a considerable influence. More importantly, the photographer's mastery paired with the camera creates quality.

Think for a moment; everyone who bears the coveted Medical Doctor (MD) has graduated Med School, residency, and other licensure and other certifications. Yet, not all doctors are created equal, and truth be told, they cannot practice in every field of medicine. A respected neurosurgeon has years of experience and surgical residency before taking to the knife. The top-tiered neurosurgeons wouldn't show up using mediocre or lesser grade medical equipment; in fact, quite the opposite. They would use state-of-the-art equipment that magnifies their talents, much in the way a photographer uses their gear to compliment their abilities. Photographers are not saving someone's life, and comparing their abilities to those of a surgeon is not on the same plateau, but you get the point I am trying to emphasize.

Smartphones, while remarkably convenient, cannot compare to the technology and specialized glass of professional-grade cameras. If that were the case, cameras would all be but non-existent. Please don't take this article as a knock on content creators. Instead, it highlights the difference between the general use of smartphones in photography and professional photography using professional-grade equipment. Ask yourself honestly, would you hire most of your friends to capture a notable moment in life (wedding, family portrait, newborn, etc.) using their smartphone? And, I'm not referring to that one "extraordinary" friend who has mastered their craft with a smartphone. A resounding no would come from nearly everyone, if not all. Professional photography is art and science beautifully paired to create exceptional work.