“I think we’re closer than ever to an iPhone camera being a true replacement for a DSLR camera,” Tiffany Nguyen says.

Tiffany Nguyen didn’t set out to become a professional photographer. She, like many of us, started simply by snapping photos on her iPhone 4 to document her everyday life. Slowly but surely, she learned a few tricks of the professional trade, using tools available on her mobile, which have now made her one of the most respected travel photographers in the game.

“I was in my first year of dental school, and I hadn’t started my photography career yet. Fast forward to 12 years later, and I’ve transitioned to a career as a full-time photographer,” Nguyen told iBestTravel. “The iPhone was definitely an integral part of my journey as a photographer and made me realize how much I enjoy taking photos and creating something unique. I hope my journey encourages others to chase their passions as well.”

With the release of the latest iPhone 14, Nguyen shared that she’s been “so impressed with the image quality” thanks to its 48-megapixel RAW capability, that she says “can stand up next to DSLR images better than ever before. There is so much information contained in each image which allows for much more in-depth adjustments when editing.” She added, “I think we’re closer than ever to an iPhone camera being a true replacement for a DSLR camera.”

Try Shooting in RAW

“A lot of people don’t realize that you can shoot in RAW, which maximizes your editing capabilities,” Nguyen explained. RAW is an uncompressed file format that captures as much data as possible. This way, when you edit an image, you can do so in much greater detail. However, the only downside is that shooting in RAW takes substantially more data space.

“With 48 megapixels to work with, you have immense flexibility and can truly bring an image to life when editing. Locking your exposure and focus while shooting also helps you capture the scene exactly as you envision it,” Nguyen added. “Dialing in your exposure in-camera and ensuring it’s as close to ideal as possible can significantly ease the editing process.”

Get to Know the Basics of Composition

Taking exceptional photos isn’t just about having fancy equipment. It’s also about mastering a few basics of composition.

Nguyen recommends shooting close to sunrise or sunset to capture your images during the most optimal light. This time, commonly known as “golden hour,” provides dreamy warm tones that enhance photo quality.

“Having a strong composition can greatly impact your image,” Nguyen added. “Some of my favorite composition techniques include leading lines, negative space, symmetry, the rule of thirds, and layering. Utilizing these techniques along with shooting in soft light will elevate your iPhone photos tremendously.”

Pick a Subject and Practice, Practice, Practice

Nguyen enjoys practicing with cityscapes, capturing the breathtaking visuals of Los Angeles. Focusing on a particular subject encourages individuals to venture out and practice even more.

“The best camera really is the one you have in your pocket, and the iPhone enables me to quickly capture moments in high fidelity while on the go,” she noted. “There’s so much happening around you when you’re walking through a city, and shooting on an iPhone allows me to remain immersed in the moment while still capturing high-quality images of my favorite sights and memories.”

Learn How to Edit on the Fly

While exceptional photography is vital, Nguyen stressed that learning to edit is a significant aspect of improving your skills.

“Editing is half the fun and truly brings my images to life,” she said. “I edit all the images taken on my iPhone using the iPhone itself. The apps I prefer are Lightroom Mobile and Touch Retouch. This process is quick and easy for editing my images on the go, providing almost the same capabilities I would find on my laptop. I’m always amazed by what I can create entirely on my iPhone.”