iPhone camera bag? Why would you want one?
Every photographer I know, either pro or enthusiast, owns a mobile phone. Most have an iPhone because of its unique camera specs in the “Pro” line. And everyone uses their iPhone (or another mobile phone) as a camera, along with their big, fancy cameras! Many of them used to carry small point-and-shoot cameras as a backup, so this is not something new.
An iPhone camera bag will lead to convenience.
The biggest reason for carrying a point-and-shoot or iPhone is that it is the “camera you have with you.” You know that you won’t miss a shot, even if the big camera is at home on a shelf. But it’s only going to be used if it is conveniently located!
I captured this macro shot of a flower in my neighborhood with my iPhone and a Moment Macro lens.
When I’m out walking in my neighborhood, I’m exercising, so my iPhone is either in my back pocket or my hand. On the other hand, when I’m on a trip or out shooting photos seriously, the last place I’m going to leave my iPhone is in my back pocket. There are three reasons for that.
Don’t make your iPhone a target of theft.
An expensive mobile phone popping up out of your back pocket is an invitation to thieves, and carrying it in your front pocket is just plain uncomfortable. And what about when you are eating in an outdoor café? It may be convenient to leave it on the table, next to your plate, but it’s equally tempting to a thief.
Don’t make your iPhone inaccessible. Put it in an iPhone camera bag.
Remember why you’re carrying the iPhone in the first place. Let’s say you see something happening in front of you, or even through the airplane window. Speed is of the essence. If you have the iPhone carefully hidden in a theft-proof backpack or your carry-on, chances are that you will miss the shot!
I captured this shot of Marble Canyon from my United flight because I had my iPhone in my iPhone camera bag. I leave it on me when I fly.
Don’t lose your iPhone.
Show of hands here. How many of you have groped around your airline seat, hoping to find your iPhone and worrying that you will be that person who loses it in the seat? I am definitely guilty of this!
iPhones today can cost more than an entry-level DSLR. The last thing you want to do is lose it.
Or, worse yet, how many of you have almost lost your iPhone when using a “squatty potty” on a trip overseas? Or just been terrified that you would?
And when it comes to bathrooms, you have little control over the quality of the arrangements. When a group of us visited a water town near Shanghai, the bathrooms were new! Unfortunately, there was no running water. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination…
My favorite iPhone camera bag hack.
Considering these three reasons, you need a bag that won’t temp thieves, is easily accessible, and won’t fall into the cracks of your airplane seat (or the depths of the squatty potty). I have the answer, and it’s not a proper camera bag. Right there, I’ve saved you money. (There are two words that immediately increase the cost of a product: “boat” and “camera.”)
My favorite iPhone camera bag is Target’s small crossbody travel bag. (It’s not currently available on Target Online, so you’ll have to check your local Target. There is a larger version available online.)
It’s 9”x5”x2” and has an RFID shielded pocket to protect your credit cards and passport. The strap has a wire running through it to prevent slashing. That’s all great, but what about the iPhone? As you can see, you can tuck the iPhone 13 Pro Max into the main pocket with no problem. The non-Max version of the iPhone fits in the outside pocket.
Stock your iPhone camera bag with these things:
For a walk around town, I include my Pocket Tripod, a Moment iPhone Lenspen to clean the iPhone lenses, and my Moment iPhone Macro lens. My AirPods Pro fits in easily, too. My driver’s license and credit card tuck into the RFID shielded pocket.
If you’re traveling, tuck your passport into the interior RFID pocket, and don’t forget your International Certificate of Vaccination. I’ve stapled my Covid vaccine card inside mine. Your boarding pass will easily tuck into the outside pocket. Including a package of tissues and some lip balm will help make your trip more comfortable.
You never know when your iPhone will become your primary camera, so be prepared. For my recent Viking River Cruise in Europe, I relied on my iPhone for photos after I developed a herniated disk on the first morning. Ouch! Having an easy way to carry it was a lifesaver.
Finally, the strap is long enough for my husband to wear it comfortably. If you’d rather wear it on a belt, it comes with a sleeve on the back for threading on your belt.
Now it’s your turn.
Check your closet to see if you already have a perfect iPhone camera bag. If not, head out to Target or your favorite department store. I’ll bet you can find a solution for well under $50!
I write about the Pocket Tripod Pro and Moment lenses here: https://www.carolinemaryan.com/12-gifts-photographers-will-love/
You can learn more about Meissen here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meissen
Have you tried shooting photos with your iPhone out of an airplane window? I’d love to know!
Interested in learning more camera tips? Be sure to sign up for my mailing list here: https://bit.ly/sign-up-for-mailing-list
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