How I Shoot Travel Content Without a Camera (Just My iPhone)

I honestly lost count of how many times people asked me, “What camera do you use for your photos?” And when I say, “Just my iPhone”, they look at me like I’m joking (but I’m not!).

All my content (for social media and for brands) — from hotels and cozy cafés to sunset skies, beach days, or those aesthetic matcha moments — it’s all shot with my iPhone. I used the iPhone 12 Pro Max for years, and recently upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro Max to bring my content to the next level (because I deserve some love, right?)

And to be honest, both feel like my professional camera. No lenses, no bulky gear, no stress about packing extra equipment. Just my phone in my hand — and the eye to see the beauty around me. And if you ask me — I love it that way!

“All my content <..> it’s all shot with my iPhone.”

Why I Don’t Travel with a Camera

As much as I’ve always loved photography, I never felt the need to carry a big, heavy camera to capture the beauty around me. I realized pretty early on that you don’t need “fancy” gear to take beautiful photos — just the right eye, the right moment, and the right light.

iPhones today are seriously powerful. The photo and video quality has evolved so much that for most people (especially for content creators) it’s more than enough. You just need to understand how to work with natural light, find good angles, and frame your shots.

And honestly, not having extra gear has been one of the best things for my travel lifestyle. Less weight, less stress, more freedom. No worrying about lenses, batteries, or keeping things safe in crowded places. Just me, my phone, and the world. It allows me to stay more present — to actually enjoy the places I’m capturing, not just focus on the equipment.

My Favorite Content Creation Tools

That said, I do travel with a few small tools that help me create better content:

tripod with built-in lights (perfect for low light or indoor shots)
Insta360 stabilizer for smooth and steady video
MOFT phone stand — slim, MagSafe-compatible
MOFT phone lanyard, which I wear around my wrist or neck, especially in crowded places or while shooting above water (it makes me feel way more secure)

My iPhone Setup

It still feels wild to say this… but some of the photos and videos I’ve created just with my iPhone have been used by real brands, featured in email campaigns, websites, and posted by hotels I once only dreamed of working with.

I truly believe you don’t need “professional equipment” to create something beautiful. If you know how to work with natural light, look for interesting angles, and stay present in the moment — your phone is already powerful enough to do the magic.

My phone setup to shoot sharp, clean, and professional-looking content:

Video: 4K at 60fps — super crisp for both storytelling videos and dreamy aesthetic edits
Grid: Always ON — helps with framing, symmetry, and getting those café flatlays just right
HDR: OFF — I prefer a softer, more natural tone, I can edit later
Enhanced stabilization: ON — because no one needs a shaky sunset reel
Editing: I use Lightroom for photos, and CapCut or Instagram Edits for Reels

I use my phone for everything! It keeps me light and lets me work from anywhere in the world. Having it all in my pocket — my camera, editing tools, and posting platforms — means I can stay flexible, creative, and free. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“some of the photos and videos I’ve created <..> have been used by real brands, featured in email campaigns, websites, and posted by hotels I once only dreamed of working with.”

So if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I can’t start yet — I don’t have the right gear” — let this be your gentle reminder: you already do. Your phone, your vision, your story — that’s more than enough!

What matters most isn’t what you shoot with, but how you see the world. The angles you notice. The way the light makes you feel. The story you want to tell. Maybe it’s a cozy café corner, golden sun on your hotel bed, or the sparkle of the sea at sunset — those little moments are the ones that connect us. So don’t wait for perfection. Start where you are. Create with what you have. The rest will follow (that’s a pinky promise from me!).