Photography Travel

Around the World with Lisa Bettany & an iPhone 4S

I am setting out on a trip around the world to capture photos for my very first travel photography book. I’m inspired by the freedom of shooting, editing, and sharing photos with a light-weight mobile device, so I’m leaving my professional camera gear at home and capturing the entire journey with an iPhone 4S (well actually two incase one gets tromped on by an elephant or snatched by a meer cat).

Over the past year, I’ve taken more pictures with my iPhone than my Canon 5DMKII. I’ve been really impressed by the dramatic quality improvements of iPhone 4S, and I honestly think that I will get better candid travel shots for my book with my iPhone. The best camera is the one you have with you and while I still adore my dSLR, shooting on the iPhone challenges me and makes me see capture photos in a new exciting way. Plus, it’s about 30lbs lighter than my camera gear!

When I started planning this world book trip, I had a list of about 100 places I wanted to visit spanning every inch of the globe. Unfortunately, being under a time constraint of 50 days and planning this all very last minute, I had to cut some incredible places because of technical flight details & burocratic red tape. Apparently, many cool places require travel visas which are not easily attained during Christmas holiday. Live and learn.

If you have any travel tips or suggestions for me, please put them below! I need all the help I can get!

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  • Anne
    January 18, 2012 at 10:07 AM

    Oh, Lisa, I would have invited you to Germany, if I had known about your project. I live in a very untouristy area which is generally underappreciated but nonetheless has lots of great places to see and would have loved to show you around.

    Well, next time then. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

    (Here’s one example of a recent photo trip of ours to a nearby sculpture thing. The words are in German, but the pictures can hopefully be appreciated in all languages: http://anneschuessler.com/2012/01/15/tiger-turtle-magic-mountain/)

  • millie
    January 18, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    OMG Lisa! This is sooo great! I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina, it is great to see that you´ll be here! Buenos Aires and the Patagonia are a must. Are you not going to Brazil??

  • Anderson Torres
    January 19, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    Yea, aren’t you coming to Brazil? What a shame!

  • Marcella
    January 20, 2012 at 7:48 AM

    Amazing idea and execution, Lisa! Your site for the trip looks fantastic. You are more than welcome to visit Nicaragua — there are plenty of lakes, volcanoes, surfers and more to capture down here. Cheers and enjoy your traveling!

  • Stephane Venne
    January 20, 2012 at 11:33 AM

    It is strange how often I hear this, people going more and more to iphones as main camera. However, since I got an iphone 4S I have to agree, I have barely touched my others cameras. The biggest treat to DSLR might not be 4/3 cameras but Smartphone :-)

  • wayne price
    January 20, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    will this app be coming to Android..

  • Michael Dahl
    January 20, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    What an interesting idea of using only your iPhone, I am excited to see what you come up with. :) Sounds like you have been inspired by Chase Jarvis’ book of a similar title as your travel idea? It is one my “To Read” list.
    Sad that your 5DmkII is to lay and collect dust though, such a fine dSLR :) (might be evident that I am looking to become an owner of such a device myself in the near future, although I am waiting to see with the potentially imminent 5DMkIII announcement).

  • Michael Meinhardt
    January 23, 2012 at 3:59 PM

    Hi Lisa,

    If you are still in Asia, try Korea. Specifically Seoul. I spent 3 months there last year and it was something else.

    Best

    Michael

  • Mandy
    January 26, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Wow interesting project and I’d guess unique. Really looking forward to seeing it unfold…

    Best of luck!

  • Mandy
    January 26, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Ooooh just thought you should have done round the world in 80 days (with an iphone) like the book!

  • Rob.G
    February 20, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    Hello Lisa it looks like your having so much fun I love the way your using your iPhone with the lens that’s amazing. Have a safe trip..

  • Ciera Sorokata
    May 21, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    It’s actually a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  • Khalid TS
    August 19, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    I am a photographer also I love your photos so great and amazing since I got my Iphone 4s and I am so amzed with photo quity it have goood louk and keep shooting

    Khalid TS

  • Trev Stitt
    September 11, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    Hi Lisa, as I was a safari guide in both Zimbabwe (mana pools and Hwange nat park many years ago),I wondered did you go near there or Botswana and did you see wild dog and leopard?keep in touch I now live in Western Australia but could still guide you via email or otherwise to the best safari and other places of interest over there.Warm Regards Trev. S.