MacVoices #26120: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of iPhone Photography (3) episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 15, 2026 · 21 MIN

MacVoices #26120: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of iPhone Photography (3)

from MacVoices Video · host Chuck Joiner

Jeff Carlson discusses the pros and cons of third-party iPhone photography accessories, from grips and cages to ND filters and lenses. While these tools can enhance control, ergonomics, and video quality, they often add complexity that detracts from the iPhone’s simplicity. He also highlights new iPhone features, including improved selfie cameras, AirPods as shutter triggers and microphones, and practical shooting tips that expand creative possibilities. Details on all this and more can be found in his new Take Control of iPhone Photography. (Part 3) CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://clnmy.com/MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction to iPhone photography and accessories[1:24] Balancing simplicity vs. added gear[2:18] Grips, Bluetooth shutters, and MagSafe options[3:23] Cases, filters, and added complexity[4:32] ND filters, exposure, and video considerations[6:00] Advanced setups: cages and pro configurations[7:40] Are accessories worth it for most users?[8:36] Personal experiences with grips and cages[10:40] Sponsor message[12:25] New features in iPhone 17 cameras[13:18] Using AirPods as shutter triggers[14:39] AirPods as microphones for video[15:49] Panorama tips and hidden features[16:55] Book pricing and availability[19:37] Jeff Carlson’s current work and projects Links: Take Control of iPhone Photography by Jeff Carlson Guests: Jeff Carlson is an author, photographer, and freelance writer. Among many other projects, he publishes the Smarter Image newsletter, which explores how computational photography, AI, and machine learning are fundamentally changing the art and science of photography. He’s covered the personal technology field from Macs and PalmPilots to iPhones and mirrorless cameras, publishing in paper magazines, printed books, ebooks, and websites. He’s also the co-host of the podcasts PhotoActive, writes for Take Control, has spoken at several conferences and events. He lives in Seattle, where, yes, it is just as gray and wet and coffee-infused as you think it is. Catch up with everything he’s doing at JeffCarlson.com. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon     http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:     http://macvoices.com      Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes     Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Jeff Carlson discusses the pros and cons of third-party iPhone photography accessories, from grips and cages to ND filters and lenses. While these tools can enhance control, ergonomics, and video quality, they often add complexity that detracts from the iPhone’s simplicity. He also highlights new iPhone features, including improved selfie cameras, AirPods as shutter triggers and microphones, and practical shooting tips that expand creative possibilities. Details on all this and more can be found in his new Take Control of iPhone Photography. (Part 3) CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://clnmy.com/MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction to iPhone photography and accessories [1:24] Balancing simplicity vs. added gear [2:18] Grips, Bluetooth shutters, and MagSafe options [3:23] Cases, filters, and added complexity [4:32] ND filters, exposure, and video considerations [6:00] Advanced setups: cages and pro configurations [7:40] Are accessories worth it for most users? [8:36] Personal experiences with grips and cages [10:40] Sponsor message [12:25] New features in iPhone 17 cameras [13:18] Using AirPods as shutter triggers [14:39] AirPods as microphones for video [15:49] Panorama tips and hidden features [16:55] Book pricing and availability [19:37] Jeff Carlson’s current work and projects Links: Take Control of iPhone Photography by Jeff Carlson Guests: Jeff Carlson is an author, photographer, and freelance writer. Among many other projects, he publishes the Smarter Image newsletter, which explores how computational photography, AI, and machine learning are fundamentally changing the art and science of photography. He’s covered the personal technology field from Macs and PalmPilots to iPhones and mirrorless cameras, publishing in paper magazines, printed books, ebooks, and websites. He’s also the co-host of the podcasts PhotoActive, writes for Take Control, has spoken at several conferences and events. He lives in Seattle, where, yes, it is just as gray and wet and coffee-infused as you think it is. Catch up with everything he’s doing at JeffCarlson.com. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

NOW PLAYING

MacVoices #26120: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of iPhone Photography (3)

0:00 21:43

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of MacVoices Video?

This episode is 21 minutes long.

When was this MacVoices Video episode published?

This episode was published on April 15, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Jeff Carlson discusses the pros and cons of third-party iPhone photography accessories, from grips and cages to ND filters and lenses. While these tools can enhance control, ergonomics, and video quality, they often add complexity that detracts from...

Can I download this MacVoices Video episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!