As someone who has recently ventured deeper into the art of photography, I’ve been exploring ways to elevate my skills and creativity using the tools I already have at hand. Since my iPhone 13 is currently the only camera I own, I’ve embraced the challenge of making the most of its features. To help me along this journey, I recently completed an incredible course on CreativeLive: “iPhone X: The Quick Guide to Great Photos and Video” by Chase Jarvis.
The course is from https://www.creativelive.com who have a bunch of photography, art and design courses available on the site.
The Best Camera is the One That’s With You

Chase Jarvis is a pioneer in mobile photography, and his motto—“the best camera is the one that’s with you”—resonated deeply with me. This course was packed with tips, techniques, and real-world applications that made it clear how much potential lies in the palm of my hand. Although the course focuses on the iPhone X, I found the lessons easily adaptable to the features of my iPhone 13.
Course Breakdown
The course consisted of 12 lessons, each packed with valuable insights and hands-on demonstrations:
- iPhone X Photography Class Introduction
- iPhone X Portrait Lighting: Master techniques for creating striking portraits with various lighting options.
- Edit Photos on iPhone: Tips and tricks for enhancing your photos using built-in editing tools.
- Capturing Live Photo on iPhone: Learn how to add motion and life to your images.
- Shooting 4K Video iPhone X: Capture stunning high-resolution videos and explore slo-mo features.
- Taking Portrait Photos on iPhone: Techniques for posing and composition to create professional-quality portraits.
- Macro Photo iPhone Photography: Discover the beauty of close-up photography, from intricate details of flowers to textures.
- How to Take Aerial Shots: Tips for shooting unique perspectives, even without a drone.
- Editing Photos on iPhone: Advanced editing techniques to make your photos pop.
- iPhone X Photography Features: A detailed walkthrough of camera features, including wide-angle, telephoto, and digital zoom.
- BONUS LESSON – Get an iPhone X Tour: A comprehensive guide to navigating the iPhone camera.
- BONUS LESSON – Taking Great Photos with iPhone: Practical tips for elevating your everyday photography.

What I Learned
Here are some of the key takeaways from the class that have already transformed how I approach photography:
- Mastering Lighting: I learned how to choose the right lighting for various scenarios—studio light, natural light, low light, stage light, or mono. Understanding this has made a world of difference in my ability to create mood and depth in my images.
- Image Stabilization on the Move: Chase explained how to leverage dual optical image stabilization, which has been a game-changer for capturing sharp images even while in motion.
- Macro Magic: The course inspired me to experiment with macro photography—capturing intricate details of flowers, textures, and small objects. It’s amazing how much beauty there is in the details we often overlook.
- Making Portraits Pop: With techniques for portrait mode, I’ve been able to create stunning images of friends and family, experimenting with posing, depth of field, and even dynamic lighting effects.
- Video Versatility: Beyond photography, I’ve also dabbled in 4K video and slo-mo features, uncovering new ways to bring movement and emotion into my creative projects.

Why This Class Stands Out
Chase’s teaching style is approachable and engaging. He simplifies complex concepts, making them accessible even to beginners like me. His demonstrations in real-world scenarios were particularly helpful, as they gave me a clear understanding of how to apply these techniques in my own photography.
Why I Recommend This Course
If you’re using an iPhone (or any smartphone) as your primary camera, this course is an absolute must. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, you’ll come away with a solid foundation in composition, lighting, and storytelling. Chase’s insights will open your eyes to the creative possibilities that exist right at your fingertips.

My Journey So Far
As I continue to develop my photography skills, I’m excited to push the boundaries of what my iPhone 13 can do. From experimenting with light trails and macro shots to capturing candid moments and striking landscapes, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t limited by the equipment you have—it’s fueled by the passion and knowledge you bring to the craft.
Stay tuned for more updates as I explore new techniques, experiment with apps, and create compelling visuals for my project, The Quiet Stories. If you’re interested in leveling up your iPhone photography, I highly recommend checking out Chase Jarvis’s course. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with just a little guidance and a whole lot of curiosity.
Let’s keep creating!
Have you tried any mobile photography courses or techniques that inspired you? Share your experiences in the comments below, or connect with me through my site Viewfinder Chronicles.
Be sure to check out for Chase and CreativeLive at the links below:-
- Chase YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseJarvis/videos
- Chase XD – https://x.com/chasejarvis
- Chase Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/chasejarvis
- Chase Threads – https://www.threads.net/@chasejarvis
- Chase Website – https://chasejarvis.com/
- CreativeLive Website – https://www.creativelive.com
- CreativeLive X – https://x.com/creativelive/
- CreativeLive Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/creativelive/
- CreativeLive YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/creativelive
- CreativeLive Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/creativelive/
Regards
Alex