With the first appearance by a phone videographer in the Mobile Creator Series, we have Jared Berger – or, @BergerBot.
You’re in for a treat here – Jared has a unique style from which you can learn a lot. The fact that he has skills in phone videography and phone photography doing a whole bunch of different styles is impressive.
Keep on reading to see his range and learn his secrets.
THE MOBILE CREATOR SERIES
WHAT IS THE MOBILE CREATOR SERIES?
MCS is an initiative to discover and highlight photographers pioneering mobile photography. It’s a series of interviews and collaborations that highlight the potential of smartphones and the innovation of the people using them to push the envelope of traditional photography.
The goal is to inspire new photographers to think outside the box – to create with the tools you have available. Secondarily, we want to dispel the notion that smartphones aren’t comparable to conventional cameras. The artists featured are our evidence.
Without further ado, meet Jared.
THE MOBILE CREATOR SERIES: INTERVIEW WITH @BERGERBOT
Name: Jared Berger
Location / Homebase: Denver, CO
Favorite Gear: iPhone 11 Pro, Zhiyun Crane M2, SmallRig cage, and multiple Moment lenses with filters
Jared is a fan of all sorts of handhelds. When he wants to make serious magic happen, he uses the Zhiyun Crane M2 or the SmallRig cage. He’ll also utilize a variety of Moment lenses accompanied by filters.
What results is pretty entrancing. Jared’s work can be described as trippy indeed, but it also has a truth and beauty to it. While he describes himself as a mobile videographer, Jared does have a knack for phone photography too.
There are a lot of talents at work here, and if you’re interested in phone photography or phone videography (or both!), then @BERGERBOT is a must check out.
For videography only, head on over to his website!
Here’s the obvious question – do you choose to use a smartphone for photography instead of a traditional camera? Is it a full replacement or just a supplement?
Full replacement.
I am full-on mobile – meaning I shoot everything on my phone, be it photos or wedding videos with either the Moment app or FilmicPro. I then edit everything on my phone with LumaFusion.
Do you think smartphones offer any significant advantages over traditional cameras? Are there serious shortcomings, in your opinion?
Advantages for me off the bat are twofold – the ease of grabbing my phone and not needing an even bigger bag for all my gear.
It’s worth also noting that overall phone videography is less expensive.
I’ve been taking mobile photography seriously since my iPhone 5. I went from that to a 7 and now most recently the 11 Pro. Being able to take great shots or videos on the fly keeps me motivated.
Shortcomings will always be the “tiny sensors” everyone with a DSLR likes to point out. I don’t compete with anyone but myself, so I’m not worried about how my stuff looks compared to the latest Canon.
(If necessary: ) How do you overcome the drawbacks of smartphone photography?
Always being adaptable and learning about different companies who like to support what I do with what I have. I’m still learning and trying new things. Learning and caring about how to edit appropriately, be it a video or photo, that aspect will always be important to me. I will always want to do it all on one device.
Smartphones are more than just cameras – they can edit and publish photos too. Do you use any other phone features in the course of your work?
Absolutely. As previously mentioned – I shoot and edit everything on my phone. All of my photos are edited with Snapseed, though I have about 20 different apps just for photography stuff alone and 18 for video stuff. These days I don’t use the majority of them, but I just like that companies keep making things better for the world I live in. As you stated with the question – I have a badass little camera in my pocket that that can also check emails and surf the web – and it just so happens to take phone calls too 🙂
Do you think there is any type of gear that is critical to enabling mobile photography? What is it? Why?
Yes. While the phone can to a great job overall – like any camera, if you want to go the extra step, you’ll want to purchase some filter mount for ND and Polarizing action.
Invest in something that makes it easy and useful. In my opinion, clip-on stuff just won’t cut it. Anything you can do to set yourself apart, stay ahead of the curve, or bring more value to what it is you do – do it.
Any secret tricks or techniques you can share for people interested in improving their mobile photography?
Invest in yourself, and always be willing to learn. Research products and watch videos. Owning a gimbal won’t automatically make you better at filming or shooting. If you can’t set up a decent shot or frame things nicely, none of it matters. Always ask yourself, “what is the story I’m trying to tell.”
Any final words of advice to aspiring photographers?
Don’t ever let others shut you down based on their fears or lack of knowledge simply because all they use their phone for is games and Facebook. I’ve made money shooting three weddings so far on my phone, so trust yourself, be your own critic and remember to cheer yourself on. Always have fun and never stop learning what you can do with the small little computer in your pocket.
