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Smartphones have undoubtedly shaped the ways in which we experience, and share, pivotal moments in our lives – a fact that is especially obvious at modern weddings.

When is the last time you attended a celebration where guests weren’t vying, iPhones in the air, to capture that perfect photo of the ceremonial kiss or first dance to share via Instagram? With the rise of custom event hashtags and wedding photo-sharing apps, those candid shots snapped by friends and family have actually become an important part of documenting a celebration. But can smartphone snaps ever really stack up to those shot on pro DSLR cameras? Inspired by the recent work of famed Indian wedding photographer Sephi Bergerson, we set out to answer this question. We wanted to see what was possible when Canadian pros were tasked with capturing wedding photos on the world’s most popular camera.

Weddingbells asked three of Canada’s most sought-after wedding photographers, Jennifer Moher from Jennifer Moher Photography in Peterborough, Ontario, Gabe McClintock from Gabe McClintock Photography in Calgary, Alberta and John Yoo from IAMJOHNYOO Wedding Photography in Vancouver, British Columbia, to spend a month snapping celebrations on their iPhones and you won’t believe the results.

Here Moher, McClintock and Yoo share some of their favourite photos shot on iPhone, along with the stories behind them. You’ll learn about the apps and settings these pros used to shoot and edit each image, along with some background on what goes into capturing a great iPhone photo. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just an avid Instagrammer, you’re sure to be amazed and inspired by these shots, many of which were captured on the fly.

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224232 Captured by <a href="http://www.iamjohnyoo.com/" target="_blank">John Yoo</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? Darkroom app and A100 filter. This app emulates the look of film and the A100 filter is my favourite. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I didn’t wanted to interrupt this bride with the camera shutter and the iPhone’s focal length, 29mm, was ideal. Bride on iPhone iphone wedding photos - bride on iphone https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-08-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-08.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-08.jpg 900 1200 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-08/ iphone-wedding-photos-08 0 0

224225 Captured by <a href="http://www.gabemcclintock.com/" target="_blank">Gabe McClintock</a> on iPhone 6s Plus Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and A6 analog filter. For me this filter added to the overall mood of the image. I muted the colours a little and I also added a little fade. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? The sun had just broken through the storm clouds to the left of the camera, which created this natural spotlight on the couple. That combined with the dark, ominous clouds behind them created what I felt was the perfect lighting situation for the iPhone to shine. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-01-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-01.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-01.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s Plus","caption":"Processed with VSCO with a6 preset","created_timestamp":"1459532983","copyright":"Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.0015873015873016","title":"Processed with VSCO with a6 preset","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/processed-with-vsco-with-a6-preset/ processed-with-vsco-with-a6-preset 0 0

224248 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6 Which apps and filters were used? Afterlight app and Finn filter, as well as the overlay function. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I had shot the landscape shot earlier that day and knew I wanted to overlay it with a photo of the bride. I had a great opportunity to grab a shot of her before going out for the first look. Bride iphone wedding photos - bride https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-24-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-24.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-24.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-24/ iphone-wedding-photos-24 0 0

224229 Captured by <a href="http://www.gabemcclintock.com/" target="_blank">Gabe McClintock</a> on iPhone 6s Plus Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and E4 essence filter. I wanted to lower the contrast in the water but still bring up some detail in the shadows and this filter provided the perfect balance for me. It also added a warmer tone to the image, which is what I prefer in my work. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? For me it was simply how incredible the scene was. It was one of those moments where the lighting, the couple, and location all came together perfectly. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-05-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-05.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-05.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s Plus","caption":"Processed with VSCO with e4 preset","created_timestamp":"1462307941","copyright":"Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"32","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"Processed with VSCO with e4 preset","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/processed-with-vsco-with-e4-preset-3/ processed-with-vsco-with-e4-preset-3 0 0

224233 Captured by <a href="http://www.iamjohnyoo.com/" target="_blank">John Yoo</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and A6 filter. This is the perfect app for mobile editing. On top of VSCO, I added some lights by using the Lens Distortions app and Principle Light Hits filter. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? In this case the iPhone was perfect for previewing what I was about to capture with my DSLR. Also the focal length of 29mm was ideal. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-09-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-09.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-09.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","created_timestamp":"1462494932","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"32","shutter_speed":"0.0083333333333333","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-09/ iphone-wedding-photos-09 0 0

224227 Captured by <a href="http://www.gabemcclintock.com/" target="_blank">Gabe McClintock</a> on iPhone 6s Plus Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and E2 essence filter. I used this filter to bring up the shadow detail a little while adding a warmer tone to the overall image. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? The grandness of the location and the overall scene was one that I felt could be captured perfectly on the iPhone. The focal length was just wide enough to show the environment but not too wide where the couple would be lost in it. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-03-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-03.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-03.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s Plus","caption":"Processed with VSCO with e2 preset","created_timestamp":"1460473858","copyright":"Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"40","shutter_speed":"0.0083333333333333","title":"Processed with VSCO with e2 preset","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/processed-with-vsco-with-e2-preset/ processed-with-vsco-with-e2-preset 0 0

224249 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6 Which apps and filters were used? The Afterlight app and Finn filter at 10 percent was all I needed to use as the light was so beautiful to begin with. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? This was a long walk down the road back to the reception, so it was a perfect chance to pull out my phone and grab a quick shot of the bride, groom and their friends with the beautiful scenery behind them. I love how I was able to show how vast the area around them was. Bridal Party iphone wedding photos - bridal party https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-25-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-25.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-25.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-25/ iphone-wedding-photos-25 0 0

224242 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? Afterlight app and Raven filter. I decided to brighten the photo and change it to black and white (using the Raven filter) to really show the contrast of the birds against the sky. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I have an obsession with shooting birds, especially when we are down south for weddings. To me it always makes me feel how warm the weather was. This particular shot, from a destination wedding in Mexico, was taken the morning of the wedding and it was a great way to start the coverage of the day. Birds iphone wedding photos - birds https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-18-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-18.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-18.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-18/ iphone-wedding-photos-18 0 0

224230 Captured by <a href="http://www.gabemcclintock.com/" target="_blank">Gabe McClintock</a> on iPhone 6s Plus Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and E4 essence filter. I used the E4 filter to bring the highlights down in the water spray behind the couple. With the low setting and the sun hitting the water directly it was quite bright. Also, I wanted to be able to see a bit of the cliff detail behind them. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? As we walked in between the canyon walls I could see that the light was at a perfect angle to a cave I spotted. That light mixed beautifully with the spray and wind created by the waterfall and I wanted to silhouette the couple against this lit-up spray. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-06-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-06.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-06.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s Plus","caption":"Processed with VSCO with e4 preset","created_timestamp":"1462308078","copyright":"Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.0093457943925234","title":"Processed with VSCO with e4 preset","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/processed-with-vsco-with-e4-preset-4/ processed-with-vsco-with-e4-preset-4 0 0

224240 Captured by <a href="http://www.iamjohnyoo.com/" target="_blank">John Yoo</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam and B6 filter. This is the best black and white converter to create rich, high contrast photos, in my opinion. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? This photo was shot in a gondola going down the mountain after the wedding. The bride and groom both looked at each other like, “Yes, we are married!” Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-16-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-16.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-16.jpg 1000 751 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s","caption":"Processed with VSCO with b6 preset","created_timestamp":"1462120508","copyright":"Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.0027700831024931","title":"Processed with VSCO with b6 preset","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/processed-with-vsco-with-b6-preset/ processed-with-vsco-with-b6-preset 0 0

224228 Captured by <a href="http://www.gabemcclintock.com/" target="_blank">Gabe McClintock</a> on iPhone 6s Plus Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and E4 essence filter. This filter was the perfect balance for me, considering that I wanted to lower the contrast in the water but still bring up some detail in the shadows. Plus, it added a warmer tone to the image. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I loved the grandness of the scene behind the couple and the way the mist from the waterfall was creating a small rainbow just behind them. With directional light falling onto them I knew the iPhone would handle the shot perfectly. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-04-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-04.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-04.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s Plus","caption":"Processed with VSCO with e4 preset","created_timestamp":"1461680412","copyright":"Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00015600624024961","title":"Processed with VSCO with e4 preset","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/processed-with-vsco-with-e4-preset-2/ processed-with-vsco-with-e4-preset-2 0 0

224246 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6 Which apps and filters were used? Afterlight app. This photo was super simple edit. I just added a touch of brightness and a bit of contrast as the photo was pretty much perfect is as. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I love simple photos like this for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennifermoher/?hl=en" target="_blank">my Instagram</a>. I noticed this magnet on the fridge and the dried eucalyptus and styled them in a way that I thought would suit the bride's final gallery. I ended up taking a shot on my iPhone since I planned on posting it to Instagram that day. Stationery iphone wedding photos - stationery https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-22-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-22.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-22.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-22/ iphone-wedding-photos-22 0 0

224239 Captured by <a href="http://www.iamjohnyoo.com/" target="_blank">John Yoo</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam and A6 filter. It was a bit cloudy on this particular day and this filter totally matched the mood. On top of VSCO, I added light using the Lens Distortions app and Light Hits filter. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? The wide angle view of my iPhone worked perfectly for this shot. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-15-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-15.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-15.jpg 1000 742 {"aperture":"2.2","created_timestamp":"1462540435","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"32","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-15/ iphone-wedding-photos-15 0 0

224247 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6 Which apps and filters were used? Afterlight app and Finn filter. I added some brightness and just used the Finn filter at 10 percent as the light was so beautiful and the photo really didn’t need much. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I adored all of the colours of the reception set-up and I love the simplicity of shots from above. This was a great opportunity to pull out my phone and grab a shot when there was some down time between the ceremony and reception. Place Setting iphone wedding photos - place setting https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-23-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-23.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-23.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-23/ iphone-wedding-photos-23 0 0

224245 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? Afterlight app and Raven filter. I changed this one to black and white using the Raven filter to really show the contrast of the silhouetted couple dancing against the dusky sky. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? Nearing the end of the dance I decided to grab a quick shot of this as I knew my second shooter was still shooting on his camera. I loved this moment, and I love the way silhouettes look on an iPhone. Bride and Groom Dancing iphone wedding photos - bride and groom dancing https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-21-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-21.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-21.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-21/ iphone-wedding-photos-21 0 0

224224 Captured by <a href="http://www.iamjohnyoo.com/" target="_blank">John Yoo</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? This is nearly a raw image. I simply corrected the crop and contrast of the image using my iPhone’s default Photos app. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I wanted a sharp, wide angle view to capture that tree and all of the bridesmaids. Bridal Party iphone wedding photos - bridal party https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-00-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-00.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-00.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s","created_timestamp":"1460812374","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00033795201081446","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-00/ iphone-wedding-photos-00 0 0

224251 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? Afterlight app and Raven filter. I really wanted to show the light on the bride's dress and having the photo in colour seemed to distract from that element. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? This was a very fast-paced wedding and there really was not much down time to pull out my iPhone, but in this moment I had my second shooter photograph this moment so I could grab a quick shot on my phone. I love the way the iPhone captures light like this. Bride iphone wedding photos - bride https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-27-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-27.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-27.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-27/ iphone-wedding-photos-27 0 0

224231 Captured by <a href="http://www.gabemcclintock.com/" target="_blank">Gabe McClintock</a> on iPhone 6s Plus Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and A6 analog filter. I chose this filter for the richness it brought out in the green tones on the moss-covered forest floor. I also warmed up the white balance in this image to +1. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? The environment was the reason I chose to capture this. This incredible couple brought me out to Vancouver Island for the day to capture their elopement in the forest and I felt that this setting, especially the moss, perfectly conveyed the look they were after. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-07-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-07.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-07.jpg 1000 750 {"aperture":"2.2","camera":"iPhone 6s Plus","caption":"Processed with VSCO with a6 preset","created_timestamp":"1460483390","copyright":"Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.025","title":"Processed with VSCO with a6 preset","orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/processed-with-vsco-with-a6-preset-2/ processed-with-vsco-with-a6-preset-2 0 0

224235 Captured by <a href="http://www.iamjohnyoo.com/" target="_blank">John Yoo</a> on iPhone 6s Which apps and filters were used? VSCOcam app and C1 filter. I wanted this image to look like it was shot on old Kodak film. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? I wanted a well-composed formal portrait sample image to deliver to the client the following morning. Bride and Groom iphone wedding photos - bride and groom https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-11-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-11.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-11.jpg 961 1200 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-11/ iphone-wedding-photos-11 0 0

224250 Captured by <a href="http://www.jennifermoher.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Moher</a> on iPhone 6 Which apps and filters were used? Afterlight app and Raven filter. I used this black and white filter to really isolate the shape of the sign against the night sky. Why did you choose to capture this shot on your iPhone? This entire wedding took place at an old motel in the middle of nowhere. I absolutely loved this sign because of how vintage it was and before leaving for the night, I grabbed a quick shot of it on both my camera and my iPhone. Venue iphone wedding photos - venue https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-26-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-26.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iphone-wedding-photos-26.jpg 1000 1000 {"orientation":"1"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/iphone-wedding-photos/slide/iphone-wedding-photos-26/ iphone-wedding-photos-26 0 0