PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR & APPS
I’ve personally purchased and used all the photography gear and apps featured below. These are products I truly love for their amazing quality, ease of use, and how much fun they bring to photography! I’m excited to share them with you and hope you enjoy them as much as I do. The links below are affiliate links to Amazon, which means I earn a small commission when you make a purchase—your support is greatly appreciated!
Mobile Apps and Digital Download
Photo Printers and Paper
Digital Photo Frames
Favorite Digital Cameras
iPhone Cases and Protection
Photography Devices
Accessories
Export Mac and iCloud Photos Libraries to Folders
3.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Apple App Store)
I was deeply concerned about relying solely on the Apple Photos library format and iCloud to safeguard my collection of over 80,000 photos. The thought of losing years of memories due to file format error or cloud service issues was unsettling. I needed an app that could export my Apple Photos library into plain and organized files and folders on my local drive—something simple, reliable, and future-proof.
Photos Takeout is the only app that can export your Apple Photos library into neat folders by year, album or date. From wherever they are – in Mac Photos, in iCloud, even referenced files. Save them anywhere – on your Mac, on external drive, or in cloud storage. It is the easiest way to make a complete, accessible backup of your Photos library. Compatible with Intel and Silicon Macs, and all versions of macOS from Sierra to Sequoia. Export photos and videos in original format and resolution – even from multi-terabyte-sized libraries. Now I have a copy of all my photos organized by folder in my drive!
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Duplicate photos cleaner for pros
4.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Apple App Store)
We’re all guilty of taking too many photos! My morning coffee latte cup needs ten nearly identical photos to make sure I got the light just right. Now, I'm stuck with a caffeine-inspired photo shoot using storage space in my local drive. My Apple Photos library is screaming for mercy! Let’s face it, I only need to keep the best photos to remember the moment.
Cleaning up your Apple Photos library can be a daunting task. PhotoSweeper is a swift and powerful duplicate photos cleaner built to help you find and delete duplicate and similar photos on your Mac.
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Wise Camera app
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Apple App Store)
The Wise Camera app overlays 15 artistic compositions in the iPhone camera view. Photography composition is the first step to taking amazing photos. The Wise Camera app guides you to take beautiful photos by showing you how to align your scene's subjects and elements with artistic compositions. Artistic compositions have been used by artists for centuries and are now available to you easily and instantly with the Wise Camera app.
Get it FREE at the Apple App Store. You can use two artistic compositions for free. To access all artistic compositions, you can make a one-time purchase of the Artistic Compositions Package.
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Wise Photos app
4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Apple App Store)
The Wise Photos app lets you edit your photos with Artistic Compositions using your iPhone or iPad. The Wise Photos app overlays 15 artistic compositions on your own photos stored in the Apple Photos app library from your iPhone or iPad and even taken with your DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. You can align the photo scene's main subject and elements with artistic compositions that have been used by artists for centuries.
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DIGIX AMR1 camera app
4.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Apple App Store)
The DIGIX AMR1 camera has been designed to be beautiful and realistic and the Digiguys Apps team is happy to bring it to your iPhone. We followed classic 1980s film SLR camera designs from the past and newer DSLR cameras to create a masterpiece of design and function worth owning.
Like a professional DSLR camera, with the DIGIX AMR1 camera, you have full control of the camera focus, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, changing lenses, and much more.
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ZendLove app
4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Apple App Store)
ZendLove lets you share love with artistic digital greeting cards made by talented artists from around the world. ZendLove has unique cards that show your style for any special occasion. Select a beautiful card, then write a message to make it personally yours and share it with loved ones. Share your personalized ZendLove cards instantly via Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, Texting, Email, Facebook Messenger, and more. Using ZendLove cards is good for the environment, with minimal carbon footprint compared with traditional paper greeting cards - no waste, no stamps, and no trips to the mailbox.
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Fujifilm Instax Square Link Instant Printer (White) Bundle with Instax Camera Film Twin Pack 40-Exposures (3 Items)
4.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
The Fujifilm Instax Square Link lets you print stunning photos straight from your iPhone—real film that develops in just a couple of minutes, just like a Polaroid! No ink cartridges needed, and the results are beautiful, long-lasting prints. It connects effortlessly via Bluetooth, runs on battery power, and charges with USB-C PD for convenience. The Instax app is super easy to use and packed with fun features. I love using it to create tangible memories and sharing these special keepsakes with family and friends!
PROS: The photos are square, like a retro Polaroid.
CONS: It can be a challenge to fit everything in a square format.
Are you looking for the Fujifilm Instax Square film? Go here.
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Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer - Print wider photos than the Instax Square
4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
The Fujifilm Instax Wide takes your photo printing to the next level with its wider prints—perfect for capturing more of the moment! It prints real film photos from your iPhone that develop in just a couple of minutes, just like a Polaroid, with no need for ink cartridges. The print quality is fantastic and long-lasting. This printer connects easily via Bluetooth, runs on battery power, and works seamlessly with the intuitive Instax app, which is full of fun features. I love using it to create larger prints that make great gifts for family and friends to hold and cherish!
PROS: It's easier to fit everything in the wide photo format.
CONS: The device has an older USB micro connector.
Are you looking for the Fujifilm Instax Wide film? Go here.
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Fujifilm Instax Square Instant Film 10 Pack (100 exposures) (5 Items)
4.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
This is the best value I have found! Value pack instant film with traditional white frame with five boxes with two 10-photo packs!
PROS: Great image quality, color reproduction, and fast development of photos.
CONS: A bit smaller than the original Polaroid film.
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Fujifilm Instax Square Instant Film 1 Pack (20 exposures)
4.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
Instax film with traditional white frame, one box with two 10-photo packs!
PROS: Great image quality, color reproduction, and fast development of photos.
CONS: A bit smaller than the original Polaroid film.
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Aura Mason WiFi Digital Picture Frame
4.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
I’ve tested many digital photo frames, and the Aura Digital Picture Frame is hands-down the best! It’s sleek, stylish, and features a stunning high-resolution display. The companion mobile app is a breeze to use, letting you easily send photos and videos to the frame and even invite family and friends to contribute. With free, unlimited storage and no extra fees, it’s a standout option.
Setting it up is quick and simple using the Aura app on your iPhone. The frame includes thoughtful features like a color-calibrated HD display, smart adjustments, video playback, and automatic night mode. It’s also a fantastic gift—you can pre-load photos, videos, and a personal message for a meaningful surprise. Aura makes sharing memories easy, private, and secure!
PROS: High-quality frame and photo image.
CONS: It can be easily tip over.
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PictoPocket Digital E-Ink Frame
5.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Digiguys)
The PictoPocket eInk Photo Frame is a fun and unique gift! I met Cameron, the creator of PictoPockets, at the Makers Fair in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I was immediately impressed by his design. eInk displays are amazing—they require very little power, so there’s no need for bulky batteries or power cables, making these frames thin, light, and incredibly sleek.
I’ve purchased several PictoPockets as gifts, and my nieces absolutely love them! The black-and-white eInk display has a cool retro vibe that brings a whole new way to enjoy your memories. The display size, about 3.5” by 2.5”, is the perfect ratio for photos taken with the Wise Camera app. Easy to use and beautifully designed, this frame is a charming way to showcase your favorite moments.
Magically upload photos from your phone to the PictoPocket.
The PictoPocket iOS app is easy to use and FREE.
Ultra-low power eInk display with a 4-year battery life.
Change the image as many times as you want.
The photo frame is magnetic, too!
Cool retro black & white vibe.
PROS: Fun and easy way to display photos from your iPhone
CONS: I hope Cameron is working on a larger version for the walls
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Back up all your photo with this Samsung T9 external SSD USB-C 1TB
4.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
My photos are my life. Backing up photos is absolutely essential, especially for someone like me, with over 80,000 photos in my Apple Photos library. While iCloud is great for syncing, it’s not a true backup—if photos are deleted from iCloud or your account is compromised, they could be gone forever. That’s why I always recommend making regular backups by copying your Apple Photos library to a reliable external SSD. I personally back up my library every 3 to 4 months.
For years, I’ve trusted the Samsung T9 External SSD USB-C Drive. It’s fast, solid, and incredibly dependable, making it the perfect companion to keep your photos safe. If your photos are as important to you as mine are to me, this drive is a must-have!
PROS: This is the FASTEST drive that Samsung offers, and the drives come in 1TB to 4TB.
CONS: Maybe a little more expensive than other brands, but my photos are worth it!
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Compact and fun mirrorless digital Fujifilm X-T30 II camera with the XC15-45mm lens Kit in Silver
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
I absolutely love Fujifilm mirrorless digital cameras, and the Fujifilm X-T30 II is one of my favorites! Its 1980s retro design is not just stylish but also practical, featuring physical knobs to manually control settings like aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation—you have complete control.
Fuji is famous for its 18 Film Simulation modes, which are a joy to experiment with. As the smallest Fuji mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, the X-T30 II is lightweight and perfect for casual street photography, parties, or travel. It even inspired our DIGIX AMR1 camera app!
Charging is effortless with USB-C PD, and transferring photos is a breeze with wireless connectivity or USB-C directly to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. After uploading the photos to my Apple Photos library, I use the Wise Photos app to apply artistic compositions to my photos, making my photos even more stunning. The Fujifilm XApp is intuitive and packed with useful features, making this camera an absolute gem for photography enthusiasts!
Fujifilm cameras are so popular that it might be out of stock!
PROS: Small, light, versatile, and fun!
CONS: Love is blind
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OtterBox Symmetry Series MagSafe Case for iPhone 16 Pro Max, Shockproof, Drop Proof, Protective Thin Case, 3X Tested to Military Standard
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
I have the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max, and protecting it during my outdoor photography adventures is a must! What gives me the most peace of mind is using a wrist strap with my case—no chance of my phone hitting the ground, even if I lose my grip. Similar to when we used to use point-and-shoot cameras. The OtterBox Symmetry Series Case has a strap hole on the bottom left and right, letting you attach any wrist strap you like. It’s a game-changer for keeping my iPhone secure and stress-free.
Beyond the ability to attach a wrist strap, I love the OtterBox Symmetry Series because it strikes the perfect balance between protection and thickness. OtterBox offers cases that are either bulkier, OtterBox Defender Series Pro, or thinner, but the Symmetry Series hits the sweet spot—not too thick and not too thin. It also has raised edges that safeguard the screen and cameras, which is a big plus!
These cases come in a variety of colors, fit multiple iPhone models, and are MagSafe-compatible. I also appreciate the precise cutout for the camera control and Apple Intelligence button on the iPhone 16 line—it’s a thoughtful detail that makes a difference.
DON'T FORGET TO GET THE HAND WRIST STRAP BELOW!
PROS: The ability to attach a wrist strap.
CONS: A little rugged for day-to-day use.
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Protect your iPhone with the UGO Wear Waterproof Phone Case
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
My friends Mel and Vic created the UGO waterproof iPhone case, which has been a game-changer for me. I love taking photos with the Wise Camera app, especially at the beach where there is water and sand, not the best place for an iPhone. The worry of damaging my iPhone was constant. Thanks to the UGO waterproof case, I have no more worries! The UGO case not only keeps my phone protected but also allows me to take photos while it’s safely inside the case, and it floats, too!
PROS: I can use the iPhone when inside the UGO waterproof case.
CONS: The zipper is waterproof, so you must close it tight.
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Hand Wrist Strap Lanyard, 3 Pack Black Adjustable Lanyard Wrist Straps
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)
This hand-wrist lanyard is the perfect companion for your iPhone case with a strap hole, offering comfort, security, and ease of use. Measuring 8.6 inches long and supporting up to 11 pounds, it ensures your iPhone stays safe and secure while you focus on capturing amazing photos or going about your day. Its adjustable buckle provides a customizable fit for maximum comfort. Made from premium polyester, it’s durable and easy to attach or detach through the strap hole on your case, making it a must-have for extra peace of mind with the OtterBox Symmetry Series.
PROS: They are cheap, and you get three.
CONS: Make sure you change them once in a while.
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