8 Brillant Smartphone Photography Tips From a NatGeo Expert

"The best camera in the world is the one in your hand," says Alvarez. "And for most of us, it's going to be a phone. Images are moments and they happen and if you don't have a camera, you don't have a photograph."

He says certain things are too personal to be photographed with a DSLR, which is why smartphone cameras are so important — they let you explore your life in a way you wouldn't normally. "Using a phone is very natural and lets you keep a visual diary and go back and see what you were thinking about and interested in."