Shot on iPhone

October — A Year in Photographs — Architecture by Adrian Galli

Piazza del Collegio — Day 279

October’s theme, Architecture, invited one to explore structure—literal and metaphorical—in a year defined by patterns, connections, and our spaces. Architecture is about intention: humans shaping light, form, movement, and meaning. Throughout the month, I immersed myself in both Italy and Chicago, the old and the new, with one unexpected decision—I photographed entirely on iPhone Air.

I chose the iPhone Air for its constraint and clarity—and it removes friction. Light, fast, always with me, it allows instinctive shooting. In a month focused on sharp lines, patterns, and city geometry, I wanted a tool for free movement, awkward angles, and spontaneity. iPhone Air’s simplicity became part of the concept: architecture is everywhere, and sometimes the best camera meets you where you stand.

Shooting the October series entirely on the iPhone Air realizes #AYearInPhotographs’ reality: each photograph, each month is about the relationship between the subject and the photographer, not the tool. But iPhone Air as a tool created intimacy with these spaces. Buildings and structures we pass, live in, and often take for granted, have defined place’s rhythm and identity. iPhone Air captured that rhythm with simplicity, honesty, and lightness. And one major advantage—no one cares when you’re taking a photo with iPhone. They do care when the big, traditional camera comes out.

Some of the locations I photographed were in relatively secure buildings but when I walked in confidently, appeared to just be passing by and snapping a quick photo, never did anyone seem to care. In the past, when my Nikon, Fujifilm, or even tiny Olympus cameras came with me, suddenly I was the paparazzi to everyone. iPhone Air is not only slim, beautiful, and powerful, it is stealthy.

Shot on iPhone Air, edited in Photos.

Shot on iPhone 2024 by Adrian Galli

iPhone Photowalk 2024 — Photographic Styles + SOOC by Adrian Galli

Gate M18

Traditionally, I’ve had my new iPhone photography up within a few days of receiving my device. My photo walks usually take me around the city, and September and October are particularly great for photography in Chicago. With some new and exciting photographer-centric features like Photographic Style and Camera Control, I wanted to take a bit more time to explore them. Since I had a trip to Italy coming up, it seemed like an obvious choice to share more than just the Chicago photos I captured in a few days. Enjoy a bit of Italy and Chicago in this annual series of iPhonography.

All Shot on iPhone 16 Pro, all SOOC (straight out of camera) using Photographic Styles and/or minor cropping/straightening.

Traveling to Italy

Train Window — Triptych, Italy

Chicago

Soft and Pointed — Tryptich

Shot on iPhone 16 Pro