What’s in your hand right now? It’s probably your cellphone, right? Maybe you’re at home or maybe you’re at work or perhaps you’re in the restroom during a first date. Hey, no judgement here.

The point is your phone is most likely with you at all times. That means that if you bring a toy along with you then you have everything you need for toy photography.

It’s what I used when I started shooting my figures. My first images were a bit stiff, editing to me meant boosting the saturation and maybe using a filter, oh and I also shot in square because I thought that was just the way it was on Instagram. But I never felt limited to when and where I could shoot, I only felt limited by my knowledge, understanding and experience as a photographer. Over time I learned more about the editing process, I appreciated the posing of an action figure and how to frame them to show a compelling image.

I eventually upgraded to a ‘real’ camera, my Canon Rebel SL1. Having a DSLR gave me the opportunity to learn more about exposure, focal lengths of lens, and other settings like that. There’s no denying the technical advantages but the creativity of your photos still stems from you.

I recently got an iPhone 7 earlier this year and started playing with a $2 app called ProCamera which allows you to adjust the exposure, shutter speed and ISO, it also gives you the ability to shoot at 16×9 plus other adjustments.

It’s truly incredible what you can capture with such a device. Whether you’re looking to capture more of the environment around your subject or zoom in on the finer details of your subject, it’s well within the capabilities of your smartphone. Because of the position of the camera lens and the size of your phone you’re able to get angles in environments that your DSLR simply can’t. That is huge.

I have since found myself alternating between my SL1 and my phone. Just like using a different toy will tell a different story, a different camera can shape the narrative of your photography as well. It all comes down to what you want to capture. Honestly, some of my favorite shots have come from what I’ve shot on my phone.

Seeing as how you most likely have your phone on you wherever you go, well then you’ve got the whole world in your hands. The whole wide world. Whatever your tool of choice is, the beauty of your work comes from your vision. So, whether you use a phone as your primary source or as an alternative method, you can capture truly amazing images that you’ll be proud of.

Austin Anderson (@toy.at.heart)