Eric Mencher is known for using a very streamlined, pocket-sized setup—he’s left behind professional DSLRs to shoot almost exclusively with his iPhone, embracing mobility, spontaneity, and simplicity.
Primary Gear: iPhone + Apps
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iPhone 12 Pro Max is his current main camera. He uses the native camera app, sometimes Hipstamatic, but primarily sticks with Apple's built-in interface for speed and control.
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| iPhone 12 Pro Max see it on Amazon |
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He refers to the iPhone as “the Leica of the poor,” comparing its intuitive handling and portability to his emotional connection with his old Leica M6 and Tri‑X setup. He sold all his cameras.
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| Leica M6 |
Post-Processing: iPhone + Snapseed
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He edits primarily with Snapseed, calling it “fun and tactile,” akin to darkroom work, letting him apply mood, contrast, and tonality on the go.
Philosophy & Practice
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Mencher used to shoot with professional gear (Leica M6, Tri‑X film) during his photojournalism era.
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In 2012, he fully transitioned to mobile photography, citing invisibility in crowds and the ability to capture authentic moments unnoticed.
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For occasional weddings, he still uses Canon DSLRs, but these are rare exceptions.
On His Approach
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He values invisibility: “When you carry pro gear, people know you’re a photographer… With a smartphone, I become invisible”.
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He embraces the smartphone’s intuitiveness, describing it as quick, handheld, always on hand—and ideal for his style.
Looking to Shoot Like Mencher?
To channel his creative flow, you can:
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Use an iPhone 12 Pro Max (or similar)
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Shoot with the native camera app, optionally experimenting with Hipstamatic
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Edit on mobile with Snapseed
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Adopt his “flâneur” approach: wander, wait, and capture spontaneous street moments with minimal gear and maximum awareness.
A Book about Mobile Photograpahy
