If you’re a fan of photography on Flipboard, you’ve likely already encountered our Fall 2024 resident in places like The Photography Exchange and in the topic itself. Meet Jefferson Graham, a former tech journalist for USA Today who’s since parlayed his fascination with the iPhone into a career as a creator focused on mobile photography. Jefferson is the force behind Photowalks TV on YouTube, the PHOTOWALKERS Magazine on Flipboard, and the Photowalks Substack newsletter. His show was also recently picked up by the Scripps News network, where it airs on Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET. 

As our in-house resident, Jefferson commits to a certain level of consulting, curation and community cultivation on Flipboard. He’s already guest curated our weekly photography email on timely themes like “The iPhone 16 and Photography” and “Will AI Ruin Photography?” and will do so a few more times before the year is up. Jefferson is also a frequent (and friendly) presence in our photography community hub so be sure to say hello to him there too. 

In the meantime, learn more about how he got into travel photography, his best advice for mobile photographers, and his tips for making the most out of Flipboard. 

How did you get into mobile photography?

In my previous life as a journalist for USA TODAY, I covered technology and the biggest thing to happen ever on my beat was the introduction of the iPhone. From there, as cameras started getting added to the device, I would test them out. And over the years, they just got better and better–to a point where I don’t think we would have ever believed 15 years ago. Cut to today, and I produce a travel video series exclusively on mobile phone cameras. 

What is your favorite photo you’ve taken and why?

That’s a very tough question to answer, nearly impossible. I’m not the sort of photographer who camps out in the Alaska wilderness for three days waiting to get the perfect shot of a bear waiting for a fish to fly in his mouth. I document travels, and what I love about the world, sharing what I see with others. 

My favorite picture today? What I shot yesterday. Something from the last trip. But if I had to choose, I’ll wean it down to 2024, and pick a shot from Barcelona, which says a lot about how I approach photography: 

I once filled in on a corporate gig for another photographer, taking photos of a medical group gala and doctors coming up on stage to accept awards. When I handed them in, he was aghast. “You didn’t get any reaction shots!” And he was right. Photography isn’t only about getting the shot of the object in front of you, be that your human subject or a place. It’s all about what else is going on. So, for this shot of the crown jewel of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia church, yes, I got many shots of the iconic building, but I also knew to turn around and show the scene down on the ground, as in the iPhone army of tourists getting their shots as well. So no, it’s not my favorite photo of all time, but it takes me right back there on the day I got to visit and made me remember the experience. Just like any of my open road shots remind me how much I love being out there and exploring with my camera. 

What is the best bit of advice you’ve received or given as a mobile photographer? 

My best advice is to be prepared. With our big cameras, we would never leave for a shoot without having a fully charged battery, and a spare or two as well. But in mobile, I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen show up to shoots with phone batteries that are about to die, or with no room on their phones to get their shots. Have the phone at 100% when you show up, have a spare power bank or two, clear storage before you arrive and have a cloth to wipe the lens clean. 

What do you curate on Flipboard and why? 

There are so many great how-to articles about photography that show up within Flipboard every day, and I like to pull the best ones into my magazine, PHOTOWALKERS, and to The Photography Exchange. 

What can people expect from you during the residency?

More great articles about photography and comments and questions often in the Exchange. Have any questions about photography I can answer for you? I’ve been doing this a long time and happy to help. Just reach out to me on the Exchange. 

What are your tips for other photography lovers and curators on Flipboard?

Follow your favorite publications and creators. The more you follow, the better the Flipboard experience is. 

Don’t forget to follow Jefferson Graham on Flipboard.

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