Ergonomics is the science of designing products that improve efficiency and reduce discomfort. This is important in iPhone photography and video because we often hold our phones for an extended amount of time, which can create strain. This results in discomfort that can affect the quality of our images and videos due to a lack of stability, making them shaky and creating blur.

The camera function in the iPhone isn’t ideally designed with ergonomics in mind. Holding the iPhone with one hand and clicking the capture button in portrait mode can easily lead to strain. While Apple has made some improvements in recent years, such as allowing users to tap on the back to take a photo, the physical capture button itself hasn’t undergone major ergonomic redesigns. Despite these changes, improper wrist positioning can still occur, leading to fatigue with prolonged use.

If you are someone who avidly uses their iPhone for photography or video, purchasing gear for added stability is worth it for your long-term joint health. Any two-handed grip will provide better control and be more comfortable. When using gear ergonomically crafted for your hands, if it’s a one-handed grip, it’s important to ensure proper wrist alignment. Your wrist should not be bent but should remain in a neutral, straight position. Avoid excessive bending or twisting of the wrist to prevent strain.

Your arm position is equally important; your arm should be slightly bent at the elbow, not fully extended, and should be held upright, aligned with your body, to reduce strain. If you’re using a one-handed grip, consider adding a strap for extra wrist support. We recommend two-handed grips over one-handed grips, but if using a one-handed grip, having an extra strap for added wrist support should be okay.

If you want to ensure your gear is ergonomically friendly, we recommend the following products.

1. Creator Grip – The Creator Grip is ergonomically crafted to make holding your iPhone effortless. Attach your iPhone and seamlessly switch between vertical and horizontal views. When you're ready to capture, there's no need to tap the screen or press the side button—right where your thumb rests is a button connected to your iPhone's capture function.

2. Tripod Carbon Edition – The Tripod Carbon Edition is perfect for capturing shots while staying in one place. Instead of holding your iPhone and risking hand strain, the tripod does the work for you, providing sustained stability for sharper images and smoother videos.

3. Film Rig – The Film Rig provides iPhone filmmakers with two-handed grip support, making long-form video shooting much more comfortable. This added stability results in smoother, more professional-looking footage.

Investing in ergonomically friendly gear has long-term benefits. While you may not feel the impact now, it could catch up with you later. Over time, you might show signs of inflammation, redness, carpal tunnel, or even visual strain lines on your wrists and hands. That’s why it’s important to prioritize ergonomic gear before aches and pain begin. By reducing hand fatigue and strain, you’ll stay more comfortable and efficient during shoots, allowing you to focus without distraction. Plus, with smoother, blur-free images and videos, you’ll spend less time on retakes.