Rian Johnson Launches App for Unique iPhone Photography

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind films such as Knives Out and The Last Jedi, has a passion for analog photography. Often seen with a Leica M6 on set, he captures the essence of his films on film itself. However, in today's fast-paced world, there’s a simpler way to document moments. Curiously, Johnson began to explore how he could make his iPhone photos reflect the distinctive style found in his movies.

Introducing Chromagraph Camera

The result of this exploration is the Chromagraph Camera, a newly launched iOS app priced at $13. It strategically bypasses certain features within Apple's image processing framework, applying the specific aesthetic used in Johnson’s cinematic work. Developed alongside his long-time cinematographer, Steve Yedlin, the app is surprisingly straightforward, boasting only a handful of core settings. Yet, it empowers users to create images with a touch worthy of Hollywood.

A Photographer's Journey

Johnson's fascination with mobile photography isn't a new development. His journey dates back to his acquisition of a Nokia phone featuring an advertised camera, a novelty at the time. Although the outcome quality was less than stellar, Johnson recalls that it produced grainy and unique images, igniting his interest in mobile photography.

As technology progressed, the camera quality in smartphones improved dramatically, however, this advancement often stripped images of their character. Most modern images tend to appear overly polished, lacking the charm of older photographs. While users can shoot in RAW format and edit their photos to regain some of this lost substance, the process can often be cumbersome.

The Making of Chromagraph

Initially, Johnson would use the iPhone’s native camera, then take it into Snapseed for editing. This method eventually became tedious as he navigated multiple third-party applications, getting lost in countless adjustments. He realized that smartphone manufacturers have started to incorporate tools designed to add character back into images. Recent iPhone and Google Pixel models include features aimed at providing a more textured look, but still, these solutions don't offer the same level of customization afforded by starting with a RAW file.

Recognizing this gap, Yedlin delved into creating scripts that helped emulate the warm aesthetic of film in Johnson’s projects. These experimental tools eventually allowed him to connect the filmy texture with Johnson's RAW photos. This innovative approach gave Johnson the confidence to develop similar features for mobile photography.

Features of Chromagraph Camera

The Chromagraph Camera is not just an application; it serves as both a camera and editing platform. Users can adjust exposure times, utilize burst mode, and modify color settings. One of the app’s most exciting features is the ability to import existing RAW photos and apply Yedlin’s film-inspired processes, offering an abundance of adjustment options such as tone, texture, and saturation.

Although the app is still in its nascent stages, with certain features needing refinement, its processing capabilities have caught the attention of early adopters. Users have been sharing their stunning results, showcasing the app's effectiveness compared to native camera applications on social media platforms.

Johnson's Ongoing Passion for Photography

Even with the launch of Chromagraph, Johnson’s heart still beats for traditional photography. During a casual discussion over coffee, Johnson expressed his excitement for 8 x 10 wet plate photography, a meticulous and immersive process he has been exploring at home. He has even set up a personal darkroom, reveling in the unique challenges and rewards of analog techniques, likening the experience to “nerd fishing,” emphasizing the joy found in the creative process itself.