Technology1 min read

Rian Johnson explains why he had to build his own iPhone camera app

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The application, named Chromagraph Camera, bypasses standard Apple computational processing to eliminate clinical sharpness in favor of organic color grading. Built on algorithms developed by cinematographer Steve Yedlin, it applies the exact grading principles previously used on major Hollywood movie productions. In addition to serving as a live shooting interface, the tool permits photographers to import existing RAW library files to adjust tone, color, saturation, and texture.

Key points

  • The app bypasses standard Apple image processing to avoid overly sharp and clinical photo…: The app bypasses standard Apple image processing to avoid overly sharp and clinical photographs.
  • Filmmakers Rian Johnson and Steve Yedlin created the mobile tool to make film-like color…: Filmmakers Rian Johnson and Steve Yedlin created the mobile tool to make film-like color grading accessible on smartphones.
  • Chromagraph serves a dual purpose as both an active shooting camera and a specialized RAW…: Chromagraph serves a dual purpose as both an active shooting camera and a specialized RAW photo editor.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Rian Johnson is an analog photography devotee. The director of Knives Out and The Last Jedi can often be spotted on set with a Leica M6 at his side, documenting production on film. But sometimes, it’s still easier to reach for a phone. So Johnson started wondering if the photos from his iPhone could be made to look more like the grade he applies to his movies.

Rian Johnson explains why he had to build his own iPhone camera app

Johnson wanted to bring the look of his films to the look of his iPhone photos — and let everyone else give it a try, too.

Rian Johnson explains why he had to build his own iPhone camera app

Johnson wanted to bring the look of his films to the look of his iPhone photos — and let everyone else give it a try, too.

The result is Chromagraph Camera, a $13 iOS app that bypasses elements of Apple’s image processing pipeline and applies the same look used on Johnson’s movies. The app, made by Johnson and his longtime cinematographer,…

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