The red sofa at the abandoned Heilstätten in Grabowsee, Germany

About this website

I’ll update this page sporadically with background information to answer your most burning questions about the “who”, “what”, “why” and “why not”.

So please, take a seat on the red sofa I discovered during a legal urbex tour in Germany, while I explain all the stuff about myself and this website.

Oh yes, if you don’t enjoy reading, you can also listen to two podcast interviews about my approach to iPhone Photography, hosted by Greg McMillan and Rajeev.

Otherwise, just scroll down to learn more about some milestones in my photographic journey.

Chris Feichtner. Travel iPhone Photographer and Urbexer

About me

Hi, I’m Chris. An Austrian photographer, traveler and urban explorer.

I’m Chris, a passionate photographer based in Austria. Photography has been a constant companion throughout my life, evolving from analog film rolls to high-energy concert halls, and finally arriving at the incredible possibilities of mobile photography.

When I’m not writing in-depth tutorials or testing new camera apps, you’ll find me on legal urban exploration tours across Europe, wandering through historic city centers at dawn, or hiking in the Austrian mountains.

Monochrome architectural study reminiscent of classic film photography

Shot on Film

Where it all started: Crafting photographs with 35mm and medium format film.

My photographic journey started long before digital sensors and smartphones existed. Working with analog 35mm and medium format cameras taught me patience, deliberate composition, and a deep appreciation for available light.

Waiting days to see the developed negatives from the darkroom instilled a discipline that still shapes my photography today: making every single frame count.

Before I turned to digital photography, I spent years taking travel photos using various film cameras. Outside of and in the water.

A Clownfish in the Red Sea.
Clownfish, Red Sea. Shot on Film
A Pike in the Erlaufsee, Austria.
Pike, Erlaufsee, Austria. Shot on Film.
A Macro of a Red Coral in the Red Sea.
Red Coral, Red Sea. Shot on Film
Live event and concert photography archive

Digital Concert & Event Photography

A decade behind heavy DSLR bodies, fast prime lenses, and roaring stages.

Between 2000 and 2010, I worked extensively as a concert and event photographer. Armed with professional DSLR cameras and heavy f/2.8 lenses, I captured live concerts, festivals, and celebrity performances across Austria and Europe.

While capturing the raw energy of live music was an incredible thrill, carrying 10+ kilograms of heavy gear to every show eventually became exhausting. It laid the foundation for my quest towards ultimate travel minimalism.

My next major photographic milestone were almost ten years as an event and concert photographer in Vienna, Austria. During these years, I was able to photograph local and international musicians.

Mr. Boombastic Shaggy at a concert in Vienna, Austria
Mr. Boombastic Shaggy
Kris from Nu Pagadi at a concert in Vienna, Austria
Kris from Nu Pagadi
Singer Christina Stürmer at a concert in Vienna, Austria
Austrian Singer Christina Stürmer

After ten years in concert pits, the realization grew: Great photography isn’t about heavy gear. It’s about anticipation, light, and emotion.

iPhone Photography Setup & Apps

iPhone Photography

The turning point: Going 100% mobile with an iPhone since 2012.

In 2012, I made a radical decision: I sold my bulky DSLR equipment and switched entirely to the iPhone as my primary travel camera. Chase Jarvis said it best: ‘The best camera is the one that’s with you.’

Today’s smartphones, equipped with manual camera apps, RAW and ProRAW capabilities, and cutting-edge mobile editing suites like Lightroom Mobile and Photomator, give you complete creative control without the physical burden.

A small selection of travel shots taken with various iPhone models. These three photos represent what you can find on my homepage. Travel photos of cityscapes, landscapes and lost places.

Inverted Pyramid Building in Bratislava, Slovakia shot on iPhone
Inverted Pyramid Building, Bratislava
Gleninchaquin Waterfall in Ireland shot on iPhone
Gleninchaquin Waterfall, Ireland
Classic car graveyard in Neandertal, Germany shot on iPhone
Car Graveyard Neandertal, Germany

A broader selection is in my curated and regularly updated portfolio.

View iPhone Portfolio
Abandoned manor house in Styria, Austria

Lost Places Photography

Documenting decaying architecture and forgotten history in some well and some lesser known locations.

A major focus of my work is urban exploration (Urbex). From abandoned sanatoriums and military bunkers to decaying castles and forgotten factories, I love documenting the silent history hidden within these lost places.

Urban Exploration does not have to be illegal. I emphasize legal urban exploration through organized photo tours and official permits, respecting the history and preservation of these unique locations.

Of course, I use an iPhone too to take photos in abandoned places and to edit them.

Examples of decaying beauty captured during legal urban exploration tours. Mainly across Europe, with a few exceptions.

Gas Masks Chernobyl, Ukraine
Gas Masks in an abandoned school in Chernobyl, Ukraine
Pool at the abandoned Municipal Bath, Berlin
Pool at the abandoned Municipal Bath, Berlin
Remains of the Cook Bank Building in Rhyolite, Nevada, USA
Remains of the Cook Bank Building in Rhyolite, Nevada, USA

Want to explore lost places legally yourself? Check out my curated guides and reports on attended Urbex tours.

Discover Urbex Tours