Emil Pakarklis Review: Transforms Your iPhone Photography?

Emil Pakarklis Review, Bio, Net Worth

iPhone Photography School has been around for years now and has helped 1000s of students improve in taking photos with their iOS cameras.

So, just who is the man behind this digital learning platform that provides good value for money education? 

Emil Pakarklis; he’s that man. 

In this Emil iPhone Photography School review, you will learn:

  • who is Emil Pakarklis
  • if his courses are worth it
  • how he founded iPhone Photography School
  • iPhone Photography School cost
  • is iPhone Photo Academy legit

(Plus several other things about this popular iPhoneographer who has a global reach in this niche.)

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Emil Pakarklis Review (Summary)

  • Full Name: Emils Pakarklis
  • Founder: iPhone Photography School, Photography Pro
  • Birthplace: Jurmala, Latvia
  • Nationality: Latvian
  • Emil Pakarklis Wife: Oksana Ribule
  • Profession: Educator, iPhoneographer, Blogger, YouTuber

Emil Pakarklis is a self-made iPhone photographer.

His career is proof that all things are possible if you only know how to unlock your full potential and be resourceful enough (many have failed for not even trying!).

Not only is he a photographer, but Emil is also a blogger, YouTuber, and educator.

He’s also the founder of the biggest iPhoneography learning platform on the Internet, iPhone Photography School, which has the following best-selling digital courses:

If you are wondering how to make your iPhone the best camera you could ever have, then Pakarklis’ iPhone Photography School is the right choice for you.

Emil and other instructors have spent years to master different types and aspects of iPhone photography and they share all the secrets with you.

(If you’ve been a fan for a while now, then you’d know what I’m talking about. If you don’t know him yet, then this is your chance now.)

So, are Emil Pakarlis’ courses worth it?

Definitely, YES.  Whether you’re a total newbie, an enthusiast, an expert, or even a pro, you will certainly pick up a thing or two from iPhone Photography School courses.

==> Especially at the current 80% OFF discount.

Emil Pakarklis iPhone Photography Journey

So who is Emil Pakarklis?

If you have been interested in iPhone photography for a while now, you’ve probably already heard the name Emil Pakarklis. He is well known among iPhoneographers and professional creatives, alike. 

The man is a popular YouTuber, content creator, blogger, and educator.

He hails from Latvia and his humble beginnings started there as well.

Emil is also the owner of the iPhone Photography School – a platform that has helped thousands of students achieve their magazine-worthy iPhone shots. 

Emil Pakarklis bio in a nutshell:

Pakarklis always had a passion for photography even at a very young age.

However, he wasn’t able to pursue that dream seriously at that time due to various reasons, but mainly because DSLRs are very expensive and there were no decent compacts up to his standards. 

But, when he got his iPhone 4s back then, everything started to change and he found his love for photography spark again. Emil was shocked at how good the image quality was from the iOS camera and from then on, he just practiced and mastered the craft. 

During those times when Pakarklis was still exploring and discovering the amazing things an iPhone can do, he couldn’t find comprehensive tutorials online on how to use the device to its full potential as a photography device. So, he decided to learn it on his own and that took years of practice. 

Right then and there, he knew he had to share this with others so he decided to establish the iPhone Photography School… and the rest is history.

iPhone Photography School Courses

After creating the platform, Emil went on to launch his first course – iPhone Photo Academy – that became a flagship digital product and the first step to everyone mastering iOS cameras.

IPA was created with the mindset that every iPhone owner should be able to take advantage of the superb camera quality the device comes with.

(Especially the ones in the latest smartphone versions.)

We often hear one question: “Is iPhone Photo Academy legitimate?”

Yes, it is!

Here’s a mini iPhone Photo Academy review/summary plus a video overview:

  • iPhone Photo Academy

Whether you just got the latest iOS phone, or you have a well-working older model, you can enjoy shooting beautiful scenery using this device. Emil will let you in on some of his techniques for capturing striking photos for your social media accounts.

The years he spent mastering these tricks are compressed into a few hours so you don’t have to wait too long to see the results.

You can check our full review here, or check the current discounts here.

Here’s a video review I created on the topic 3+ years ago and I still think it’s worth it for beginners and enthusiasts.

Apart from this course, there are other pretty amazing stuff inside the IPS platform. Let’s take a quick look at each one of them. 

  • iPhone Editing Academy

Although iOS cameras already take good photos right off the device, there are times when you want to make the shots even better. And the best way to do that is through post-processing (editing).

Now, you no longer have to transfer files to the computer to do that. Emil will share with you some easy-to-follow steps on how to edit your photos like a pro on the device itself.

You can check the full review here, or check the current discounts here.

  • iPhone Video Academy

Many of us are already aware of how good iOS cameras are when taking photos. But, did you know that it’s as good for videos as well?

In this digital training, Simone Ferretti takes you to a whole new level of iPhone videography. After completing the class, you’ll never take the same boring videos as before.

You can check our full review here, or check the current discounts here.

  • Video Editing Academy

This is another Simone Ferretti course that you take next after your iPhone Video Academy review.

Whether you’re a content creator, a small business owner, or just someone who wants to make polished personal videos, VEA teaches you everything you need to know about editing on your iPhone.

It’s perfect for anyone looking to turn simple footage into stunning, cinematic videos.

No in-depth review yet, but you can check the current discounts here!

  • Capture It All

This is a course by Clifford Pickett, a professional photographer and educator.

Here, he will teach you how to use your phone to capture anything! He believes that your $1000 iPhone is the best device you can carry with you, and when you see the results, you’ll argue no more. 

This will unlock some new techniques and photography hacks not commonly known by regular iOS users.

You can check the full review here, or check the current discounts here.

  • iPhone Landscape Mastery

Who says you can only take pretty landscape photos through a DSLR? After finishing this lesson, you will be able to use your iPhone to take breathtaking landscape and nature photos. 

Imagine being able to capture a picturesque scene without bringing bulky cameras and accessories. That’s almost a dream for professional photographers, in the realest sense. 

You can check the full review here, or check the current discounts here.

  • Urban iPhone Photography

Landscapes and nature are not the only subjects for photography.

Even the city can be a good setting for a photo session. If you are living in an urban area, this class will help you see the beauty in your surroundings like never before.

After this lesson, you will be able to convey a message to your audience about how wonderful city life is (through pictures). 

No in-depth review yet, but you can check the current discounts here!

  • iPhone Food Photography

Let’s admit it.

We live in an age where taking photos of food as soon as they’re served seems imperative. Whether it’s for posting online, or sharing it with loved ones, we couldn’t help but take shots of our plate before touching the food. 

If you’re fond of doing that, then this is good news for you. IPS created a course dedicated to food photography using your iOS device only.

You no longer need large and heavy cameras to take pretty photos of your dining experience today. With your iPhone, you can take as many pictures as you want, without making other people around you feel uncomfortable. 

You can check the full review here, or check the current discounts here.

  • Instagram Academy

Hannah Argyle (now Hannah Birtwhistle) is a well-known photographer and social media expert, known for her incredible talent in visual storytelling and her Instagram following of over half a million.

Her journey serves as an inspiration and her knack for capturing stunning photos and crafting engaging narratives has made her a go-to authority in the field.

That’s why IPS teamed up with her to create Instagram Academy.

As an instructor, Hannah shares her extensive expertise and real-world experience, offering valuable insights into building a successful Instagram presence.

So if you want to elevate your Instagram game, then this one is a great choice for you.

You can check the full review here, or check the current discounts here.

Who Is It Best For?

The iPhone Photography School by Emil Pakarklis is really for everyone, who’s interested in mastering their iOS cameras.

The courses are meant to unlock your smartphone’s full potential so that you no longer need to carry around bulky cameras whenever you want to shoot something casually – without all the grand preparation etc. 

While it’s true that an iPhone cannot replace DSLRs for lots of reasons, it’s a powerful tool that will help you capture moments when they happen. 

So, these courses are for you if you’re one of the many people who wish to improve their mobile photography skills. 

Emil Pakarklis and iPhone Photography School

So…

  • Is iPhone Photography School legit?
  • Is iPhone Photography School worth it? 

Yes, as a student who has access to all of the courses, I know for a fact that it is legit. I also think that it is worth it.

Emil has had a wonderful journey and has done an incredible job creating one of the biggest learning platforms on the Internet. It is the go-to place if you want to master your iOS camera.

Sure, every platform has its set of strengths and weaknesses, and that holds true for iPhone Photography School as well.

But despite that, I personally believe that every course you take from Emil’s platform will be worth your time and money (not biased or anything because I have access to the courses and they’re great stuff). 

So, if you’re looking for a place to start your iPhone photography journey, IPS is one great platform you can consider.

One of the commonly asked questions is about Emil Pakarklis’ net worth. This information is unknown, but we do know that he has a highly successful business and is doing pretty well for himself.

Now, I’d like to hear from YOU:

  • Have you tried any of the iPhone Photography School courses? 
  • Do you like the way Emil Pakarklis conducts the lessons?
  • Are there any suggestions for improvements you can think of? 

Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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5 Best Cameras for Passport Photos in 2025 (Plus Tips)

5 Best Cameras for Passport Photos 2025

Look, a decent passport photo is a common requirement for document processing today.

The good news is that you can totally skip the hassle of going back and forth to the studio and instead take your very own ID photo at home, by yourself.

But which camera is best for passport photos?

In this post, we’ll cover the 5 great beginner-friendly cameras for passport size photos (2025 update), and then you’ll get tips on how to take good/acceptable headshots when it’s time to apply for a new one.

Now, a word about the passport size photo camera price.

While these are not the latest models, they still remain to be one of the best affordable cameras under $500 and under $1000 today.

Here is a quick overview of the DSLRs (and one mirrorless) that’ll help you get a great ID photo:

Product

Image

Reasons to Get It

1. Nikon D3500

Best starter camera (under $500)

  • Guide Mode for newbies

  • super lightweight

  • no OLPF = better images

  • low price tag

Check Price

2. Canon SL3

Beginner friendly DSLR for ID photos

  • noob friendly ergonomics

  • high resolution stills & vids

  • fully articulated screen

  • touchscreen capability

Check Price

3. Nikon D7200

Solid upgrade from D3x00 series

  • great ergonomics & IQ

  • outshines its competitors

  • no low pass filter = GOOD

  • camera body under $1000

Check Price

4. Sony a6400

Powerful mirrorless (under $1000)

  • fast & accurate autofocus

  • top level image quality

  • good battery life

  • under $1000 (with lens)

Check Price

5. Nikon D610

Best affordable FX camera body

  • ergonomic body

  • interval shooting & HDR

  • working tracking AF

  • great level of image detail

Check Price

Don’t be discouraged if you are not a “pro” photographer because you won’t need any special skills. You only need the right gear and right venue to accomplish this simple task.

But first, a word on lenses…

What’s the Best Lens for Passport Photos?

Before we delve into the different cameras, let’s talk about the lenses fit for this kind of photography.

For starters, a 50mm or 85mm prime lens would work great with a cropped sensor SLR like most of the ones mentioned below. This is the best value option for all photographers.

READ ALSO: The difference between 50mm and 85mm lenses.

Having this lens will ensure that you can have a decent ID photo without compromising resolution after a post-processing crop.

For DSLRs with full frame sensors like D610, you can still opt for a 50mm prime, but you could also get yourself a convenient 24-70mm zoom lens for great portraiture.

(If you’re on a budget, the kit lens would work fine too.)

Now, what is the best camera for passport photos in 2025? Let’s find out.

1. Best Starter Camera Under $500 Today

Nikon D3500

  • Type: Compact SLR
  • Weight:  365 g
  • Resolution: 6000 x 4000
  • Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6mm)
  • LCD Screen: Fixed, 3”
  • Touchscreen: No
  • Weather-sealed: No
  • ISO: Auto, 100 – 25600

Nikon cameras have always been great, even their entry level ones like D3500. Despite being categorized as a beginner’s DSLR, it offers more than what an enthusiast would expect to get.

When you start your photography journey, it is normal to look for an affordable gear and Nikon D3500 is a great option to consider. It is not only the best one for beginners, but also a cheap one offered by the brand.

D3500 is a good digital camera for passport photos because it’s super easy to work with. Also, it comes with 24MP photo resolution, making it even better than using your smartphone to take an acceptable ID picture.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Super lightweight
  • Newbie friendly
  • Affordable
  • Great resolution
  • Awesome autofocus (AF) system

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Screen is not articulated
  • Live View could use some improvements
  • Not weather-sealed

2. Entry-Level DSLR for Passport Photos 2025

Canon EOS Rebel SL3

  • Type: Compact SLR
  • Weight: 449 g
  • Resolution: 6000 x 4000
  • Sensor Size: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9mm)
  • LCD Screen: Fully Articulated, 3”
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Weather-sealed: No
  • ISO: Auto, 100 – 25600 (expands up to 51200)

Knowing how to take a passport size photo with a DSLR would really be an advantage on your part. Imagine not going through all the hassle of going to a professional photographer every time you need one. That would just be fantastic and practical, of course.

You just need to find the right camera that works best for that purpose and who knows? This might be the start of your photography journey.

Rebel SL3 is another great device that will let you take that studio-like headshot at home. It is one of Canon’s budget-friendly entry level digital SLRs that is definitely worth checking out.

Ergonomically speaking, Canon did a great job with SL3.

The physical controls are placed in a convenient layout, making it easier to access (especially for beginners and first-time DSLR users). The buttons allows you to navigate and edit settings physically instead of a complicated on-screen menu.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Optical viewfinder
  • High resolution still photos and videos
  • Touchscreen
  • Fully articulated LCD screen

Reasons to Avoid:

  • No in-body image stabilization

3. Great Crop Sensor Camera for Serious Enthusiasts

Nikon D7200

  • Type: Mid-size SLR
  • Weight: 765g
  • Resolution: 6000 x 4000
  • Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
  • LCD Screen: Fixed, 3.2”
  • Touchscreen: No
  • Weather-sealed: Yes
  • ISO: Auto, 100 – 25600, expands to 102400 for B&W only

Most enthusiasts think that the best camera for passport size photos is something that’s expensive, fancy and high-end. However, that’s not the case.

Truth is…

There are so many entry-level digital SLRs that perform well when it comes to taking ID photos. And one example of that is Nikon D7200.

The good thing about buying a D7200 is that you get to experience high quality features at a reasonably affordable price.

That’s something you should always look for when starting your photography career. While you might want to invest in high end products, you really won’t need it as a beginner.

Note: >> In this Nikon D7100 review post (older model) and explain why D7x00 are a better choice than D3x00 or D5x00 series.

Now, D7200 has a good overall design. It provides you with a good grip of the camera and easy access buttons to change settings quickly when you need to.

Another feature that gives so much edge to this product is its robust weather-sealing. Though not as tough as top tier rivals, it still withstands harsh environmental and weather conditions.

(You may not appreciate this feature yet since passport photos are usually done indoors but you might down the road.)

Reasons to Buy:

  • Beginner-friendly menu
  • Excellent design and button layout
  • Great battery life
  • Superb low light performance
  • Environmentally sealed

Reasons to Avoid:

  • No touchscreen
  • Fixed LCD screen
  • Absence of focus peaking

4. Powerful Mirrorless Camera (Under $1000)

Sony a6400

  • Type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
  • Weight:  403 g
  • Resolution: 6000 x 4000
  • Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6mm)
  • LCD Screen: Tilting, 3”
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Weather-sealed: Yes
  • ISO: Auto, 100 – 32000 (expands to 102,800)

Sony has been known to produce cameras with crisp and high-quality images, but they often come with a hefty price tag. But, that’s not the case with the A6400. 

The Sony a6400 is a versatile mirrorless camera that blends advanced performance with a compact, lightweight design, making it a favorite among photographers, vloggers, and content creators.

It’s also a top pick among newbies looking for affordable Sony cameras that are easy to carry and use.  The Sony A6400 is a perfect way to start your photography journey due to its functionality.

Want to give headshots and portraiture a try? The A6400 has got you covered! 

With its fast autofocus system and large sensor, you won’t have to worry about ruining the quality of your photos even after cropping to meet the required size of a passport picture. 

Reasons to Buy:

  • Top-of-the-line image quality
  • Fast and accurate AF system
  • Built-in flash
  • Good battery life
  • Compact and lighter than DSLRs

Reasons to Avoid:

  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Grip might feel awkward for big hands

5. Cheap Full Frame DSLR in 2025

Nikon D610

  • Type: Mid-size SLR
  • Weight: 850 g
  • Resolution: 6016 x 4016
  • Sensor Size: FX (35.9 x 24mm)
  • LCD Screen: Fixed, 3.2”
  • Touchscreen: No
  • Weather-sealed: Yes
  • ISO: 100 – 6400 (expands to 50 – 25600 with boost)

Generally speaking, full-frame sensor DSLRs are for more advanced photographers.

I would go for D610 (or D750). I’ve decided to include it here, in case you want a FX sensor camera for passport photos and other needs.

If you are a fan of this brand, you probably know that this is an older model, but hey, it still got some excellent features you shouldn’t forget about.

The best part about D610 is its ability to produce images with rich natural tones. This is very essential when taking ID photos (especially for passport processing and government docs).

For this specific picture, you need to look as natural as possible, and that’s what this camera is going to give you.

The low light performance of this beauty is also excellent. For formal portraits taken at home, this will really help you get a bright image without using extra lighting set-ups.

Lastly, its AF system really does well in tracking the subject. In short, you can rely on the AF instead of setting your camera manually (you can also do this later, but just to be safe use Autofocus instead).

Reasons to Buy:

  • ergonomic body
  • high speed of operation
  • advanced manual settings
  • high level of detail up to ISO 3200
  • interval shooting and HDR
  • Full HD video

Reasons to Avoid:

  • bigger in size and weight
  • fixed LCD screen
  • challenging interface for complete beginners

Tips & Requirements for Passport Photos

Now you may wonder, how to take a nice ID photo? How to take a good passport photo at home with DSLR?

Having a good camera to take your ID picture is nice, but that’s not all there is to it. There are a few other things you will need to consider if you want to do it yourself.

You need to know the right passport photo camera settings in order for it to produce a decent shot. You need to know which accessories to use, how you should pose, and what background you should have.

So, here are some tips for taking pictures at home with a DSLR of your choice.

Note: Each country has its own requirements how your ID photo should look like, but more or less, these are the common things among them all.

1. The Background

For this one, you don’t need a fancy backdrop or anything like that. What you need is a plain white (or it could be off-white/cream) background. You can even use your bedroom wall for this.

If in case they aren’t painted white, you can improvise by hanging a white sheet, temporarily taping up white paper to the wall, or magically turn your wall white in post processing.

All these tricks will work as long as it doesn’t distort your face in the resulting image.

2. Posture, Facial Expression

You should have a neutral facial expression for an ID picture. Smiling brightly, frowning, squinting eyes and the likes are unacceptable for this kind of shot.

Also, your photo should show your full face, with hair neatly brushed back (for women) behind the shoulders. Some countries even require tucking the hair behind the ears so it doesn’t get in the way of your face.

When taking the photo, make sure your shoulders are straightened and that your face is directly facing the camera. Make sure to have eye contact with the lens.

3. Outfit

There’s really no strict standards as to what you should wear for this kind of photo, but you are highly encouraged to dress well (not in a fancy way, but in a decent way). You can wear your every day clothes as long as they are not sleeveless (most countries have this requirement).

Wearing of fashion accessories like sunglasses, eyeglasses, hats are not allowed since it covers a portion of your face.

The Accessories That You’ll Will Need

1. Tripod

The first accessory you would need is a tripod (especially if you are taking the shot on your own). The picture needs to be as sharp as possible, so any distortions due to shakiness would just throw it away.

2. Ring Light

Although optional, you might want to use a ring light (the ones often used by vloggers to have additional lighting). This will give you a brighter photo in case you can’t find a well-lit area at home.

3. Photo Paper and Printer

Most importantly, you will need a paper where you can print your passport photos on. After cropping and editing your image, you can resize it to 2” x 2” (most common ID picture size).

Once you have it done, you can just print it out on a glossy or matte photo paper and you’re done!

Passport Camera & Photos on Your Own (Conclusion)

Best Cameras for Passport Photos

So, let’s recap the passport size photo cameras:

  • Nikon D3500 – best starter camera under $500 (with the Guide mode).
  • Canon Rebel SL3 – beginner friendly DSLR for passport photos 2025.
  • Nikon D7200 – sweet crop sensor camera for serious enthusiasts.
  • Pentax K-70 – great choice for different photography genres.
  • Nikon D610 – an old but gold (and cheap) full frame DSLR in 2025.

You might think that the best camera for ID photos are the pricier and more premiums models, but after being in the photography niche for many years, I can assure you it’s not the case. You can actually do so much with an entry-level DSLR like the ones mentioned above.

For starters, you don’t really need to know complicated camera setting for passport photos. You can have your gear on Auto and it will do the work for you. If you’re serious about photography, consider online photography courses for beginners.

In case you ever feel like exploring the settings and manually do it, make sure you don’t overdo it or else the photos might not be accepted.

Now, I’d like to hear from YOU:

What are your thoughts on this list of the best cameras for passport photos 2025?

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