Derek Zhao's Best Phone Picture: Fog Creates Salesforce Tower Monolith 2026

Derek Zhao's best phone picture stunningly transforms San Francisco's Salesforce Tower into a monolith using fog. Every morning, Zhao jogs the perimeter of Treasure Island, his home, situated an eight-minute ferry ride from San Francisco. "It’s an endless source of frustration for me that I can’t bring my cameras with me," he says. "When the island gifts me its beautiful scenes, I should be grateful that phones have pretty decent cameras, too." Zhao works as a machine-learning engineer at Disney California. He relocated from Texas last year to take up the role, finding the 400-acre human-made island to be the perfect location, "close enough to the office and all the culture the city has to offer, but far enough that I’m waking up to the sound of seagulls instead of car horns". He took this image earlier this year, stopping mid-jog to capture the top of San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower. "I was mesmerised by how the fog, caused by what’s known as a marine layer, completely covered the rest of the skyline, leaving only the tower looking like a monolith," he says. "It’s ironic that something that obscures, like fog, can make a scene more clear." It’s only recently that Zhao has come to realise that his favourite photos don’t come from travels with his professional cameras, but "improbable scenes near home that somehow only reveal themselves when I’m not expecting them. It brings me considerable peace that despite living in such close proximity to the centre of things I feel ambivalent about the city’s hustle."

Why Derek Zhao's Best Phone Picture Stands Out

Derek Zhao's best phone picture is a testament to the power of smartphone photography. The image captures the Salesforce Tower piercing through a thick layer of fog, creating a dramatic monolith effect. This photo stands out because it was taken with a phone, proving that you don't need professional gear to capture stunning images.

The Story Behind the Shot

Zhao was on his morning jog when he noticed the fog enveloping the skyline. He stopped and used his phone to capture the moment. The result is a breathtaking image that highlights the tower's silhouette against the foggy backdrop. This shot is a perfect example of how unexpected moments can lead to extraordinary photographs.

Phone Photography Tips from Derek Zhao's Experience

Zhao's experience offers valuable lessons for aspiring phone photographers. Here are key takeaways:

• Always be ready: Keep your phone accessible during daily routines.
• Observe your surroundings: Beauty can be found in everyday scenes.
• Use natural conditions: Fog, rain, and other weather can create unique effects.
• Composition matters: Frame your subject to emphasize its features.

Comparison of Phone Cameras vs. Professional Cameras

While professional cameras offer superior image quality, phone cameras have become increasingly capable. The table below compares key aspects:

As Zhao demonstrates, phone cameras can produce remarkable results when used creatively.

How to Capture Foggy Scenes Like Derek Zhao

To capture foggy scenes effectively, follow these tips:

• Expose for the highlights: Prevent the fog from appearing gray.
• Use a tripod: Stabilize your phone for sharp images.
• Shoot in RAW: If your phone supports it, for greater editing flexibility.
• Edit subtly: Enhance contrast and clarity without overdoing it.

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