Rian Johnson has spent nearly two decades crafting visually stunning films, from the sun-scorched worlds of Star Wars: The Last Jedi to the stylish murder mysteries of the Knives Out franchise. His longtime collaboration with cinematographer Steve Yedlin has produced some of the most memorable images in modern cinema. Now, Johnson is bringing that signature look to your iPhone with a new app that's taken the App Store by storm.
Chromagraph Camera, a $12.99 photography app developed by Johnson, Yedlin, and programmer Eric Cameron, has officially reached No. 1 on Apple's U.S. App Store Photo & Video chart, also topping the overall paid-app rankings. The app lets users capture photos using the same image-processing techniques developed for Johnson's films, including Knives Out, Glass Onion, and the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man.
Unlike standard iPhone photography, which applies Apple's automatic filters, Chromagraph captures RAW image data and processes it independently. It uses custom techniques to control color, contrast, texture, grain, and halation—the subtle glow around bright areas—resulting in images that look like they were pulled straight from a Johnson movie. Benoit Blanc would definitely approve.
Why Chromagraph Stands Out
Johnson revealed the project began because he wanted a better way to take photos on his own iPhone—a relatable frustration for many. With a cinematographer like Yedlin as a close collaborator, the pair decided to build their own solution. The app takes a film-like approach: you capture images first, then review them in a separate gallery, where you can adjust color, exposure, grain, and texture while preserving the original RAW files. Finally, you export as JPEG or HEIC.
Yedlin has worked with Johnson on Looper, The Last Jedi, and all three Knives Out films, and Chromagraph essentially brings his cinematic grading philosophy to a pocket-sized device. The app's launch has been explosive—Johnson's announcement reportedly drew around six million views in its first day, propelling it to the top of the App Store charts. That kind of buzz bodes well for Johnson's next movie, which is already generating excitement.
For fans of Johnson's visual style, or anyone looking to elevate their iPhone photography, Chromagraph offers a unique way to make everyday moments look like they belong on the big screen. It's available now on the Apple App Store for $12.99 as a one-time purchase, with no subscriptions or hidden fees.
While Johnson's film career continues to thrive—his Apple TV+ projects and other ventures keep him busy—this app proves his creative vision extends beyond the multiplex. Whether you're a cinephile or just someone who loves great photos, Chromagraph is worth a look.
