I had just started a photography class, which is always great, but unfortunately I had a problem with my DSLR just when I needed it for my first shooting assignment. Perfect.

Keith Kelley, 2013

I emailed my instructor and explained the situation. She responded saying it would be better to complete the assignment with a point and shoot, rather than to lose the points.

With this answer, I felt fairly confident I could fulfill the assignment requirements with my iPhone. After all, I use it all the time.

Keith Kelley, 2013

Armed with a camera app called Camera+ (a truly invaluable app), my iPhone and I set out to complete our biggest quest yet: don't look like an idiot on the first photo shoot of the class.

I shot a ton of pictures and had a blast, taking time for each shot to compose and correctly expose the scene. I've learned that when you have limited settings, focus on composition and lighting.

After posting, there’s the wait; waiting for that ever so haunting, yet wonderful and revealing critique. Just about a quarter after eternity, there it was. And I read something quite unexpected from my instructor.

                                                             

She said that if I hadn't told her the shots were from an iPhone, she would not have known.

This made me wonder, just how much can be done with small or cheap cameras?

Keith Kelley, 2013

So, get to know composition, make friends with light, don’t rush the fundamentals; and you will find yourself able to take great shots with just about anything.

Maybe even this thing...

Have fun this weekend guys,

-Friday

Mobile Photojournalism

http://www.benlowy.com/

     Does this picture look familiar?

The photo is one by Ben Lowy, a professional photojournalist who has used his iPhone 4s and an app called Hipstamatic to document several current event stories; this one is from Hurricane Sandy.

Time Magazine cropped this photograph and used it for their cover.
Ben Lowy's work has also had front page appearances in the New York Times for the conflict in Libya and has done work for The New Yorker.

     You have probably read some of the disputes about Lowy and other similar photographers' images. Many people say using the iPhone camera is "gimmicky" and unprofessional, and to add Hipstamatic crosses the line on what is honest photojournalism. What do you as photography students think?

     Let's note that Lowy is already a professional in his field. He's not running around snapping blurry shots and slapping an Instagram filter on them. As an avid user of Hipstamatic, I can say the results are a bit unpredictable. The app doesn't use post-processing, rather you select options like lenses, film, and flash before shooting. It means you actually need to think about what you want your image to look like, just like Lowy would do using an SLR or DSLR.

     But does it blur the line between stylized and genuine? And is it different than what we do with Photoshop beyond maybe exposure adjustments and cropping? I am getting my degree to work towards photojournalism, and it does seem to be an especially gray area.

     What do you as photography students think? We all have opinions so let's share with respect and consideration.

     Here's a link to a good article on the subject.
   
     http://www.tuaw.com/2012/11/06/time-magazine-cover-shot-with-iphone/

    http://hipstography.com/en/hipstographers-2/hipstamatic-too-hip-for-photojournalism.html

Have another great weekend guys,

Friday

Markus Andersen. 2013.

Welcome to Mobile Friday

How is your relationship with your smartphone?

Do you like its cool touch screen for texting and checking Facebook?

Do you go to it for help in times of need only to find yourself frustrated with tiny buttons and terrible mobile sites?

Or have you thrown caution to the wind in a passionate affair; said goodbye to keyboards, desks, and carpal tunnel? You know the dangers and it doesn't matter, you two are meant to be.

If you’re the last one, there are several Smartphone Addicts Anonymous groups around the country that can-

Okay I admit, I fit perfectly into the passionate affair category. All my jeans have a spot worn in the pocket where my iPhone sits secure and at my fingertips.

But whether you are an avid smartphone user, or use it just for the basics, they are great tools for the online photography student. Every Friday I will be posting helpful apps and tricks that will help you mobilize your online education, including the AIOnline mobile website, as well as some useful photo and “iphonography” apps.

Of course feel free to comment and share any mobile and photography related info, especially if you’re an Android user. Just because I use an iPhone doesn’t mean you Androiders have to be left in the dust. I’ll do my best to stay informed on both.

                

 So that’s Mobile Friday. As for me, just call me Friday.

-Friday Ambassador

Photo by Jade Deakin on Hipstography.com

Deakin, Jade. Untitled. Photograph. 

Rozan, Eric. Hipstography.com. 2012. web. 15 June 2013.