Mobile Photography as an Art Phenomenon: Modern View
How mobile photography became a phenomenon in modern art. The article examines the history, features, and role of mobile photography, its commercial and artistic application, as well as tips for creating high-quality shots. Learn how Instagram and globalization influenced the development of this direction, and why mobile photography has become an important part of visual culture.
Mobile photography is a phenomenon that causes debate in society. Some consider it merely a fashion trend, others argue that the main thing is the result, not the tool. Regardless of opinions, mobile photography has become an integral part of modern culture and art. In this article, we will look at its history, features, and role in the modern world.
History of Mobile Photography
For the first time, mobile photography as a result of creative activity began to appear in newspapers, covering important events. In 2011-2012, the works of photojournalist Ben Lowy, who shot on an iPhone, began to be published in major publications. His shot of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy made the cover of TIME Magazine. Lowy’s project iLibya was noted by the International Center of Photography, and the photographer himself received the Infinity Award for Photojournalism.
Mobile Photography Today
Today, smartphones have become part of the tools of journalists, photographers, artists, designers, and bloggers. However, with the growing popularity of mobile photography, problems have also arisen:
- The ratio of a large amount of content to its artistic value.
- Criteria for evaluating art photography.
- Organization of mobile photography competitions and exhibitions.
| Photo Contest Name | Deadline | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Photography Awards | 10.12.19 (annually) | Shot with a smartphone |
| iPhone Photography Awards | 31.03.20 | Shot on iPhone or iPad |
| HUAWEI NEXT-IMAGE Awards | 31.07 (annually) | – Not < 1000*1000 px. – Not > 20 mb. – Shots on Huawei phone |
| Istanbul Photo Awards | 31.01.20 (annually) | Shot on Android or iPhone |
| Photo Contest Name | Prize | Participation Cost | Categories (nominations) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Photography Awards | Grand Prix $3000 | single image $15 | – architecture and design b/w photo illustration landscape macro people photojournalism portrait still life street photography photo report |
| iPhone Photography Awards | iPad Pro, Apple watch, gold bar | 1 image $3.75 | – Open themes |
| HUAWEI NEXT-IMAGE Awards | Cash rewards | - free - up to 30 shots accepted from each participant | – #EmotionTag Hello, Life! Faces Going the Distance Life Now – video sketches (less than 30 seconds); – Storyboard – Storyboard – report in 9 frames (grid) |
| Istanbul Photo Awards | 1st place $8000 2nd place $3000 | free | – News – Sports |
Role of Instagram and Globalization
A powerful impetus for the development of mobile photography was the Instagram application. Globalization contributed to the spread of cultural experience and the integration of mobile photography into art and everyday life. Often mobile photography is associated with the iPhone, which makes it not only a direction but also a fashion trend.
Features of Mobile Photography
Mobile photography reflects the modern pace of life, where bright moments and emotions are stored not only in human memory but also in the memory of smartphones. Let’s look at its key features:
- Optical features of the camera: Smartphone wide-angle cameras capture many details, which requires the photographer to work carefully with composition.
- Space distortion: Wide-angle lenses distort verticals and the foreground, which can be used to create emotional shots.
Categories of Mobile Photography
Mobile photographs can be divided into several categories by purpose:
- Photos for the “family album”.
- Photos for social networks (Instagram, VKontakte, etc.).
- Commercial photography.
- Art photography.
Commercial Mobile Photography
Commercial mobile photography is actively used in wedding photography, love-stories, family and individual photography. Despite the skepticism of some customers, smartphones have become a popular tool in interior photography and stock photography (backgrounds, landscapes, minimalism, food photography).
James Day, a wedding photographer, abandoned an expensive DSLR camera in favor of a smartphone. He notes: “It’s not the camera that makes the photos — it’s you. The camera only helps to take better quality shots.”
Art Mobile Photography
Art photography is distinguished by emotional saturation. This is especially evident in genre photography, which reflects reality as it is. Genre photography captures difficult-to-reproduce moments: sports, emotional, or subtle events.
International Competitions and Exhibitions
There are international photo contests that select the best works and demonstrate them in galleries. Such events show that mobile photography is not just entertainment, but also art.
Tips for Mobile Photography
- Define the shooting goal: Will it be a photo for a family album, social networks, or commercial use.
- Consider camera features: Use the smartphone’s strengths, such as a wide-angle lens, and compensate for shortcomings, for example, poor focus in low light conditions.
- Think over the composition: Careful work with composition helps develop artistic vision.
Conclusion
Mobile photography has opened up new opportunities for photographers, allowing them to capture live moments in real-time. It has become an important tool for news feeds, social networks, and even commercial shooting. Today, mobile photography is studied in colleges and universities, which highlights its importance in the modern world.
Regardless of whether mobile photography is used for entertainment, commerce, or art, it continues to shape the visual range of our era. This direction of photography not only reflects reality but also creates it, inspiring millions of people around the world.
Have an idea?
We take care of the entire process: from concept to realization. Video, design, development.