Art Photography has become my creative outlet since my retirement. I have been fortunate to exhibit my work and delighted when a number of people have bought my prints. My art direction was honed during my 6 years as a mature(!) student studying for a BA (Hons) in photography.

However, I rarely used my smart phone and when I did I was incompetent and self conscious! This was manifested poignantly last autumn when I visited the new auditorium of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) in Bristol in order to take a photo of the auditorium seat I had sponsored in father’s name. (R Hill ARPS) We were permitted in during a break in an Associate Awards’ Assessment Day. I fumbled with my iPhone and I apologised for using such kit in their hallowed space only to be advised that many members submit smartphone award panels including those applying for their RPS Fellowship. Now there is a challenge not to be ignored lightly!

Like many over the past decade I have watched with mixed emotions the extraordinary evolution of iphone photography. As a veteran photography – starting out in analogue, progressing through to full frame digital with chunky lens – I had to overcome my prejudice about deskilling. I now watch with wonder the creativity of those who have become proficient with photographic kit only weighing in at 250 grams, slips in the pocket and produces images with super quality sufficient to print large. 

My journey has started and the first thing I needed to learn AND practise was how to hold my slither of a camera I knew I had to be patient and accept my novice status. 

I started my iPhone journey signing up to the IPhone Photography Academy. So when not working on my project to save Dad’s cine films (See other blogs) I followed the IPA course and very slowly learnt the tools and techniques of iphoneography. I submitted assignments and had some encouraging feedback from fellow students across the globe. However I admit to occasional despondency as my winter scenes in the UK did not have the universal appeal of other students’ images who were able to visit romantic remote places in photogenic conditions. I had no shots of isolated pacific shorelines with a couple silhouetted against glorious sunsets !!!

However determined to concentrate on my own learning (and rather playful style) I persevered trialling burst mode, precise focussing and exposure and careful compositions. As I was highly impressed with the tutoring, I signed up for the second important aspect of any iphoneography …editing. By January I was playing with ‘Snapseed‘ a recommended free editing application and getting some reasonable results.

Many argue over the merits of Nikon v Canon v Sony however they all seem to agree ‘the best camera is the one in your pocket!’ I suspect this is why so many proficient and professional photographers are making the “big” switch from photography to “Phoneography.” especially as the quality of smart phones lenses has improved considerably. Phoneographers are now able to take quality photos, edit them on the go and upload them to social media, without the hassle of downloading to their computer.. an immediate benefit. Personally I am enjoying being always ready to turn everyday observations into works of art. …or at least try to!

My instagram and facebook corroborates my growing iPhone confidence and a new ease I am finding to make, edit and share my pictures. All pictures posted on my instagram since September 2022 are direct from my iPhone. Nevertheless I believe my iphoneography journey has only just begun. I am now able to print high quality images and I intend, once my ‘Dad’s Cine Project’ is complete, to look for a residency in order to concentrate on both video and still work using my iPhone. It does seem I have ventured on a lasting affair with the lightweight creative image maker in my pocket.