As a photographer who has always had a camera nearby, within reach, or at least within a few steps, certainly in the next room anyway — I’ve definitely always used my 35mm and digital cameras for very personal observations and documentation. The bigger cameras, the medium format, 4×5 – 12×20 view cameras, demanded far more deliberation; tripods; more time; more light, etc. Without doubt the iPhone camera provides more immediacy and more accessibility than any other camera I’ve ever owned. Because of the fact that, if it is not actually already in your hand, serving some other purpose, it can be making a still or motion image in less than a second, means that the images have a spontaneity and immediacy significantly different than a larger device “over there.” Or so it seems to me. Perhaps I’m feeling this way because the novelty has not yet worn off. I’ve only had the thing for a month and a half. Does the diary or memoir have aesthetic value? I think it can… if well crafted… i don’t know… it’s personal.
Quite obviously the larger culture has grasped this up close and personal and immediate nature of walking through life with a camera, quite literally, in your hand at all times. The ‘selfie’ is just the honeymoon phase. The first on the scene news documentation we see often replacing “professional” news footage is another testament to the immediacy as well as potential importance of this tool; even in the hands of the ‘amateur.’
(click photograph for larger view)
At the hand surgeon’s contemplating causes of pain. iPhone 6s
Walking past… condensation on a window… iPhone 6s
Halloween makeup starts to appear on the streets. iPhone 6s, iPro 2x lens
Contemplation… those having coffee next to me. iPhone 6s, iPro 2x lens
Hot out of the oven. I continue to marvel at these edible sculptures. It’s like opening up a ceramic kiln when remove the cloche after 40 minutes at 475 degrees Fahrenheit. iPhone 6s, iPro 2x lens, bipod support, with reflector
These objects have so much esoteric, mystical, and personal value… iPhone 6s, bipod support