In High School, when I was finally aware of such things, I never really considered myself one of the cool kids.
Yes, I had a lot of friends and, yes, I had a somewhat extroverted personality but “cool”, I don’t think so.
Even today, with over 4+ decades of photography experience under my belt, I still don’t identify as one of the cool kids in town.
The cool kids of mobile photography today are TikTokers, YouTubers, and Brand Influencers who seemingly shoot an endless variety of here-today-gone-tomorrow micro trends like slow-shutter effects, minimalism, macro, astrophotography, wide-angle selfies, puddle reflections, flat-lays, color pops, POVs, vintage vibes, bokeh, HDR, mirror selfies, grooming shots, pets, hyper lapses, concerts, before/after edits, etc
I may not be one of these cool kids but I am, humility aside, and to my own proud admission, one of the most passionate, productive, and prolific iPhone photographers you’ll ever meet…anytime, anywhere. Period.
How else could you explain my output, since 2011, of over 1.000,000 iPhone photos, on 10 different devices, in over 50 countries of the world.
My approach to mobile photography is fundamentally traditional.
At the end of the day, I want my photographs to look like, well, photographs, not digital illustrations.
I rely, day in and day out, on the influences of Light, Color, and design over Devices, Apps, and Editing.
I favor Natural vs Artificial intelligence in photography.
My approach is highly photographic in nature.
In the ever-evolving landscape of photography, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of trends and the pursuit of popularity.
But remember, the essence of photography is not found in the applause of the crowd, but in the unique vision behind the lens. Embrace your individuality; let your photos be an extension of your perspective, your story, your voice. There’s a certain magic in authenticity that can never be replicated by simply following the pack. Your distinctive style is what will ultimately resonate with others and stand the test of time.
So, take a step back from the race for likes and shares, and focus on what moves you. Experiment with different subjects, play with light and shadows and capture the world as you see it. Your photographic groove is a personal journey, one that unfolds with each shot you take. It’s not about being one of the ‘cool kids’; it’s about being true to your craft and creating images that reflect your passion and creativity. In doing so, you’ll not only develop a signature style but also discover the joy of photography in its purest form.
Cool kids? Who cares! Find and be yourself.
Click
Jack
