I have been recently re-reading the business classic, The Art Of War, by Sun Tzu.
In one of the chapters, the author encourages military leaders, in charge of war offensives, in battle, after the troops cross any bridge, to “burn the bridges”, to prevent even the possibility of a troop retreat.
No looking back.
In the ever-evolving world of photography, there comes a moment when you have to make a choice: do you hold onto the past, clinging to the familiar weight of dedicated cameras, or do you take a leap of faith into the future, embracing the possibilities of a new era? For me, that moment came on a crisp morning in Barbados, where the sun kissed the horizon, and my perspective shifted forever.
I used to be a dedicated camera enthusiast, lugging around my Nikons, Canons, Hasselblads, and Mamiyas with pride. Each click of the shutter felt like a symphony, capturing moments with precision and finesse. But then, on that fateful day in 2011, at the Crane Resort, something changed. At 7:01 am, as I watched the world awaken through the lens of my humble iPhone, a revelation washed over me: it was time to burn bridges and embrace the future.
Initially, my transition to iPhone photography was hesitant. I guess, like many dedicated-camera photographers, picking up a phone-camera for the first time, I was cautious and a bit nervous.
In those early months and years, I treated my iPhone as a mere companion to my dedicated cameras, relegating it to the role of capturing casual, everyday moments. But as I embarked on assignments around the globe, from the bustling streets of India to the primal urbanscapes of Europe, the true potential of the iPhone camera revealed itself.
The iPhone, as a camera, as I experienced firsthand, could stand on par with my dedicated cameras. And, in many instances, outshine them.
Yes, it was time to “burn the bridges”.
It wasn’t just about the convenience or the portability; it was about the artistry and innovation that lay within the palm of my hand. The iPhone wasn’t just a tool; it was a bridge to a new way of seeing the world. So, I made a conscious decision to leave behind the comforts of my dedicated cameras and embrace the challenges and rewards of iPhone photography.
With each click, I discovered new facets of the iPhone camera – its versatility, its limitations, its quirks. I learned to adapt my techniques, experimenting with different apps, settings, and angles to push the boundaries of what was possible. And with each shot, I felt a sense of liberation, a freedom from the constraints of traditional photography.
But make no mistake about my transition-it was still photography!
When I teach workshops now, I don’t impose restrictions or limitations. Instead, I invite others to join me on this journey of discovery, to see the world through the lens of an iPhone. I encourage them to embrace the art of iPhone photography, to explore its depths and dimensions, to never look back at what was but to focus on what could be.
Humility aside, I’m one of the few photographers today, with my personal and commercial experience, who exclusively shoot with iPhone cameras.
I know, understand, and appreciate this pocket camera more than most.
Sure, there are moments when I miss the weight of a DSLR in my hands or the click of a mechanical shutter. Or long-glass and off-camera flash options. Or even the closed-off viewfinder experience. But those moments are fleeting, overshadowed by the sheer joy and excitement of capturing moments with my iPhone. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a bustling market or the quiet serenity of a sunrise, each image tells a story, a testament to the power of innovation and imagination.
I’m building new bridges. And they are grand.
So, if you’re still clinging to the past, hesitating to take that leap into the unknown, I urge you to reconsider. Embrace the art of iPhone photography, burn the bridges that hold you back, and never look back. In the realm of creativity, the only way forward is through innovation, and the future is waiting to be captured, one click at a time.
Click.
Jack
