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Competition Images Due: Mobile Phone Photography

Please turn in digital files of the images for “Mobile Phone Photography”

Mobile phone photography has emerged as a powerful and accessible form of artistic expression, allowing people to capture and share moments of daily life in creative ways.

Taking good photographs with a phone camera involves a combination of understanding your device's capabilities and applying fundamental photography principles. Here are some of the best approaches.

Here's an overview of the art of mobile phone photography:

Master Lighting and Composition:

  • Lighting is crucial in photography. Seek natural light or well-lit areas to enhance your photos, and avoid dark settings to prevent blurry and grainy images.

  • Use the gridlines feature to apply the rule of thirds, helping you compose balanced and visually appealing shots.

  • Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add creativity to your images.

  • Utilize Camera Features and Accessories:

  • Familiarize yourself with your phone's camera settings, such as focus and exposure adjustments, to gain more control over your shots.

  • Avoid using digital zoom, as it can degrade image quality; instead, physically move closer to your subject or crop the image later.

  • Consider using add-on lenses for more creative options, such as fisheye or macro lenses.

  • Lastly, don't hesitate to edit your photos using mobile apps like Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom to enhance their quality and artistic expression.

Capturing Daily Life

Mobile photography excels at documenting everyday moments:

  • It allows for spontaneous, candid shots that capture the essence of daily experiences.

  • The unobtrusive nature of phone cameras makes it easier to photograph people in natural, relaxed states.

  • It serves as a visual diary, helping photographers remember and share intimate moments of their lives.

In conclusion, mobile phone photography has evolved into a powerful medium for artistic expression, allowing photographers to capture and share the beauty, intimacy, and complexity of daily life in innovative ways. With the right techniques and mindset, a smartphone can indeed be a tool for creating compelling, artistic images that resonate with viewers and preserve meaningful moments.

https://121clicks.com/inspirations/35-mobile-photography-awards-winners#google_vignette

https://panthernow.com/2012/03/23/cell-phone-photography-as-art/

https://www.iphotography.com/blog/7-mobile-photography-tricks/

https://vocal.media/photography/capturing-a-moment-the-power-and-the-peril-of-mobile-phone-photography

Biosketch of Butler University’s Prof Steve Nyktas, our judge and critic for Mobile Phone Photography on September 19th.

https://stevenyktas.com/series

Prof. Steve Nyktas, an Indianapolis-based artist and Associate Professor of Art at Butler University, brings a wealth of educational experience to his role as our critic and judge for the September photo contest. With an MFA from Northwestern University, an MA from Purdue University, and a BFA from Albion College, his work has been showcased in various prestigious venues worldwide, including Contemplo MX in Mexico and the 22nd International Festival Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Prof. Nyktas has received numerous accolades, including the Phillip C. Curtis Visiting Artist Award, highlighting his significant contributions to the art world.

Prof. Nyktas's artistic practice centers on conceptual and abstract photography, exploring the intersections between domestic and natural spaces. He employs conceptual strategies to reveal aspects of everyday life that often go unnoticed, using simple tasks and processes to produce unexpected, sometimes highly abstract results. His work often begins with ordinary experiences and found objects, transforming them through impulsive and ephemeral acts to uncover deeper meanings. Through his photography, Prof. Nyktas delves into psychological themes, environmental connections, and the nature of images, using the medium's power to turn simple acts of seeing into profound experiences and knowledge.

Earlier Event: August 29
Weekly Meeting: Cuban Culture
Later Event: September 5
David Van Deman - Headshots with a Twist