Hipstamatic

Since my "real" camera is still in for service, I thought I'd show you some pictures I took with my iPhone and the Hipstamatic app. This app is definitely hip - and I think it's right. It slows down the photography process. And since the image manipulation is determined before the photo is taken by choosing the lens and film, it's almost like "real" photography. The only difference is that the viewfinder is much better on real analog cameras 🙂

Yesterday he Stilpirat initiated a discussion about whether photography can be learned. There are some posts in the comments that are worth reading. And Tilla Pe blogged a separate post about it. My counter question: What constitutes photography?

I'm trying to look at my pictures from the outside. Read a lot and watch videos kelbytraining.com. Yesterday, two statements made me think of the discussion mentioned. Wedding photographer Cliff Mautner says: “The camera must become a part of your brain.” The New York photographer Jay Maisel means: “At ISO200 your pixels feel good, but maybe the image doesn’t feel good.”

I think both statements are good and important.

In the many forums and online photo communities, I am far too often concerned with the technical aspect of photography. IMHO the idea behind an image is neglected. Anyone who knows English will certainly enjoy satire Part 1 and Part 2 by theonlinephotographer. I think it's pretty accurate.

Cliff Mautner is also right. Only if the camera is part of you will you be able to use it properly. In my opinion, the camera only becomes a part of you when you use it. Frequently. Constant. Photography has a lot to do with experience; photography can be learned. But only the technical part. This is important in order to capture the image on the chip/film - but not crucial for photography.

For me, photography is more: intuition, adaptation, interaction – and fun!