While I love my SLR and the things it can do, I’m really enjoying a phone camera app called Hipstamatic. It ages your shots as you take them using different lens and film effects, so there’s no room for post processing. Just like the old cameras you have to live with what you get.
With my job I spend quite a lot of time on the train, which generally consists of coffee, music/podcasts and sore thumbs due to hitting the Blackberry to keep work happy.
Not much opportunity for photography eh? That’s where my iPhone and Hipstamatic comes in. While it doesn’t have the controls of a ‘proper’ camera there’s plenty of fun to be had playing with the different film and lenses, each producing a different effect that harks back to the days before digital. The ‘John S’ lens (partnered here with ‘Float’ film) produces nice contrasty result’s with slightly warm, if flat, aged colouring.
The modernity of the shot to the left is given away somewhat by the copy of ‘Metro’ and the lighting in the carriage; the flat tones of the age effect suits the mood perfectly though. The expressions and body language allow the viewer to read all sorts of things into the image.
One benefit of having earphones and music on your phone is that you can’t really tell if someone is taking a picture. That’s great for capturing social narrative.
Of course, it’s one thing shooting during the journey it’s another taking shots when you get there. As a business travelling taking my SLR on business (every day) isn’t an option.
Again, the higher quality images from newer phones allow some room to manoeuvre. The shot to the left looks like Rome in the 60’s or 70’s when in reality it’s London (the Royal Exchange) in 2011. The early crop of good weather this year clearly enticing people outside for their lunch, eating and chatting on the steps.
It’s just a shame the ‘camera police’ stopped me taking any shots of the inside of the Royal Exchange, it really is very impressive. Especially if you’re a city banker with lots to spend! I got to use their loo for free at least.