iSee Exhibit Showcases Photos From iPhones

What would happen if famed photojournalists drop their DSLRs and replace them with iPhones? You’d be surprised.

“iSee: The Eyes of VII in the Hands of Hipstamatic” is an exhibit by VII, a group of renowned photojournalists founded in 2001.

The Power of Mobile Photography

The show features VII’s photojournalists working the best features of Instagram. The exhibit is surprisingly astounding and revealing that the iPhone has great potential. The use of iPhones by these professionals demonstrates the versatility and accessibility of mobile photography. With the advent of high-resolution smartphone cameras, the gap between traditional DSLR cameras and mobile devices has significantly narrowed. This shift allows photojournalists to capture spontaneous moments with ease, without the bulk of heavy equipment.

The images were taken in different locations ranging from Afghanistan to Ukraine. These regions are often fraught with conflict and require photographers to be agile and discreet. The compact nature of the iPhone makes it an ideal tool for such environments. The images were then run under Hipstamatic faux aged filters, adding a nostalgic and artistic touch to the raw, real-life scenes captured.

Exhibit Details and Impact

The show runs at the Griffin Museum of Photography by Digital Silver Imaging Gallery until May 5th, with a special presentation by VII’s New York head Stephen Mayes on April 26th. This presentation will delve into the experiences of the photojournalists as they transitioned from traditional cameras to iPhones, and the impact it had on their work. It will also explore the broader implications of mobile photography in the field of photojournalism.

The exhibit not only showcases the technical capabilities of the iPhone but also challenges the conventional norms of photojournalism. It raises questions about the future of the profession and the tools that will be used. Will mobile devices eventually replace traditional cameras? Or will they coexist, each serving different purposes?

Moreover, the use of Hipstamatic filters adds another layer of discussion. These filters, while enhancing the visual appeal, also alter the authenticity of the images. This brings up the debate about the balance between artistic expression and factual representation in photojournalism.

In addition to the visual impact, the exhibit also highlights the democratization of photography. With smartphones, anyone can be a photographer, capturing and sharing moments instantly. This accessibility has led to a surge in citizen journalism, where ordinary people document events as they unfold, often providing real-time updates before traditional media can.

The exhibit is a testament to the evolving landscape of photography and journalism. It encourages viewers to rethink the tools and techniques used to capture the world around us. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, “iSee: The Eyes of VII in the Hands of Hipstamatic” offers a fresh perspective on the art of photography.