Last month I held a photo contest around the theme of mobile photography. In order to participate, it was a requirement to be a reader of our book « Mobile Photography in the Palm of your Hand ». I had always been concerned that people would buy our books and publications and not put them into practice. The contest was my way of incentivizing those who purchased the book and encouraging them to find their “mobile camera” and jump into practicing the concepts in the book, thus turning theory into expressive photographs.
I have been fascinated by the response that the contest has had and the high number of readers who have participated with the camera of their smartphone. Yes, that rudimentary, basic camera and whatever you want. I consider all the readers who have participated in the contest "winners", for the mere fact of having read the book in its entirety, having kept some concepts, and having put them into practice, because I insist, there is nothing worse than becoming with a book and let it collect dust (virtually in a folder on the computer).
That being said, we also had to declare a winner for the contest, and although the selection was very close, I had to surrender to the greatness of the photo below, taken by Cris Sial:
A photograph with a splendid composition, in which the horizontal lines weave a narrative that catches you and makes you go through the scene gradually, from the bottom up. The greatness of this photo lies in the simplicity of its elements and in its human dimension reinforced by the use of "black and white". I think it's the perfect example that the camera doesn't take any photo, it's the photographer.
Here are some words from the author of the photo:
«That sensation of summer nap sleepiness, that abandonment and peace, with no more (no less) than enjoying the elements that surround us, the light, the heat, the sea, the not looking at the clock, the purring of the TV in the background that is rocking you in its sound arms...
Super happy to have obtained the book that has opened my eyes and mind to the amount of photographic (and narrative) possibilities that this has. gizmo. [……] In a way it is different from “going out for a photo session” it is as if I am now more aware of the unique and beautiful moments that are there in any situation.”
Congratulations to Cris and thank you for sharing with us this great human moment. In the next few days I will be in contact with the author of the photograph to send her her prize: access to the Photographer's School courses ( Mastering SLR Photography + Lightzoom, Complete Lightroom Course ) as well as to our complete library of books , composed for 10 photography titles.
If you want to know more about Cris you can take a look at her website http://www.crissial.com/ and his two galleries on Deviantart hereand here.
I confess that this was not planned, but as I was reviewing the photographs that were sent to us in the contest, I was feeling more and more the desire to save a selection of "finalist" photographs that I also liked, so here they are. They are photos taken as a whole by BdF readers who have purchased the book. The selection shows the incredible level that our readers have in terms of handling their smartphone's camera.
I want, once again, to thank all those who have taken the time to read the book and enjoy the creative possibilities that your mobile phone camera allows. From here we will continue working on more articles and more content to inspire you with more and better photographs.
