Do you remember when you discovered photography? Remember the feeling when you first captured something amazing with your camera? Something that expressed an idea or emotion or moment and took your breath away? The first inkling that there was a connection between your image and your heart and soul?
If you’re new to photography, it’s probably not that long ago that you first experienced this feeling of excitement and amazement. For some of us though, we have to reach a while back to remember that first thrill of discovery. Yes, excitement still comes after time, but maybe not with that rush of discovering something completely new. At least it’s been a while for me. As much as I love photography and get great joy from it, as you all who visit here regularly know, I hadn’t realized how long it had been since that “rush” of exploring something new had taken hold. Until recently, as I’ve been getting into mobile photography.
Oh. My. Goodness.
I had no idea what getting on to Instagram would open up for me. And it’s not Instagram per se, it’s using the mobile camera (iPod Touch 4th gen) and the apps. Freeing myself to have a camera in my pocket all the time, to look for interesting things, and then to process them with abandon.
Yes, processing with abandon. I feel positively giddy. Like I’m breaking all of the rules. I’m painting and layering and altering photos in ways I have never considered on the computer. And I absolutely LOVE the results. All of the images in this post were taken and processed on my iPod Touch. You can see more of the images I’ve been posting on Instagram here.
I love them so much, I was inspired to print and frame a little photo collage of a few images and put it on my wall this weekend. This is the first thing you now see when you enter my home:
This morning I realized these are the first photos I’ve put up on my walls that weren’t taken while living in Italy. Is that significant? Maybe not, as I’ve only recently purchased the printer and created the opportunity to do something like this as a quick weekend project. But maybe it is significant, because this is the first work I just want to gaze at for a long time. I want to say go around to everyone available and say, “See? Look what I did!”
At moments it seems silly, as if I’m acting like a little kid, but I’m going with it. I know inspiration when it hits me. I take joy where I find it. There is nothing like this early thrill of discovery, so I’m going to cherish it as long as I can.
PS – Have you entered my big celebration giveaway yet? If not, go here to enter.
YEs, I so agree with you about the joys of mobile photography & editing instantly- it’s really fun & there can be some great results!
Love your shots- I’ve also just this week had some instagram photos printed.
I would love these shots on my wall as well! How beautiful, and thought provoking.
Thanks!
I feel the same way about instagram . . . there is something so freeing about it! I have yet to explore all the apps but as you know, I’m a finger painting fool lately! lol
And you’ve inspired me. There are SO MANY apps too. You could try a new one every day!
I love hearing the giddiness and joy in your voice over this new creative expression vehicle. I can completely understand your reaction – your photos are free and happy and lovely.
As apparently the only photographer left in the world without an Instagram account and an iPhone or iPod or any piece of equipment starting with an “i”, I can tell that I’m missing out on something grand. I will enjoy this vicariously through the rest of you.
I thought I was the last one, Brenda! I never expected to have this reaction to it, especially since I’ve had this iPod Touch in my possession for nearly 2 years. Why now??? If/when the opportunity to explore this new medium comes along for you, I encourage you to take it. I think it would fit well with your creative process too.
These are just beautiful Kat. I’m inspired to try it as I have an iPhone 4. Is the Instagram an app?
Awesome Joanna! You are perfectly positioned to try this! Yes, Instagram is an app. Be sure to find me @kateyeview when you get on. Instagram is more of a social app, and it has only minimal editing and image filter features. I’ve been using other photography and painting apps to create the images, then I import them into Instagram to share.
Kat, your excitement is positively bubbling throughout this post. I love it! Your images are beautiful and I can see why you love looking at them. Ah, the thrill of discovery! You’ve inspired me to play around more with my iPhone camera, and maybe get some new apps, too. I’d love to know what you used to get that painterly effect.
Thanks Lee! You should definitely pull out that iPhone and play around. I’ll have to do a post on apps soon, but I’m really just learning myself!
I’ve been loving your instagram shots Kat. Glad you’re having such a great time with them!!
Thank you Lorinda! It’s been great fun.
I’m loving this new direction, Kat – these are just wonderful. I look foward to seeing lots more.
Thanks Gilly! Who would have thought?
Hello!
Wanted to share; I picked up a camera for a second round of exploration about 5 years ago. I new I had re-discovered my passion but I was finding dyslexia getting in the way of me, the digital world and creating the images I had in my mind’s eye, particularly the editing process. Then I read an article about a year and a half ago by Stephanie Roberts who had just published, “The Art of Iphoneography”, at which point I purchased an iPhone and have never looked back. My entire creative self and experience have been blown wide open and continue every day.
I’ve begun writing a book about more of the spiritual side of the creative self specific to mobile photography.
I enjoy your newsletters!
Mary
That’s fantastic Mary! It’s so great to hear this story. I think there is something to the simplicity of the camera phone that enables amazing creativity.
I missed this post in all my travels last month. As I read it now I’m so excited for you! I LOVE my iPhone and Camera+ app plus numerous others. There is something about having the camera in my back pocket (or wherever), easy to get to, always right there…that has been so freeing and fun. Your images are wonderful. Now I’m off to find you on Instagram.
Yay! I’ll look for you there!