Recently I caught my self using the catchphrase "the best Camera is the one you have with you." Doing a quick google search, I noted that this quote comes from Chase Jarvis has been around for a couple of years. The phrase appears to be partly a marketing slogan for Instagram/I-Phones and an ode to the DIY hipster spirit coupled with the basic human desire to make snapshots. In almost every outlet for photography including "serious" art and journalism, you can't help but notice the ubiquitous and stylized "square" photograph, which is generally made with an I-phone and edited with Instagram.
A couple of examples include Rock Hushka, an artist himself and curator with the Tacoma Art Museum, who in his recent lecture at WSU, discussed a contemporary photographer he likes (the name alludes me) who publishes Instagram photos of flowers. Rock discussed these photos, without irony, in the same lecture/context that he discussed works by David Wojnarowicz, Michael Kenna, and Edward Curtis. Another example is the recent NY times publication of an a I-phone/Instagram photo of Alex Rodriguez, by sports photographer Nick Laham, on the front of its March 24, 2013 Sunday times. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/ny-times-instagram-photo-front-page_n_2991746.html.
Rolling Hills Derby Dames, ©Dennis DeHart
Rolling Hills Derby Dames, ©Dennis DeHart
The stylized aesthetic that comes with an unobtrusive, low profile camera, is appealing. For example, I snapped the two photographs above, during a women's roller derby tournament. My I-phone/Pod allowed me a low fi confidence in which I made thoughtfully composed snapshots, with a pre prepared aesthetic package. I personally think the two photographs are fun and encapsulates a bit of the energy and the spirit of the event. Right now- I don't want to think to much about the impact this kind of photography is and will continue to have on "serious" photography. In this instance, the best camera we had with us was between my wife's old school cell phones or my i-pod. It worked out fine for what it is. In writing this post, the great Andy Warhol comes to mind. I am going to finish the post by including few quotes by him.
“Art is what you can get away with.”-Andy Warhol
“A picture means I know where I was every minute. That's why I take pictures. It's a visual diary.” -Andy Warhol
“I believe in low lights and trick mirrors.” -Andy Warhol
“Isn't life a series of images that change as they repeat themselves?”-Andy Warhol
“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”-Andy Warhol
