The iPhoneography Showcase of Anton Kawasaki
Friday, January 8, 2010 at 2:00PM | Glyn Evans I’ve been workin in the comic book industry for over a decade and have been a fan of comics all of my life. I’ve also always been surrounded by movies — with family, friends and significant others working in the industry. I guess visual storytelling has always held a great appeal, and comes naturally to me.
But while I’ve always had an interest in photography, it was never something I thought I could take up easily. You see, I’m partially paraplegic from an accident I had half my life ago – and because of this, I walk with forearm crutches. So it’s not easy for me to carry a camera and then stop and hold it while balancing myself. This is why the iPhone is so great, because anyone can use it easily with just one hand. I started taking photos with my iPhone after being inspired by the wonderful iPhoneography of my boyfriend, Sion Fullana.
I really love seeing the huge growth of iPhoneography, and that so many people are inspired to use the phone they always carry with them to make true art. I’m also amazed by the amount of great photo apps out there. My personal favorites are CameraBag, CinemaFX, ShakeItPhoto, and Vint B&W. I’ve taken quite a few wonderful pics using these apps, and I know there are many great other ones I’ve yet to try. But…I’ve also seen them a bit overused, and sometimes it’s hard to get a feel for someone’s personal “style” when so many people’s photos start looking the same due to the same apps being used over and over again. So I try not to rely on them too much, and focus on getting the best picture possible – with or without an app. I always suggest that new iPhoneographers try out as many apps as they can afford, but to always keep a voice and personal vision in their work.
99% of my photos have people in them, and most are candid street photos – because that’s what interest me most in photography. And most are also taken in the wonderful and crazy city of New York. I’m so thankful that I live here, because there is truly no other city on Earth that has as many great photo opportunities as The Big Apple. This city has made a huge impact in my life and worldview, and I think that’s reflected in my work.
I really love when I capture intimate moments, or a real human connection between people. My photos can be happy, sad, funny, or just plain weird – but they’re always real. I would definitely encourage more iPhoneographers to take more chances with taking portraits. The beauty of the iPhone is that you can get pretty close and “sneak” a pic of someone without them ever knowing – because you can just make it look like you’re texting or something. Give it a try! Sure, it’s a risk. But risk is what makes amazing photography.
I’m really looking forward to what the future of iPhonegraphy brings…
Above: “A Spirit in The Wind”
Above: "Alice in Subwayland"
Above: "Defeated"
Above: "Even Grown-Ups Can Have Fun"
Above: "Everything is Going to Be Ok"
Above: "Just Another Day in NYC"
Above: "She Sees Me"
Above: "The Balloon People"
Above: "First Kiss"
Above: "The Future Soldier"If you would like to see more of Anton's work, then check out his Flickr stream here, or why not follow him on Twitter here.
Reader Comments (12)
WOW. these are some of the BEST iphone photos i've seen on here. and i'm not just saying that because i also love in nyc. seriously, you have really have an eye for visual story telling and it shows. my favs are "defeated" and "first kiss"
Amazing work, but I have to say, those last two shots are VERY powerful. Great work!
Obviously, whatever I say may sound biased as Anton is my partner...
But beyond that, and as a fellow street photographer and iPhoneographer, I've always loved to see the voice of Anton evolve in his photos, and how they always have a mix of emotions that are also part of him: joy, melancholy, love, humor, irony, compassion, etc.
And I'm so glad he gets to reach more people with his images now, as they deserve to be seen... like Joey and Juan have already said... those two last shots are legendary! Here's to many more to come! Cheers!
"First Kiss" is fantastic!
@Joey, Juan & JP - thanks so much!!
@Sion - You know I wouldn't have even started with iPhoneography if it wasn't for you! (And in turn, you wouldn't have started without me, having bought you the iPhone to begin with - I guess we helped each other!). Love you!!
I think one of the hallmarks of a great photographer (or any artist for that matter) is the ability to evoke a variety of emotions with his/her work. These photos (and so so many of your other photos) do this in spades.
However, even more than evoking a reaction, they establish a connection. Though we're not in the photos, we've experienced similar situations and emotions. We have been both the onlooker and the subject. And that's what I love so much about your work, our memories are fleeting, but your photos remain...for me to enjoy--for us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing your photos and your story. Thank you Anton.
Anton, between you and Sion I and enthralled by your photos. They all tell little stories. Those last two are my favorites. Thank you for sharing your work.
I have been a fan of yours on Flickr, for a while now, and your photos are amazing. Truly a work of art. I also love seeing your LGBT related shots, (and not because I'm biased) but because I don't see a lot of iPhone photos like those. I really love going through your gallery and seeing your photos. Amazing story as well.
Thank you for sharing your work. It's amazing. I love the variety of scenes you are able to capture.
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Pictures speak more than a thousand words and your pictures have done exactly that.
I love your pictures especially the first one, "A Spirit in The Wind" and seeing great pictures like yours, makes me love iPhoneography even more! :) Keep on snapping!
Thank you ALL for your kind comments. It really means a lot to me! :-D