UPDATE: iPhoneography at Macworld 2013
Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 10:01AM | Editor 
Many of you may have read my previous post relating to the all-day iPhoneography event being held next year at Macworld 2013, and that I, along with Marty Yawnick from Life in LoFi would be doing a joint presentation about the origins of iPhoneography. Sadly following a number of recent events, which has culminated in a hate campaign against the iPhoneography word/term/brand, which I have taken as a personal attack on me (after all, I created the brand), I have taken the decision to withdraw from the event. I must at this point say, this decision has nothing to do the Dan Marcolina, Marty or the event organisers, as there is a bit more too it. The snide comments and negativity have in part given me some health issues, which in conjunction with other events have lead me to make this decisions.
In addition to withdrawing from the Macworld event, I have also stepped down as one of the judges for this years Mobile Photo Awards, as one of the other judges was at the forefront of this anti "iPhoneography" hate campaign.
From a personal point of view, I am sad at all the negativity I am seeing from some circles in the "mobile photography" community towards iPhoneography, and even sadder, that I don't see an end to this negativity.
Macworld 2013, Mobile Photo Awards in News
Reader Comments (53)
I came along a year later and did the first iphoneography gallery show and have been doing them ever since to promote this still-underground art form we call IPHONEOGRAPHY. Or iphonic art, which I also like, esp. in regard to the work featured on my site.
Now some johnny-come-lately's come along to jump on the bandwagon and want it to be "photography" for reasons I cannot fathom and whose motives I question.
The medium is defined by the device and the device happens to be a lousy camera, but with the magic of apps, artists are able to create wonderful works of magical realism. It is not photography. I begins with a photographic process, yes, but what happens after that takes it somewhere else entirely.
Henri Matisse said,"Much of the beauty that arises in art comes from the struggle the artist has with his limited medium." Can't think of anything more appropriate to express the wonder of the iphoneographic art movement.
I noticed right away when you stepped down from the judging of the MPAs, and wondered if it was to be able to submit your own work. I never imagined that it would be because of a hate campaign. I've only heard bits and pieces from Knox, but if someone is trying to degrade art with an iPhone while simultaneously taking photos with it, then they are in fact, an idiot. I'm seeing the same argument with DSLR photographers vs. Mobil Phone photographers. News Flash- my training was on an FM2, totally manual, so I just have to laugh at all these guys who want to pontificate on what is true photography or art.
iPhoneography has given me a way to express my art and has enriched my life! How can that be bad? Ultimately, it is the public who decides what they want to buy. When that starts happening, the critics will shut up and start using the label. Until then, they'll just be negative in order to get more press. I suppose that's much easier for them then creating something new and exciting with their iPhone ;)
Regardless, the MPA remains the world's largest competition and open gallery call for photography and art created on mobile phones. The MPA has set records for selling this work as fine art. We lead the way in this regard. We don't distinguish between photography and art - we don't tell people what they create is "iphonic art" and not photography and we don't tell people that their manipulated, or apped, images are anything but what the artists decide they want to call it. We support all of it and maintain the most credible group of open minded jury members anywhere in this genre. That's why we get 10 times the number of entries that anyone else does and that's why we consistently sell work for over $1000. It's unfortunate that anyone would spend their time denigrating other people's achievements. If there's anything to be gleaned from this thread it's that there are those who build and those who tear down. Judgement and backroom talk is for rogues who would rather spin than encourage people to seek their own truth.
When reading this post, I was upset to hear that folks were personally attacking you, but reading through the comments it's becoming clear that the "hate campaign" you are referring too is Robert Paul Jansen. Reading through Robert's posts I think it's unfair to characterize them as hateful, or even negative. Just as Marty put forth his thoughts on using the term "iPhoneography" in this post http://lifeinlofi.com/2012/09/05/the-word-iphoneography-and-why-one-label-is-important/, Robert listed his view here http://www.robertpauljansen.com/thoughts/be-proud-iphoneographers-be-photographers/ I don't see one as being more negative or hateful than the other.
I do not understand the why we cannot work together. There are certainly different viewpoints regarding mobile photography, but in the end it is about promoting this new art form and educating our audience about the new medium.
Earlier this year, I was told to change the name of my website because I also endorse alternative processing method. Unfortunately I took this very hard and almost closed the site. Months later the the website was also attacked with maleware and now I am trying to rebuild.
I certainly can understand your position and for pulling out of the Mac Show. Now I will read your other posts on this subject.
I wish you all the best,
Egmont
As already said, the anti iPhoneography thing is not the sole reason for pulling out of Macworld, but as the saying goes, "it's the straw that broke the camels back".
Whilst I may prefer to refer to myself as an "iPhoneographer" when I shoot with an iPhone, and a photographer when I shoot with a camera, ultimately it doesn't matter what you call yourself, as at the end of the day it's all photography, but you don't see or hear me say "mobile photography is ridiculous", or tell "mobile photographers" or "Instagramers" to be proud photographers or iPhoneographers.
We need to bid farewell to the "iPhoneography" label. There are no Medium-Format-ographers, Leica-ographers or digital-ographers. We ARE Photographers. We take what s recognizable and make it our own though whatever process we choose. The label "iPhoneography" is a label that will and finally has created prejudices within the photographic community.
We ARE Photographers. Whether it is through the lens of an iPhone, pin hole camera or a $5000. Leica…its photography. Whether we use chemistry or Photoshop or even an app to process the image…its Photography.
HATE, we don’t need in the creative community.
I wish you well Glyn and hope you get better soon. Thank you for all your contributions, they are and will continue to be appreciated.
Ernesto Daiz
The word may mutate a bit, become more specific in its definition or many other possibilities. Glyn I would welcome the evolution of this term and embrace the debate. I would look at this as a positive and rewarding turn of events, because if people were not talking about iPhoneography, it would go away with the Dodo. Congratulations and enjoy the ride mate.
I have only had my iPhone for two years, but Michael said it best for me. I have been inspired by you, learned a world of information about iPhones and iPhoneography from you, and this has all brought joy into my life. Thank you Glyn. I support you in your stand, and I wish the best for your health.
You have a superb site with a great following, that in itself should be enough for you to believe in yourself. Be determined, if you honestly believe in the Iphoneography brand then nothing should stand in your way.
This other judge guy .... I don't know him but he's probably a 'hater' and you know what? Haters are always gonna be haters. You and your blog have probably done more for mobile photography than any other site on the web, just remember that when anyone tries to knock you down.
From what you say in the above post it sounds like you are having some unhealthy anxiety issues .... Well let me tell you, the best medicine for that is positive thinking backed up by positive actions .... Dont go down the pills route, no solutions there.
Just look at all these posts supporting you, everyone on your side.
Don't give up on your brand.
Turn your back on the 'haters' and they'l go elswhere.
Good luck to you Glyn.
James