[Discussion] Yes, I think Hipstamatic and Instagram are Bullshit but then again… I’m a photographer.

Ok, sure there are some guys like Damon Winter, David Guttenfelder, Teru Kuwayama and Balazs Gardi who have succesfully capitalized off of the novelty of iPhone filters like Hipstamatic and Instagram and produced some compelling works. But I still maintain that the use of iPhone filters, for anything other than fun/novelty shooting, have very little to do with real photography. It’s not the use of an iPhone that I find “cheap” (I think they are brilliant) but the use of cookie cutter filters in place of creativity and light comprehension. I think Sam Biddle over at Gizmodo said it best with:

“Reminder: Photo Apps Don’t Make You a Photographer
I love fun fake photo filters just like everyone else. Instagram is my favorite way of seeing what my friends are in the midst of digesting. But let’s never mistake “my dog looks like the 60s” for photography.
As Endless Origami points out, taking Hipstamtic pictures of plants doesn’t make you a nature photographer any more than playing Angry Birds makes you an ornithologist.”

habs [Discussion] Yes, I think Hipstamatic and Instagram are Bullshit but then again... Im a photographer.

via [EndlessOrigami] [YLovePhoto] [Gizmodo] [PetaPixel]

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November 11, 2011

Kenn Tam

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http://www.facebook.com/hiroschneider Jaron Schneider
You will get no argument from me on this one. I like how those apps give normally boring ass photos some life, but make you a photographer they do not.
david b
Yes, photo apps are crap (and yes I am a photographer). “Omg, iphone make such nice picture” – no! “Apps make my pictures so nice” – no I don’t even like 1 effect. If you want to work with filters buy photoshop…. if you want to make nice pictures buy a cheap dsrl or for 80 dollars now a days you have a REALLY NICE canon powershot!
http://twitter.com/erikpettee Erik Pettee
Wow Kenn. This sounds a lot like the complaining I hear elsewhere. Are you threatened by these apps? I’m probably not a “real” photographer then either as far as you’re concerned, but what’s the point of making people feel bad about their interest in photography and the tools they use to express themselves (automated or not)? These are simply tools. “Photography” and what that word actually means, is up for debate and interpretation, just as “art” is – but I’m guessing that’s what the sub-point of this article is about.
I can’t imagine many of the fine artists I know posting an article like this. Photographers tend to be elitists, and often scare away others with their technical understanding and ability. The more people that participate in photography the better. We can all experience and learn from one another’s individual expressions with photography and become better photographers ourselves as a result.
If you’re as truly accomplished as your bio self-states, then you certainly shouldn’t feel as threatened by these little apps as this article implies.
Rick Bennett
Let’s not get too snobby about this. I’ll hate on the use of Hipstamatic filters as much as the next guy. I hate how they make crappy pictures look interesting for just a moment. But I’ve never seen anybody claim (or imply or attempt to imply) that the use of the filters makes them a photographer. The comparison to Angry Birds is funny (I chuckled) but doesn’t really fit.
http://twitter.com/Jwainesworth Jayge Dreier
My thoughts exactly! I don’t feel threatened at all by these photo filters, i’m just extremely annoyed with them. I’m a full time commercial photographer and I know that It takes more than a cross process filter on my iphone to come up with the results I get in the studio.
http://twitter.com/Jmont Jmont
What’s the difference from just putting your expensive DSLR in “Green” mode and ending up with a good pic from it? Does it really come down to putting your camera in manual mode and getting that perfect combination of of ISO, Shutter, and Aperture that makes it real photography? Or does come down to having a good eye.? (which so many professionals say is the real key) Then you take your file and edit in lightroom with all its presets anyway. I think there is a bit of “I deserve more respect cause I spent a lot of money on equipment going on here” There are legitimate cases all around. I’ve seen people with the highest end equipment take the crappiest photos ever and to be honest some of those instagram pictures are pretty amazing. My opinion is it comes down to the user and what they see. Sometimes regardless of equipment or “filters” Sometimes having a great DSLR helps that same person do something even better.
Just my thoughts.
Mark Kauzlarich
I actually think that you sound more threatened than Kenn does by this. If your repertoire is composed mostly of iPhone shooting ability above all else, you probably not a “real” photographer. With your reaction, its hard to tell if that maybe is the case. There is always an element to technical ability, vision, and execution that applies to art, one that trumps novelty in almost all respects from the viewpoints of most people.
http://www.facebook.com/stevesteve Steve Carrillo
I love instagram because it allows me to share my daily’s. Plus it’s simple, quick and fun. Not to mention the shutter actuations you’re saving on your DSLR. It does not take place of your real camera, but it’s a nice community to share random things. And hopefully it can allow a person to lift up a real camera and start shooting.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jd-PhotoUncle/100002294164115 J.d. PhotoUncle
Holy Moly. This trend, too, shall pass. all the whining about the “degradation of the craft ” and deciding who is and isn’t a “real” photographer……so much hot air. Once I got off my high horse, I learned a WHOLE lot more, and put some of those bits of knowledge to WORK for me…..25 years in as a freelancer, I’m still able to see the difference between skill and whatever the latest software tweak is…..Hipstagrammatic didn’t make me lose my mind…..nor any serious clients.
http://twitter.com/erikpettee Erik Pettee
Mark – I actually *just* installed these apps on my iPhone this week and used them for the first time. I’ve been shooting and developing since I was a kid like you probably and everyone else. I just think a lot of photographers could relax a bit when it comes to the way a photograph is created.
http://twitter.com/erikpettee Erik Pettee
Mark – I actually *just* installed these apps on my iPhone this week and used them for the first time. I’ve been shooting and developing since I was a kid like you probably and everyone else. I just think a lot of photographers could relax a bit when it comes to the way a photograph is created.
http://twitter.com/erikpettee Erik Pettee
Mark – I actually *just* installed these apps on my iPhone this week and used them for the first time. I’ve been shooting and developing since I was a kid like you probably and everyone else. I just think a lot of photographers could relax a bit when it comes to the way a photograph is created.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Russ-Turbide/100002507691143 Russ Turbide
for me, i don’t care what anyone uses to make a picture.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Russ-Turbide/100002507691143 Russ Turbide
for me, i don’t care what anyone uses to make a picture.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Russ-Turbide/100002507691143 Russ Turbide
for me, i don’t care what anyone uses to make a picture.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1282195163 Charles Sanabria-Skaar
Seriously…
Those apps are more or less aimed at the “average” user…iPhone/smart phone owner. They’re not meant to take the place of actual photography. It’s really all in fun. Yes, some people are running around acting like “real photographers” using their phone and these apps…but that’s only because that is as close as they can get to actually “feeling” like they’re doing something. I would argue that mostly, it’s just people wanting to do cool, fun stuff with their photos and share them. Any “real photographer” is not going to get up in arms over this or even be bothered. That would be like Jack White gettin’ pissy over the people out there using their iphone/ipad guitar/music apps to belt out music. As serious as some of those folks get using the technology and all….I’m sure there’s no real threat to actual enthusiasts/artists using real instruments and talent to create music. Truth be told….An image is an image. If someone shows me an image and it’s engaging…..I could care less where it came from. Could have been shot on an iphone, a point and shoot, a D90, D3x or a Hasselblad. Whatever. As art, it did it’s job. Now, of course, as an actual photographer….the MEANS on HOW the shot was done, would be very impressive to me from a technical/photography perspective and of course…I’d be that much more impressed by someone who got a shot using their skills and understanding of light, composition etc. This is similar to the battle of the film snobs when digital became really big. Both do the same thing…just one gets there different than the other. Is one “better”….? Is a person who only uses film a “better” more “real” photographer? All freakin’ relative. All a matter of what your brand of art is, what your perspective on imagery is and most important….what YOU like. Art is art…find it, shoot it if that’s what you do….make it, love it and appreciate it.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1282195163 Charles Sanabria-Skaar
Seriously…
Those apps are more or less aimed at the “average” user…iPhone/smart phone owner. They’re not meant to take the place of actual photography. It’s really all in fun. Yes, some people are running around acting like “real photographers” using their phone and these apps…but that’s only because that is as close as they can get to actually “feeling” like they’re doing something. I would argue that mostly, it’s just people wanting to do cool, fun stuff with their photos and share them. Any “real photographer” is not going to get up in arms over this or even be bothered. That would be like Jack White gettin’ pissy over the people out there using their iphone/ipad guitar/music apps to belt out music. As serious as some of those folks get using the technology and all….I’m sure there’s no real threat to actual enthusiasts/artists using real instruments and talent to create music. Truth be told….An image is an image. If someone shows me an image and it’s engaging…..I could care less where it came from. Could have been shot on an iphone, a point and shoot, a D90, D3x or a Hasselblad. Whatever. As art, it did it’s job. Now, of course, as an actual photographer….the MEANS on HOW the shot was done, would be very impressive to me from a technical/photography perspective and of course…I’d be that much more impressed by someone who got a shot using their skills and understanding of light, composition etc. This is similar to the battle of the film snobs when digital became really big. Both do the same thing…just one gets there different than the other. Is one “better”….? Is a person who only uses film a “better” more “real” photographer? All freakin’ relative. All a matter of what your brand of art is, what your perspective on imagery is and most important….what YOU like. Art is art…find it, shoot it if that’s what you do….make it, love it and appreciate it.
Dave Wyman
There are always snobs when it comes to photography. National Geo editors didn’t like Fujichrome, or digital cameras, Arizona Highways only thinks 8×10 images are worthy of publishing, blah, blah, blah…
When Fujichrome was king, the mantra was, “Great color saturation and contrast!” Now it’s, “RAW gives me total control.”
Following the logic of fans of RAW, photographers who shot with Fujichrome because they liked Fujichrome’s look, weren’t making “real” photographs.
Dave Wyman
There are always snobs when it comes to photography. National Geo editors didn’t like Fujichrome, or digital cameras, Arizona Highways only thinks 8×10 images are worthy of publishing, blah, blah, blah…
When Fujichrome was king, the mantra was, “Great color saturation and contrast!” Now it’s, “RAW gives me total control.”
Following the logic of fans of RAW, photographers who shot with Fujichrome because they liked Fujichrome’s look, weren’t making “real” photographs.
Dave Wyman
There are always snobs when it comes to photography. National Geo editors didn’t like Fujichrome, or digital cameras, Arizona Highways only thinks 8×10 images are worthy of publishing, blah, blah, blah…
When Fujichrome was king, the mantra was, “Great color saturation and contrast!” Now it’s, “RAW gives me total control.”
Following the logic of fans of RAW, photographers who shot with Fujichrome because they liked Fujichrome’s look, weren’t making “real” photographs.
Paulo Rodrigues
Also those people who shoot tri-x! As if using black and white film makes them a photographer. Splitters!
No really what does make a photographer? Is it really the tools they choose to use? or is it the vision behind the image?
As for Hipstamatic being a serious photographic tool, that all depends on whether clients and art buyers are paying for it. Its just another fad isnt it?
Paulo Rodrigues
Also those people who shoot tri-x! As if using black and white film makes them a photographer. Splitters!
No really what does make a photographer? Is it really the tools they choose to use? or is it the vision behind the image?
As for Hipstamatic being a serious photographic tool, that all depends on whether clients and art buyers are paying for it. Its just another fad isnt it?
Paulo Rodrigues
Also those people who shoot tri-x! As if using black and white film makes them a photographer. Splitters!
No really what does make a photographer? Is it really the tools they choose to use? or is it the vision behind the image?
As for Hipstamatic being a serious photographic tool, that all depends on whether clients and art buyers are paying for it. Its just another fad isnt it?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=847470423 Louis Rafael Rosenthal
so you’re in full support of the full auto, live view, DSLR-buying trend where everyone claims to be a pro because they have a DSLR?
the statement “i’ve been meaning to buy a camera because my friend has one and she’s a photographer” has been making me cringe for too long now.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=847470423 Louis Rafael Rosenthal
so you’re in full support of the full auto, live view, DSLR-buying trend where everyone claims to be a pro because they have a DSLR?
the statement “i’ve been meaning to buy a camera because my friend has one and she’s a photographer” has been making me cringe for too long now.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=847470423 Louis Rafael Rosenthal
so you’re in full support of the full auto, live view, DSLR-buying trend where everyone claims to be a pro because they have a DSLR?
the statement “i’ve been meaning to buy a camera because my friend has one and she’s a photographer” has been making me cringe for too long now.
dom bower
Quote 1 ”But I still maintain that the use of iPhone filters, for anything other than fun/novelty shooting”I would go further and say the Iphone full stop not just the filters. I may go out location scouting with an iphone but i wont do my commercial shoots on it.
,Quote 2 “have very little to do with real photography”
Real photography…. oh thats going to get some purists nickers in a twist. All people who do fake photography must die!… wait what is fake photography?
Quote 3 “It’s not the use of an iPhone that I find “cheap” (I think they are brilliant) but the use of cookie cutter filters in place of creativity and light comprehension”
But that is just it, it is in place of creativity and light comprehension. So no need for us Real photographers to worry, but good to let others have fun.
You never know It might give some inspiration to some super creative genius who is not that into photography to suddenly take it up. and the world will become a better place.
dom bower
Quote 1 ”But I still maintain that the use of iPhone filters, for anything other than fun/novelty shooting”I would go further and say the Iphone full stop not just the filters. I may go out location scouting with an iphone but i wont do my commercial shoots on it.
,Quote 2 “have very little to do with real photography”
Real photography…. oh thats going to get some purists nickers in a twist. All people who do fake photography must die!… wait what is fake photography?
Quote 3 “It’s not the use of an iPhone that I find “cheap” (I think they are brilliant) but the use of cookie cutter filters in place of creativity and light comprehension”
But that is just it, it is in place of creativity and light comprehension. So no need for us Real photographers to worry, but good to let others have fun.
You never know It might give some inspiration to some super creative genius who is not that into photography to suddenly take it up. and the world will become a better place.
dom bower
Quote 1 ”But I still maintain that the use of iPhone filters, for anything other than fun/novelty shooting”I would go further and say the Iphone full stop not just the filters. I may go out location scouting with an iphone but i wont do my commercial shoots on it.
,Quote 2 “have very little to do with real photography”
Real photography…. oh thats going to get some purists nickers in a twist. All people who do fake photography must die!… wait what is fake photography?
Quote 3 “It’s not the use of an iPhone that I find “cheap” (I think they are brilliant) but the use of cookie cutter filters in place of creativity and light comprehension”
But that is just it, it is in place of creativity and light comprehension. So no need for us Real photographers to worry, but good to let others have fun.
You never know It might give some inspiration to some super creative genius who is not that into photography to suddenly take it up. and the world will become a better place.
Robert Simpson
IMHO,
Hipstermatic/Instagram are to photography - as – a good red-hot poker to the eye is to an optometrist.
In a way these items are a form of Darwin’s theory of natural selection, separating the photogs from the faux-togs. I’m happy for them to exist, as they make even a novice photographers work look great by comparison. To each their own… :)
So, Kenn, how to you feel about the reaction to your contribution to “Flame-Bait Month”? Personally, I love it!
Robert Simpson
IMHO,
Hipstermatic/Instagram are to photography - as – a good red-hot poker to the eye is to an optometrist.
In a way these items are a form of Darwin’s theory of natural selection, separating the photogs from the faux-togs. I’m happy for them to exist, as they make even a novice photographers work look great by comparison. To each their own… :)
So, Kenn, how to you feel about the reaction to your contribution to “Flame-Bait Month”? Personally, I love it!
Robert Simpson
IMHO,
Hipstermatic/Instagram are to photography - as – a good red-hot poker to the eye is to an optometrist.
In a way these items are a form of Darwin’s theory of natural selection, separating the photogs from the faux-togs. I’m happy for them to exist, as they make even a novice photographers work look great by comparison. To each their own… :)
So, Kenn, how to you feel about the reaction to your contribution to “Flame-Bait Month”? Personally, I love it!
http://kenntam.com Kenn Tam
Obviously I’m not going to reply to everyone’s individual comments and it’s not really worth arguing with those of you who think that disparaging remarks are an effective way of having an intelligent discussion. Even though it’s not unexpected when one throws flame bait out there. ;)
But I will say this… I actually dig using Hipstamatic and similar apps, I think they can be fun. But no matter how cool I think a pic turns out, because of one of these filters, I never get a sense of pride in my work or accomplishment that I do when utilizing conventional photographic techniques and basic. Which is to say, finding, composing and lighting a shot all on my own.
Thanks for all the interesting comments everyone. Keep them coming.
http://kenntam.com Kenn Tam
Obviously I’m not going to reply to everyone’s individual comments and it’s not really worth arguing with those of you who think that disparaging remarks are an effective way of having an intelligent discussion. Even though it’s not unexpected when one throws flame bait out there. ;)
But I will say this… I actually dig using Hipstamatic and similar apps, I think they can be fun. But no matter how cool I think a pic turns out, because of one of these filters, I never get a sense of pride in my work or accomplishment that I do when utilizing conventional photographic techniques and basic. Which is to say, finding, composing and lighting a shot all on my own.
Thanks for all the interesting comments everyone. Keep them coming.
http://kenntam.com Kenn Tam
Obviously I’m not going to reply to everyone’s individual comments and it’s not really worth arguing with those of you who think that disparaging remarks are an effective way of having an intelligent discussion. Even though it’s not unexpected when one throws flame bait out there. ;)
But I will say this… I actually dig using Hipstamatic and similar apps, I think they can be fun. But no matter how cool I think a pic turns out, because of one of these filters, I never get a sense of pride in my work or accomplishment that I do when utilizing conventional photographic techniques and basic. Which is to say, finding, composing and lighting a shot all on my own.
Thanks for all the interesting comments everyone. Keep them coming.
Robert Simpson
Keep ‘em coming, Kenn. Haters ‘gonna hate… ;)
Robert Simpson
Keep ‘em coming, Kenn. Haters ‘gonna hate… ;)
Robert Simpson
Keep ‘em coming, Kenn. Haters ‘gonna hate… ;)
http://twitter.com/rebeleight Eddie Peterson
If you want to get creative in your own expression and the most affordable way possible then let it be you have the right same class as a point and shoot camera.
http://twitter.com/rebeleight Eddie Peterson
If you want to get creative in your own expression and the most affordable way possible then let it be you have the right same class as a point and shoot camera.
http://twitter.com/rebeleight Eddie Peterson
If you want to get creative in your own expression and the most affordable way possible then let it be you have the right same class as a point and shoot camera.
http://www.facebook.com/steno12 Stefano Druetta
no, seriously, is there anybody out there who states he’s a photographer just coz he’s taking picture with instamatic?
you must be kidding.
looks like there’s people stating they’re photographers just coz they own a camera!
oh well..
now i’m not joking, don’t be silly, don’t complain about the medium, but the subject, the language, the stories told with the medium. otherwise you’re just another bunch of blind camera [and blog] owners who watch the finger instead of the moon.
if you have the abilities to create some real pictures using an iphone, then hell yeah, you should be called a photographer [if you have people buying those pictures]. but yeah, i think that if taken as a pastime activity, it can’t hurt at all!
oh, by the way: the best camera is the one you have with you, right? photography is a great way to take notes, so…
http://www.facebook.com/steno12 Stefano Druetta
no, seriously, is there anybody out there who states he’s a photographer just coz he’s taking picture with instamatic?
you must be kidding.
looks like there’s people stating they’re photographers just coz they own a camera!
oh well..
now i’m not joking, don’t be silly, don’t complain about the medium, but the subject, the language, the stories told with the medium. otherwise you’re just another bunch of blind camera [and blog] owners who watch the finger instead of the moon.
if you have the abilities to create some real pictures using an iphone, then hell yeah, you should be called a photographer [if you have people buying those pictures]. but yeah, i think that if taken as a pastime activity, it can’t hurt at all!
oh, by the way: the best camera is the one you have with you, right? photography is a great way to take notes, so…
http://www.facebook.com/steno12 Stefano Druetta
no, seriously, is there anybody out there who states he’s a photographer just coz he’s taking picture with instamatic?
you must be kidding.
looks like there’s people stating they’re photographers just coz they own a camera!
oh well..
now i’m not joking, don’t be silly, don’t complain about the medium, but the subject, the language, the stories told with the medium. otherwise you’re just another bunch of blind camera [and blog] owners who watch the finger instead of the moon.
if you have the abilities to create some real pictures using an iphone, then hell yeah, you should be called a photographer [if you have people buying those pictures]. but yeah, i think that if taken as a pastime activity, it can’t hurt at all!
oh, by the way: the best camera is the one you have with you, right? photography is a great way to take notes, so…
http://twitter.com/Walker_photo Chris Walker
I think the argument of “I hate how these filters make images look better” is pretty funny to me. Well I hate how a 50 1.2 makes the DOF so shallow at 1.2. So I’m going to say “just because you have 1500 bucks for one lens that you shoot wide open all the time and makes your images look good because of the nice shallow DOF that dose not make you a photographer. It just means you have extra cash sitting around for pricy toys.”.
:)
If you dont like what other people are creating and calling their own dont look at it.
http://twitter.com/Walker_photo Chris Walker
I think the argument of “I hate how these filters make images look better” is pretty funny to me. Well I hate how a 50 1.2 makes the DOF so shallow at 1.2. So I’m going to say “just because you have 1500 bucks for one lens that you shoot wide open all the time and makes your images look good because of the nice shallow DOF that dose not make you a photographer. It just means you have extra cash sitting around for pricy toys.”.
:)
If you dont like what other people are creating and calling their own dont look at it.
http://twitter.com/Walker_photo Chris Walker
I think the argument of “I hate how these filters make images look better” is pretty funny to me. Well I hate how a 50 1.2 makes the DOF so shallow at 1.2. So I’m going to say “just because you have 1500 bucks for one lens that you shoot wide open all the time and makes your images look good because of the nice shallow DOF that dose not make you a photographer. It just means you have extra cash sitting around for pricy toys.”.
:)
If you dont like what other people are creating and calling their own dont look at it.
http://twitter.com/Walker_photo Chris Walker
BTW I have instagram images on my site. Hate if you want to. http://www.cwalkerphotography.com
http://twitter.com/Walker_photo Chris Walker
BTW I have instagram images on my site. Hate if you want to. http://www.cwalkerphotography.com
http://twitter.com/Walker_photo Chris Walker
BTW I have instagram images on my site. Hate if you want to. http://www.cwalkerphotography.com

[Discussion] Yes, I think Hipstamatic and Instagram are Bullshit but then again… I’m a photographer.

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