Let me say first of all that I'm like almost everyone else in this brave new world. I was shocked the other day to see the 'time usage' graph that popped up on my iPhone when it said my daily average screen time use was over 3 hours. Ok - I thought... time to withdraw a bit from this device that has become so much a part of our daily lives.
As a photographer though, phones are now just as good as expensive cameras. The plus side for me is that, unlike a camera, you can take some great shots, especially of people, way more incognito. I could be texting or playing a game, like everyone else, but many times I'm really taking a few snaps (the lower angle is cool). I like that aspect especially when walking the streets of a city or travelling in some far away country. Everyone has a phone (camera) and no one bats an eye when you take yours out.
Yet, it still makes me think how crazy it has become. Whilst riding a subway train, or in a cafe, or basically anywhere, everyone is glued to their smartphones. As well, most have their headphones in their ears, shutting out both auditory and visual contact with everyone else in their surroundings. The old flip cell phones of twenty years ago, with their grey screens and a-b-c texting, seem quaint now. No doubt, in twenty years from now, people will think how funny it was when everyone was walking around with those "big smartphones". Add another twenty years before it becomes nostalgic. Here are some photos I have taken in an ongoing series of people with their smartphones, all taken of course, with a smartphone.
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| Waiting for the A train... |
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| No laws yet in Delhi with regards to driving and texting. |
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| It tends to be the older generation that actually talk with their phones. |
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| What will this boy will be using when he's his Dad's age? |
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| Like father, like son. |
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| No hope in striking up a conversation while commuting! |
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| Facebook (no 'likes') and a pint! |
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| Although mostly older models, smartphones and data have arrived in Cuba. |
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| Not a smartphone, but an old cell phone. Colombo, Sri Lanka |
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| Smartphone Art |
