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.
 |
| Waiting for the A train... |
 |
| No laws yet in Delhi with regards to driving and texting. |
 |
| It tends to be the older generation that actually talk with their phones. |
 |
| What will this boy will be using when he's his Dad's age? |
 |
| Like father, like son. |
 |
| No hope in striking up a conversation while commuting! |
 |
| Facebook (no 'likes') and a pint! |
 |
| Although mostly older models, smartphones and data have arrived in Cuba. |
 |
| Not a smartphone, but an old cell phone. Colombo, Sri Lanka |
 |
| Smartphone Art |
What strange creatures we are. Great variety of people capturing various cultures, sexes and age. Interesting how the older lady talks on the phone while being aware of her surrounding while most younger people are oblivious of what’s around them. I like your last photo choice as your subject just might be doing as you are. CLICK ! Got your picture! ;p
ReplyDeleteYes that's what it appears, and why I put it as the last photo. However, I doubt she was clicking a photo of me (an old dude) she was like that for a good 5 minutes before and after I left.
Delete3 hours a day is too too much. Great series of portraits of our modern times....
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, but so sad. I actually don't have a cell phone, and as a 50-something single woman, it's become harder than ever to meet someone - for friendship or for romance! When I first moved to this part of town, it was for the coffee shops that lined the strip (and the like), where I entered and someone inevitably called my name. Chats over a cuppa just don't happen anymore :-(
ReplyDelete