World Record Shortlist: Through the camera phone
The photo was taken on Stephen O’Loughlin’s new SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera to demonstrate depth of field for his college project. Stephen works as a Grants Officer for the ‘Awards for All’ programme part of the Big Lottery Fund has also been getting professional photography experience working with the Birmingham Mail Newspaper.
Stephen says:
“I asked my friends George and Vic who work with me at the Big Lottery fund if they would mind if I practised using my new SLR camera on them at lunch one day so I could get some shots for college. I managed to get a few people to pop out in the end, and although, we got a few strange looks we had a laugh taking the pictures.
“Having the sharp picture quality on the mobile phone against the blurred image of George and Vic in the background was used to demonstrate depth of field, which I think is quite a striking effect. I also think it tells a great story of people in the West Midlands taking pictures of themselves to send into the Big Picture. I am very proud to be from Birmingham, I love the fast paced life and my football team; Blues!”
Artist Helen Marshall says:
“This image is clever; it’s a simple contemporary ‘through the looking glass’ style and would even work on a third level. It uses the most recent technology and notions in photography through one of the most popular mediums for photos submitted to the Big Picture; mobile phones.”
Big Picture Project Manager, Kerry Endsor, says:
“The aim of The Big Picture was to encourage as many different people from all ages and interests to get involved, to help create a detailed piece of social history that offers an insight into the lives and loves of local residents, creating a true picture of the region that will be there to enjoy for generations to come. The picture of Stephen’s is a great image that represents the rise in popularity of people taking photos on their mobiles.”
What do you say? What does the photo make you think or feel, is it your favourite? Leave your comments here:
July 23rd, 2008 at 0:11 am
I think this is an inspired piece of photography and I wish Stephen good luck.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Fantastic idea and capture, a worth winner in my opinion
p.s. That phone looks familiar!!! ;o)
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
A very talented up and coming photographer!
Well done Steve x
July 23rd, 2008 at 13:03 pm
Interesting and artistic, life through the lense’s lense.
July 23rd, 2008 at 13:04 pm
A great picture of stunning composition.
The juxtaposition of the 21st century, in terms of the cameraphone, against the 19th/20th, in terms of the red brick wall which the subjects stand in front of, is a striking contrast.
Whilst being a carefully composed picture which may have taken some time to set up, it still manages to convey the immediacy of using a mobile phone to take photographs anywhere and at any time.
July 23rd, 2008 at 13:29 pm
Wishing you the best of luck - i really like the picture (very inspired!!). It would look amazing on a large scale x
July 23rd, 2008 at 13:57 pm
A picture that Quentin Tarantino himself would be proud of!
August 2nd, 2008 at 15:27 pm
I love this picture for its sheer simplicity and creative construction.
August 17th, 2008 at 16:29 pm
this should win.
August 30th, 2008 at 18:32 pm
Well done Steve, a great image and an inspired piece of composition there.
February 16th, 2009 at 22:45 pm
brilliant