Many people love the camera of the iPhone, and for a good reason – it takes amazing photos regardless of the model. Apple’s iPhones have powerful cameras, and the winners of this year’s iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS) prove it.

Heroe, shot on iPhone 12 Pro by Ivan Silva

Soy Sauce Village, shot on iPhone 12 Pro Max by Thea Mihu

Sasa Borozan from Bosnia and Herzegovina wins the Second Place prize with his captivating image “Taming Waves,” taken with an iPhone 13 Pro. The Third Place Photographer of the Year Award goes to Derek Hager from the United States for his photo, “Tucson Morning,” captured with an iPhone X.

A photographer has taken to Reddit to ask if they did the right thing deleting their cousin’s wedding photos after their relative refused to pay.

A Reddit user by the name of MostFitBobo explains that they are a “semi-professional” photographer and was hired for their cousin’s wedding in December 2022 who apparently agreed to pay $1,000 for their photo services.

According to the photographer, their agreement was that they would be paid in full before sending the pictures. After editing the photos, the cousin allegedly didn’t want to pay in full, preferring to set up a payment plan over eight months instead. The photographer tells their cousin that’s fine on the proviso that the photos won’t be delivered until it is paid in full.

“It’s not that I don’t trust her but once you start opening such doors you’ll find it hard to close,” writes the photographer.

“February rolls in and she asks to at least see ‘samples’ to confirm that they were worth the price. I sent four pictures and she says she’ll show them to her husband and get back to me.

“Cue silence for a week or two until I asked for an update and she responded saying she’s still discussing it with him. I told her this was getting long and she must just start paying now and she ignored me again.”

Family Problems

u/MostFitBobo goes on to explain they saved the photos on a roommate’s flash drive but just recently the roommate needed to use the flash drive and asked if he could delete all of the files from it — including his cousin’s wedding photos.

“I saw [sic] fine and he deleted them. I still had about 20 of the photos saved on my phone from when I was choosing/sending the samples so I just explained the situation in a message to her and sent the existing photos free of charge,” writes the photographer.

Unsurprisingly this did not go down well with the photographer’s cousin who is now “slandering” the photographer online.

“It’s quite literally created a division between our families and to the point that our mums don’t talk now,” the photographer explains.

“I obviously feel bad but also feel like given the circumstances, I wasn’t really in the wrong though still acknowledge that it’s obviously very s**tty for her that I would’ve wished to avoid.”

The photographer posted their story into the r/AmItheA**hole subreddit and most Redditors seemed to agree that MostFitBobo was not in the wrong.

“Your cousin contracted you for a service, with payment agreed. She failed to pay,” writes one user.

However, it seems there was no physical contract which wedding expert and editor of Hitched Zoe Burke tells Newsweek is “essential for couples and vendors as they protect both parties should something not go to plan.”

Last week, PetaPixel reported on another viral Reddit post where a photographer demanded $1,000 to be trained in the art of horse photography.

Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.

Is your photography evolving or stagnating? Often this is a difficult and personal question. But it is one worth discussing, I believe.

Photography is an art form that allows us to capture moments, emotions and stories through a lens. As photographers, we strive to improve our skills and create images that resonate with both ourselves and our audience. However, amid the journey of mastering our craft, we often find ourselves at crossroads, wondering if our photography is evolving or stagnating. Let’s explore the signs of growth and stagnation, the challenges photographers face, and how to perhaps reignite the flame of creativity to keep evolving.

The stagnation paradox

Photography is a constantly evolving medium with technological advancements, trends and shifting creative landscapes. Stagnation can occur without warning, leaving us stuck in a rut of repetitiveness. If you find yourself taking the same shots repeatedly or avoiding experimentation, this may be a sign of stagnation. This can be caused by fear of failure, limited exposure to new ideas or becoming way too comfortable with a particular style or technique.

Signs of evolving photography

• Experimentation: Evolving photographers embrace the spirit of experimentation. They eagerly try new techniques, compositions and subject matters to challenge themselves creatively.
• Learning and growth: An evolving photographer continuously seeks opportunities to learn, whether through workshops, courses or studying the works of other artists. They are open to constructive criticism and use it as a stepping stone for improvement.
• Breaking boundaries: Evolving photographers push the boundaries of their comfort zones. They venture into uncharted territories, allowing their curiosity to drive them toward new possibilities.
• Storytelling: An evolving photographer uses their craft to convey emotions, stories and messages. They strive to connect with their audience on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impact with their images.

The challenges of evolution

As with any journey of growth, evolving in photography is not without its challenges.

• Self-doubt: The fear of failure and self-doubt can hinder progress. Overcoming these barriers requires resilience and a belief in one’s abilities.
• Comparison trap: In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our work to others. Remember, each photographer’s journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others may stifle your creativity.
• Time constraints: Life’s demands can limit the time and energy available for photography. It’s essential to find a balance between responsibilities and nurturing your passion.
• Creative block: Every artist experiences creative blocks. During these periods, it’s essential to step back, recharge, and seek inspiration from various sources.
• Burnout: I believe this really can be true. I was facing this same problem after the worst of the pandemic was over. I worked like crazy and tried to squeeze in as much time as I could. But by the end of last year, I found myself stuck in a rut with a lack of creativity.

Is evolution necessary?

Evolution is a fundamental process that drives growth and adaptation in all aspects of life, including photography. While not perhaps necessary, I honestly believe embracing evolution is essential for personal and artistic development. By continuously seeking new perspectives, experimenting with techniques and learning from experiences, photographers can expand their skills and create more meaningful and impactful work. Evolution allows artists to remain relevant, stay ahead of changing trends, and connect with diverse audiences. It fosters creativity and enables photographers to break free from stagnation, ultimately enriching their artistic journey and leaving a lasting impression through their evolving artistry.

Reigniting the flame of creativity

If you find yourself in a state of stagnation, don’t panic; there are ways to reignite the flame of creativity and push your photography to new heights.

• Seek inspiration: Explore the works of photographers from different genres and eras. Draw inspiration from various art forms like painting, literature, or music. Take a class or a workshop, learn something new.
• Join a community: Engaging with a photography community, whether online or in-person, can offer invaluable feedback and motivation. Collaborate with fellow artists and participate in challenges to stimulate your creativity.
• Set goals: Establish realistic goals for yourself. They could be as simple as photographing a new location, learning a specific technique, or capturing a unique event. Also set a realistic time schedule, once a month or once a week, whatever fits in your budget and schedule.
• Embrace failure: Failure is a stepping stone to growth. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; instead, learn from them and use them as opportunities to improve.
• Document personal growth: Keep a visual diary of your photographic journey. Look back at your early work to see how far you’ve come and celebrate your progress.

My personal journey

My own journey has evolved, especially in the last six or seven years. I got my first DSLR in 2014 and had to learn photography all over again. I started capturing portraits for my digital art. Now my photography has taken on its own voice and I find myself making little digital art. I used to work on long and complex series taking months, even years to complete (The Dapper Rabbit, The Tarot), and now I work mostly on a single theme.

I have shared images from some old work to explore where I have come from and look toward where I am now heading. The point is I guess evolving can be difficult, but also a wonderful experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new techniques or indeed occasionally fail. We learn from experience.

Final thoughts

The journey of a photographer is a perpetual evolution, filled with ups and downs, challenges, and rewards. The key to continued growth lies in being open to change, embracing experimentation, and pushing your creative boundaries. Remember every photographer’s path is unique, and it’s essential to focus on your progress rather than comparing yourself to others. With dedication, passion, and a thirst for learning, your photography will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and your artistry will shine through the lens.