Irv ‘Snapshot’ Pantin Celebrates 42 Years in Hip Hop Photography with Documentary Screening and Digital Photo Exhibition

Irv ‘Snapshot’ Pantin Celebrates 42 Years in Hip Hop Photography with Documentary Screening and Digital Photo Exhibition
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Celebrating 42 Years with Irv “Snapshot” Pantin Hip Hop Photographer

**Join us for an exclusive private screening showcasing Irv ‘Snapshot’ Pantin’s work, honoring his career capturing the energy and emotion of Hip Hop culture.**

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA , June 29, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Since the beginning of his career, Irv “Snapshot” Pantin has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for photography, capturing the essence of Hip Hop culture with unmatched skill and passion. His work is renowned for its vivid portrayal of the vibrant energy and raw emotion that define the Hip Hop scene.

“Irv’s photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling a story,” said Queen Jacene, the curator of Celebrating 42 Years of Hip Hop Photography, Private Screening of Irv “Snapshot” Pantin Documentary and Digital Photo Exhibition. “He has an incredible gift for seeing beyond the surface and bringing out the true essence of his subjects. This celebration is a tribute to his dedication and the impact his work has had on the Hip Hop community and beyond.”

The event will feature a curated exhibition of Irv’s most iconic photographs, highlighting the diverse range of his work from intimate portraits of Hip Hop legends to electrifying concert shots. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Irv, hear about his experiences, and gain insights into the creative process behind his stunning images.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, sounds will be provided by the Legendary Original DJ Kaos, ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with the rhythms and beats that have defined Hip Hop over the decades.

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary career of a photographer who has not only documented the evolution of Hip Hop but has also inspired countless others through his art. The private screening promises to be an unforgettable experience for photography enthusiasts and admirers of Irv’s work.

**Event Details:**

**Date:** Saturday, June 29, 2024

*Time:** 8:00 PM

**Location:** Kingston Pub, 100 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY.

For more information about the event please contact Events@VisitMDM.Com

**About Irving “Snapshot” Pantin**

Since the early 80s, Irv “Snapshot” Pantin has captured the essence of Hip Hop, photographing legends like Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, Run DMC, and Whodini. As a key contributor to Rushtown Magazine, Irv’s passion for old school Hip Hop is evident. Irv was voted Best Photographer Of The Year in 2012 with Team Fearless. Notably, he photographed Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs’ early career and iconic events like “The Christmas Extravaganza” and the original “Fresh Fest,” now known as “Summer Jam.” Through his lens, Irv has preserved the history of Hip Hop, immortalizing its pioneers.| @irvingpantin

**About Queen Jacene**

Queen Jacene is an accomplished curator and the 2019 winner as Best Stage Producer for a One-Woman, Broadway Comedy Show with United Solo at Theatre Row. She is also a well-known voice personality on 107.5 WBLS Roots NYC Live alongside Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge. Queen Jacene has collaborated with DJ Marley Marl on Power 105.1’s Future Flavas show and is the manager of D/R Period, a top charting multi-platinum music producer known for his work with artists such as M.O.P., Jay-Z, Drake, Cam’ron, and Queen Latifah. Her extensive experience includes curating numerous festivals, parades, expos and showcases, making her a prominent figure in the event and entertainment industry. | @queenjacene

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Question of the Week: What camera did you start your photography journey with?

Question of the Week: What camera did you start your photography journey with?

Radiant Photo – Radiant Photo superior quality finished photos with perfect color rendition, delivered in record time. Your photos — simply RADIANT. The way they are meant to be.

Mylio Photos – Access your photos from anywhere, without the cloud! Easily showcase your photos on-the-go, resolve duplicates, find faces and look for those stunning locations.

B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work.

MPB – Grab used but perfectly working cameras and lenses for less, or turn your old gear into cash by trading and selling them on MPB!

How a real picture won an AI photography competition

How a real picture won an AI photography competition

CNN’s Julia Chatterley speaks with artist Miles Astray, who won an AI photography contest with a real picture of a flamingo. He placed third and received the People’s Choice Award at the 1839 Awards. When the judges found out the photo was real, he was subsequently disqualified.

Star photographer Vicky Roy’s tips for building skills with limited resources

Star photographer Vicky Roy’s tips for building skills with limited resources

Vicky Roy’s journey from a struggling ragpicker in the bustling streets of Delhi to an internationally acclaimed documentary photographer reads like a movie script. Originally from Purulia in West Bengal, Roy’s early life was marked by extreme poverty.

His father, a tailor, earned a meagre daily income of Rs 10-15, making it difficult to support his large family of seven children. Seeking a better future, Roy was sent to live with his maternal grandparents who were more financially stable.

But at the age of 11, full of dreams of a “rich” life fuelled by movies showing the glitz and glamour of big cities, Roy ran away from home and boarded a train to Delhi. Upon reaching the crowded city, his dreams were harshly sidelined and he joined a band of ragpickers, depending on food stolen from trains.

After experiencing the harsh realities of life on the streets and the constant dangers, Roy moved on to work at a Dhaba near New Delhi’s Ajmeri Gate. His life took a turn for the better when a customer directed him to the Salaam Baalak Trust, where he found a safe haven and opportunities for personal growth.

This was where he encountered a supportive environment and started vocational training in photography, and the decision set the stage for Roy’s future success. After leaving the Trust at 18, he secured a job as a photo assistant and things started to take off.

It wasn’t easy though. He had to take out a loan to buy his first camera. But things changed after his first exhibition in Delhi in 2007.

He started winning competitions and made his way to New York for six months, dined with Prince Edward at the Buckingham Palace in London, went with National Geographic to Sri Lanka, and so on till his name was up on Forbes India and Vogue’s lists.

Photograph by Vicky Roy

Vicky Roy’s is the ultimate rags-to-riches story, and it was incredible to get his insights on how photography aspirants who may not have a big budget can still make it big in the industry. Here’s what we learned.

UTILISE AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Thanks to smartphones and online resources, photography has become far more accessible today than it had been a couple of decades ago.

“It is more accessible today since everyone has a phone camera, but it’s still an expensive field,” says Roy.

“Beyond getting a camera, you need various lenses, a laptop, and hard drives, which can add up quickly. It’s like a game; once you start, people expect you to earn from it. If your work is good, opportunities will come. You can buy second-hand equipment or seek help from others,” he adds.

For those starting out, he recommends watching tutorials on YouTube, enrolling in affordable or free online courses, and participating in community workshops.

“The key is to keep practising and experimenting with different styles and techniques to find your unique photography voice,” Roy advises budding photographers.

SEEK MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT

If you are starting from scratch, it would be difficult to understand which paths to take if there’s no one to guide you.

“Mentors are crucial in every field. Finding one can be challenging, but many photography institutes offer mentorship programmes,” Roy asserts.

He advises attending exhibitions and art gallery talks to come across more people in the field who can be a mentor and provide support.

He also notes the immense value of resources such as libraries and photography books. “For example, the GP Pro camera store in Lajpat Nagar (Delhi) has a library setup where anyone can access photography books,” he says.

Photograph by Vicky Roy

START WITH BASIC EQUIPMENT

Contrary to popular belief, Roy believes that high-end equipment is not a prerequisite for success, which can come as a big relief for those starting off at a low budget or none.

“You don’t always need premium equipment and exotic locations. What matters is your perspective and what you want to show. Filmmakers and photographers need a clear vision and compelling subjects,” he says.

Thus, your vision is more important than your equipment. The camera is important, but everything else can be arranged later.

“You can collaborate with others and borrow equipment if needed. It’s okay to ask for help,” Roy adds.

He encourages beginners to start with whatever camera they have, even if it’s just a smartphone, and to gradually invest in better equipment as they start earning from their work.

“Building a base and investing more once you start earning from it is the best way to go about it,” he advises.

BUILDING RECOGNITION AND CONTACTS

For photographers seeking recognition, Roy suggests participating in photography competitions, exhibitions, and workshops. “But be on a lookout for them actively,” he says.

Social media also plays a crucial role in showcasing one’s work. “Good photography is essential in many areas, from wedding photography to online sales,” he points out, highlighting the wide-ranging demand for quality photographs.

COLLABORATION AND PRACTICE

Vicky Roy encourages collaboration and continuous practice as key elements for advancing in photography.

“It really depends on what the photographer wants to achieve,” he says.

“If they’re aiming for commercial work, they should focus on that. Collaborating with others, such as teaming up with a writer, can add depth to their work and help them grow,” he adds.

The surge in AI-generated images is said to be putting a dent in the livelihoods of artists, photographers and other creative field personnel. But Vicky Roy doesn’t seem to be worried.

“New technology makes things easier. AI will definitely not end photography but will simplify tasks, like enhancing images with filters in one step,” he says.

LEARNING FROM THE NEXT GENERATION

Interacting with children during workshops has profoundly impacted Roy’s perspective.

“Children have a unique way of thinking and often teach me more than I expect,” he shares.

His experience at Satya School’s #BeyondtheObvious workshop revealed the valuable insights children can offer, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and learning from every interaction.

Vicky Roy at the Satya School workshop

Integrating arts into education can have a massive transformative potential on students, he notes.

Exposure to various art forms, including photography, helps students discover their strengths and passions early on. This early identification can reduce the struggle many face later in life when trying to find their path.

Roy believes that artistic activities foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, essential for personal and professional growth.

But isn’t the creative spark something one is born with? How can one develop the eye for a good image?

“Practice. Just practice more and more.”

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Vicky Roy’s story is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the transformative power of art. His journey from the streets to international acclaim shows that no matter where you come from, with determination, creativity, and the right support, anything is possible.

Published By:

Roshni

Published On:

Jun 29, 2024

What is the Sepia Bride TikTok drama? Netizens weigh in on wedding photographer fracas

What is the Sepia Bride TikTok drama? Netizens weigh in on wedding photographer fracas

A recent TikTok drama called ‘Sepia Bride’ has taken over the platform, where a bride complained about her wedding photographer. Alexandra Jaye Conder who goes by @alexandrajaye5 on TikTok posted several videos, claiming the person she hired for the job did not meet the desired results.

Alexandra expressed the photos from her wedding day came out too orange and yellowish rather than reflecting a more natural tone. A visit to the photographer, Han’s Instagram portfolio shows she has a particular style that lies in warm yellow tones. It can also be compared to a low-contrast version of the widely known orange and teal color grading by Sam Kolder.

The bride admitted she liked the photos from her rehearsal dinner the previous sunny day and the photos from the night of her wedding reception. However, when the actual wedding took place, there was an overcast. The cloudy and dull weather with the lack of natural light affected the warm tone-leaning editing style of the photographer which ultimately disappointed Alexandra.

Han re-edited the photos but Alexandra wasn’t too pleased with the second outcomes either. So, she asked the photographer for the RAW files, but Han wanted $4k for them.

Alexandra referred to the style of her wedding photos as sepia, leading TikTok to address this drama as ‘Sepia Bride’. It reached other platforms including Threads and Reddit, prompting myriad reactions from netizens.

User Puzzleheaded-Bid-963 summarized the story in the r/photography sub-Reddit, where many shared their thoughts on the matter, mostly speaking in support of the photographer.

Netizens react to Alexandra's Sepia Bride drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)Netizens react to Alexandra's Sepia Bride drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/97796-17196610034470-1920.jpg 1920w”>
Netizens react to Alexandra’s Sepia Bride drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)
Netizens react to Alexandra's Sepia Bride over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)Netizens react to Alexandra's Sepia Bride over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/a02ee-17196611281290-1920.jpg 1920w”>
Netizens react to Alexandra’s Sepia Bride over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)
Netizens react to Alexandra's Sepia Bride drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)Netizens react to Alexandra's Sepia Bride drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ee7d3-17196611532607-1920.jpg 1920w”>
Netizens react to Alexandra’s Sepia Bride drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)

However, some people tried to look at the situation from the bride’s perspective and sympathized with her to an extent. But a few others responded by defending the photographer.

Netizens react to Alexandra's TikTok drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)Netizens react to Alexandra's TikTok drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c9c50-17196610952558-1920.jpg 1920w”>
Netizens react to Alexandra’s TikTok drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)
Internet reacts to Alexandra's TikTok drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)Internet reacts to Alexandra's TikTok drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/d8c5a-17196610398236-1920.jpg 1920w”>
Internet reacts to Alexandra’s TikTok drama over wedding photographs. (Image via Reddit/r/photography)

OP says miscommunications prompted Sepia Bride situation

Alexandra complained that the photos taken on the previous day and the night of her wedding had a consistent color grading. But that same style somehow looked horrendous on the photos clicked during the day of the wedding.

It is uncertain whether the photographer edited each photo individually or the results were from a batch edit using a preset. Some professional photographers shared their views on TikTok and pointed out that the background and the lighting play a significant role in the final results. However, that can always be adjusted by some re-edits or retouching.

In an email shared with an outlet, Alexandra said:

“I sent the photographer multiple Pinterest galleries for the vibes I was looking for. Ultimately now I’m realizing that there was miscommunication between the 2 of us with the reasons of the Pinterest board.”

She claimed she liked Han’s style and editing after booking her for the wedding photography. However, Alexandra added:

“I just found that a lot of the special moments in my gallery did not live up to the expectations of her work. I had yellow-looking teeth, red streaks in my hair, extremely harsh shadows and she made the greenery look super brown & dead looking. I was not expecting that, due to what I saw on her social media. No person on her feed looked like (in my opinion) to have red streaks, yellow teeth, huge shadows under their eyes along…”

Alexandra further clarified:

“She’s a really great photographer, no discredit to that. The editing is what I wasn’t happy about on certain images.”

As Alexandra’s Sepia Bride drama went viral on other platforms, she posted a concluding message and wrote:

“Thank you to everyone who listened to my experience & my story. I will no longer be sharing more on this issue as i need to move on with my life. If the photographer ends up sharing her story on the matter, i will comment. But as of now, im going to try to re do my wedding portraits & close this off…”

Han, the photographer has not responded to the Sepia Bride drama yet.

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Inside Out | George Gamble: Photographer, arsonist, grifter

Inside Out | George Gamble: Photographer, arsonist, grifter
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On April 10, 1898, four days after the death of his infant son, George Robert Gamble’s Urbana photograph gallery on West Main Street caught fire.

The cause of the fire was reported in The Courier as “starting from an explosion of chemicals, supposedly.”

Insurance paid $1,700 to Gamble, which he said would not begin to cover the loss.

In June of the same year, Grant M. Robeson woke in the middle of the night to the sight of a “partially dressed” man with dark hair and a mustache feeding the flames of a fire with oil on the wooden steps of another of Gamble’s studios at 105 W. Park Ave., Champaign.

This was the third time this particular building was set on fire.

Gamble was involved in at least half a dozen court cases in Champaign County.

One involved two other local photographers, Arthur W. Abernathy and Frank W. Stafford, with whom he had been in business as the Gamble Art Co.

The three businessmen verbally agreed in October 1897 that Gamble would lease the property on West Park to the latter two and retire from the photography business for five years.

In writing, however, Gamble provided no such non-compete agreement.

Gamble insisted the papers did not need to be reviewed by an attorney.

Abernathy and Stafford signed the contract without reading it thoroughly, trusting Gamble at his word.

Gamble then opened a studio on Main Street in Urbana, and, in September 1898, his former partners brought him to court for breach of contract.

After leaving Illinois and starting a string of blazes across Colorado, Gamble was finally convicted of setting fire to his flour mill in Zanesfield, Ohio, in 1906.

According to the Union County Journal on Aug. 6, 1908, “the jury had recommended that a light sentence be imposed upon him because of his age,” which was 65 at the time.

The paper also reported that his wife and son in California stated they would never speak to him again and did not wish to see him.

After an exhaustive search of his history, Ohio State Fire Marshal D. S. Cramer found that Gamble was to blame for 16 fires, eight of which happened in Champaign County — six in Champaign, two in Urbana and two in nearby Tuscola.

Gamble worked his scheme across the country, moving to a new town, buying property, insuring said property for multiple times its value and setting it on fire to collect the insurance money.

He left Champaign County with an “unsavory reputation,” according to the Courier in 1908.

The Inter-Ocean in Chicago compared Gamble to another famous arsonist in Ohio, George Letcher, who followed a similar path of lighting his properties on fire to collect the insurance money.

Letcher was part of a ring of arsonists operating between 1874 and 1902 in northwestern Ohio, southern Michigan and eastern Indiana.

Gamble went to prison for two years.

He was discharged on Oct. 10, 1910, and sent a letter to the Champaign Daily Gazette, which published the news of his release on May 23, 1915.

To see advertisements, newspaper articles and photographs associated with George R. Gamble and other local photographers, please visit the Champaign County Historical Archives during open hours, or contact us at archives@urbanafree.org or 217-367-4025.

‘It’s the quagmire of teenage existence – vulnerability with confidence’: Denise Marcotte’s best phone picture

‘It’s the quagmire of teenage existence – vulnerability with confidence’: Denise Marcotte’s best phone picture
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In the late 80s and early 90s, Denise Marcotte had a project photographing teens in their bedrooms. Decades later, with a teenage son of her own, the Massachusetts-based photographer decided to revisit the subject. Back then she used a Fujica 6×9 film camera with a tripod; this time she used an iPhone.

“There is nothing that makes a teenager feel more comfortable than an iPhone,” Marcotte says. “So using one brings me a sense of freedom on many levels: technically, artistically and in my connection to my young subjects.”

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The girl in this photo is Arianna, a then 17-year-old friend of Marcotte’s son, Taro. “I’m always hoping for a fun, creative room that expresses individuality, and for my subject to allow me to capture their personality,” Marcotte says. “I like to find a bridge between the objects in the room and the teen’s emotions. Here, Arianna is expressing that very quagmire of teenage existence: vulnerability with confidence.”

While fashion has moved on over the last 30 years, there has been surprisingly little change in how teenagers decorate their rooms, Marcotte says. “There are some posters of musicians that are the same. The Beatles have lasting power all right!”

She also notes how special it is to be making images of transgender and gay teens this time, a theme reflected in other photos in the series. “To be photographing teens in a time when they are changing the conversation and acceptance of gender; that’s amazing.”

I strapped over $500 worth of smartphone lenses onto my Google Pixel for a week

I strapped over $500 worth of smartphone lenses onto my Google Pixel for a week

You don’t need the latest and most expensive camera gear to capture great photos and videos. Smartphone photography is growing in popularity. I’ve dabbled in it myself, especially since I got my Google Pixel 7 Pro which has an excellent camera. But if you’re feeling underwhelmed by your smartphone’s camera or don’t have one of the best camera phones, don’t worry: Moment lenses are here for you.

Moment offers a wide range of lenses to choose from, whether you want a macro lens to get stuck in the detail or a fisheye lens for creative purposes. Its lenses boast awesome optical quality, premium build and construction, and the best part? All you have to do is twist them on to lock them into place. I tested four Moment lenses and while they’re great overall, each has a couple of drawbacks worth mentioning.

Are these some of the best iPhone lenses around? Read my Moment lenses review for the full breakdown.

Moment smartphone lenses review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Specs Tele 58mm Wide 18mm Macro 10x Fisheye 14mm
Price $150 $140 $140 $130
Size (diameter x depth) 1.92 x 1.31 inches 1.92 x 1.12 inches 2.24 x 1.31 inches (with hood) 1.57 x 1.05 inches
Weight 4.1 ounces 2.51 ounces 1.42 ounces (with hood) 2.22 ounces
Viewing angle 48 deg 48 deg 65 deg 200 deg
Magnification ratio 2x 0.5x 10x 0.2x
Equivalent focal length 58mm 18mm 34.8mm 14mm
Minimum focus distance 12 inches (300mm) 2.75 inches (70mm) 0.6 inches (15mm) 2.75 inches (70mm)

Moment smartphone lenses review: Price & availability

Six Moment smartphone lenses sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)

I tested four T-Series Moment lenses: the Tele 58mm ($150), Wide 18mm ($140), Macro 10x ($140), and Fisheye 14mm ($130). These are a little more expensive than the Sandmarc iPhone lenses. Pictured above are also two anamorphic lenses which I’m in the process of testing.

I tested the Moment lenses mounted onto a Moment case ($50) for the Google Pixel 7 Pro, and we also mounted these onto a Moment case for the iPhone 15 Pro. You can get cases for various Pixel, iPhone, Samsung and OnePlus models.

All four lenses are also available in the M-Series variant, compatible with older phones, although the prices may slightly vary.

Moment smartphone lenses review: Design

A person holding an iPhone 15 Pro with a Moment smartphone lens attached to the phone

(Image credit: Future)

The Moment lenses are built and designed really well. They’re made with aerospace-grade material and hand-polished glass that is also used for high-end 4K film lenses. The lenses maintain a sleek look even when mounted onto your phone, and while they vary in weight, they never feel so heavy that you can’t hold your phone in one hand.

A pair of hands holding a Google Pixel 7 Pro and in the process of attaching a Moment smartphone lens to it

(Image credit: Future)

As aforementioned, you need a special Moment phone case to twist the lenses onto your phone, and a case will cost you around $50. However, you can also get a drop-in lens mount starting from as little as $5. These aren’t available for a lot of phones though. Sandmarc lenses, on the other hand, come with an included iPhone case and drop in mounts for use on multiple devices. Better value for money?

A Moment smartphone lens sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)

I was a little concerned when mounting the lenses onto my phone. The lenses sit directly on top of the built-in lens and have edged metal wings which hook around the inside of the case lens mount — they sit incredibly close to the phone’s lenses and twisting them on made me apprehensive that I was about to scratch the glass, so just be careful. You can remove the case and then twist a Moment lens on, and while that can be time consuming, you can rest assured your phone’s lenses are unscathed.

Moment smartphone lenses review: Tele 58mm lens performance

A Moment smartphone lens sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)

The Moment Tele 58mm lens is a decent performer. With a 2x magnification — same as the Sandmarc Tele 58mm lens ($129) — you get extra optical reach to get closer to subjects. The gallery below demonstrates this. The first image was shot using the Pixel’s main camera and without an additional lens, and the second image was taken with the Tele 58mm lens. The first image is zoomed further out, and it isn’t as contrasted as the second, with the trees’ greens not appearing true-to-life.

Compared to digital zoom found on smartphone lenses, optical zoom (which achieves a zoom optically using a longer lens instead of digitally by cropping) generally produces sharper images at the same magnification, demonstrated by the gallery below — the first image shot with just the Pixel’s telephoto lens zoomed to match the framing, and the second with the Moment lens fitted. The differences are minor though, with the edges of the sculpture slightly sharper in the second image.

The differences are so minor that in the two images below, there is only a little difference in contrast. The first was shot with the Pixel’s 15x zoom, and the second with the Tele 58mm lens. So does the Tele 58mm warrant its steep price tag, if there’s barely any difference? I’m not convinced, at least not with the Pixel 7 Pro.

Moment recommends the Tele 58mm lens for portraits, promising “buttery bokeh.” In the gallery below, the first image was shot using the Pixel’s main camera, and the second with the Tele 58mm lens attached. There isn’t much difference between the two shots, although the blur is slightly tighter in the Moment photo (as you would expect from a lens with a longer physical focal length, thanks to distance compression). I wouldn’t consider it “buttery” though — it’s nothing like the bokeh you’ll achieve using a proper wide aperture lens on a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Portraits taken with the Tele 58mm lens come out detailed, though, as demonstrated in the gallery below. All images were shot with the Moment lens attached to my Pixel, with the Pixel’s portrait mode enabled. I love that in the photos of the birds, you can make out their individual feathers (and the different colors on the pigeons) when you zoom in. The background is just out of focus to highlight the subjects well too.

I was very pleased with how the portraits turned out, especially the last photo (above) of my mum and brother. But overall, while I enjoyed using the Tele 58mm, it didn’t add anything new that my Pixel couldn’t already do.

Moment smartphone lenses review: Wide 18mm lens performance

A Moment smartphone lens sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)

The Moment Wide 18mm lens offers a wide angle of view to capture important details without any distortion. Since I’ve owned my Google Pixel 7 Pro, I haven’t been mightily impressed with its wide and ultra-wide capabilities, as photos have always appeared lacking in detail. The Moment lens remedies that.

The gallery above has three photos: the first was shot with the Pixel’s main camera, the second with the Pixel’s 0.5x ultra-wide zoom, and the third with the Wide 18mm lens attached. In the first shot, the greens have a low-key artificial tint, while in the second shot, the purple flowers lose a bit of their vibrancy. The third shot, though, using the Moment lens, is perfect. Colors are well-balanced and when I zoomed into the photo, I could see the details on the flowers.

Indoors, the Wide 18mm lens performs well too. The first image in the gallery above was shot with the Pixel’s ultra-wide lens zoomed out to try and match the framing of the second photo, which was shot using the Moment lens. The flowers in the vase look slightly sharper in the second shot, and the PS5 controller on the table doesn’t look as distorted. In the first shot, the controller looks a little elongated, but remains true-to-size in the second.

Moment smartphone lenses review: Macro 10x lens performance

A Moment smartphone lens sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)

Macro lenses can reveal hidden worlds in day-to-day objects and will have you looking at the world in a different light. The Moment Macro 10x lens is a small and lightweight lens that can transform your smartphone photography, especially if your phone doesn’t have a dedicated macro lens. It comes with a diffuser hood for achieving the right focus, and it’s got a minimum focus distance of 0.6 inches (15mm) but this may vary depending on the phone model. I use my Google Pixel 7 Pro’s macro mode almost daily, so I was really looking forward to testing the Moment lens.

It took me a while to get used to the latter as you need to be extremely close to the subject — almost touching it, even — so this lens can’t be used to photograph bees or insects and is better suited to still subjects. It proved a little frustrating at times as finding that sweet spot can take time as you move back and forth to put the subject in focus.

But I was impressed by the image quality the Macro 10x lens delivered. In the gallery above, the first photo was shot in the Pixel’s macro mode, and the second with the Moment lens attached to my Pixel. While both images are good, I prefer the one taken with the Moment lens. The fine details within the focal plane are highlighted by the tight blur (now that’s what we’d call “buttery”). But the Pixel really holds its own here too, even though the background isn’t as soft. The Moment lens simply produces a nicer aesthetic via an extremely thin depth of field.

A close-up shot of a yellow fake flower, taken with a Moment Macro 10x lens attached to a Google Pixel 7 Pro

Taken with the Moment Macro 10x lens attached. (Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)

The main issue with wide-angle macro lenses is that you need to be so close to your subject that all light gets blocked out — as is the case with the Sandmarc 25mm Macro lens and the Moment Macro 10x. When you’re that close to your subject, you cast a shadow on it, as can be seen in the photo of the fake petals above. You can’t tell that it was taken in broad daylight.

Moment smartphone lenses review: Fisheye 14mm lens performance

A Moment smartphone lens sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)

Given the complexity of the design and construction, fisheye lenses can be expensive, so the Moment Fisheye 14mm lens gives you the chance to experiment before committing to a pro lens for one of the best mirrorless cameras. Moment’s offering has a minimum focal length of 0.63 inches (15.88mm) and an f/1.7 aperture. It delivers wider fields of view and higher image quality than standard ultra-wide lenses on smartphones.

I had a lot of fun using the Fisheye 14mm lens and enjoyed the flair it adds to an otherwise generic image. The lens captures vibrant images that are sharp in the centre, demonstrated by the first image in the gallery above. Shot from a balcony and when zoomed into, the bricked buildings in the distance appear sharp. But naturally, due to the effects of barrel distortion, the peripheries of images are blurred, as seen in the second photo in the gallery above. This isn’t bad, though, as it can help draw attention to your subject. I also like that the Fisheye 14mm lens captured the sky and tree to provide some context to the second shot.

The first image in the gallery above also demonstrates my point about barrel distortion which is a natural part of ultra-wide angle optics. The centre of the image, again, remains sharp. It’s important to keep in mind that not every image will turn out the way you envisioned — but that’s also the fun part of a fisheye lens. The images can be a little trippy too, as seen in the second shot in the gallery above, which also shows how much of the scene this lens captures.

Moment smartphone lenses review: Verdict

A Moment smartphone lens fitted onto a Google Pixel 7 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Moment’s lenses have a lot to offer, and they can definitely take your smartphone photography to the next level, especially if you have an older phone. All four of our test lenses are built really well, thanks to the aerospace-grade material and hand-polished glass. They feel premium to hold and while some of them are weighty, they’re never too heavy, so you can comfortably hold your phone with one hand. You do need to buy either a special Moment case or a drop-in lens mount separately to twist the lenses onto. You also need to be a little careful when twisting the lenses on as they may scratch your phone’s lens.

A person holding a Google Pixel 7 Pro with a Moment lens attached

(Image credit: Future)

The image quality is great across all four lenses. While I found the Tele 58mm lens a little lacking compared to the Google Pixel 7 Pro’s — its $150 price tag didn’t help — I was pleased with the performance of the Wide 18mm, Fisheye 14mm and Macro 10x lenses. Of course, it isn’t the same as buying one of the best cameras, and you’ll never achieve the same level of detail or image quality with the limitations of a phone’s sensor and lens, but the Moment lenses still warrant a recommendation.

A perfect way to focus on fun and frame your world, Moment’s lenses give your smartphone photography a boost without the need for bulky gear.