From stunning city landscapes to misty mountains, these are the sort of photographs you might expect to have been taken with a top-of-the-range camera – but they were actually all taken on smartphones.
Below is a selection of some of the best images and winning entries from the Mobile Photography Awards 2024.
The UK-based competition was launched this year by the British Photography Awards, in partnership with Samsung.
Photographs could be taken on any mobile device, with judges looking at six categories including: Portrait, Pet, Night Scenes, Zoom Photos, Landscapes and Food & Drink.
BPA Awards Director & Photographer, Hugo Donnithorne-Tait, said: ‘As photography continues to develop as a medium, it is clear that the way people take and enjoy photos is changing too.
‘More and more photographs today are being captured only because people have a top camera in their pocket when they need it. This means so many more of life’s moments are being documented.
‘We are so proud to be able to launch this Mobile Photography Awards. Samsung have a fantastic history of innovation and pioneering new imaging technologies, so who better to co-host this new kind of photography competition?
‘Being able to award fantastic Galaxy S24 Ultras to the winners of the competition – and host Mobile workshops means we can continue to transform people’s photography and keep developing our craft alongside this amazing new technology.’
In the cloud-kissed realm of Santorini, where the Aegean Sea whispers tales of ancient civilizations, modern technology offers a new perspective on timeless beauty. Photographers and videographers yearn to capture the island’s awe-inspiring vistas from the sky. Yet, before the drones ascend, knowing Santorini’s specific drone regulations is paramount to transforming those dreams into stunning visuals without a run-in with the law.
Firstly, let us confront the forbidden: Santorini’s National Park, its archaeological treasures, military infrastructures, and sensitive ecological areas stand as no-fly sanctuaries, wherein drones dare not venture. Navigate these skies, and one risks more than just a slap on the wrist.
Securing a permit from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (a href=”http://www.hcaa.gr”>website) is your golden ticket to the skies. However, this isn’t a last-minute affair; you must plan your quest for authorization at least 8 days prior to takeoff. Cloaked in legality, drones must dance at a respectful distance—a 150-meter berth from civilians and private property, never soaring above 50 meters. A realm where every aerial shot for personal use only and the drone must remain within the pilot’s line of sight, as if tethered by an invisible string.
Moreover, drones face a twilight ban, becoming grounded as day collapses into the dusky embrace of night. Harsh weather conditions also play the fierce gatekeeper, barring any flight attempts during their reign.
Acquiring the necessary blessings from the GCAA may seem a herculean task, but fear not. Operators must submit the intent of their aerial odyssey, the craft’s make, and its flight path, along with proof of insurance. Local air traffic control might demand their say, alongside nods of approval from police authorities. Only upon appeasing these stakeholders will the drone gods grant you flight clearance for your Santorini saga.
Exploring the no-fly zones of Santorini is like deciphering an ancient map. The realm around the International Airport, populous centers, and military complexes are marked with invisible barriers. Ignore these, and one risks the ire of hefty fines or worse. The Civil Aviation Authority has even decreed an aerial curfew between 7:00 PM and 11:00 AM. Yes, in Santorini, even drones must adhere to bedtime rules.
Navigating the urban skies of Santorini calls for a blend of artistry and meticulous planning. The close quarters of edifices and spectators magnify the risk of calamity. Nighttime operations are shrouded in added complexity, with darkness compounding the potential for aerial misfortune.
In summary, Santorini’s skies are not the wild blue yonder drones might hope for. It is a tapestry of rules and regulations, potential risks, and precautionary tales. To venture into this Labyrinth of the Skies with your mechanical Icarus without getting singed by the sun, arm yourself with knowledge, caution, and respect for rules both human and natural.
Fly right, and the storied views of Santorini will unfold beneath your drone, rewarding you with visuals that echo through the ages. Fly awry, and face the modern-day Minotaur of legal consequences. Your tale of aerial exploits in the Aegean awaits—will it be one of triumph or a cautionary footnote? The choice is yours.
Marcin Frąckiewicz is a renowned author and blogger, specializing in satellite communication and artificial intelligence. His insightful articles delve into the intricacies of these fields, offering readers a deep understanding of complex technological concepts. His work is known for its clarity and thoroughness.
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Trainers, a new AR+ system seems to have been added in the most recent datamine, called ‘Iris’. After the removal of Shared AR in recent months the AR community were feeling rather neglected, but it appears a potential major overhaul may be on the horizon!
It appears that the update relates to the AR Buddy System, and may potentially not only bring back the shared AR experience, but stickers, new animations and more!
💡 Disclaimer – Everything in this article is data mined, and therefore subject to change, or not even being released at all. Information referenced in this article is made publicly available by a group of data miners called PokéMiners. Our article includes some of our own commentary from experience. Data mining is, and never will be, something Niantic or the Pokémon Company endorses.
The first group of assets seem to related to the new ‘Iris’ tutorial, teaching us how to use this new mode.
The final asset is labelled as ‘rotation toy’, and appears to be a new way to interact with your Buddy to rotate their positioning. It can be seen in the ‘rotate’ graphic shown above in the tutorial graphics.
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+ template_id: "MAIN_MENU_CAMERA_BUTTON_SETTINGS"
+ data {
+ template_id: "MAIN_MENU_CAMERA_BUTTON_SETTINGS"
+ ob_game_master_settings_4 {
+ }
+ }
+ }
It appears that a new camera menu is in the settings. Some trainers have reported seeing a camera button at the bottom of the main menu, as shown in the screenshot below from fellow writer phrixu.
Clicking on the camera button takes you to your Pokémon box, and when you select a Pokémon it opens up into AR mode. It works for both standard, and AR+ mode.
You can use stickers to decorate the pictures you take. Have fun and share your photos with others. You never know what you’ll find! You can call a Pokémon back into its Pokéball by tapping the recall button. Your Pokémon will then be ready to move to a new location. Find a flat surface and either tap the footprints or drag the Pokémon from the selection menu to place it. You can take up to 3 Pokémon out of their Pokéball and take photos together! You may even encounter other Pokémon while there! Use the group photo mode to take a perfect shot of your Pokémon! Or try playing with your Pokémon to see their different moods. Tap the rotate button to start using the toy. Moving the toy around your Pokémon is sure to get its attention! Connect to the Pokéstop Area by scanning the location first to view and interact with the Pokémon there. Unless removed, your Pokémon will stay here for up to 48hrs until they get tired and return to you. While they’re away, they may greet other trainers and Pokémon! Decorate and share your photos! Reposition your Pokémon Position your Pokémon Take photos of your Pokémon with others! Take a group photo Rotate your Pokémon Connect to Pokéstop Areas! Your Pokémon will stay and play!
These texts related to the new ‘Iris’ motion. It appears in this new mode you will be able to take photos of multiple Pokémon at once, play with your Pokémon, use toys to interact with your Pokémon, create stickers, and more!
The new ‘Iris’ mode looks to be a major overhaul of the AR+ Buddy system, something AR photographers have been asking for for years. We know we are a more niche group, but seeing the reactions on twitter, I can firmly say we are hyped!
