Harnessing the Power of Mobile Photography: An Interview with David Ingraham
In the vibrant world of photography, styles change, evolve, and even revolutionize how we perceive through the lens. David Ingraham, one of the most prominent Instagrammers in Los Angeles, has paved a unique path with gritty, monochrome street photography, all captured through an iPhone.
Fusing Art with Technology
Belonging to the league of artists who straddle across different domains – music and photography, David uses his keen, artistically-cultivated eyes to prescription striking images that blend quintessential street aesthetics with boundary-pushing perspectives. What sets his work apart from the conventional, however, is his tool of choice - an iPhone.
The allure of shooting with a mobile device, according to David, lies in the simplicity and portability it offers. "I had a camera that was travel-friendly; I could have it on me at all times. I could shoot, process, and post all from the palm of my hand." This convenience turned obsession amplified when Instagram, still in its infancy, provided a thriving platform for David and others who were similarly passionate about mobile photography.
Braving through the LA Summer
David’s decision to shoot primarily in black and white echoes throughout his Instagram feed creating an atmospheric visual consistency that his followers have come to appreciate. Indeed, the quest for consistency sometimes leans into the territory of a ‘trap,’ as David notes, but such constraint also encourages creativity and dedication to one's craft and style.
Exploring the sun-kissed streets of Los Angeles, vibrant with life, serves as the canvas for most of David's photographic pursuits. He captured the mundane, the extraordinary, and the bits that daringly danced between the two. Often, his work also included looming city buildings and everyday street scenes, bathed in harsh, LA sunlight, imbuing each photograph with a distinct contrast and depth.
Pushing Boundaries with Mobile Photography
David’s compelling imagery and bold black-and-white aesthetic undeniably affirm the power and potential of mobile photography. “You can have a pricey Leica or Nikon, but if you don’t have a good eye for photography, the camera is of little use,” he remarks, highlighting the fact that the artistry is not in the device, but in the person behind the lens.
His advice for budding photographers, especially those hesitant about using a mobile device for their practice, echoes this sentiment. The ultimate driving force should not be accruing likes on Instagram or gaining monetary success, but love for photography itself. It forms the bedrock of enduring countless failures and frustrations inherent in the growth process.
As for those unsure about a consistent style or what to shoot, David's suggestion resonates with a universal truth, applicable not just in photography but rather any creative journey: trust the process, experiment, and let your style evolve with time.
Through a practitioner's lens, David Ingraham's mobile photography journey is a testament to the power of perspective, artistic resilience and the potential that lies within the devices that live in our pockets. The next time you venture out into your city, look around. Could your mobile phone be the tool that allows you to capture life in a fresh, compelling way? David Ingraham’s work provides a ringing affirmation.
You can find his work on https://davidingraham.com/ and follow him on Instagram @dayzdandconfuzd
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Harnessing the Power of Mobile Photography - Ep. 11 - David Ingraham