Lo-Fi: Everyday Photos Made With a Phone

Pictures from moments without a camera

The portfolio included a section called lo-fi, a gallery of snapshots made on a smartphone. According to the short note that introduced it, the photographer often spots an image she loves at moments when her regular camera is not with her. In those cases she is glad to have a phone in her pocket.

She admits the results are low in quality and rough around the edges. Even so, she considers them an important part of her daily routine because they keep her eyes open and help her stay alert to what is happening around her.

Why this habit makes sense

Many working photographers keep a personal sketchbook of this kind. Phone pictures let you note an unusual shadow, a colour combination or a gesture and come back to it later. The images are not meant for clients. They are closer to visual notes that sharpen observation, much like a writer’s journal.

Ideas for your own phone gallery

• Take one picture a day, regardless of quality.
• Look for light first, subject second.
• Review the set at the end of the month to see which themes keep returning.
• Do not worry about technical polish; the value is in the habit of seeing.

Related

The same photographer worked on professional music and wedding assignments and a personal portrait project. See the profile for background, or return to the home page.