My colleague Jason Ingram recently posted a few photographs on his blog, illustrating the use of his iPhone with an App called the Hipstamatic. This made me curious. Although I have owned several mobile phones with built in cameras, I had never used them to take photographs. As I nearly always carry a bag full of professional kit, the photographic capabilities of a mobile phone have always been excess to requirements. That is until recently, after I finally succumbed to fashion and bought an iPhone!
On a family outing to A Garden Party To Make A Difference, staged at three of the grand Royal residences along the Mall in London a few weeks ago, the use of a humble point and shoot camera became essential. The terms and conditions of entry to the event clearly stated that professional equipment, defined as SLR’s with interchangeable lenses, were prohibited – along with weapons, illegal substances and err……..tables and chairs! Enter the iPhone!
![The Royal laundry still fluttering overhead at Marlborough House. But, true to the theme of the event, it was a good drying day! A Garden Party To Make A Difference](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0031-copy-450x431.jpg)
The Royal laundry still fluttering overhead at Marlborough House. But, true to the theme of the event, it was a good drying day.
![A very British "keep off the grass" sign - and a typical response! A Garden Party To Make A Difference](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0024-copy-343x450.jpg)
A very British "keep off the grass" sign - and a typical response.
![A wool coffin - kind of bizarre at first glance, but after a moment or two, it might start to make sense. Or not. A Garden Party To Make A Difference exhibit](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0033-copy-450x335.jpg)
A wool coffin - kind of bizarre at first glance, but after a moment or two, it might start to make sense. Or not.
![And a Mini Cooper in an adjacent street. One of the residents was obviously inspired by the alternative plant containers. Mini Cooper with flowers on the windscreen](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0045-copy-450x335.jpg)
And a Mini Cooper in an adjacent street. One of the residents was obviously inspired by the alternative plant containers.
The offering from Apple is actually quite a capable device – obviously a long way off the normal equipment I use, but nevertheless fun to use for snaps. So, here is another selection taken in Brighton:
![Food offerings on the beach, Brighton. food outlet on Brighton sea front](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0084-copy-450x335.jpg)
Food offerings on the beach, Brighton
![Food offerings on Brighton sea front Food outlet in Brighton](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0221-copy-335x450.jpg)
Food offerings on Brighton sea front
![Food offerings on the beach, Brighton. food outlet on Brighton sea front](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0074-copy-450x335.jpg)
Food offerings on the beach, Brighton.
![Shop on Brighton Pier Shop on Brighton Pier](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0181-copy-335x450.jpg)
Shop on Brighton Pier
![Two people on Brighton pier Two people on Brighton pier](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0193-copy-335x450.jpg)
Two people I met on Brighton Pier - both without the power of coherent speech.
![What does this button do? accidental exposures](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/feet-450x320.jpg)
Trying out all the buttons - and possibly pressing the wrong one.
The final two shots were taken in Walthamstow, London, whilst taking a stroll around the E17 Art Trail.
![massag & massag &](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0053-copy-335x450.jpg)
massag &.........what? For a fiver, it could be worth a try.
![Ford Anglia Deluxe Ford Anglia Deluxe](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0060-copy-450x342.jpg)
Ford Anglia Deluxe. I had one of these whist at Sixth Form - they weren't cool then. Maybe this is the reason I haven't got a single photo of my old car - so I couldn't resist this one.
Conclusion – I’ll definitely use it again. The only problem I had was with the size. I’m used to using large cameras – and everything on the iPhone seems miniscule in comparison. Be prepared for lots of fingers in front of the lens! And could it be used on a normal job? No!
![Brighton Sea front Brighton Sea front](http://www.pauldebois.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0068-copy-223x300.jpg)
Brighton Sea front, complete with finger.