The Connector reaches out to first-year graphic design and photography student Ilijah Simpson on his current iPhone photography project.
What inspired you to start this journey of iPhone photography?
Throughout my life, the idea of buying an expensive camera, and having a plethora of lenses seemed pretentious. I knew that I wanted to take eye-catching photos without having to empty my bank account. So I decided, after my three years of flustering with using an older passed-down camera and trying to find a better one for a cheaper price, that I’d use a less common resource for the majority of photography portfolios, my iPhone. The bulk of the inspiration I attain to take these photos comes from “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” and its many scenes that reference my hometown Brooklyn, New York. I enjoy the urban nature of Brooklyn, and now that I’m in Atlanta, I wanted to bring that same vitality here.
What do you consider your biggest obstacle in using an iPhone vs a DSLR?
Now that cameras are becoming more advanced, there are some aspects that I find are challenging. One is that the iPhone camera can be very grainy when using its zoom feature. Often when trying to focus on something far away, it feels like the iPhone tries to correct what it sees and makes the image too sharp where it appears sketch-like. The second obstacle is the software adaptation to the hardware. When iPhones update their camera capabilities, the hardware may not be able to support which then causes images to lack the quality I’m looking for.
Do you believe that you are a disruptor in this industry?
Yes, knowing that photographers have portfolios based on using DSLR cameras that produce the same quality of content as my iPhone should be enough to say how strong of a mark I’ll leave in the industry. I think my generation is moving past the customary behavior of buying some expensive brand name cameras for photos and pushing the progress of compactible photograph devices.
Is there any advice you’d want to leave other SCAD students who may want to change the dynamic of their industry just like you?
I’d tell them that it may be difficult in the beginning, but when you find what defines you and your workflow, you’ll be able to create and think of things unimaginable to new dimensions. Just keep pushing yourself and your skills will be recognized by all of those around you.
