The Mobile Photography Awards just announced the winners of their 12th annual competition recognizing talented smartphone photographers. This year saw a record number of entries from photographers around the world, but surprisingly hardly any of the winning images were taken with the latest camera phones like the iPhone 14 (opens in new tab) or Google Pixel 7.
First place went to Australian photographer Glenn Homann for his impressive portfolio of work, which included colorful architectural shots, a dreamy slow shutter shot of a waterfall and a stunning portrait of a bearded old man. His mesmerizing photos were captured on an iPhone 12 (opens in new tab), but it was the vivid colors, dramatic lighting, and compelling compositions that earned Homann the $3,000 award and the title of Mobile Photographer of the World year.
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Miners of Ijen Volcano – Travel and Transport Winners (Photo credit: Chen Lin)
On winning the award, Homann said, “Oh wow, I’m blown away. This recognition means a lot to me and I hope it will inspire others to explore the endless possibilities of mobile photography.”
Daniela Calo, who took a hilarious photo of nuns on a beach with her iPhone 11 Pro (opens in new tab) titled Nunset, won the People category, while Dorota Yamadag stole all the best with her photo Steel Show in the “Architecture” category. Glass. And All that Jazz While, an incredibly detailed shot of a beetle’s eyes by Fabio Sartori, took first place in the macro category.
Macro Eyes – Macro Category Winner (Photo credit: Fabio Sartori)
The MPA is divided into twelve categories: Black & White, Landscape, Street Photography, Portraiture, Architecture, Digital Fine Art, Macro, People, Darkness, Travel, Silhouette and Water/Snow/Ice. There is also a category for photo essays. With so many genres to choose from, MPA is open to anyone who enjoys taking pictures with their phone, and the entries are always incredibly diverse. Each category winner will also receive a cash prize of US$250 and will be featured at the MPA exhibit.
Nunset – Winner in the People category (Image credit: Daniela Calo)
Daniel Berman, Founder of the Mobile Photography Awards said, “The judges had a difficult task selecting the winners. We believe the winning images represent the very best in mobile photography.” Mobile photography has come a long way and it’s exciting to see the quality of the images that can only be created with a smartphone. The Mobile Photography Awards are a testament to the power of this medium and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Flight Pattern – Winner of the Digital Art / Visual FX Category (Photo credit: Heather McAlister)
The competition started in 2011 – the same year that the iPhone 5 was launched with its 8 megapixel view camera with video recording, panorama mode and face recognition. In just over a decade, camera phone technology has come a long way, with cameras now featuring multiple lenses, 200-megapixel sensors, ultra-soft stabilization, and advanced eye and face detection modes. Camera phones have brought photography to millions of people around the world, and important competitions like this one celebrate that.
Steel. Glass. And All That Jazz – Winner in the Architecture category (Photo credit: Dorota Yamadag)
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