Mi Flippin' iPhone

This series of artworks have been created by flipping my iPhone in the air, while simultaneously taking an image.

The first hints of my third ongoing series, ‘Mi Flippin’ iPhone,’ began to emerge in early 2021. The series first emerged due to innumerable situations I’d find myself in. Where I would see an interesting set of lights and want to shoot them for my ’Time Lines’ series, but not have my main camera with me.

Before deciding whether or not to return, I would test the lights with my iPhone. Taking a long exposure while moving the camera to reveal any hidden flickering patterns I could use for my ’Time Lines’ series. To get as much motion as possible I began flipping my iPhone in the air while simultaneously taking a picture. The rapid flips through the air revealed what I needed for my Time Lines, but I began to really like the look that the rotating camera could provide. Ironically, often times putting down my main camera, to capture a few frames and see what kind of a look 'My Flippin' iPhone' would create.

Over time, I began applying the technique to other, more familiar situations, day or night. If there was something worth taking a picture of, it was likely worth it to see what it would look like flipped. While some works, especially the one’s during the day, are quite recognizable. When shooting nothing but lights at night. The results often remind me of what an atom might look like. Or at least what I imagine an electron would look like orbiting its nucleus.

While the resolution of a photograph captured on a phone can’t compare to a professional camera, it does allow me to create abstract artworks that would be next to impossible to make on a traditional camera. This is due to several combined factors. Its size and slender form are ideal for easily tossing in the air. Its durability is also an important factor, as I’ve dropped it (well just not caught it) on several occasions. Finally, while some shots are the result of a single frame, in other instances the software inside automatically merges multiple frames together to produce the final artwork.

While I have attempted on a couple occasions to replicate the look of ‘My Flippin’ iPhone’ on my DSLR, there’s just something about tossing a $5,000+ camera (+ lens) in the air while trying to take a picture that doesn’t feel like it's worth the risk, just to get a higher resolution image. A reminder, at least to me, that having the best possible equipment isn’t as important as having the right tool for any given situation.