Cellphone Photos – Portraits: Winning Images

Better Photography’s readers were challenged to capture the unique identities of people around them using only their cellphones, for last month’s theme on ‘Portraits’—from close friends to random strangers. Here is a look at some of the best images.

Don’t forget to participate in this month’s contest here.

Nominees

Photograph/Faiz Sikandar

Photograph/Mehul Mane

Photograph/Vinayak Darkunde

Photograph/Kshitij Mishra

Honourable Mentions

In Their Environment
Kowshik Vasudevan, Bengaluru

What made me shoot this: Each of these faces exhibited a unique expression that set them apart from the rest of the workers who were around. Additionally, the construction materials added a sense of environment.
What I learnt: In situations like these, I find that using a cellphone is better as your subjects are less apprehensive about being photographed.
Shot with: LG Google Nexus 5

Photograph/Kowshik Vasudevan

Candid Portraiture
Amit Panchasara, Mumbai

What made me shoot this: We were a group of photographers shooting in Ladakh. Seeing all of us making pictures, this kid shyed away and hid behind the tent. After a while, he popped his head out again to see if we had left. That’s when I got this shot.
What I learnt: Shooting in a group often makes getting candid photos an improbability. I prefer to wait until everyone is done shooting and the chaos has died down to get the photos I want.
Shot with: HTC One

Photograph/Amit Panchasara

Thumbprints
S Senthil, Madurai

What made me shoot this: This image was made at Kumbaraiyoor, near Kodaikanal. The bright skies and sunset made for a great opportunity to shoot a silhouette.
What I learnt: I covered the sun with the branches of the tree branches so that I could get the flare while ensuring that the highlight wasn’t overpowering. When I need to exaggerate the flare, I often add thumbprints to the lens.
Shot with: Micromax A110 Canvas

Photograph/S Senthil

Winner

Mythical Portrait
Supriyo Ranjan Sarkar, Kolkata

What made me shoot this: This photo depicts people and their traditions. The masks form an integral part of the tribal dance form, Chhau from Purulia, West Bengal. It is an interpretation of various episodes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
What I learnt: For me, it wasn’t just a portrait of the people but a reflection of their culture as well. It was important to me that both aspects were conveyed equally.
Shot with: Samsung Galaxy Grand I9082

Photograph/Supriyo Ranjan Sarkar

Don’t forget to participate in this month’s contest here.