Although not a new feature on Mobiography, ‘The Photo I Am Most Proud Of’ has proved to be a popular one. Here we ask a mobile photographer to choose one of the images that they are most proud of. It does not have to be their best, or the one that has received the most recognition, just the one image that they are more emotionally connected with than any other. In the past this feature has unearthed some amazing stories.
This week I have invited the talented Connie Gardner Rosenthal to tell us about the photo she is most proud of.
I first came across the work of Connie with her photos, ‘Jodphur, India/1’, ‘Happy Guy at Sufi temple in Delhi’ and one of my personal favourites ‘Contemplation’. These images are typical of her street photography style and a common theme that runs through her portfolio especially through her street portraits shot on the streets of India. These Hipstamatic style images really make a connection between the subject and the viewer and capture the essence of the person and their surroundings.
The Photo I Am Most Proud Of: “Bangles and Toes” by Connie Gardner Rosenthal
‘Bangles and Toes’ is the photo I am most proud of, at least for now. It was taken with an iPhone 5S last spring in Narlai, India while I was in an iPhone workshop with Karen Divine.
Narlai is a village located in Rajasthan, India. We stayed at the Rawla Narlai, a beautiful 17th century villa and the former hunting lodge of one of the prime ministers of Rajasthan. Each day we were there, LaLa, one of the hotel’s staff, was available to escort us through the village. I looked forward to these walks and went out with LaLa as often as I could. Visiting homes, shops, eateries, schools, and gatherings gave us an intimate look and connection with these wonderful, warm and welcoming people. Most enjoyed having their photos taken and were delighted to see them on our iPhone screens. Karen recently returned to India and took prints of our photos to give to the villagers.
On one of my walks, I came upon two women who were sitting outside one of their homes chatting, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. One of the women had a radiant smile, was dressed in colorful garb and adorned in bangles and beads from head to toe. Her feet were layered with multicolored toe rings and ankle bracelets. Her warmth and joyful demeanour, along with her happy feet drew my attention and I took several photos of both women and the happy feet.
I shot this image with Hipstamatic, using both a color combo and this sepia combo, (Diego with Uchitel). I prefer the sepia look because I feel while it shows us her wonderfully decorated feet, it also invites us to imagine the colors and sparkles we cannot see.
This photo won first place in an iPhone Life Magazine contest, was part of a portfolio entitled “India Through My iPhone” featured on TheAppWhisperer, Art of Mob, Hipstography, and P1xels at an Exhibition. It also was a nominee in Hipstography’s 2014 awards and an Honorable Mention in the 2014 MPA awards. I also received a Special Award from Snap Magazine as part of Hipstography’s 2014 awards. These feet have covered a lot of miles!
