Time to take a look back at some of the fun I had with my iPhone in 2012. I’m a big fan of mobile photography and happy to see that Instagram became available to Android users in 2012. Instagram also reversed its silly attempt to own your images after a public outcry that made their heads spin. Power to the people!
I don’t consider Instagram to be a great photo app but it is a really nice social media platform where we can share mobile photography. The one thing I can’t stand about Instagram and certain Instagram users, is that they use it to share DSLR images as well. Isn’t that why we have Flickr, 500px, and other sites like this? I really wish that Instagram would ban the sharing of non mobile images but that ship has sailed.
In no particular order here are my Top Ten Instagram photos of 2012
“Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.”
~George Bernard Shaw
Window or aisle?
Window please. Yup, that’s always my choice. Otherwise I’d miss out on views like this stunning view of the Alps while flying from Germany to Italy.
“Adults are obsolete children.”
~Dr. Seuss
Ahhh to be young. While I was at this park just outside of Boston to photograph the public art, I came across this guy making bubble art for the kids. It was mesmerizing to see the billowing bubbles wafting in the air and equally enchanting to see the glee on the children’s faces. The bubble man packed up just a couple of minutes after I arrived. Timing is everything.
“There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another.”
~Edouard Manet
I always have my phone with me but not a camera. In fact, I’m as likely to have a camera on me in everyday situations as I am to be wearing lederhosen, clown shoes, and a sombrero. I’ve tried carrying it around with me but it’s far too cumbersome. The phone is there, easy to slide in a pocket and makes the iPhoneography I do more spontaneous than my traditional work. In short, I have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously.
This tree just blew me away as I walked by it while running errands. In a few days the striking colours would be gone and I may never have seen it.
“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”
~Leonardo da Vinci
Look up. Great advice for photographers and travellers. Life doesn’t just happen in front of you so take a moment every now and then to look at the world from a different perspective. The easiest way to do that is to simply look up. This was one of my favourite moments in 2012. My mind drifted away for just a brief time after I witnessed these beautiful birds in flight. I was at peace and it was good.
“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.”
~Giuseppe Verdi
This show was put on in my honour during my first visit to Umbria in Italy! Okay fine, mine and about 300 other people who were attending the TBU conference in Assisi this spring. This was followed by an awesome dinner and a few days of exploring the region. Can I please go back now?

Free spirit in Chicago
“I don’t call myself a Buddhist. I’m a free spirit. I believe I’m here on earth to admire and enjoy it; that’s my religion.”
~Alice Walker
During my exploration of Chicago I stopped at Union Station with Darris Harris a local architectural photographer to get a few shots and was captivated by this young carefree woman who was dancing with a hula hoop under the giant American flag. The word “freedom” is so overused in America (and misunderstood) but this scene always makes me think of that word.
Thanks for making me smile Tori :D
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”
~Jack London
Words fail me when it comes to describing the majesty and beauty of Iceland. From the very small like this plant to the wide open panoramic vistas there is beauty, unimaginable beauty around every corner.
You should see it for yourself and I’ll be offering you a chance to do that very soon. Stay tuned! ;)
“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to my sunset sky.”
~Rabindranath Tagore
Being at the right place at the right time, I love it. This was not one of those moments though. I was most certainly not in the right place but it was the right time. The sunset overhead was turning out to be insanely beautiful and I had no good vantage point to get a nice photo. As the sun set, so did my hopes of getting a nice shot. As I ran around rather frantically — which is not the proper way to enjoy a sunset — I finally came upon this stunning sunset view. Note to self: Don’t give up while there’s still a chance to get your shot.
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”
~Maya Angelou
While we didn’t speak the same language as Sha’ban, everyone in my workshop group in Jordan just loved our new friend. With a few basic words, gestures and lots of “Bedouin whiskey” (tea), we all had an awesome time communicating with Sha’ban at the Captain’s Camp in the desert of Wadi Rum. I’ve never seen anyone smoke so much in my life and even I broke my almost 5 years of no smoking to enjoy a lemon mint shisha this day. I blame Bedouin peer pressure ;)
As we left Sha’ban sure got his share of hugs from everyone in the group and I could see tears welling in his eyes. See you again soon Sha’ban!
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”
~Langston Hughes
This one was my favourite Instagram photo of 2012.
As I was walking along the banks of the River Thames with a friend, we came upon a young boy feeding bits of bread to the seagulls. There were dozens of birds swarming around and while I was trying to get a photo of parliament with my DSLR the birds kept flying through the scene. When life hands you lemons…
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Enjoy more travel photos and stories:
Beautifully captured images, Ken! I totally agree with the window seat – it’s my preference every time.
My favorites are that tree in Montreal (I experienced my first fall in the Northeast and I was blown away by the radiant colors) and your London + pigeon shot. Very well done capturing a fleeting moment.
Wonderful pics, Ken! I also like your bird in London one the best. Here’s to more great photos in 2013. Cheers!
Speak of missed opportunities —well, ya didn’t. What great photos –had it not been for your iphone, we your fans would have also missed out on these interesting, fun and unique photographs. Being so diverse, they are all my favorite. Looking forward to more of your surprises in 2013.
The shot from Wadi Rum is amazing! What a mustache!
These are great! Just started using Instagram and it is quite addictive.
I find these photos so inspirational, i’ll definitely not give up on mobile phone photography! Of course the favourite for me has to be the tea shot!
Favourite photo has to be of the Swedish sunset.
Great images and awesome words.
Jota.
Kim, Window seats rock!
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Kristen, That London shot makes me laugh. While my friend was trying so hard to capture a shot of the birds for quite some time I just aimed and shot 3 frames in a row. Got it on the second try. :D
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Art, They are all my favourite too in a way. Was hard to pick 10.
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Sophie, That guy from Wadi Rum was awesome!
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Jonathan, it sure is addictive. Have fun!
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Tea Shot, keep playing with your iPhone and you’ll get the hang of it. I’ll have some reviews on apps soon.
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Nico, Loved Sweden. Hope to be back there soon. Scandinavia fascinates me.
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Jota, thank you!
That’s a sweet collection of shots Ken. Though I don’t use IG, I do shoot incessantly with my iPhone and use Camera+, Snapseed, and ProHDR to get what I consider incredible results…especially considering I am shooting with my phone! Nice work!
Love these!! Thanks for sharing :-)
Great! Absolutely wonderful photos.=D
Need to get me an i phone!