INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNALISM · ESTABLISHED 2009

About Joanne Carter & TheAppWhisperer

Photography. Art. Technology. Independent Perspective.

TheAppWhisperer is an independent photography, art and creative technology publication founded in 2009 by photographer, journalist and editor Joanne Carter. Originally established to explore the emerging possibilities of smartphone photography, it has evolved into an extensive international resource for photographic practice, visual culture, camera technology, artist interviews and creative experimentation.

With more than 14,000 published articles and an archive containing tens of thousands of images, TheAppWhisperer documents the changing relationship between photography, technology and artistic expression. It combines independent editorial coverage with a longstanding commitment to recognising photographers and visual artists whose work deserves a wider audience.

Today, the publication continues to examine how images are made, experienced and understood, while supporting photographers working across mobile photography, contemporary art, experimental imaging and emerging technologies.

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Meet Joanne Carter

Joanne Carter is the Founder and Editorial Director of TheAppWhisperer, a photographer, photographic artist and experienced journalist specialising in photography, imaging technology and visual culture. Her professional work combines editorial publishing, photographic research, critical writing, and a longstanding interest in the creative possibilities of emerging technology.

Joanne holds a First Class Honours degree in Photography and is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS). She is currently undertaking an MA in Photography at Arts University Bournemouth, extending her research-led photographic practice and developing work concerned with representation, mortality, social inequality and the role of the spectator.

Her academic and artistic interests explore how photography communicates experiences that are often difficult to articulate, particularly those associated with illness, death, grief, memory and social visibility. Her practice combines conceptual approaches to image-making with critical research and an interest in participatory photographic methodologies.

Alongside her artistic development, Joanne continues to lead TheAppWhisperer’s editorial direction, drawing on years of experience in professional photography journalism and the development of an international photographic community.

Professional Journalism & Publishing

Joanne’s professional writing and editorial contributions have included national and international publications such as The Times, Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Professional Photographer, NikonPro, Digital Arts, Popular Photography & Imaging, Reader’s Digest and Which?. She has also served as a columnist for Vogue and a contributing editor at LensCulture.

Her work has consistently explored the meeting point between photography and technology, from the early development of mobile photography to the expanding influence of computational imaging, photographic software and artificial intelligence.

The Story of TheAppWhisperer

When TheAppWhisperer was founded in 2009, smartphone photography was still developing its creative identity. Mobile applications were beginning to transform not only how photographs were captured and processed, but also how images were shared, exhibited and understood.

TheAppWhisperer recognised the significance of this change early. What began as specialist coverage of mobile photography applications grew into a platform for photographers, artists, developers, and readers interested in the possibilities of a rapidly changing medium.

Over the following years, the publication developed an extensive programme of artist interviews, photographic showcases, technical reviews, educational features, creative assignments and international community projects. It provided space for individual photographic voices while documenting an important period in the evolution of contemporary image-making.

That history remains central to the publication’s identity. Rather than treating mobile photography as a convenient alternative to conventional cameras, TheAppWhisperer has consistently treated it as a legitimate, continually evolving form of photographic expression.

Today, the publication builds on that foundation while addressing broader questions about photography, artistic intention, technological change and the increasingly complex relationship between images and their audiences.

What We Publish

TheAppWhisperer brings together practical photographic knowledge, independent editorial coverage and critical engagement with contemporary visual culture.

Independent Photography Journalism

Editorial independence has always been an important part of TheAppWhisperer’s identity. We believe photographers benefit from informed, thoughtful and accessible coverage that respects both the artistic and technical dimensions of image-making.

Our editorial interests extend beyond product announcements and specifications. We examine how photographic tools influence creative decisions, how technological developments change photographic practice and how images acquire meaning through their production, circulation and reception.

Alongside independent editorial publishing, TheAppWhisperer works with selected photography brands, app developers, and creative organisations on clearly defined commercial projects. Sponsored partnerships are distinct from independently selected editorial content.

For more information about working with the publication, visit our Photography Brand Partnerships page.

Technical Imaging & Independent Testing

Our coverage of photographic technology is informed by practical experience, critical evaluation and an understanding of how equipment and applications perform in real-world creative situations.

Technical imaging and testing are supported by Kevin Carter, Director of Technical Imaging & Testing, whose professional background includes photographic journalism, camera and lens evaluation, sensor testing and specialist imaging technology.

Kevin’s experience includes technical work associated with DXOMARK and contributions to photographic and technology publications. His expertise complements TheAppWhisperer’s editorial approach by connecting technical performance with the practical requirements of photographers.

Explore our camera and photography app guides for independent recommendations, comparisons and practical resources.

Discover Our Photography Guides

Whether you are exploring a new camera app, developing a mobile photography workflow, or investigating creative alternatives to conventional photographic tools, our guides offer practical starting points.

• Best Photography & Camera App Guides
• 10 iPhone Camera Apps That Put the Photographer Back in Control
• Best Photography Apps 2026
• Photography Apps That Solve Problems
• Best Camera Apps for iPhone 18 Pro
• 15 Best Camera & Photography Apps for iPhone Duo

Our growing archive reflects more than a decade and a half of change in photographic technology and creative practice.

Supporting Photographers & Visual Artists

From the beginning, TheAppWhisperer has sought to create opportunities for photographers to share their work, encounter other creative perspectives and participate in an international photographic conversation.

Our interviews, artist profiles, exhibitions, assignments and showcases reflect the diversity of photographic approaches that have emerged alongside the development of mobile imaging technology.

We remain interested in discovering original work from both emerging and established photographers. If you would like your images or photographic project considered for editorial coverage, visit our Submit Your Work page.

Submit Your Photography

Our Online Print Gallery

Beyond our editorial publication, TheAppWhisperer also operates an online print gallery, extending our longstanding commitment to photographic images as works to be encountered, collected and appreciated beyond the screen.

Visit the TheAppWhisperer Print Gallery to explore the separate print platform.

Support Independent Photography Publishing

Maintaining an independent photographic publication requires ongoing editorial work, technical resources and a commitment to keeping substantial parts of our archive accessible to readers around the world.

Community support helps TheAppWhisperer continue publishing artist features, photography guides, independent perspectives and work that might otherwise receive limited attention.

If you value independent photography journalism, you can help support our continued development through our support and donation page.

Every contribution helps sustain the publication and its commitment to photographic creativity.

Contact TheAppWhisperer

We welcome correspondence from photographers, visual artists, readers, photography brands, application developers and creative organisations.

Editorial submissions: Submit Your Work

General enquiries: joanne@theappwhisperer.com

Commercial partnerships: Email a Partnership Enquiry

Photography guides: Browse Best Guides

Photography Is Always Evolving. So Are We.

Since 2009, TheAppWhisperer has documented, questioned and celebrated the changing possibilities of photography. We continue to believe in the importance of independent voices, creative curiosity and images that encourage us to look more closely.

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THEAPPWHISPERER · FOUNDED BY JOANNE CARTER · 2009