Mobile Photography Interview – A Day in the Life of Armineh Hovanesian from Glendale, California

‘Strength’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Let’s start at the beginning of the day, how does your day start?

My day starts by having a tall cup of black coffee and toast.

‘By the Banks of the River Seine’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Do you like to head out and take photographs early on?

Weekdays are very hard for me to go out and play.  However, on weekends, I aim on working on my photography. If I make plans to go to a specific location for shooting then I prefer to go either early in the morning or before dusk to take advantage of the “golden hour”.

‘Communicating by the Sea’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

How did the transition from traditional photographer to mobile photographer develop?

I was never a traditional photographer, per se.  I did use a DSLR camera prior to discovering mobile photography in 2009.  I now would like to get back to basics and sharpen my skills at “traditional” photography.

‘Good morning Malabar!’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Do you like to download new mobile photography and/or art apps regularly?

I used to download all new apps many years ago however these days, I tend not to since I have my “set” preferred apps I use.  Unless a new app is something phenomenal then I may download/buy and see if it works for me.

‘Beautify’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

What is your preferred platform, Apple iOS, Android, Windows?

I use both Apple iOS and Windows and like them equally.

‘Homage to Margritte’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Would you consider changing platforms and why?

I don’t think I will since I have found my ground on both Apple iOS and Windows.

‘Hush! Don’t say a Word!’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

How often do you update your existing apps?

All updates on my devices are done automatically.  Being a mobile photographer/artist it is imperative that all apps are up-to-date with the latest versions.

‘In Awe!’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

What are your favourite photography/videography apps and why, what features do you look for in a new app?

My favorite app will forever remain Hipstamatic.  I still love and use Snapseed, Rainy Daze, DistressedFX, Remix, Contrast, TinType, Pixlromatic+ and Enlight.  I love iColorama, as well but am yet to feel comfortable with it because it is cumbersome and has too many aspects one needs to learn and master.

‘Irises in Silence’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Where’s your favourite place in the world for a shoot and why?

Paris is my number 1 place in the world.  There’s always something interesting happening and the entire city is an eye candy.

‘Les Pigeons’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Where do you like to upload your photographs to – Flickr, Instagram etc?

Flickr is my go to place for all my photos (from there I then download my work onto an external drive).  Instagram is my second go to place for showcasing my work to a wider audience.

‘Loure’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Do you use your mobile phone everyday to take images?

I can say that I use my iPhone6 to take photos almost everyday.  80% of my work is done with my phone and the 20% with a DSLR camera.

‘My Heaven on Earth’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Do you like to use external hardware products with your mobile device for image and video capturing, such as lenses, tripods, external storage and battery packs?

I don’t own nor use a lot of external hardware.  The only essential item I must have at all times is my Jackery Bar.  I used to have a small tripod and my COVR sleeve.  I have no clue what happened to my tripod and as for my COVR sleeve, I dropped my phone once and it broke! Once I upgrade to a 7+, I will then get a new COVR.

‘Old and New’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Do you edit images on your mobile devices or do you prefer to use a desktop or laptop computer?

I’m 100% true to mobile imagery.  In my book, the entire process has to be done on a mobile device.  My edits are done on my phone and then if additional work is required, I go to my iPad.  If photos are edited on a desktop or a laptop then I don’t consider them mobile photography/art.

”Precious’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Where do you envisage your mobile photography passion will take you? Have you been involved with exhibitions etc.

I have been very fortunate to have had many exhibitions through the years. Recently I was part of a women’s collective event called She Loves Collective which included 45 different women artists.

‘Raindrops and Tree Branches’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Where do you see the future of mobile photography?

I’m pleased to see that mobile photography is finally getting the recognition it needs in the photography world.  I hope more traditional photographers will take this movement more seriously and stop discounting this medium.

‘So Happy Together’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

What do you think is the most popular area of mobile photography?

It’s a bit difficult to answer this question. For the masses, the selfies or photos are food have become the norm and that’s the wrong rap attached to mobile photography.  As for the serious mobile photographers, each excel in their own style or styles.

‘The Pose and The Light’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

Do you think it is country Specific, are some nations more clued up?

I don’t think mobile photography and art are country specific.  It is now worldwide and very exciting to see emerging photographer from different countries.

‘Tzitzernakabert’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

If you could select a specification for a smartphone, what features would you select, photographically speaking?

Better camera, the ability to save photos is very high resolution and less mickey-mouse apps.

‘What a Black View Can Do’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

What do you think of Joanne and theappwhisperer.com?

Joanne and the App Whisperer are one of the cornerstones of the mobile community.  For years, she has been on top of all the news and has encouraged many photographers to become the best they can be.  I am very grateful for all the information provided as well as the ability to participate in the many showcases and challenges offered.

You Don’t Need Anyone’s Approval in the Way you Live’ ©Armineh Hovanesian

TheAppWhisperer has always had a dual mission: to promote the most talented mobile artists of the day and to support ambitious, inquisitive viewers the world over. As the years passTheAppWhisperer has gained readers and viewers and found new venues for that exchange.

All this work thrives with the support of our community.

Please consider making a donation to TheAppWhisperer as this New Year commences because your support helps protect our independence and it means we can keep delivering the promotion of mobile artists that’s open for everyone around the world. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for our future.

click here to help us