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Chris Reynolds - The Artful Use of Texture

What is your name and where do you live?

CR:  My name is Chris Reynolds. I live in East Lothian, Scotland.


How did you get started in mobile photography? What device do you use?

CR:  After using only a DSLR since taking a real interest in photography around 2007, it wasn't until March 2014 that I considered trying a decent capture on a mobile device. After sending my camera to get the sensor cleaned I was without it when I had an idea for a shot, so I used my iPhone to capture the source image. I was hugely impressed, and slightly surprised by the resulting nice exposure and focus. It was around this time I started using apps to edit instead of Photoshop on my PC. A whole new level of convenience opened up before me.






Do you have a traditional photography or art background?

CR:  My art background has always been hobby based, mostly creating geometric designs using pens and a straight edge, or spray paint and masking tape. I just enjoy viewing and creating photos and artwork, and have an appreciation for all kinds of imagery.



Who or what inspires you?

CR:  Often it's the simple things in life that captures my imagination, it could be anyone or anything that ignites a spark of inspiration. 



Do you use the native camera app for shooting or a specialty camera app like ProCamera?

CR:  I've been using ProCam 2 for the last few months, which has a greater level of manual control, and exports higher resolution TIFF files. Excellent app.





Your images are heavily textured and most of them focus on landscapes or structures. Is there any other area of mobile photography you'd like to explore?

CR:  Most of my shots are taken around where I live, which spoils me with great landscape and coastline, plus fascinating old architecture.




What apps do you use for your textured imagery?

CR:  I mostly use Stackables for editing my iPhone shots, I can spend hours at a time having fun doing what almost feels like painting with texture layers. Often I'll also use Mextures on the same edit for a slightly different layer style if I need it, or sometimes just to experiment with a different texture or light leak. I like them both - they are excellent apps. 



If you could change one thing about your mobile device, what would it be?

CR:  If it could detect when I'm immersed in an edit and auto-send incoming calls to voicemail, that would be good!

Have you ever sold or exhibited your work? If not, any plans for the future?

CR:  Yes I've sold some prints over the years. I'm surprised and delighted every time when someone wants one hanging on their wall. I sometimes have a limited edition print available at a local picture framer's shop. Although I don't actively promote to sell them I'm always happy to provide when requested for prints.




Please tell me more about the limited edition prints. How man in an edition? Where do you have them printed and what size(s) do you offer?

CR:  I'll sometimes have a small selection of prints done, 25 prints of each image. The seascapes are usually 18" x 12" and the textured/edited images are 9" x 9"
Is there anything else you'd like to add?

CR:  I'd like to thank you Geri for inviting me to do this feature for Art of Mob, it has been an absolute pleasure. I look forward to your future work within photography, your contributions have been outstanding! 

Find Chris: Instagram

Apps Mentioned:
ProCam
Stackables
Mextures