iPhoneographer at heart, talented Instagram shooter pushes the envelope
I have always been a firm believer of “If it works, just do it” it doesn’t matter that much what camera gear you have, if its working for you, thats all that matters.
With that being said I was amazed scrolling through the gallery of Charlie Martinez — @deftony83 and later finding out that he uses mostly an iPhone 7 plus — and that proves that the vision of the photographer is more important than the camera he is holding.
Take a look at this creative shooters feed and his unique style of posting. By all accounts, he is the perfect example of a modern day photographer.
Whats your style of photography, what type of images do you identify with most?
It’s hard to come up with one in specific since I am interested in all styles to become a jack of all trades and master of all. I say Aerial photography is my top choice for the moment.
Who are the photographers influenced you?
I didnt have person that I look to for advice or that influenced me in my journey. I was rather influenced by different things like movies or videogames to incorporate in photography.
Do you think that photography is an art form?
Photography is definitively an art form because anything that requires talent and effort becomes your art.
What technology (camera) do you use?
I’m an iPhoneographer at heart ( Started with the Iphone 4 ) Currently using the iPhone 7 plus, Other cameras are my Gopro 4 and my Dji Phantom 3 Professional Drone
What motivates you to continue taking pictures?
What motivates me to go out there and “Kill it” are my previous plans and locations to hit and what I want to accomplish with the shots. I post on my Instagram as Trilogies or sets of 3 since 2013 so looking for a theme for my next project is what gets me out there.
Which is your favorite lens? Why?
My Favorite Lens is the @Olloclip because it so versatile and mobile. I can take Fisheye, Wide angle and Macro shots in a matter of seconds rather than carry a heavy backpack with lots of lenses I have 4 in 1.
What camera gear do you wish you had? Why?
I am not a DSLR user and probably never will but if it comes down to it I wish I have a Sony A7R II. I just love Sony products.
Do you use Adobe Lightroom for edits? If so what presets do you use? Your own or downloaded/purchased.
I dont have presets since I just use a whole system of apps to edit my images to a unique look. I edit first on the Lightroom App 70% of the image, then Snapseed 10% and Vsco Cam for 20%. I am a believer that each image deserves close attention to the edit and not a set preset. Not all images are the same.
How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
Trial and Error especially with editing process.
Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
Oh Man, … I have to say my Atom Bomb Steelwool Spin in the Iowa caves. It was very iconic and made other steelwool / lightpainting photographers to think outside the box and come up with their own designs or inspirations by me.
What role has Instagram played in your photography/designs?
Instagram is my photo journal and the role that plays is huge because it helps reinvent myself in ways I never thought I could improving my vision of things and getting better at angles and post work.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Wish I knew how to tell a story with a picture rather than just taking it.
What makes the good picture stand out from the average?
No matter with what equipment you took the shot. I believe post work is your bread winner at all times.
What first drew you to photography?
In 1998 I borrowed my sister’s polaroid and brought it to school and began to take my school mates portraits and it became an addiction and ever since I had the need to have some sort of camera.
When you are out shooting—how much of it is instinctual versus planned?
Great Question, I say its 25% instinctual on the spot and 75% planned since I have a vision of how my picture is going to look like.
Where are you from, where do you live?
I am born and raised in Panama City, Panama ?? currently living in Chicago.
Visit Charlie on his instagram page @deftony83 or his feature page @_murder.com_
