Mariko Klug from Germany shows us her painting like photographs taken from an iPhone

This is so much unbelievable to witness such artistic painting like photographs from mobile phone. This could be a brand advertisement in itself for iPhone, why not meet Mariko from Germany who uses iPhone to produce such poetic photographs. She calls herself an amateur which is quiet hard to believe though, in this short interview with 121clicks, Mariko speaks about her journey so far and her inspirations too.

Hello Mariko, Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! I’m an amateur Landscape and Nature photographer from Germany using an iPhone. I’m of German and Japanese origin and grew up in Japan and Brazil, but now settled down in Erding in Southern Germany with my husband, son and dog.

Personally, I am a big fan of your work. The lights and colors are simply stunning and when I started to realize these were done with iPhone camera, I was more in awe. Can you please explain us?

Thank you! Yes, all my photos are taken and edited with an iPhone, currently an iPhone 6s. I started with iPhone photography about 4 years ago when my husband gave me his used iPhone 4. By coincidence I came across photos and art works created with mobile phones on Flickr and Facebook and was fascinated right away. I began experimenting and liked it!

Although I don’t have any background in photography it was not a problem at all. It’s just so simple and convenient, no heavy equipment, no need to adjust settings, just take it out of the pocket to shoot, and edit at any time, wherever you are.

Of course you can’t compare the quality of mobile photos with DSLR taken ones (although the quality is improving), but all in all it’s great fun and perfect to live out my creativity.

Any reason behind why you go with square frames?

When I began photographing and uploading my photos on Flickr I used to mix all kinds of formats. One day I was looking at my own gallery and found it somehow chaotic so I decided to bring some harmony into it. I chose square because I often use Hipstamatic to take pictures which, at that time, was a square format photo app. Nowadays I see it as part of my ‘style’ and also as a challenge.

Your Inspiration?

I spend a lot of time outdoors because I have to walk my dog 3 times a day, regardless of the weather. So mostly I find my inspiration in what’s around me. Every season and every weather has something special to offer and if you have a closer look there are interesting and beautiful things waiting to be discovered. Also, I find inspiration while travelling in Europe.

What do you think Mariko will be doing in 3 years from now?

Photography became so important for me, it’s a real passion, so I hope I’ll still be taking pictures. I don’t know if I’ll be using an iPhone, but why not? In any way hopefully I’ll still be having a lot of fun!

The best thing Mariko has learnt through photography?

Photography has taught me to see the world around me with different eyes. I see things now that I haven’t noticed before. This is something I am very thankful for!

Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity with 121clicks.com, any final thoughts?

Thank you so much, it was a great honour and pleasure for me!

My final thought: I see photography as a way of expression so for me it’s not important what kind of camera one uses or if a photo is pure or heavily manipulated. It just has to come from your soul and touch one’s soul.

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