Astounding Winners of the 2016 Mobile Photography Awards Announced

smartphone photography

“Peshmerga Soldier | Sinjar, Iraq” by Giles Clarke. Winner, MPA Photographer of the Year.

While some photographers rue the day mobile photography allowed every amateur the possibility of a lucky shot, others have grabbed hold of the technology. Seeing cell phone photography as a way to shoot images that would otherwise be impossible with bulky equipment, more and more professionals are snapping away with their phones. Since 2011, the Mobile Photography Awards have celebrated the best in mobile photography and they've recently announced their 2016 winners.

Spanning 18 categories from photojournalism to digital fine art—there's even a selfie or “self-portrait” section—photographer Giles Clarke took home a $3,000 prize and the title of MPA Photographer of the Year. A professional photojournalist based in New York, Clarke uses his phone to stealthily capture powerful images that wouldn't otherwise be possible. “If we are looking for photos that tell a story then Giles is the one. Out of all the amazing MPA photos this year his was the collection that had me thinking all night,” shared jury member Andy Butler.

Clarke's work, along with the other category winners, as well as photo essay winner Velar Grant, was exhibited in Cyprus and Milan as part of the awards. Missed out on this year's competition? MPA regularly puts out calls for themed exhibitions throughout the year.

Winners of the Mobile Photography Awards prove that cell phone photography has no limits.

smartphone photography

“Forgotten Childen of Idomeni” by Velar Grant. Winner, Photo Essay.

smartphone photography

“Novice is Thinking Something” by Zarni Myo Win. Winner, Portraits.

cellphone photography

“Sole Music” by Pierre Hauser. Winner, Still Life.

mobile phone photography

“Exploding Fireworks – Phuket Vegetarian Festival” by Tan KH Victor. Honorable mention, Photojournalism.

cellphone photography

“The Hive. London” by Jennifer Thomas. Winner, Architecture & Design.

mobile phone photography

“VW Life” by Katrina Stewart. Winner, Transportation.

smartphone photography

“Born to be Wild” by Margarita Iskandarova. Winner, Nature & Wildlife.

mobile phone photography

“Handstand” by Suzanne Engelberg. Winner, Street Photography.

smartphone photography

“Hurricane Matthew survivor. Les Cayes, Haiti” by Giles Clarke. Winner, MPA Photographer of the Year.

mobile phone photography

“Winston & Ben” by Richard Chambury. Winner, Silhouettes.

cellphone photography

“Flutter By” by Glenn Homann. Winner, People.

mobile phone photography

“London After Brexit” by Michel Juvet. Winner, The Darkness.

smartphone photography

“Gravity Formulation” by Deborah McMillion. Winner, VisualFX.

smartphone photography

“Fausta” by Helen Breznik. Winner, Self-Portraits.

smartphone photography

“Good Morning to the Night” by Christine O’Brien. Winner, Digital Fine Art.

cellphone photography

“Castaway” by Mariko Klug. Winner, Landscapes.

cellphone photography

“Look Down Angel” by José-Luis Sáez. Winner, Black & White.

smartphone photography

“Leaf Creeper” by Geoff Cunningham. Winner, Macro & Details.

mobile photography

“Climbing the Waterfall” by Sam Burton. Winner, Water/Snow/Ice.

mobile phone photography

“Fishing for Living” by Zarni Myo Win. Winner, Travel & Adventure.

MPA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via MPA.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content