I can’t remember when but I stumbled upon a post of an Instagrammer who wanted to publish a photography book of his eight chosen mobile photographers. His initial target was to produce 1,000 books through ulele. I was very excited as I have browsed through their feeds and found different styles which I could use as an inspiration.

So I immediately checked out the site and signed in as one of the supporters. I paid through PayPal. I was a bit hesitant at first because I don’t know if it was legitimate and I don’t know the credibility of the author. Besides, it was too expensive since I also have to shoulder the international shipping and postage fees. And my speculation was strengthened when the author announced that it failed to meet the target. But I held on and he announced that he will lower down the target to 200 copies.

Last Friday, October 16, I received a text message from my aunt saying that the postman is asking for a Php100.00 fee for a package. I was surprised because I wasn’t expecting any; then I remembered about ARTmobile. I told her to pay it first then I’ll pay her later.

I got the package from her and immediately opened it and found a black shirt with an ARTmobile print and the book itself. I was ecstatic when I started browsing through the pages. The images were so good to think that they were taken from mobile phones.

On the last page, I saw my name printed as the author acknowledges all the supporters of his project.

So I told to myself that, one day, I’ll publish my own book, even for personal consumption. I know I can produce the same quality of photographs with the use of a mobile phone and the VSCO app. One day.

Congratulations to Alberto Rubio and Ana López for the initiative and to the eight photographers, namely Christina Nørdam, Fabs Grassi, Luis Rodriguez, Naomi Meran, Niall O’Leary, Marco Lamberto, Sébastien Pélegrin, and Thomas Kakareko.