Apple surprises ‘iPhone 6’ photographers with coffee table books

By

Apple surprises the photographers from the
Apple surprises the photographers from the "Shot on iPhone 6" campaign with coffee table books.
Photo: Brendan Ó Sé

The billboards and ads featuring beautiful photographs shot with an iPhone 6 are nearly gone. Apple is now promoting a new iPhone. But that does not mean Apple has forgotten the photographers whose work helped sell phones and treat the world to art in public spaces.

Photographers from the “Shot on iPhone 6” campaign have been getting packages in the mail, a pair of cloth-covered coffee table books featuring their work. The books were apparently a surprise and included a pair of white gloves for handling with care.

“It was totally out of the blue,” photographer Brendan Ó Sé, of Cork, Ireland, told Cult of Mac. “Naturally, I looked for my own photo, but seeing those of the friends I’ve made over this campaign added to the surprise and thrill.”

The iPhone 6 debuted in the fall of 2014 and Apple began an advertising campaign this past spring to boast about the quality of the iPhone 6’s camera. Apple mined the internet for photos shot with the iPhone 6, selecting images from both well-known professional and hobbyists, used them in full-page add in popular magazines, billboards and even banner that took up the whole sides of buildings.

Photographers were paid for the use of the photos and some became hometown celebrities. Many reached out to one another over Facebook and Instagram and became good friends, traveling to meet and provide pictures whenever they saw their each other’s work in a magazine or on a billboard.

Gloves were included so dirt and oils don't get on the books.
Gloves were included so dirt and oils don’t get on the books.
Photo: Brendan Ó Sé

Ó Sé posted pictures of his book to Facebook to share in the excitement with his fellow iPhone 6 shooters. Many who had not received their books found out through social media.

“They look killer,” said travel photographer Jen Pollack Bianco, who is in Paris and found out about the books on Facebook. “It seems like a very nice and unexpected touch. I’m hoping mine are in my mailbox when I get back home.”

Ó Sé said his 80-year-old mother looked at every page and was pleased when his wife said the books should be passed on to their children.

The book’s cover is white with a simple title, The Gallery. There is no word from Apple whether the books will eventually be sold in Apple Stores. 

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.