The Death Of Photography: Hipstamatic iPhone app

(embedded YouTube video)

At this point in the 21st century, it feels like we're witnessing the devaluation of art. In the music industry, as technology significantly became cheaper, home studios began to supplant the big budget recording studios. Auto Tune has been the preferred effect of the day, dumbing down the art of true vocal prowess. Some would even argue that computer pro apps like Photoshop and Illustrator killed a certain aspect of graphic art. However all of the above variables have produced some very innovative, inspiring art. The problem is that it has been more of an exception and less of a rule.

And now, as if the fact that everyone and their grandmothers are now conspicuously brandishing their shiny, new Canon and Nikon digital SLRs and calling themselves "photographers," Hipstamatic has developed an app for the new iPhone! Staying true to it's name, the Hipstamatic app creates those trendy, retro, Polaroid-esque over exposed, washed out photos utilizing different colored "flash gels" and "lenses." Including a host of filter effects to give you that authentic late 70s, early 80s look, Hipstamatic will make you the life of the open bar! And if that's not hipster enough for you, just download the Williamsburg Hipstapack! And to make sure that you're sucked into such a great deal, the Hipstamatic app is priced to go at $1.99!! That's right, $1.99!! You heard me, $1.99!! Sometimes I feel like technology has incrementally contributed to the dismembering of the tactile human experience. Real talk.

But seriously, I'm at a loss for words. My sentiments can be best summed up by Colcum, who left this comment in response to Hipstamatic's YouTube video two weeks ago:

"This is another step towards the death of photography.  Every asshole suddenly becomes an artist."

Note: I refuse to hyperlink this crap. By hating on them in this blog post, I've given them more than enough publicity. Go Google them yourself.