While you often see a Nikon around his neck when he is photographing weddings and events, it was Manny Vargas’ iPhone camera that won him accolades at the iPhone Photography Awards

By Joy Taylor

Taken in Barcelona, Spain, this photo won third place in the IPP Awards’ “Other” category. Photo by Manny Vargas

Emanuel Vargas, who goes by Manny, is a freelance photographer from West Hartford whose passion for photography started when he was a young teenager. He is a graphic designer as well, so he is able to incorporate his “eye” for what looks good along with his design sense into his photos to create contemporary imagery that pushes boundaries but still maintains a traditional and playful style.

These four Manny Vargas photos made it to the honorable mention designation of the IPPAwards,  in the categories of Food (top left, bottom right), Children (top right) and Travel (bottom left). Photo by Manny Vargas

Vargas loves what he does professionally and like the rest of us, he is never away from his mobile phone camera. If you follow his work on Instagram (@mvargasphoto), you’ll see his eye for composition, color, and form comes to life in jaw-dropping ways. One of Vargas’ pieces was displayed at the West Hartford Art League‘s first juried Instagram exhibit earlier this year.

Vargas admits that he doesn’t usually enter competitions, but then he heard about the iPhone Photography Awards, now in its 8th year. “I first heard about the IPPAwards last year, and I knew I had to submit something for 2015. Thousands of amazing iPhone photographers from around the world participate in this contest.” 

His instincts paid off. Winners were announced on June 15, and he had one image place third in the “Other” category. A few others earned an Honorable Mention.

Vargas has this to say about his winning photo: “This shot was taken in an alley while I was traveling in Barcelona, Spain. It was my first time visiting the city and had no idea what to expect during my visit. Wandering around a big city inspires me. I love to capture the sights an emotions from my perspective.”

For more information, visit Manny Vargas Photography online, and follow him on Instagram.

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