Thursday 15 January 2026
Back in February last year, Pudsey Camera Club welcomed Jeanette “Jet” Lendon, Founder and Creative Director of Jet Black Squares, for a talk that genuinely changed the way many of us think about photography.
Jet’s message was simple, powerful, and slightly disruptive: we already carry an amazing camera in our pockets — we just need to learn how to use it properly.
A Little About Jet Black Squares
Jet Black Squares describes itself as “a digital disrupter rethinking creative media”, and that ethos came through loud and clear during Jet’s talk. Her belief is that photography should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford a “big” or expensive camera.
Founded on 1 April 2020 — right at the start of the global pandemic — Jet Black Squares was born when Jet stepped away from a 14-year corporate photography career to focus entirely on smartphone creativity. Since then, the business has grown rapidly, with guides now operating across the UK, Ireland, France, and as far afield as New Zealand. Smartphone videography workshops have also been added in some regions.
Jet and her team work with individuals, groups, and major corporate clients including Meta, Samsung, LinkedIn, KPMG, Deloitte, Unilever, and many more. She also regularly teaches at a creative retreat in Skyros, Greece, and delivers workshops and talks worldwide — both in person and online.
Jet herself combines a background in teaching in London’s East End with years of professional photography experience. Her passion is showing people of all ages how to get the very best from their phone cameras, whether that’s an international CEO, a conference audience, or an 85-year-old grandmother. Her infectious enthusiasm is hard to miss — and she’s often spotted whizzing around Hertfordshire on Basil, her beloved Vespa scooter.
From Talk to Competition
Jet’s talk inspired many of us at Pudsey Camera Club. It proved that the camera on our phone isn’t just a toy for quick snaps — it’s a real photographic tool when used thoughtfully.
Not long after, the idea emerged to run our first ever smartphone-only competition during the 2025/2026 season. This gave members plenty of time to head out, experiment, and really explore what their phone cameras could do.
The Competition Night
Thursday 15 January marked the culmination of that effort, and we were delighted to welcome Erica Oram, a friend of the club, to judge the competition.
The format was digital images, with each member able to submit up to four smartphone photographs. In keeping with the spirit of the evening, the images were not scored in the traditional “marks out of 20” format. Instead, images were commended, with an overall winner and a small number of runners-up selected.
- 13 members entered
- 51 images were submitted
- 12 images were commended
- Among those were two third places, three second places, and one overall winner
Commended Images
Top Row: Kite surfers Mauritius by Rachel, West Kirby Marina Pier by Stuart, One of these is not like the others by Rachel
2nd Row: All Hands by Jane, Stairs Everywhere by Roger, The Gift By Mary
Above: Cleethorpes Reflection by Stuart, Gray – Leeds Lego Exhibition by Claire
2nd
Above: A Rainy Day by Jane, Fragments of Memory by Pete, Pumpkin in Burn Bin by Rachel
Catching a Few Rays by Claire
A Night to Remember
The standard of work was impressively high, and Erica commented not only on the quality of the images but also on the diversity of subject matter. Many of the photographs, she noted, were not the kind of images you might instinctively take with a traditional “big” camera — a perfect reflection of the creative freedom smartphone photography can offer.
Such was the success of the evening that we’re delighted to confirm the Smartphone Photography Competition will return for the 2026/2027 season.
If this competition proved anything, it’s that great photography isn’t about the size of your camera — it’s about vision, creativity, and making the most of the tools you already have in your pocket.
What’s Next at Pudsey Camera Club?
As we roll on from a hugely successful smartphone competition, there’s plenty more to look forward to.
Our next talk takes place on Thursday 22 January and will be held via Zoom. We’re delighted to welcome Peter Lau, who will be presenting “Wheeling on the Wilder Side of Life” — a talk that promises inspiring imagery and plenty of photographic insight.
Please also remember that this Thursday is the hand-in date for Round 3, the third and final round of our annual competitions. Make sure your entries are submitted on time — this is your last chance to make an impact in this year’s competition season.
We look forward to seeing you online on the 22nd, and to another great evening of photography at Pudsey Camera Club.
