Three exhibits and a portfolio with my colleagues thus far using photos from our iPhones.
For the portfolio (which later was exhibited at the National Steinbeck Center), the photographer/instructor kept quiet until the portfolio was created. Even if any had known, the photo was just fine.
For my last two exhibitions there on the California Missions, my friend and cohort MartÃn Vargas had several images with his iPhone in each. We printed up to 24x36 for several of the photos. He's an "available camera" photographer. Whatever you hand him, he figures it out in just a few minutes and then can craft an image.
The key is "craft". With good craft one can create a great image regardless of the camera.
When we walked each show with the curator and executive director of the museum, we ask if they can tell which photos are taken with which camera. None can. We can't even remember once the prints are hung.
I, too, get images across the transom and I've got to hold my nose when I print them. Many people are clueless about quality or craft, but it doesn't stop me from attempting to educate them and trying to up their craft for the next time. For most, there's sentimental value in their photos that trigger memories and complete the detail. All they want is a larger image or print on canvas.
It's a lot like the person who has a point and shoot in Alaska, takes a snap of an eagle across the bay and points out that little dot in the center of the frame. The brain's built-in telephoto is at work and despite its disconnect to the camera, it's the experience that counts. It's the "pictures of the mind" at work.
In the mean time, simply lead the way and set an example with your own work. Some people will get it and do better and thank you for it. Others will never get it but thank you anyway for helping them achieve their vision, no matter how fuzzy.