Every Sacred Day
Every Sacred Day – Pulaski, Michigan
photography
How I Use Instagram
I’m coming up on my 2,000th Instagram photo, and it’s got me thinking about what is my favorite social media platform.
It’s really fun to experiment with mobile photo making, and see the work of other great Instagram photographers. Every day, I think about making good photos for Instagram, and sharing them for the world to see. It’s like a 365 project, even though there are days wen I don’t post (usually the weekend) – thought I post multiple times per day, which kind of makes up for it.
Instagram helps me experiment with photo styles, moods, and subjects. I was never really a landscape guy, until my commute inspired me to share the rural countryside I see every day. And going back and seeing my old stuff (I’ve been using Instagram since January 2011)? It’s rough, but you can see the growth.
What’s nice about Instagram is, there’s no social pressure. Yes, I follow some friends and family members. But the majority of photographers I follow are people I’ve never met. That’s the fun part. Like Twitter, I get to interact with people who are mostly strangers.
Jeffrey Kalmikoff figured this out in his “You’re Using Instagram Wrong” piece:
Inspiration through photos is a function of interests, not your social connections. Chase what inspires you. Be true to yourself, and inspire others with who you are.
His point: don’t feel bad about not following people you know in real life.
My own quick-read tips:
- If someone follows you, check out their profile. Like their photos? Follow them back. Don’t like their photos? Don’t.
- See if a photographer shares different stuff on his/her Instagram than, say, Flickr or Tumblr.
- I’m still a stickler for mobile-only photos (#iphoneonly!). Call me Old Fashioned.
- Hashtags are a good way to (a) be found and (b) find stuff you’re into. Follow your #furry or #abandoned passions. Just, for Pete’s sake, don’t inappropriately tag your photos (#sunset on a non-sunset photo, for instance)
- Comment on photos you really like. But say what you like about it. Be specific and generous.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with styles. In time, you’ll develop your own signature style. It took me a long time to find my groove.
- HDR sucks.
And, of course, you should follow me on Instagram.
Through The Windshield
Cool nights, warm mornings – this time of year offers a foggy windshield for the commute into work, especially since I haven’t been able to park in the garage lately.
But the light, and the scene just outside the window – it made for some fun abstract shots.
More and more, I measure the passage of time when the seasons change, and what the light looks like, and where. These days, the sun rises just as I leave the driveway. Soon, it won’t show up until I’m halfway to work.
And then, it’s gone completely.
These transition months tell me what time of year it is. The students are going back to school, the morning is chilly, and the light is fantastic.
Film Photography Collection
It seems I’ve become the “Dave Will Take Your Old Film Camera” guy.
To be fair, I did pick up the Canonet at a yard sale. The film, too (all of it expired), was a flea market grab.
I’s been a fun way to stretch the photography hobby into new areas. Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, there’s a learning curve. But what else do you do with a hobby but spend money and pick up new skills?
Missing from this photo: a Yashica Mat 124 TLR camera a friend from high school gave me. My first foray into medium format.
Stay tuned.
A New Adventure
More film photography is in my future. I nabbed a box full of expired film at a flea market. That, plus a few film cameras, puts me in good shape to shoot.
Chris + Rebecca
I don’t do weddings, except when I do – for good friends like Chris and Rebecca. They had a great ceremony and reception at an old Christmas tree farm near Port Huron, Michigan.
Behind the scenes photos are some of my favorites, so here are a few from the two day trip.
Good family, good friends, and good fun. What more do you need for a wedding?