InstaFocus is a weekly Q+A curated by @astrodub.
Jacob Santiago (@jacobsantiago) has been on Instagram since the launch of the app. His style plays with perspective, skylines, muted palettes and is so distinct, you know that’s his picture when you’re scrolling your IG feed. Today Jacob discusses his overall experience with the app and the New York Instagram community.
I’ve been on instagram since the very beginning but was not aware what it really was. So I snapped photos of everything random just to use the filters and post them on other social networks. Not until last year did I realize the potential of instagram I started to take it serious in July of 2011
I use the native iPhone camera app with HDR turned on ( thanks to several Instagrammers showing me the benefits of HDR ) I then either edit it in Snapseed or Vscocam. I have a set formula on how I edit tweaking here and there but usually I’m happy within 10 minutes of editing
I use to think of it as a curse. If you go back in my feed you can see I used a app called Squareready to post wide screen shots. Now I embrace the square. I visualize everything in a square format
A: Living in a city like New York inspiration is around every corner. I love to shoot vanishing points and city landscapes . The higher I can get above the city the better. I try to convey the sheer size of New York through my photos
The Instagram community is amazing there’s nothing else like it. I’ve got to meet and hang with a ton of talented people. It’s the only social network for me that turn strangers into really good friends. I’m looking forward to more opportunities to meet more local Instagrammers and maybe someday host my own photo walk.
I see Instagram continuing to grow with users in the 100′s of millions. More Companies using Instagram to connect with people in a more natural way then advertisement. Rumors of video have been circling around for sometime, with Facebook’s servers its possible now. I would like a better news section. I miss way to many notification
So many, pretty much everyone I follow. Some that really stick out
@chrisozer @hirozzzz @markweaver @mchltckr
@pketron I could go on and on.
Thank you Jacob for your awesome insight. Keep doing what you’re doing and posting those fabulous shots. Follow Jacobon Instagram @jacobsantiago
