InstaFocus is a weekly Q+A curated by @astrodub.
I’ve been following Brandon Page (@b_page) for quite a while. His sense of composition is simply superb and tends to turn everyday life into something beautiful. Below, Brandon talks a bit about life on Instagram, apps and inspiration.
How long have you been on Instagram? What made you join?
I joined Instagram in October of 2010 when I needed a photo app to take along a Europe trip. I was one of the original adopters and its been my most used app ever since. The instagram team does an amazing job at updating the app and keeping in relevant in a world of constant change.
I absolutely love the square. It requires that you really focus on creating a compelling composition. Once you adjust to the idea of it, photography becomes easier. It would be great if Apple would eventually give an option to shoot in the square format.
The one thing I love about Instagram is that it can be a platform to whatever you want it to be. For many, its a daily diary. Some use it as a social media platform. Personally, I’ve used it as a place to experiment with new creative ideas. Its like my daily photography sketchbook. Honestly, shooting on an iphone has its limitations as a photographer. I’ve gotten creative lately with my post processes and chopping up imagery. The app “Diptic” has been great for this. Using a combination of iphone apps is definitely key to staying original and finding your own unique style. As for choosing an image, I tend to hold my iphone in my hand at all times. Even in my busy career, I make time to take a great deal of snaps throughout the day. I then look back on my photo library and pull together stories. On average, I spend anywhere from 10 minutes to a half hour on each photo I post. Some end up being duds, while others a well received.
What cameras and apps do you use to edit your photos on Instagram?
I have been using the first generation iphone4 as my primary Instagram camera. With the new iphone5 coming out this week, I am sure I’ll quickly move over to that phone. I frequently try out new applications, but favorite “go to” apps are Snapseed, VSCO, Picfx, and occasionally Diptic.
In my professional photography, I shoot a lot of people, but in my Instagram feed, they are often absent in my shots. To be honest, I’ve enjoyed photographing mundane things in life and reflecting them back to my audience in a more alluring manner. Since I travel a lot, these snapshots come from being on the move. Many people go through life with blinders on, missing out out the amazing colors, shapes, and compositions around them. I do my best to hone in on those brief moments. Its not uncommon for me to stop dead in my tracks for that perfect shot. I am also open to constantly evolving my style and story. Thats not for everyone, but it suits me well.
Any favourite hashtags?
I don’t use hashtags too often. One day, when my life slows down, I’ll try that out.
Finally, whose posts do you look forward in seeing in your feed? Name some of your favourite IGers.
So many! @Komeda was the first person I followed a few years ago, and we still follow each other to this day.
Some newer photographers on the scene that have caught my attention are @38ssiew, @the_atl_aaron, @cubbygraham, @chadosaurus, @mikediamond, @pauloctavious, @thiswildidea, @atvlobos, @emies, @cinderlee, @brad, @oliviermorisse, @lomostatic, and @seb_gordon.
Thank you Brandon for taking the time to share your instagram experience with our community. Keep creating and inspiring. Follow Brandon Page on Instagram @b_page
