As a lover of words and pictures, it’s no wonder photographer and writer Lindsey Garrett claims Instagram to be her “jam.”
With a quick look at her feed, it’s clear to see that she favors simplicity and color in her day to day life. After we double tapped on more than a few of her photos, we decided that this east coast native who now calls southern California home would be a perfect candidate to take over our Instagram for the week.
Before you get hypnotized by her Instagram feed, learn more about Lindsey’s love of photography.
Old meets new.
How long have you been involved in the photography world? What inspired you to start taking photos?
I would say that it wasn’t until 2010 the year I got back into blogging that I started to really become serious about my work. In 2011 I attended a photo retreat that connected me with other women photographers which just ignited my obsession with becoming a true “professional.”
What’s your favorite thing to photograph?
That’s easy, COLOR. Anything with bright and strong color gets my attention. I also have an obsession for raindrops (#raindropshot) and pink clouds (#ibrakeforpinkclouds.) Feel good moments and snapshots of my travels are close seconds.
#ibrakeforpinkclouds
What do you like most about photography?
The inherent personal nature of this branch of art and expression. No two photographs are truly alike. Photography allows you to reveal a side of yourself that may otherwise remain unknown. When words fail you there’s always an image.
What about Instagram, how long have you been involved in that community?
I joined in 2011, back when there were like 6 filters and no Afterlight or VSCO. It didn’t take very long to become completely addicted. Its been fun to watch the “cream rise to the top” as they say, many of my friends are some of Instagram’s top suggested users today.
What prompted you to start an Instagram devoted to your photography?
In the beginning, for me, Instagram was just another social media platform with photos of what I had for lunch or the funny way my cat was looking at me. When it became clear that people were getting notoriety and eventually landing jobs as a result of Instagram, I decided to become a little more focused. I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to Instagram, only posting iPhone photos. I always felt there were other platforms that better showcased larger format work but the people (and brands) seem to have spoken. I’m still on the fence about mixing the two.
Snapshots from a summer trip to Maine.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done through the Instagram community?
When Instagram started the #WHP (weekend hashtag project), one of my photos was chosen for #WHPReflection which lead to a feature on Mashable. There are also a couple Instagram images on display along with the Pacer that was used during the launch of the Instagram Direct feature at Facebook headquarters.
Have any tips for people who want to share their photography on Instagram?
Take photos of things that make YOU happy, not what you think people want to see. People who are interested in the same things will find you eventually. Find a couple editing apps that you really like and master those. Participate in the #WHP (Instagram posts the theme every Friday), follow Use RELEVANT hashtags or start your own! Post consistently and spread the love with your followers. Build your community. Once a week I go though the people who like my work and check out their feed, I can’t follow everyone but I want people to know I appreciate them taking the time to look at my work.
Who are some photographers that inspire you?
Always look forward to seeing new work on Instagram from @kevinruss, @benjaminheath, @panyrek, @kirstinmckee and @pketron.
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Zoë Björnson is a College Outreach Coordinator with about.me. She is a graduate of Tulane University. You can find her on Twitter @kzoeb.
