Written by: Gugu Kheswa
In the age of #everything- selfies and booty shots, Instagram has fast become the drug of choice for smart phone owners everywhere. Apparently, it’s dangerously addictive. As an (un)fashionably objective outsider looking in, Instagram seems to be the greatest invention since Whatsapp: a gift from the Cyber Gods to make crush stalking and self-expression cheap and easy. For the art of photography though, Instagram has done wonders.
There is something to be said about truly experiencing the world, being present in one’s environment in a way that is meaningful to you. With the ability to capture all the beautiful and random moments in time as they happen (and minus the cost of additional cameras), Instagram seems to have the ability to awaken everybody’s inner photographer. Currently analogue through and through, from old school polyphonic phone (the kind which lists the alarm clock as a feature) to film camera from the 80s, it’s become clear to me that Instagram really changes the game in terms of instantly capturing images without much hassle. The result, beautiful moments like these:
All i had were my shoes A photo posted by Meghan Holmes (@yellowteapot) on
For those of us out there who have recently mastered the sacred art of the Selfie, with the illustrious “good side” honed and pouts that leave no room for perfection, going on an Instameet could just take your Instagram profile to the next level. Organised frequently, and often spontaneously, in major cities throughout the country, Instameets are essentially informal gatherings of Instagrammers to revisit old places with new eyes. That dilapidated park that you pass everyday on your way home soon transforms into a poetic and haunted visage. Old places, new eyes. You should try it. Instameets are organized by the various Instagram communities of IGERS scattered all over the country and are free to attend. Simply join an Instagram community near you and look out for the announcements posted on their Instagram accounts, or if you’re up for it, here’s a 10 step guide to organizing your own by prolific Instagrammer Gareth Pon. These offshoots of the international Instagram Community are open to new people joining and even feature great photography from Instagrammers who tag them online.
One thing you need to know about Instawalks: make sure your tags are right. As mundane as it may seem, using the right tags on your pictures could really widen your Instagram network, giving you access to a larger audience who also give great, constructive feedback. The mystery around the “Professional Photographer” is removed as people focus less on technicalities and more on the entirety of the image itself. The Instameet protocol is really informal and straight forward-meet, greet, get clear on the tags to use that day and shoot. It’s also one of the simplest ways to make friends. Though he’s only been Instagramming for about 5 months, Live Magazine’s photography mentor Siyabonga Mkhasibe says he has found himself gravitating more towards Instagramography due to its accessibility, and that in turn has reignited has passion for traditional photography. That’s saying something. Clearly, there’s nothing new under the sun, and all of it is beautiful, depending on how you see it. #sunset #coffee #puddleofwater #life.
Check out these Instagram Communities to find out how to join the next Instameet in your area.
Follow me on twitter: @IamKweli
