Instagram From Paris
9 Apr
I’ve found myself defending my use of Instagram to other photographers.
I’ve heard the saying that goes “the best camera in the world is the one you have with you”, which oftentimes is just my phone. Even when I’m carrying a full SLR or two with me, I’ll still take my phone out and take pictures, to the amusement of people around me.
Below are some photos I took in Paris on a recent trip there.
On this flight, I was required to check all of my camera gear, so the only camera I had was my phone. This is a moment that wouldn’t have been captured otherwise.
Often some of the photos I take are relevant in the moment, but having a small, ubiquitous camera allows for capturing images that have a feel all of their own, a feeling of spontaneity. If I were to take a full DSLR out, meter, get the settings right, the moment would be over. Sometimes, there are just situations where it’s just not really appropriate to whip out a 5D.
Sometimes I just like the aesthetic, and the instant filters available. Half the time I can have a polished, processed image right away, something I’d be happy with if I had later edited the image with the computer.
And other images I don’t think I’d have bothered to take out a DSLR to shoot, but in the moment, seemed like an interesting composition, and later, I was glad I did.
These I took while bored and waiting for a train:
These I took because it didn’t seem appropriate to take out my DSLR at the time, although in hindsight I wish I had:
I think the “tilt-shift” filter can be super cheesy sometimes, but when used in certain contexts, has a really nice effect:
And, of course, I seem to have a strange obsession with stairs.
You can follow me on Instagram if you want to see my phonecam images as I take them.
