Instagramming with Intention

Since I consider myself a photographer first, then blogger, instagram is probably one of my favorite social networks because it is all about the two things I love,  people and photography.  Anyway, while Instagram is a great photo app in general, it is a great way for you to easily keep track of the things that inspire you, stretch your photography skills, connect with people and promote good work.

1.Think of Instagram like Visual Swipe Files
.I like to think of it as a visual swipe files.  Swipe files, by definition are a collection of images, text,  or letters that copywriters and advertising professionals use to come up with new slogans or concepts. I travel around so many parts of the city day to day that I have the honor of seeing so many inspiring images, text, and people that inspire me and since my phone is on me at all times, it is the best way to document these inspiring moments and tuck them away for times when I need to brainstorm. Bottom Line: Photograph what you love and visually appeals to you.  There is a reason you love it.  Capture the visual moment.

2. Share Good Work 
 Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist often says that as artists and creative people we should "share good work."  I often times use Instagram as a way to share work that I have taken with my DSLR or a photo collage.

3. Photograph the People You Love
 My yoga teacher told me a few months ago to always take photos of your friends when they are healthy.  She said you will need those photos of them, especially on a day when one of you face chronic illness or God forbid, not with us one day.  Those photos of moments when the people we love the most are full of life are a true investment into the future.  My friend Michelle and I still have a photo that we took together when we were out for our friend's birthday that we will one day top.  I also love to take photos of Shyla  in her crazy, funny moments--they happen so quickly. I also love to photograph Luke playing with his kids and being the amazing father and husband that he truly is.

Instagram Moments

  I love sharing life and photos on instagram to connect (not compare) life experiences.  You can follow me @juliejay00 (those  are 2 zeros)

Life is a collection of a million, billion moments, tiny little moments and choices, like a handful of luminous, glowing pearl. It takes so much time, and so much work, and those beads and moments are so small, and so much less fabulous and dramatic than the movies.But this is what I’m finding, in glimpses and flashes: this is it. This is it, in the best possible way. That thing I’m waiting for, that adventure, that move-score-worthy experience unfolding gracefully. This is it. Normal, daily life ticking by on our streets and sidewalks, in our houses and apartments, in our beds and at our dinner tables, in our dreams and prayers and fights and secrets – this pedestrian life is the most precious thing any of use will ever experience.”  -Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines

I love looking at my Instagram Photo Collections on weeks like this, where frustrating news is just all around.    However, while frustrating, I have a litte app at my finger tips called Instagram that gives me snap shots of the little moments and beautiful things that I see in a day that I absolutely love.  I love this app and blog so I have a place to refer back to when my brain is stuck.  It is a known fact that when I have breaks between clients at work, I often take photos of cool, colorful things I see in the community I am in at that moment.  

I need those creative bursts of energy to keep giving me the energy to think collaboratively and creatively as an education consultant, but also as a mother.  They are like my own mini creative sessions within my work day.  One photograph of a sidewalk bursting with the color of chalk and street art can gives me the mental energy to keep pushing forward.

InstaAWESOME Instagram Friend Collage

I like to show off the awesome "eyes" of my friends via Instagram every now and again. I love the filters on this app, but I always want to experiment further with how these photos can be used to generate fun art beyond social networking. Here was my first idea: collaging my friend's Instagram photos into a group photo collage using the Pic Collage App (photo credits below).

Photography credits (from left to right)
Instagram Photo @ jarvypants (Michelle Jarvis)
Instagram Photo @ samiam63116 (Samantha Hance)
Instagram Photo @ daniawesome (Danielle Anaya)
Instagram Photo @ maerosie (Mae Rose Petrehn)
Instagram Photo @ mlaboube (Mallory  Laboube)
Instagram photo @ chihiro003 (Susanna Isley Matney )