Friday, September 28, 2012

Gratitude

I know this is a photography blog, but I want to take a minute to be a bit mushy if I may.

The other day I was feeling pretty down about my photography and the success of my site. My Facebook page had stagnated at around 40 followers for a while - occasionally a new follower would trickle in - but I wasn't seeing much growth. When a friend posted about passing 660 followers on her page, I made a tongue-in-cheek comment about being happy if I ever broke 50. Being the wonderful kind soul that she is, *Autumn shared my page and before I knew it, I'd broken the big 5-0 barrier. And the numbers just kept climbing. In just two days' time, I'm up to 70 followers.

I truly appreciate each of you who has taken the time to like my page, browse my site,  and/or read this blog. At the end of the day, the part of photography that makes me happy is sharing and connecting with other people. If an image brings back a memory or takes you somewhere you've never been, if it stirs an emotion or sparks curiosity, I've done what I set out to do. And it's made me incredibly happy to see both friends and strangers enjoying and interacting with my photos. 

Of course, I had to do something to show my gratitude, so between now and October 4, go to my site, choose one photo that you'd like to have hanging on your wall and leave a comment on that photo. You'll be entered into a random drawing to win an 8x10 print of the image you chose. One entry per person, please. And don't forget, there are still a few days get 25% off any photo from my California gallery! I cannot say thank you all enough for your support and encouragement. You guys are the reason I keep going!

*If you haven't already, please check out Autumn's amazing photography and follow her on Facebook. Her work is incredible, and she hosts some wonderful giveaways and raffles (hint, hint: there's a raffle coming up soon!).

Friday, September 14, 2012

Giving in to Instagram

I did it. I caved.

I downloaded Instagram ages ago, but I never set up an account. I was already using Hipstamatic, and I didn't see anything that made Instagram better, or even that much different. But then dumb me went and downloaded a Pak that didn't support my sad old iOS version, and poof, there went Hipstamatic. I went without for months, but I have to admit, there's just something about those mock low-fi, square format photos. So recently I created an Instagram account and became an instant addict.

That lead me to wonder - what is it about these inexpensive little photography apps that's so appealing? I spent thousands on my DSLR and lenses so I can get the cleanest, sharpest, high-res images I can and my current obsession is a 2mp iPhone 3G camera and a cheap app that makes my photos look like they're from a bygone era? It doesn't make sense.

But it does. I used to carry my DSLR with me everywhere, and admittedly it got cumbersome. Let's face it, my phone's camera takes crappy pics - but it's light and always with me, and the effects make my shots a little more interesting. You won't find them on my site (at the very least not until I upgrade my phone), but they're fun for capturing things that grab my interest but don't warrant much more than a passing snap. And for the casual photographer who may not have access to expensive equipment and editing software, it's an easy, accesable way to make cool images that can be instantly shared with friends.

Here's some of what I've been snapping. Follow me (@mpike_27) to see more, and if you've got an Instagram account, share it in the comments so I can follow you too!

Times Square
Breakfast cart coffee
Mosaic
High Line throwback
Ghosted
Sand art