Perhaps “apologies” is a little strong. More like a confession. I’ve been cheating on you, dear reader. With Instagram.
While in Santa Fe I was speaking with Ralph Hopkins one afternoon. Wait. How cool is that? I was just having a casual conversation with Ralph Lee Hopkins…an amazing NatGeo photographer.
Anywho…we were talking about how to gain exposure. It’s one of the greatest challenges for photographers because, well, there are so darn many of us out there (this actually became acutely obvious once I joined Instagram). Ralph was saying that he joined the ranks of Instagram a few years ago “kicking and screaming,” but now sees the value in it. Zoe, a millennial sitting next to me, was nodding her head enthusiastically. Turns out there’s a lot of people who aren’t going to take the time to read a blog (imagine that), but there are zillions who will look at photos.
Okay.
With a few basic pointers from Zoe, I entered into the fray. It took a bit to figure it all out. (What do you mean I can’t download photos from my desktop??!!) But, I’ve become pretty adept. Well. Kind of. Sometimes when I upload the photo it doesn’t make it to Instagram with my hashtags. And don’t even get me started on hashtags.
That being said, there is something very satisfying about posting a photo and having 25 likes within 30 minutes. I know. Some people have thousands of likes. I’ll take 50 and be thrilled. I don’t get that much traffic on the blog.
So, that’s where I’ve been. I’ve still been posting here…but I’m stalking Instagram. Don’t worry, I’m not going away. Eventually the novelty of Instagram will wear off. But, for now…it’s so darn satisfying.
Plus (looking around), the weather has turned to crap here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, which has somewhat curbed our outdoor activities (the main theme of my posts). And it gets dark at 2:30 pm. At least it feels that way.
But, day before yesterday I was able to get out to a favorite spot in a local part where red leaves meet grey rocks and dripping water and took a few photos. And yesterday I had the day off and took the opportunity to visit another park in my quest for “tiny” for the Weekly Photo Challenge. It was good to be outdoors.
Buckle up, kids…looks like it’s going to be a long winter.
Tales from the Upper Left 
I love Instagram (which also posts to Facebook) for quick photos when I can’t blog. Stunning photos, LaNae! I just followed you!
LikeLike
Thanks, Terri!
LikeLike
That made me laugh out loud, the part about darkness at 2:30. Sigh. I’ve been thinking I should get myself on instagram, pinterest, blogaramamania, whatever; even WordPress doesn’t think those are real words.
LikeLike
It’s so easy to get sucked into the vortex of it all…for better or worse. I’m on Pinterest, too, but that’s just because I use it for my personal online recipe box. No more printing recipes and shoving them into a drawer! Is blogaramania a real thing?? Groan!
LikeLike
Also your leaves are beautiful.
LikeLike
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLike
What’s your Instagram handle? I’m christopher_lancaster
LikeLike
lanaelien
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gotcha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny LaNae, it seems we both took the Instagram plunge around the same time. Mine was simply out of frustration with Facebook, especially during this election cycle. I was always reluctant to give Instagram a try because I did not want to use my phone to take pictures. However, I am in love with Instagram after only a month & a half of use. It has inspired me to take more photos with my phone & get more creative. I too have been neglecting my blog, busy with client photography. I still love blogging & will continue as well. I absolutely love your red leaves photo. Stunning! Your photography has drastically improved, keep doing whatever you are doing. See you on Instagram & here 🙂
LikeLike
Yeah…I quit posting photos to FB sometime ago with the exception of links to blog posts. I was ready to delete my FB account altogether. 🙂 I’m actually not using my cellphone as mine takes crap photos, so I do have to take a couple of extra steps to post those taken with my DSLR, but it’s rather fun. I do like the instant gratification of lots of likes. 🙂 Thanks…I’ve been practicing. 😉 I think the NatGeo workshop helped, as did the online composition class I took a couple of months ago…and I’m doing a bit of post-processing these days (though trying not to go overboard as I still want the photos to look like my photos).
LikeLiked by 1 person