I actually started using the app in its very early stages, possibly a few months after the app launched.  It’s when I was also just beginning to use a smartphone, which was iPhone 4 at that time.  I was so excited, surprised and amazed at how a smartphone could bring me such convenience and efficiency so quickly.  However, I never imagined this app could be so powerful like nowadays.  So at the beginning of the first two years, I was like the same as most people, taking photos of food and other random things in life.

Everything changed after I accidentally found the account of the host through Instagram here, who is also the host of Hong Kong instameet.  I was first amazed and stunned by the photos that he posted in his feed, and then realized there is this instameet where everyone can meet up and photowalk around Hong Kong’s streets.  So I joined this instameet and the community that they had already formed, and it has been opening my eyes ever since.  I have met so many talented and nice people at the meets, who come from various countries around the world and professions from all kinds of industries.  They all have their own styles and specialities of photography that they like to capture, which inspired and taught me a lot.  After the meet, I started to capture photos more seriously, and joined their photowalks from time to time. I guess slowly I’ve been more  recognized within the group.

I believe the best part of being involved is this huge network is that I get the chance to meet photographers in person, do photo walks together, and be inspired by them and their individual styles and creativity.  I have learned so much from their styles and skills and have explored and discovered new places and spots around Hong Kong area.

I think I would not encourage people to take photos for the purpose of getting followers.  I take photos because I want to share and inspire others that there are always beautiful things around you everywhere, and you don’t need the fanciest camera in the world to do so.  In my opinion, Instagram provides a great platform to showcase beautiful photos and talented photographers. If you take great, creative and inspiring photos, followers will come to you naturally.

I’m still trying to enjoy every moment in this community here and trying to meet more talented people and masters along the way.  In the future, I’m planning to visit the headquarters of Instagram.  I think it would be lots of fun.

Thanks a lot for the interview Stephen!  It looks like you all have formed a great community that I’m sure will only continue to grow.

You can follow Stephen on instagram @xcanadian

Also, if you have any questions for him, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below or on our Facebook page, here

Have a great weekend!

Mr.J

Sponsored by Jar Design

Check out there amazing apartment renovations in Hong Kong at http://www.jardesign.hk

3 comments on “QQQQQ: Meet the Instagrammer!”

1. brielle87

   July 5, 2014

   

   Absolutely amazing photos!! Pretty mindblowing images, definitely worth taking a few minutes to really absorb their content.

   Reply
2. miao

   September 17, 2014

   

   Hi, Stephen!
   I am the president of Hong Kong Baptist University Photograpic Association. I really appreaciate your talents and inspirations you presents in your photography works. I and my fellows sincerely invite you to hold some simple photo-walks with our young and enthusiastic photography lovers.

   I am looking forward to your reply.

   Sincerely,
   Rose

   Reply
   • Stephen

     September 19, 2014

     

     This is such an honour to be invited by your association. And I would love to spend a weekend if you guys are interested. Please send me an email for further details and discussion hkstephen@hotmail.com

     Reply