Today I Met: USA

Dawn of October 3, 2015 ushered in a weekend of meeting new people during Instagram’s World Wide Instameet 12. The theme to encourage these worldwide encounters was #todayimet. We at Grryo went one step more and asked our followers to tag portraits of people they met, along with a short story about their new friends. We present to you those great portraits and stories in a two part collection from Sydney, Australia to Seattle, USA in our collection of #todayimet. Be sure to visit our international portraits and stories from Today I Met here.

Bret | Nashville, Tennessee

Tim

Tim the Enchanter. Anyone who’s ever been part of a team or activity such as drama or band, knows that feeling of finding like-minded individuals as yourself. Your “tribe” as it were. That’s what I love about Instameets. You meet some of the most interesting, fun, willing to pose in any awkward position, people. Tim was all that. The awesome beard made him a favorite to photograph for many, but his relaxed and fun demeanor really added to the camaraderie. Though it was raining and we were all fumbling with umbrellas while shooting, the overcast skies were amazing and really painted a dramatic mood to our photos. if you’ve never attended an Instameet you don’t know what you’re missing. I’m old enough to be father to 99% of them all, so if I can do it so can you (though I do try to bring one or more of my own kids so as to reduce the “old-creep” factor).

Waqar | Stillwater, Minnesota

Christie

Since I’m on a binge of portraits, here’s another from the WWIM 12. Today I met Christie Rosckes of @discoverstillwater. When Christie isn’t doing the marketing things, she collects antiques around town, sometimes hauling them in her scooter much to the amazement of motorists around her! When asked to answer who I follow, she mentioned @exploreminnesota, without hesitation.

Julius | Stillwater, Minnesota

Matt

Today I met @matt_treiber on my very first @minnstameets!! Matt is leaving for Taipei tomorrow for four months! He has a pair of two Puma Suedes that he mix matches and call them “Ketchup and Mustard” and likes to wear stylish socks! We also found out that we are somewhat of neighbors. It was great meeting you and safe travels. I can’t wait to see pictures!! #wwim12_mn

Tommy | Petit Jean Mt., Arkansas

Doug & Crystal

Today I met Doug and Crystal. While I’ve followed this dynamic duo for some time now, the first time I met them was for #wwim12 #wwim12AR. These two travel the back roads, lakes, and hills of Arkansas shooting tremendous scenery. A year ago Crystal joined @arkmophs as a moderator and week after week finds great #arkmophs photos to feature for our followers. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to hang out with them and can’t wait until next time when we meet again.

Phillip | Kansas City, Kansas

Larry

The theme for Instagram’s world wide instameet this weekend is #todayimet. Well, I actually met this guy a few weeks ago but today was the first time we really got to hang out as we drove two hours to Kansas City. Turns out he’s got a sharp sense of humor and great taste in music (i.e. The perfect travel companion). Thanks for going to the Kansas City instameet with me Larry!

Leslie | Kansas City, Kansas

Jeff

Had a blast meeting this super fun guy today! He’s Jeff, founder of @igers_toledo. Jeff had to miss the meetup in Ohio but we were happy to welcome him to KC! So glad you joined us for the memorial meetup.

Joe | Santa Clarita, California

Rafael & Nicolette

Today I met Rafael & Nicolette and I enjoyed watching this couple get in their creative flow at the Golden Rise Meet in Santa Clarita, California as part of Instagram’s World Wide Instameet. Rafael is a photography/video manager at CalArts. Nicolette runs her own fashion and lifestyle blog at nicomichelle.com. Yes, Rafael is the photographer for Nicolette’s blog.

Doris | Santa Clarita, California

Ketty

Today I met @ladykty. I’ve been following Ketty on instagram for about a year now. She traveled from New York with her husband for a short vacation and the timing couldn’t have been better to finally meet up. Her gallery is filled with a bit of wanderlust, life imitating art Degas ballerinas, and hot mama selfies. A few of her favorite LA-based IGers are @smallmoves, @mywitsend, and @toddler777.

Michaela | Seattle, Washington

John & Brittney

Down low, too slow. Instameet shenanigans are the best shenanigans. I had an absolute blast hanging out on Sunday and playing around taking photos against this wall with @_jfleming, @brittneyway, @zulfthewolf, @gordito65, & @mrvalography. John always has a smile on his face and brings the fun wherever he goes. Brittany was an amazing sport and an absolute joy to be around. We all may or may not have had way too much fun throwing leaves at each other to “get the shot”, which @zulfthewolf and @gordito65 absolutely did! Be sure to stop by each of their feeds to check out the results!

We hope you’ve enjoyed these encounters we’ve shared from instameets across the USA. Sharing is nice and we would love for you to share this collection with others through a variety of social media opportunities presented at the top of this page. Be sure to visit our international portraits and stories from “Today I Met” here.