by Rachel White | Dec 21, 2012 | Stories
In case you haven’t heard, there is currently a mass exodus from Instagram in the wake of their Terms of Service debacle. Folks can’t seem to delete their accounts fast enough, and frankly I support and respect that decision. I was poised to do the same. I’m fortunate to have this platform with Juxt where I can share my personal reactions and elaborate on why I decided to limit my sharing as a content creator on IG and why I won’t be deleting my account.
When I first joined Instagram in October 2010, it was a fun way to interact with my family and friends and I was immediately hooked. As I became more active and networked through the growing community, it became clear that Instagram The Platform and mobile photography were becoming part of my life. I never expected to develop true friendships as a result of my involvement on IG, or that I would witness so much creativity on a daily basis, or that I would eventually become part of an international community, or that I would uncover this personal passion for mobile photography… all because I downloaded one insignificant (at the time) iPhone app out of millions.
I’d like to pause here and mention that I come from the “fear the internet stalker” generation. We were the first to be scared straight when it came to interacting with strangers online. The idea of meeting a stranger I’d met through an iPhone app, and then wandering around taking photos together… well that sounds like a movie of the week waiting to happen, right? It’s the prelude to a Reader’s Digest ‘Drama In Real Life.’
Something happened to me through all the time I spent posting and liking and commenting and laughing and inside-joke-making and new editing app excitement and late night insomnia fueled debates; I made some really awesome new friends. And I wanted to meet some of them. I felt like I knew them, because I had been seeing their worlds through their eyes for so long.
So, about a year ago when I was asked to become a co-manIGer of Instagramers Seattle, I actually jumped at the chance. Here I was eager to meet and organize groups of complete strangers so they could wander together taking photos with their mobile phones. What had Instagram done to me? Well, it turned out to be one of the best and most rewarding things I’ve done yet. I’ve met so many talented, kind, genuine, hilarious, weirdly wonderful individuals that live right here in my backyard. We photowalk together and we laugh and we compare apps and accessories and sometimes it’s awkward and sometimes 10 of us take the exact same photo, but we encourage each other and it’s inspiring and we just have a really great time. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. And I’m keeping my IG account open for now… because of it.
IGers Seattle at Magnuson Park (March 2012)
I announced on my IG feed earlier this week that I intended to delete my photos as a result of the TOS. Lucky for me, I’ve always sent a backup copy of my posts to Flickr (which as an artist, I happily pay for) so my photostream is intact there. What I still need to figure out is how to archive all of my precious IG comment history (any suggestions, please share in the comments!) before I delete this journal spanning two years of my life; years of meaningful conversations that I’m not willing to give up just yet. And no, I don’t actually believe Instagram has any interest in selling my photographs. I’m no celebrity. But on principal, the statement I’m making is “Instagram doesn’t own my work. I own my work. You fucked up.” Period. So my photos are going to disappear from Instagram. What isn’t going to disappear is my involvement with the IGers Seattle community.
IGers Seattle 1st Birthday Party (September 2012)
Will I continue sharing my original work on Instagram? Nope. All the back-pedaling and legalese in the world isn’t going to earn back my respect. And to be clear, my emotional attachment to Instagram The Platform dissolved months ago, even before the Facebook sellout. I am no longer the user Instagram is targeting. One look at the Popular… I mean Discover page… and it’s clear that Instagram Facebook isn’t where I belong anymore. Between the spammers and the never ending follow-for-followers… it’s just not as fun as it used to be.
I actually owe the Instagram/Facebook legal team a debt of thanks; their underestimation of what users will tolerate and the resulting shitstorm inspired me to reevaluate a lot of things. I’m excited to branch out with new fervor into the photography community beyond Instagram. Instagram The Platform opened a door for me to develop friendships and become part of a community, and for that I am grateful. But that doesn’t mean it can’t continue in spite of Instagram The Facebook Commodity. Individuals gravitate towards the community that speaks to them, and I feel confident that my community exists far beyond the Instagram app. When you build a community, and that community is strong enough, it will survive even after you burn its house down.
The contradictory nature of my stance isn’t lost on me: announcing my abandonment of Instagram The Platform and in the same breath professing my allegiance to our IGers Seattle group. But why shouldn’t we use Instagram as a vehicle for our benefit? They don’t have any qualms about using us for their benefit. At this point, it’s business; I’m going to continue with the business of managing our community that still operates in the Instagram/Facebook machine.
I’m going to continue interacting with my international friends who’ve decided to stick around IG, just in a different way. And I’ll continue developing new relationships through platforms like Juxt and EyeEm and Flickr, and continue bringing together our local group of mobile photo nerds across these platforms because I love it, because we’ve become a weird unlikely family and because it means something to us. My motivation, and I think all of our motivation at IGers Seattle, remains; to bring people together in person to share and laugh, to geek out over these ridiculously awesome mobile devices we hold in our hands and the beautiful pictures we make with them.
IGers Seattle at Discovery Park (December 2012)
by Rachel White | Apr 24, 2012 | Featured Articles
Tyson Wheatley Through the Eyes of His Kids by Rachel S.
Rachel’s Introduction
Like so many of us here at Juxt, I have the lucky pleasure of interviewing someone I admire. Tyson Wheatley is a gifted iPhoneographer; seemingly able to translate the soul of the city he lives in – through his photographs. Hong Kong speaks to us in whispers and chatter as he explores the city’s peaceful suburban trails and crowded city streets.
Tyson’s reputation as an iPhoneographer on Instagram has grown exponentially this past year. While he’s known for his photos and his work at CNN, he’s also a partner in another fast-paced, high-stakes business: Raising a family.
I’m pretty sure that Tyson is one of those cool dads that the other kids want to hang out with. I mean, take a look at this family: they are having some serious good times! I was super stoked when Tyson agreed to this interview because I had grown so fond of his family photos and stories, I felt like any interview I proposed absolutely had to include his kids. I know firsthand how much fun it can be to share photography with my family, so I wanted to learn more about how the Wheatleys interact and what role iPhoneography plays in their daily lives.
Needless to say, I am thrilled to share this interview with you all. So let’s juxt get on with meeting… the Wheatleys.
Wheatley Family Portrait
R: Rachel T: Tyson K: Kaya J: Jacinda H: Huck
R: Tyson, tell us a bit about your kids. What are some things they’ve done recently that make you laugh out loud?
T: We’ve been blessed with three outstanding kids. Each is quite different than the other – but they’re all pretty hilarious.
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Kaya holding two fruit bats
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Looking Out. Photo by Kaya
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Kaya, 9, is fiercely independent and stubborn. She’s loud and fearless and very entertaining. The other day she asked me “Dad, why do I have to go to school when all I want to do is dance?”
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Jacinda bowling
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 Kaya’s Birthday Cake. Photo by Jacinda |
Jacinda, 6, is much quieter than her big sister. She is kind and thoughtful and super smart. Jacinda is really perceptive and makes interesting observations about people – especially adults. She totally called me out the other day for telling her to turn off her Nintendo DS to come to the dinner table while I was checking email on my iPhone.
 Huck at school |
 Tyson. Photo by Huck |
Huck is 4. He is a boy, but sometimes is mistaken as a girl. His wild, curly blond hair grabs a lot of attention in our neighborhood. Huck goes to a local kindergarten where they teach half of the day in Cantonese and the other in English. The school makes the kids wear ridiculously colorful uniforms – in marine green, bright yellow and red and brown plaid. Huck kinda hates wearing them. Whenever I try to take a picture of him before school he usually runs in the opposite direction!
R: Tell us a little about yourself; who is Tyson Wheatley?
T: I’m an American news editor, dad, and trail-runner living in Hong Kong. I started using Instagram when I first moved here a little more than a year ago. My wife and I are raising three little ones in North Point – a residential neighborhood on Hong Kong Island full of crowded markets and bustling butcher shops and very few families that look like ours.
Serious Selfie
R: How would you describe your dad, and what does he do at his job?
K: Weird. Funny. Scary sometimes. He writes the things that people have to say on the news.
J: A nice guy. He works at CNN and writes, or something.
H: He is smaller than a building. Don’t work, just play.
R: What is your dad’s favorite toy?
T: Does my iPhone4S count as a toy? It does? Then, yeah, my Phone.
K: He bought mom an iPad, but he plays with it more
J: His phone
H: iPhone
Wheatleys Looking Out; one of Tyson’s favorite family portraits
R: What do you love most about Hong Kong?
T: I love the people of Hong Kong. I find that most are very kind, well educated, sharp dressed and independent. I also love the food – all of Asia is well represented in HK, but there’s nothing like a Cantonese-style kitchen. And lastly, I love the architecture – the towering skyscrapers perched on lush islands that jut out of the sea. Hong Kong is extremely photogenic.
K: Noodles.
J: Food, like sweet and sour fish
H: Boats, rivers.
R: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve eaten since you moved to Hong Kong?
T: Coagulated pig’s blood. I’ve had frog too. Ostrich stir-fry as well. That was actually quite good.
K: Spicy chicken
J: Dried octopus
H: Dim sum
Huck Watching Boats
R: What is your favorite family fun activity in Hong Kong?
T: Taking the ferry to Lamma Island for the beach and seafood.
K: Going to the beach
J: HK Instayays
H: Going to the park
Jacinda at an HKInstayay photowalk
R: Have each of the kids participated in an HKInstayay at some point?
T: All three kids went to our third Instayay – to Peng Chau. It was very hot and humid and poor little Huck kinda was miserable, so that was his last one.
Both the girls went with me to HK Instayay 5 “The Peak”‘ – which was super fun, but Kaya basically complained the whole time and kept asking people to carry her. To be fair, she did have a bit of a fever. Anyway, that was her last one.
Jacinda’s been to three! She’s such a trooper. And a good little photographer. She had an active Instagram account for a few months before breaking her iTouch at HK Instayay 8 – Shanghai Street.
Caption: Jacinda Instagraming (RIP iTouch)
R: How many HK Instayay meetups have there been to-date?
T: Well, we’ve had 11 official Instayays, a handful of mini-yays (smaller gatherings, like at a bar) – and one 12-hour “Tram Yay” – a photowalk that took place overnight and included a private HK tram. Oh, and we just had our first exhibit. We get together for big events once a month.
Our FB page has a great timeline of the history
https://www.facebook.com/#!/HK.InstaYay
R: How have these meetups enhanced your time in Hong Kong?
T: It’s not something that can be measured really. For me, HK Instayay has helped shape my experience moving to a new city. It introduced me to so many new friends – many of whom are local Hong Kongers. They opened up their hearts and really welcomed me and my family. Together, we’ve explored places I probably wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise – and I’ve made real, lasting friendships. It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced and it just keeps getting better.
R: Why do you love making pictures, and how much of your day is spent doing so?
T: It’s kinda crazy, I didn’t realize I had a passion for photography until Instagram. It unlocked something inside I think. Or perhaps just leveled the playing field. I’m not a “photographer” – I mean, no one’s ever paid me to take pictures of anything and I have very little formal training. (As for time)… Well, you know the saying – the best camera is one you have. I carry my iPhone everywhere I go – even when I’m running. (I’ll wrap it in plastic sandwich bags when it rains.) Basically I’ll stop and take a picture when something catches my eye – which happens a lot in Hong Kong.
Girls at Pool
R: Why do you think your dad likes taking photographs so much?
K: Because he likes Instagram and is very inspired by things, like a family of jellyfish.
J: Because he lives in a cool place to take photographs.
H: Because he is always taking pictures, of everything. Like boats, buildings, pictures, everything.
R: What do you think makes a good picture?
T: Anything that evokes emotion.
K: A goth person
J: Shade and color
H: A zombie
R: What is your favorite iPhone app?
T: You mean besides Instagram? Probably Snapseed.
K: Angry birds
J: Instagram and Angry Birds
H: Star Walk
Kaya in Hallway
R: How do you like to make pictures, and how much time in your day is spent making pictures?
K: I love to draw. 4 hours? Maybe 5 on Saturday
J: By drawing. I don’t know. About 1 hour
H: Draw. I draw a lot of pictures.
R: Every good hero has a theme song. If you were a superhero, what would your theme song be?
K: Beat It, by Michael Jackson
J: The Amazing World of Gumball
H: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
T: This question is totally absurd – and I love it. My initial pick was “Eye of the Tiger” by that’s already taken by Rocky Balboa. Too bad. Tigers are by far my favorite animal. I’m a huge baseball fan. Growing up I dreamed of playing for the Atlanta Braves. When I went to games, I always imagined coming up to bat with two outs in the bottom of the Ninth. I’d stroll slowly from the dugout to the plate as “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who starts blaring – right around the 7:22 mark in the song. By the time I reach the plate the “Yeeeeaaaahhh!” kicks in – the crowd goes wild. So, yeah.
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Tyson, Kaya, Jacinda & Huck… thank you so much for sharing, for being super nice and for genuinely having an awesome sense of humor. I loved learning more about you and your family’s adventures in Hong Kong. You’re all juxt lovely folks. – Rachel
More photos by Tyson:
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Kaya at Photowalk
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Huck at Airport
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Jacinda at Library
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Juxt thanks the Wheatley Family for the words and their art!
About Rachel Marie:
iPhoneographer • Hipstaholic • Mamabear • Community Advocate • Makin’ it happen in the City of Music® one initiative at a time • Self-taught and powered by a mild case of OCD, I’m inspired by inanimate objects and everyday life. I don’t mind when O.G. film photographers call me a “phoney-ographer.” Rather, I embrace the sentiment as a challenge to continue experimenting and championing mobile photography as the art form evolves.
by Rachel White | Jan 13, 2012 | Stories
Suffice it to say, that 2012 came out swinging and I caught an uppercut, followed by a roundhouse kick to the face. I’m in need of some serious peace. And it’s only the 13th. Friday the 13th, in fact, and every time Friday the 13th rolls around, I embrace it as the luckiest of lucky days, and count my blessings. I consider this a day to open my arms and collect some much needed power from the universe after all it has taken. So to celebrate the coexistence of power and peace, I decided to share this post with you.
One of the things I love about photography is the opportunity it affords me to get away from the daily grind. Whether it’s a trip to the mountains or a 15 minute lunch break, there’s nothing quite like getting into the shooting zone. You know the one. I prefer to shoot alone and two weeks ago, two days after my grandfather’s passing, I was able to don my new snowshoes and get back in touch with myself and more importantly; Mother Nature.
My grandfather loved the outdoors. He taught us kids so many things about the wilderness and appreciating the bounty and magic of our natural world. All of my most vivid childhood memories revolve around our family camping trips. Four families, camper vans, tents and a Winnebago… we road tripped all over the western states. Being the oldest of eight grandchildren, I most often had the privilege of riding in the front seat with Grampy. Well, a lot of the time anyway. I remember staring in awe, much as I do now at the scenery flying by as we trekked on our adventures. I still love road trips for that palpable excitement that comes with heading somewhere different and wonderful. And I still feel that childish anticipation on a drive into the Cascades, even though I’ve been here countless times.
Something about being in the woods, or on a mountain top looking out at the vast canvas that is our Mother Earth; somehow it feels easier to connect with something greater than ourselves. What better time than now to be seen by our loved ones from that other place? And now I can stand here in the snowy stillness, feeling contentedly like the only person on earth. It’s the best kind of feeling alone; the feeling of humbling smallness that returns your feet to the ground and your eyes to the horizon. It’s a time to breathe deeply and begin to heal. I am at the same time completely separate and irrevocably one with everything.
And this is where I can speak to him.
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However I may feel about the new Hipstamatic D-Series after using it for a few weeks (not entirely convinced), I think it’s clear this particular film and scenery were made for each other.
These images from my “winter cathedral” series were shot with the D-Series camera’s D-lite film. They are unedited except for cropping. Something about this series and the time I spent capturing these moments… I’m so completely enamored with them.
They instantly bring me back to peace.
by Rachel White | Dec 19, 2011 | Reviews
As you and my other Hipstamaticaddict brothers and sisters may have heard by now… The Hipstamatic D-Series just pushed it’s second update since the shiny new app was released last week. Not altogether surprising in the world of brand-new apps. Bugs happen of course and this app is no exception, however the updates we’re seeing are much more substantive than bug fixes. It seems the backlash has been heard loud and clear, and four new unlimited cameras and higher resolution images were added to the D-Series earlier today. (see notes below) This could have all been planned to grow the buzz, but I’d like to think they responded to customer demand in an honorable way.
As I relayed in a previous post, my initial reaction to the newest Hipstamatic family member was somewhat unfavorable. It would seem I’m not the only one. In fact, I’ve seen quite a bit of chatter on the web and honey… it ain’t pretty. I think by now it’s fair to expect any app with a following like Hipstamatic would have superfans. And the superfans of Hipstamatic are not afraid to speak their true feelings loud and clear. The most common complaints I’ve read focus on three areas:
Full resolution only available on additional paid cameras.
[Resolution issue was addressed on 12/20 after I had already queued up this original post. Yay, thanks D-Series Team!] Have to agree, this as a significant negative if you don’t have the cash/inclination to buy extra cameras and you want to save or print full quality images. Also, I suspect many of us with the 4S aren’t going to waste precious shots on 600×600 output. [as of 12/20 images now save in “high quality mode” for all cameras. Not sure if that means full resolution, but thats still awesome!]
On the other hand, these sample images shot with the free unlimited D-Fault camera are pretty decent for a casual user who is only posting to Facebook. I haven’t had a chance to get too creative with the holidays upon us here, but I think the following shots fairly represent the D-Fault camera’s capability. The requirement to take all 24 shots before you can view the photos means I wouldn’t use this as my go-to camera. As a casual or party camera, these limiting features won’t stop me from sharing a laugh or two with friends.
- Taken with D-Fault Camera, f/x level 22.0
- Taken with D-Fault Camera, f/x level 12.4
- Taken with D-Fault Camera, f/x level 22.0
Relatively high cost when compared to original Hipstamatic
I can see both sides of this one. I definitely had sticker shock when I first learned of the pricing structure: for the BlacKeys 44, each camera has 24 shots and purchase options are $0.99/9 cams, $1.99/36 cams and $4.99/99 cams. [pricing issue addressed on 12/20, four unlimited $0.99 cams were added to the Hipstamart. Thanks again, D-Series Team! Still no unlimited black and white option though. Boo.] It’s significantly inflated from the pricing structure of the original Hipstamatic camera, which I think explains the visceral reaction of Hipsta superfans. However as one of my Instagram colleagues pointed out on my last post; it’s not terribly out of line for a novelty camera and it isn’t outrageous to financially support the folks who created the original app which so many of us use on a daily basis. BlacKeys is notably the only black and white option so that does put Baby in a corner. And nobody puts Baby in a corner. Fortunately for the D-Series, it has one major redeeming quality; namely the ability to adjust effects on a sliding scale. The effects range is demonstrated in the following shots.
- Taken with BlacKeys 44, f/x level 22.0
- Taken with BlacKeys 44, f/x level 13.8
- Taken with BlacKeys 44, f/x level 2.8
Requirement to connect via Facebook
In order to take advantage of the D-Series ‘worlds first social camera’ feature, users must connect via Facebook authorization. Invitations to share a roll are sent by one user, and then that group cooperatively shoots all 24 photos of a disposable camera before anyone can view them. Once the roll is shot, everyone sharing has access to the entire roll of film which can then be saved to the camera roll or re-shared elsewhere. It’s a very cool idea.
As someone who values privacy and a certain level of anonymity, I understand and respect those who prefer not to filter every move they make through the Facebook machine. I understand the outrage here. There is something unsettling about requiring it in order to use the full functionality of the app. I’m no developer so I don’t know if there are other ways to accomplish sharing here, but logic dictates there would be.
I did link my D-Series to Facebook and have to admit; It’s actually pretty fun to see what my friends across the globe are shooting just for fun. I’ll definitely be taking more shots over the holidays and will post more examples here for those who are curious. Bottom line: D-Series has won me over. Will I buy every camera like I’ve collected every Hipstamatic lens, film and flash? Not likely. Will I use it for fun with friends and long photo walks? Absolutely. I like it.
So what do you think?
by Rachel White | Dec 17, 2011 | Stories
Hi, I’m Rachel… and I’m a Hipstaholic. It’s been 30 minutes since my last shot.
In my own personal experience with twelve-step programs, I can confidently say I’ve got step one covered here. However in this case I’m not interested in moving through it. In fact, I’d like to hang out for a while. It’s cozy in here.
A week ago when I was invited to Juxt, I could have written about any number of things. As timing would have it, the recent release of a certain D-Series camera inspired me to write my first blog (ever) as an introduction to me and my addiction; the Hipstamatic camera.
This past week I’ve been nothing less than giddy. The moment I learned those mad scientists at Hipstamatic would release a new and mysterious product, my pulse quickened and my eyes dilated. I’m pretty sure I tweeted, “I don’t know what it is or how much it costs, I must have it!” Well, my friends, I may just eat those words.
To illustrate my adoration of all things Hipsta, I’ll recount those first gleeful moments downloading, waiting impatiently…loading…installing…come ON already!! Opening the app to find what looked like the modern, sexier older sister of my Hipstamatic BFF, I was elated. I’m not ashamed to say: it was like early Christmas. What happened next surprised even me. I took care in exploring each new feature. Saving the best for last, I arrived at the camera selection screen. Select… select… I took a mental double-take. Wait… are you…? Ok, so… wait… really? You’re telling me I have to pay for every single roll of black and white film? What I’m seeing is that every photo I take is going to cost me? This is an outrage!!!
I need to be clear that it’s not my intention to bash the Hipstamatic team for their latest money making endeavor. In fact, quite the opposite is true. After all, these are the evil tech geniuses almost solely responsible for feeding my passion for photography until it overflowed into the IGverse. Where would I be without them? I do not begrudge them their profit margin. No, I will be giving the D-Series a 4.5 star review (most likely in greater detail on this very blog) and I assure you I will use it often, post photos as I always do and fall madly just as I did with my original Hipsta lover. What I’m getting at here and what I want to explore with you is that visceral reaction; the immediate and deep seeded rejection of being told I have to PAY to take photographs.
What has become of photography, my friends? Would Louis Daguerre be proud? Would he lower his gaze in disdain? Is it my right to take thousands of photos for free because technology says I can? Or is it my obligation to financially support the industries making it possible? I invite you to discuss the evolution of photography’s bloodline that brings us together here. Some part of me realized in that incredulous moment, how absurd my objection must be in the eyes of a traditional film photographer. My amorous relationship with photographs has grown in an age where a photograph can be captured at any time, in any place, on any whim. You’re talking to someone with 1,800+ photos in her camera roll alone, not to mention the thousands of others on hard drive. I sometimes feel like the spoiled only child receiving a brand new Mercedes for her sixteenth birthday.
As with many of my peers, I was drawn to photography and memory making from a very young age, but the price to indulge and excel was prohibitive for me as the experience level advanced. Fast forward ten years and moments in life can now be captured… relatively cost free from my PHONE of all things. This is a mind boggling concept when you look through the eyes of say, my grandparents. They were literally stunned silent when I showed them my iPhone photographs. It really is a wondrous device. Receiving my first iPhone as a gift* three years ago opened a world of options, admiration, beauty and new relationships that led me here today. I always felt I had a creative side. It took this little device to draw it out of me.
With that said, I find myself embroiled in this internal dialogue: Are mobile photographers artists? Is iPhoneography a genuine expression of skill and creativity? Are we simply riding the coattails of talented app designers? Have I deluded myself into thinking my photography is artwork because I have followers on Instagram? Where can I take this obsession of mine and how do I keep my integrity along the way? Shall I rise indignant when film photographer friends call me “phoney-ographer”? Of course I have my own opinions, and I’m happy to share. What I’m most interested in is exploring here and in future posts, a dialogue among peers. I want to hear how you think and feel about this and other questions of mobile photography as hobby, as therapy, as profession, as escape, as obsession, as art.
I’m very happy and honored to participate in this eclectic community and anxious to share this experience with you my new good friends. I’m jumping in, let’s go! Juxters… Cheers!
(*I married that guy, by the way. iPhone is a geek girl’s promise ring)
