Snap it, Work it, Quick - Erase it (A Look at Instagram)

So first off, I apologize that this post is coming late - I had three interviews I wanted to collect and it took me a bit to get the final one.

Alright, so let's get right to it!

I expressed in my very first post that with this blog I wanted to explore things that I wasn't familiar with before, in order to expand my horizons a bit. And I found the perfect way to do that, and it relates directly to media :)

At the same time, it still relates to my overall geek theme, because the people I have chosen to educate me are three lovely women with varying interests that they are passionate about. Having passion doesn't mean a person defines themselves as a geek, as I detailed in my last post, but passion is still an integral part of geek-dom, no matter what that passion happens to be.

Here is my plan for the next three posts: I've interviewed three ladies regarding three separate new media websites; Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest, none of which I have very much personal experience with.

For each post I'm going to show you the interview I conducted, and then I'm going to give myself a bit of time, using the knowledge they have provided me, to try out this new media for myself.

So let's get started with Instagram! Providing me with her personal experiences is SparkleGirl Jen, co-founder of the International Geek Girls Pen Pal Club, a creative crafter that sells her wares at conventions and on Etsy, as well as a fellow blogger and fellow Canadian.

4EvaGeek: How would you describe Instagram to somebody who has never used it before?

SparklegirlJen: Instagram is an app that you can download where you have the option of sharing photos either with followers on Instagram or through other social media sites that you can connect to your Instagram app. There are some fun and basic photo editing options in the app as well that you can use before publishing your photo. You do have the option to make your account private so no one can see your photos, unless you accept someone's request to follow your feed. Private accounts allow you to take photos, edit them, and then either store them on Instagram or share them through your social media accounts. Hashtags are also very popular on Instagram. You can tag each photo with whatever fits and describes your photo. This allows users to search by a specific tag and your photo will be a part of their search results. I get a lot of 'likes' on my photos from fans of specific fandoms that find my photos through hashtags.

4EvaGeek: How do you personally use Instagram?

SparklegirlJen: My Instagram account is public so anyone can follow me and I use Instagram for a few things. First, I like to share photos of my crafts and finished projects. I can post them publicly on Instagram for everyone to see and I also use Instagram to share the same photo on my Facebook page, tumblr, Flickr account, and/or on my Twitter if I choose. It's an easy way to advertise my creations that I will have at an upcoming show or will be adding to my Etsy shop. Second, I like to share photos from my daily life. I have a lot of family and friends that follow me on Instagram and since I recently moved 5 hours away, it's a great way to share photos of sunsets, my baking, my cats, a new haircut, etc. And third, I enjoy sharing every day joys, whether it's photos from the beach, from a comic convention, a funny book cover, or a new toy I've purchased. 

4EvaGeek: What is it you like about Instagram in general?

SparklegirlJen: I really enjoy seeing peeks of people's everyday lives. I follow some really talented, beautiful, and fun people! Between outfit posts, crafts, art, baking, and other every day pleasures, I find inspiration in these photos. 

I found Jen's insights regarding Instagram to be very helpful, and I'm hoping that I can begin to use Instagram as another media tool in my online tool belt.

So I've set up an account, downloaded the app on my phone, and so far I haven't posted any pictures yet. So far the only people I'm following on Instagram are theashleyclem, who is the actress that played Lizzie Bennet in The Lizzie Bennet Diaries since she takes a lot of interesting pictures, and of course, sparklegirljen.

I'm hoping that in the next week I'll begin to post some more photos, attach a whole lot of hashtags to them, and even use Twitter alongside Instagram to share my photos to even more people!

I won't be able to report any real progress regarding Instagram until some time has passed, so I will start my next post with an update. Stay tuned!

Also, here is my question to wrap things up:

Do you use Instagram? If so, what kind of things do you use it for?

Have a good one, guys! And I owe a big thanks to Jen for allowing me to interview her for this post. I'll let you guys know about my Instagram pursuits next week!

~ 4EvaGeek