Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m Christopher Owens, a college student and photographer who was born and raised about ten minutes outside of Boston. I currently live in Cambridge and am studying marketing with the hopes of working in the advertising field. I’ve been taking pictures since my freshman year of high school, after taking a photo class where we shot with 35mm film cameras.
When did you realize your passion for photography?
I first realized my love for photography during my junior year of high school. I rode the subway into the city whenever I went out to shoot, and one day I took a picture of an empty platform while waiting for the train. While I was editing the picture, I noticed the symmetry and vanishing point of the platform and was blown away. I had never seen subway stations from that perspective, and it got me itching to see more. After that day I spent the next 3-4 months shooting exclusively on the subway, followed by me branching out into more areas such as street, portraits and roofing.
What is your advice to aspiring photographers on Instagram?
Developing your own style is key. A big part of style is editing, so while apps like VSCO Film are good for beginners they can only do so much to make your pictures stick out. If you shoot with a DSLR I’d suggest investing in Lightroom, and if you’re a mobile photographer try Snapseed. Having a unique feed is important because people will be less likely to follow you if they already follow somebody who posts the same type of pictures. Also try to network with as many people as possible, both at Instameets and by simply messaging people who you want to shoot with. These connections will create followers that appreciate your work and will be there for you if you have any questions or just need someone to shoot with.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If photography is a hobby for you, just have fun with it. Find something that you enjoy photographing, and take pictures of whatever it is as much as you can. There’s no point in spending the time shooting if you don’t enjoy what your taking pictures of.
Instagram: @subciity
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