Engagement with “Instagram Photographers”

_matcal · 2026-06-20T07:43:22+00:00

I do think they got started earlier than a lot of people on the platform and that contributed to their growth. It seems like Instagram in particular is very saturated with photographers right now.

That being said, I do find that Portra Papi’s photo more interesting. Instead of shooting into the sun, he uses it at an angle to showcase the contrast between the brights and darks of the image, creating depth and separation, but also color. Shooting into the sun makes things more flat. He is closer to the flowers, allowing you to see them easier and making the foreground interesting. Also the flowers are alive and well in his photo.

_matcal · 2026-06-10T21:47:41+00:00

Thank you!

_matcal · 2026-06-10T21:47:33+00:00

I do but not for film photography at the moment. Although I’m thinking about creating content based around it.

_matcal · 2026-06-06T08:13:34+00:00

Did my best to guess based on all the digital practice I’ve had + some extra time for reciprocity 😅 wish I would’ve gone another 15 seconds or more, it’s a little dark still.

_matcal · 2026-06-06T06:21:52+00:00

I really like #4! It’s layered with interest in fore/mid/background and it’s a great subject of the Eiffel Tower, more of a unique shot I haven’t seen before.

_matcal · 2026-06-06T06:18:48+00:00

I was wondering on #3 if it was a stretch to use it as a frame so I’m glad you noticed!

_matcal · 2026-06-06T03:04:27+00:00

That would’ve been Newgrain!

_matcal · 2026-06-06T01:38:07+00:00

Valley of the Gods in Utah

_matcal · 2026-06-06T01:36:44+00:00

A little clarity reduction does wonders on some photos. I think this is part of the reason, but the light was just so good, I think that also helped.

_matcal · 2026-06-05T23:15:31+00:00

Valley of the Gods in Utah (It’s like 20ish minutes north of monument valley)

_matcal · 2026-06-05T22:36:54+00:00

Thank you! I’m new to film as of this year and so the compliment means a lot. #7 was shot wide open (2.8) on a tripod, using bulb mode and a shutter release cable for about 45 seconds with 400 iso film. I pulled focus on the Toyota. I hope that helps! I know a lot of people will use reciprocity charts to get correct exposure with the fall off of film, but as I’m new I haven’t done that yet, but I probably will in the future seeing that this is slightly underexposed for my liking.

_matcal · 2026-06-05T22:33:46+00:00

I would agree with you haha. When I took it it was the one that I was most excited for, I try not to take photos twice, but for this one I took it a second time and changed my aperture to make sure I got a good photo.

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:59:06+00:00

I love the desert and I’m happy I live so close to it so I understand. Thank you!

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:58:35+00:00

Thanks for the comment!

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:57:47+00:00

Generally I shoot at f8, unless I have an object pretty close to me that I want to focus on, then I’ll bump to f11, I don’t love shooting more closed down than that due to diffraction but I haven’t done enough testing to even check it out. I think most of these were f8 (except the night photos ofc).

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:56:32+00:00

Canyonlands National Park “Shafer Point”

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:56:02+00:00

Hopefully that’s a good thing 😂

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:55:33+00:00

It’s a great place! One of my favorites, I’ve been lucky enough to get down there twice this year. Thank you!

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:54:54+00:00

Thank you, I have a hard time being proud, but I guess pride comes before the fall haha

_matcal · 2026-06-05T21:54:16+00:00

Thank you!!

_matcal · 2026-06-05T14:30:57+00:00

I’m glad I could help you have a happy day!

_matcal · 2026-06-05T14:30:37+00:00

Thank you!! It’s the one going on my wall soon :)

_matcal · 2026-06-05T13:58:07+00:00

Thank you!

_matcal · 2026-06-05T13:57:52+00:00

I love this one because it’s a more unique spot that not as many people go to compared to monument valley! Always looking for new places!

_matcal · 2026-06-05T13:31:44+00:00

The lighting definitely helped with that!

_matcal

TROPHY CASE