Instagram is such a great source of photography inspiration and in many ways has helped provide opportunities for exposure for many photographers. It is the current go-to social media platform for travel and landscape photographers the world over to share their imagery and tell stories of the amazing adventures behind them. The platform has given us the opportunity to grow an audience base and in many ways also grow our own personal brands in the process, thus providing exposure for our images and for some, many business opportunities along the way.
If you are looking to improve your own photography I have compiled a list of 11 of my personal favourite Australian Instagrammers who have inspired me to continue improving my photography. I know many of these personally and would recommend any of them if you are looking to improve your knowledge of both the technical sides of using a camera and any equipment, as well as the overall editing and post processing. So head on over and check them out and hopefully you will be inspired to continue improving your own photography from seeing their images.
1. @midnight_photography
In my personal opinion, Chrystal is the best Australian landscape photographer with a large Instagram profile. Every time I see her images I am amazed by the technical components of composition, amazing light, as well as the incredible talent behind her post processing skills. Chrystal runs workshops in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland and can organise group workshops and tours as well. I don’t think I really need to say anything else other than simply the best.
http://midnightphotography.com.au
2. @_danieltran_
I truly wish I would have been as focussed on anything other than partying at Daniel’s age. His dedication, focus and commitment to his photography is something I truly respect and it shows in all aspects of his image quality. My prediction is Dan will be one of the leading landscape and travel photographers anywhere in the world. He is already well on his way to achieving it.
http://danieltranphotgraphy.com
3. @kieranstoneau
My partner in crime for the Project RAWcast photography podcast, Mr Post Processing himself and all round nice guy. Kieran’s photography has been a source of inspiration for me since he first started his Instagram account. I have shot with him in many locations now and am continually blown away by his skills and knowledge of Photoshop. If you want to know how to do something in Photoshop or what has been done to achieve a particular image style, ask him. He will most likely know. And if he doesn’t, he will figure it out and get back to you.
4. @tscharke
Luke needs no introduction to most in the photography community. His award winning images from many places around Australia are instantly recognisable. The dedication and hard work he puts in to getting to those locations is something that deserves a lot of respect. His technical knowledge of landscape photography techniques is second to none. Luke has developed into one of Australia’s leading astro photographers and runs a series of workshops teaching others about this particular niche. I have been lucky enough to shoot with Luke in several locations around Tasmania and NSW and he seems to have this way of attracting the best conditions for photography wherever he goes. Still not sure how he does it, but I want that skill myself.
5. @gabscanu
I have a slightly biased point of view towards drone photography – I absolutely love it. And here in Australia Gab has without a doubt led the way for quite some time with his creative top down shots of our country and others around the world. He has built up an audience of over 150,000 followers with his creative approach to aerial photography and will no doubt continue to grow as endless opportunities come his way.
6. @lake_of_tranquility
Instagram has provided many people the world over with connections with new friendships. And this is very much the case with Dietmar and myself. When Dietmar and I first met, we had identical camera gear, to the point where we could have taken each others bags home without noticing. We were also very much at the same stage of our photography life – we were both seeking to learn and consume as much knowledge about all facets of landscape photography and post processing as we could. Dietmar has in a short time become one of the best landscape photographers / Instagrammers in Australia. His distinctive long exposure stlye with quirky and strange compositions often break all the basic rules you learn at an early stage. And this has worked very well for him.
7. @itsworthashot
There is a common belief with any artistic format that people develop their own styles – and this is very true when it comes to Matt’s images. The ethereal dreamy looks he achieves across his portfolio have been achieved through years of refinement, practise and dedication to the art of photography and post processing. Through Matt’s tutorials and personal advice I learnt more in the space of a few hours than I believe I had learnt about Photoshop and post processing in the months and years before. I believe it is very easy to pick Matt’s images even before you see a name attached to them – and this is a good thing because the quality of his content and overall style is top class.
8. @yane.photography
There seems to be a congregation of great drone and aerial photographers in Western Australia, and particular in the north around Broome. And Yane is very much at the top of the list when it comes to consistency and quality of his imagery. Most of his shots are abstract and show what can be done with a bit of creativity and processing knowledge. You can visit Yane in his gallery in the Broome township itself as I did a few years ago. If you do pop in say hi for me.
9. @everlook_photography
If you want to know something technical about landscape photography, ask Dylan. If he doesn’t know the answer, it’s probably not worth knowing. You will find great information and an endless supply of world class imagery over on his website and social media profiles. His tutorials and tips will guide you from start to finish through his shooting and editing process. I also admire the way his blog posts allow you to connect with him and his family in a far more personal way than just about any other photographer I have ever followed.
http://www.everlookphotography.com/
10. @theinkedshooter
Urban. Gritty. Edgy. Different. Beau is far from a traditional landscape photographer and would probably do everything he could to shake that tag if it was attached to him. His imagery is a mash up of travel, street, landscape, fashion, urban and underground and for him this works. He was one of the very first Instagram accounts I ever followed and each and every time I see his images they make me think about what I am actually looking at. In my opinion he is one of the best creative photographers / Instagrammers in Australia and the fact that he sees differently will keep him right at the top of the industry for many years to come.
11. @sam.ison.photos
In such a short period of time Sam has gone from strength to strength with his photography. He had considerable success and recognition in the 2016 Focus Awards and is a local photographer / Instagrammer who I am predicting will go on to great things. I am a firm believer that inspiration can come from the people behind the cameras, and I have been watching as Sam continues to develop and refine his skills by learning from many of those listed above in this article. Follow him now and watch him grow as a photographer – I have no doubt whatsoever you will be watching one of Australia’s future multi award winning landscape photographers.
