Features

  • Best of IGDC 2017 Exhibition

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    Best of IGDC 2017 Exhibition

    In partnership with Blind Whino SW Arts Club and with support from The Pink Line Project, IGDC’s first show will highlight the photography of local artists. Our community of photographers show the best sides of the DMV every day through #igdc and we are excited to share those images that represent our cities, neighborhoods, people and institutions with you.

    The opening reception will be at Blind Whino SW Arts Club on November 12th, from noon to 5pm. The exhibition will remain on view during normal gallery hours through December 17th.

    Thank you to Blind Whino SW Arts Club and The Pink Line Project for their partnership.  This show is made possible by the tremendous work of our IGDC community and from the support of mpix.com photo lab and Meredith Freedom Forte, @framemastermer.  Happy to be included in FotoWeekDC Festival and have the support of the @fotoDC organization.

    Shop Prints from the Exhibition


  • An Interview with @JenBurnett

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    An Interview with @JenBurnett

    Hey IGDC Family! today we have the honor of having @JenBurnett answer a few questions about photograph and Instagram. (more…)


  • Interview with Angela Pan (@abpanphoto)

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    Interview with Angela Pan (@abpanphoto)

    We’re starting off April with an interview from the very talented DC photographer Angela Pan (@abpanphoto).

    What is the story behind your first Instagram post did you sign up for Instagram right after returning from a trip?

    So according to google that was 3.5 years. To be honest, I can’t even believe I’ve been on instagram that long. It seriously seems like yesterday that I took that picture. The reason why I signed up was because one of my best friends told me it was her new favorite social media. I didn’t get it because I thought it was just all bad filters and food pics. She told me to sign up and just see for myself. So I did. I know I was lurking for a while before I actually posted anything but I’m so glad I did. Instagram is probably my favorite social media site now too.

    I took that image while I was in Sedona. My husband, Andrew took me for my birthday that year and I loved it. We were really fortunate to have rainy/stormy weather for most of our trip but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the views. This must of been during a break between the rain. Man, now this makes me want to go back.

    What was the location of the first Instameet you ever attended?

    My first official instameet was IGDC’s WWIM13. It was at Rock Creek Park and I had a blast. It was so fun meeting all these people that I had been following online. Everyone was super friendly and nice. I was also happy to attend WWIM15 in DC.

    What is your current favorite camera/lens setup?

    Sony a7ii with my 16-35mm wide angle lens. Obvi.

    View this post on Instagram

    Valentines day sunrise 💕 Crushing on pink today.

    A post shared by Angela B Pan (@abpanphoto) on

    Can you name a time you missed that perfect shot or a photo that didn’t go the way you wanted?

    Yea, all the freakin’ time. Following all these amazing people on instagram, you definitely get a whole new perspective on places. The only thing I can do is see what they did and learn from them. I’ll dissect the image and possibly figure out what they were thinking while they were taking the image. But most of the time I get those feelings when there’s a really nice sunrise or sunset and I did not leave the house in time. Those days are like a little jab in the heart.

    Who are some Instagrammers that inspire you currently?

    How many am I allowed to name? @jasonmpeterson @swopes @pootie_ting @raycollinsphoto @someguy @jennrightmeow @designlovefest @funwithfries …..

    Can you show us your favorite photo you’ve taken and tell us the story behind it?

    Again, how many am I allowed to name? JK. Sort of.

    View this post on Instagram

    Its poppin' in the city ✨

    A post shared by Angela B Pan (@abpanphoto) on

    I just love shooting flowers. They make me so happy and one of my absolute favorites are these saucer magnolias. But the crazy thing is that we had very spring-like weather in February this year so all these flowers started blooming super early. They were peaked for less than a week and then they all died the following week due to a cold front we were experiencing. *wave fists at the weather* Anyways, I really like this image because it’s from a POV I’d never seen before. It literally stopped me in my tracks and I spent at least 15 minutes working on the composition. It brings back fond memories of springtime in February. Plus the glow on the monument is on point. Pun intended.

    And lastly what advice would you give aspiring photographers.

    Keep on getting out there and shooting. Learn from mistakes and learn from others. But no matter what it is, be true to what you love and what makes you happy. Photography is all about fun and art. ✌️😻🔥

    Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Sunrise by Angela Pan
    Angela’s Iconic shot at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Sunrise

    You can find more from Angela Pan on her travel blog and on Instagram & YouTube.

    Additionally you can read more tips from Angela in her book SnapDC.

    If you want to hear more from Angela make sure to listen to her appearance on The IGDC Podcast.


  • An Interview with @Phil.Martin

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    An Interview with @Phil.Martin

    Today we’ll be talking with the bubbly and hilarious @Phil.Martin.

    Why did you originally sign up on Instagram?

    It was something new and looked to be exciting and this point I was really bored with all of the other social networking platforms. (more…)


  • Preview of Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at the Hirshhorn Museum

    Several members of the instagram community were invited to preview the stellar exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at the Hirshhorn Museum last night. The retrospective, which kicks off in Washington DC before traveling to three other venues, is a celebration of the legendary Japanese artist’s sixty-five-year career and promises to be one of the year’s most instagrammed experiences.
    On view are six of Kusama’s infinity rooms, including her latest room, All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins, which has never been shown in the United States. All are incredible and they are juxtaposed by other key works from the artist. (more…)
    See More Photos from #infinitekusama on Instagram


  • January 22, 2017 — Recap and Wrap-up

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    January 22, 2017 — Recap and Wrap-up

    This weekend, over 30 members of IGDC documented the events in our city. Over the past two days, they shared photos each day which presented a non-partisan portrait of our city during this historic weekend. Today’s post is a highlight reel and wrap-up of the weekend. We are proud to support our community in this effort and hope you enjoyed the perspective.

    Just a note about current events: IGDC, as a collective, has no political affiliation and doesn’t endorse any opinions which are expressed in the photos we choose to feature.

    @jabber_walking
    @jabber_walking

    Jabber_Walking’s Instagram.


    @kareneramsey
    National Mall, Women’s March January 21, 2017
    Hear Me Roar!
    @kareneramsey
    National Mall, Women’s March, January 21, 2017
    Oh Hell Nyet
    @kareneramsey
    National Mall, Women’s March, January 21, 2017
    Be One Anyway
    @kareneramsey
    National Mall, Women’s March, January 21, 2017
    Same, Same

    Kareneramsey’s Instagram.


    @vpickering
    National Guard doing a great job / Victoria Pickering
    @vpickering
    Police on Pennsylvania Avenue / Victoria Pickering
    @vpickering
    Signs at Trump Hotel / Victoria Pickering

    Vpickering’s Instagram.


    @Korofina
    National Mall
    Louis Mendes – Portrait
    @Korofina
    Newseum
    “Thank you Obama!”
    @Korofina

    Korofina’s Instagram.


    @dwissman
    On Constitution Ave.
    RESIST
    @dwissman
    On Constitution Ave.
    Any means necessary

     

    @dwissman
    On the Mall
    Expect resistance

    Dwissman’s Instagram.


    @e_christine13
    A quiet and calm Q and A at the White House on Sunday.
    @e_christine13
    “We were here.” Visitors document the wall of signs left in front of the White House from the Women’ March on Washington
    @e_christine13
    National Parks Services hauls away literal truck-fulls of signs left on the fence spanning the block from the Treasury Building, the White House, and the Eisenhower Building.

    E_christine13’s Instagram.


    @flipflopcaravan
    Judiciary Square
    Peaceful sit-in – this is what democracy look like.
    @flipflopcaravan
    Shaw, DC
    Making posters in advance of the Women’s March.
    @flipflopcaravan
    A new banner for hope.

    Flipflopcaravan’s Instagram.


    @tappety
    White House Ellipse
    Voices contribute to echo throughout the city.

    Tappety’s Instagram.


    @thisisjamesj
    Pennsylvania Ave NW
    Just Women
    @thisisjamesj
    The Heritage Foundation
    No shortage of opinions in town this weekend.
    @thisisjamesj
    The Supreme Court
    I’m not sure which side of the argument this sign supports.

  • January 21, 2017 — Women’s March Saturday

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    January 21, 2017 — Women’s March Saturday

    Over 30 members of IGDC have been documenting the events in our city this weekend. They are sharing photos each day which will present a non-partisan portrait of our city during this historic weekend. We are proud to support our community in this effort and hope you enjoy the perspective.

    Just a note about current events: IGDC, as a collective, has no political affiliation and doesn’t endorse any opinions which are expressed in the photos we choose to feature.

    @LLKoolWhip
    Women’s March
    Poster Woman for the March
    @LLKoolWhip
    Old Post Office
    Nasty Woman

    LLKoolWhip’s Instagram.


    @pootie_ting
    The Mall
    Hands Off
    @pootie_ting
    Hirshhorn Museum
    These shoes were made for marching
    @pootie_ting
    The Mall
    The Bully

    Pootie_ting’s Instagram.


    @itsmestaceyl
    Union Station Protest
    Prayer Warrior.
    A woman breaches the gap between protesters and riot police reading from her Bible.
    @itsmestaceyl
    Women’s March
    Best sign of the weekend
    @itsmestaceyl
    Women’s March
    Not one bit.

    Itsmestaceyl’s Instagram.


    @flipflopcaravan
    National Mall
    This is all we ask. It’s so basic, a toddler can understand.
    @flipflopcaravan
    National Mall
    The Women’s March was a day of pure joy & community. “The nicest crowd ever,” one attendee commented.
    @flipflipcaravan
    Near the National Gallery of Art
    “I’m a girl not an object”

    Flipflopcaravan’s Instagram.


    @dmvbeth
    @dmvbeth

    Dmvbeth’s Instagram.


    @raisaaziz
    @raisaaziz
    @raisaaziz

    Raisaaziz’s Instagram.


    @emcatu
    Washington, DC – Women’s March
    Near the White House, at the corner of 15th and Constitution.
    @emcatu
    Washington, DC – Women’s March
    This young protester was leading the crowd, chanting,”My body, my choice!”
    @emcatu
    Washington, DC – Women’s March
    Marching to the White House, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

    Emcatu’s Instagram.


    @Korofina
    Hey Corey!
    @Korofina
    Love and unity will conquer all
    @Korofina
    In his own words: “this is amazing!”

    Korofina’s Instagram.


    @e_christine13
    Taken on Constitution Ave.
    @e_christine13
    @e_christine13
    Taken near the ellipse of the White House

    E_christine13’s Instagram.


    @xandysocialx
    Constitution avenue.
    Watching the march by the Washington Monument.

    Xandysocialx’s Instagram.


    @dcinblackandwhite
    Women’s march
    @dcinblackandwhite
    Women’s march

    Dcinblackandwhite’s Instagram.


    @punkaboo
    Women’s March.
    @punkaboo
    Women’s March.

    Punkaboo’s Instagram.


    @thealex_turner
    National Gallery of Art
    @thealex_turner
    Union Station
    @thealex_turner
    National Mall

    Thealex_turner’s Instagram.


    @EmporioArmando
    Women’s March
    Friday= 250,000
    Saturday= 500,000+
    @EmporioArmando
    Women’s March
    Ladies of liberty marching in Women’s March Washington D.C.

    EmporioArmando’s Instagram.


    @themauricio
    Women’s March @ National Mall
    @themauricio
    Women’s March @ National Mall
    @themauricio
    Women’s March @ National Mall
    @themauricio
    Women’s March @ National Mall

    Themauricio’s Instagram.


    @realronjunior
    Women’s March on Washington
    My neck. My Back. Grab my pussy it’ll grab you back.
    @realronjunior
    Women’s March on Washington
    Pussies are tougher than balls
    @realronjunior
    Women’s March on Washington
    A woman’s place is in the revolution

    Realronjunior’s Instagram.


    @vpickering
    Inaugural attendees walking past a D.C. homeless shelter / Victoria Pickering
    @vpickering
    Demonstrator and policeman share a moment / Victoria Pickering
    @vpickering
    Miss Handled, at Union Station/ Victoria Pickering

    Vpickering’s Instagram.


    @thisisjamesj
    Things like this are important.
    @thisisjamesj
    Stay nasty.
    @thisisjamesj
    Future Madame President?

    Thisisjamesj’s Instagram.


     


  • January 20, 2017 — Inauguration Friday

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    January 20, 2017 — Inauguration Friday

    Over 30 members of IGDC have been documenting the events in our city today. Over the next three days, they will be sharing photos each day which will present a non-partisan portrait of our city during this historic weekend. We are proud to support our community in this effort and hope you enjoy the perspective.

    Just a note about current events: IGDC, as a collective, has no political affiliation and doesn’t endorse any opinions which are expressed in the photos we choose to feature.

    @Korofina
    Location: Constitution Avenue, NW
    Park Service Guard and Horse

     

    @Korofina
    Location: 13th Street NW, between E and F Streets
    The Madam said: “I wish I knew how to quit you, Vlad”

    Korofina’s Instagram.


    @ashleysinha
    McPherson Square
    Protest conflict on K Street

     

    @ashleysinha
    McPherson Square
    Protest conflict on K Street

    Ashleysinha’s Instagram.


    @realronjunior
    McPherson Square
    While this group sang New Orleans style Jazz in the park, a limo was being set on fire a few blocks over.

     

    @realronjunior
    McPherson Square
    Some people did not take too kindly to Donald Trump’s assertion that he could freely grab a woman’s genitals.

    Realronjunior’s Instagram.


    @jabber_walking

     

    @jabber_walking

    Jabberwalking’s Instagram.


    @dmvbeth

     

    @dmvbeth

    Dmvbeth’s Instagram.


    @flipflopcaravan
    1st & D St NW
    Protesters shut down a main security access point to the National Mall.

     

    @flipflopcaravan
    Near the National Mall
    Protesters & riot police stand face to face, bringing access to a security entrance to the National Mall to a standstill.

     

    @flipflopcaravan
    Chinatown
    Gotta get that selfie?

    Flipflopcaravan’s Instagram.


    @e_christine13
    Dupont Circle

    E_christine13’s Instagram.


    @awalkinthewild
    Taken at 11th and E

     

    @awalkinthewild
    Taken on E Street between 9th and 10th

    Awalkinthewild’s Instagram.


    @vpickering
    Trump supporters near the White House / Victoria Pickering

     

    @vpickering
    Trump cut-out on Pennsylvania Avenue / Victoria Pickering

    Vpickering’s Instagram.


    @thisisjamesj
    Franklin Square
    Protest turns to riot as a car is set on fire in front of the Washington Post building.

     

    @thisisjamesj
    Franklin Square
    A couple nervously makes their way between protestors and police while crossing the street.

    Thisisjamesj’s Instagram.


     


  • The Best Cameras for Instagrammers (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

    One of the best things you can do to improve your Instagram feed is to get a better camera, here are the best cameras for Instagram in 2023.

    Using a smartphone can be great for taking photos and posting to Instagram. But we know a lot of users will outgrow their smartphone and want a mirrorless or DSLR camera to step up their Instagram feed.

    When you get a camera with interchangeable lenses it’ll also allow you to change aperture, shutter speed, iso, and plenty of other settings to perfect your photos.

    Once you’ve made the decision to upgrade your camera it can be hard to choose the perfect camera. Choosing a high quality camera can last you years, we’ve compiled the best camera for Instagrammers.

    Things like weight, price, and functionality can vary between cameras so be sure to review all of our options. Paying a few extra hundred dollars now can increase the longevity of your camera in the future.

    First let’s note the biggest differences between mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. Selecting this is an important part since it’ll affect the overall experience with a camera.

    • Mirrorless: Smaller, lightweight, more modern features, and accurate viewfinder previews.
    • DSLR: Larger, heavier, better battery life, and better autofocus systems.

    Whether you’re posting on Instagram, printing photos, or need a camera for social media all of these cameras are great for capturing the moments from your adventures. If you’re a blogger these cameras will also improve your blog‘s photos.

    Here is the list of the best cameras for Instagram:

    Sony α6400 – Best Entry Level Mirrorless Camera

    Sony’s mirrorless cameras have taken the camera market by storm. Sony’s mirrorless cameras are known for their small form factor and great image quality. One of Sony’s most popular entry-level cameras is the α6400 which was released in 2019. Built around a 24.2 megapixel sensor the Sony α6400 sports great image quality, fast autofocus, and a portable design. The Sony α6400 also features some incredible video capabilities including 4k filming, 1080p slo-mo at 120fps and a microphone port.

    On the back of the Sony α6400 you’ll find a 3-inch touchscreen that’ll make for an easier transition from smartphone shooting. The touchscreen lets you select focus points in photos but sadly isn’t usable in the camera’s menus. The screen is a tilting LCD screen which is perfect for taking photos high up or low to the ground without laying on the ground. The screen also flips over the top so you can take selfies or film yourself while vlogging but if you’re using a microphone it’ll block the screen a bit.

    If you’re into travel photography you’ll love the lightweight form factor of the Sony α6400making it easy to throw into a bag.

    Wifi is also included in the α6400 body which makes it super simple to grab images from the camera using the Sony PlayMemories App. Wifi is a great feature for beginners who are familiar with editing and posting from their phone.

    The battery life for the α6400 is about ~410 shots. So it will typically last all day while traveling but the batteries are tiny so you can pack a few in your bag. So if you plan on buying this camera we recommend picking up a few extra batteries. Plus you can charge the battery using a USB cable (or he included AC adapter) which is great since you don’t have to pack another battery charger in your bag.

    If the Sony α6400 is too expensive you can also find a used α6000 which was released in 2014 and are much more affordable.

    Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens – E Mount Compatible Cameras – ILCE-6400L/B
    • 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1″ Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM, large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
    • Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor

    Sony α7 III – Best Camera for Instagram

    Sony α7 III

    If you are more on the professional side and desire the highest quality possible the Sony α7R IV and the Sony α7 III are the best mirrorless cameras for Instagram.

    The Sony α7 series features full-frame sensors that will result in incredible photos. Full frame cameras generally have improved low light performance, better dynamic range for editing, and produce high-quality images overall.

    When I decided to purchase a “big-girl” camera I went to the Sony α7R II. I have never been disappointed either. The α7RII has an incredibly powerful 42mp sensor so shooting in RAW brings out every colorful detail of your picture. The G Master lenses are expensive, but worth the investment. My favorite all around city lens is the GM 16-35mm. It is my “go to” lens. The high ISO is crazy good (I’ve taken at 12,800 ISO) and thanks to its amazing pixel count, what noise there might be, is hidden. Its viewfinder is great, and the camera itself is comfortable to hold. It’s sturdy and well made. I have never regretted my choice.
    @dccitygirl

    The α7R II and α7R III are great choices if you need the massive 42 megapixels but for most travel photographers on Instagram, the more reasonably priced α7 III is the best camera available. With incredible image quality, wifi transfer, and compact body you’ll never want this camera to leave your side. If you want an even smaller camera you can also check out the α7C which offers very similar features in a smaller body.

    Additionally, if money is no object you can also pick up the newly released Sony α7R IV which packs a crazy 61-megapixel sensor. The α7R IV can even take 240-megapixel photos with their pixel shifting mode which captures incredible detail for landscape photographers.

    Sony Lenses: Sony also offers a high-end line of lenses called G Master (GM). These lenses in combination with the full-frame sensor will offer some of the highest quality images for consumers. GM lenses include a drive mechanism for optimal autofocus performance. All of the G Master lenses are also dust and moisture resistance which can be useful when traveling in harsh conditions.

    Many photographers who convert from Canon to Sony will pick up an adapter to convert their Canon lenses to the Sony E-mount system. A few companies make adapters such as Metabones but a lot of users report some performance issues making it ideal to use Sony lenses exclusively.

    The Sony α7 III also has a weather-sealed body so things like rain and snow shouldn’t be an issue for the camera.

    With 24.2 megapixels and amazing dynamic range, the Sony α7 III will meet all of your Instagram photography needs. Especially since you can quickly transfer photos off (including RAW files) with wifi into mobile editing apps like Lightroom CC.

    Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only,Base Configuration,Black
    • Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed
    • 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with Sony E mount lenses. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of the date of release)- Android (Android 5.0 or later, Bluetooth 4.0 or later), iOS (Bluetooth 4.0 or later)

    Smartphone Camera (iPhone/Pixel)

    iPhone XS at the US Capitol. 📸by @someguy

    This is a no brainer, if you’re on Instagram you already have a smartphone. Some of the best smartphone cameras include the iPhone 15 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro. These are all great choices just in case you’re looking to upgrade your mobile photography.

    Plus using your smartphone camera is, of course, the easiest way to take photos and upload to Instagram. It is possible to upload to Instagram from a PC or Mac but we love using the app to post. Most of all you don’t want to miss out posting stories and using direct messages which is best done by using the native Instagram app.

    iPhone Lenses: If you want to level up your mobile photography the Moment lenses are incredible. It’s a fantastic way to get a wide-angle or telephoto lens on your phone. It’s also a way to make your Instagram stories more fun by showing a wider angle story to your audience.

    Editing Apps: Some apps we recommend to edit your photos include Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom CC, and VSCO. Additionally, the tools and filters built into Instagram are very useful at this point. If you’re looking to improve your photography starting with editing is a good idea since the skill will translate into any camera you’re using. If you want to learn more about mobile photo editing you can find plenty of free videos on YouTube or structured courses on Skillshare.

    Shooting RAW Photos on Mobile: Additionally, you can take more control over your mobile photography by shooting RAW with apps like Lightroom CC or Halide on iOS. iPhone lets you shoot RAW on the Pro models. Shooting photos in RAW will give you more data to work with while editing rather than the phone making all of the decisions. Many camera apps will also let you manually control things like exposure, shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. These can be great choices for learning the basics of photography before diving into cameras.

    Canon T6i – Best Entry Level DSLR Camera

    Canon T6i with flip-out screen

    People love Canon cameras because of their massive lens selection and fantastic image quality & color science. The Canon T6i is a great introduction to the Canon ecosystem. Some users prefer using a DSLR since you take photos through a viewfinder that uses a mirror.

    With a flip screen and touch screen, it’ll give you many features you’re used to using on a smartphone. One downside is that focusing while shooting videos and using the screen (live view) can be slow since it lacks dual pixel autofocus. So you’ll most likely be using the optical viewfinder to enjoy its fast focus system. Many newer Canon cameras offer dual-pixel technology which makes focusing using the screen much faster.

    If you’re using the viewfinder (which is a benefit of DSLRs) you’ll get about ~450 photo battery life. If you use live view to shoot your battery life will be crushed to ~200 photos.

    On the downside, the T6i doesn’t include some of the newer Canon features like dual pixel autofocus which can be found in the Canon 80D and M50. Dual pixel autofocus adds incredible autofocus when using live view, the T7i offers dual pixel autofocus. We recommend picking up a Canon camera with dual pixel autofocus if you plan on filming a lot of videos since videos can only be shot in live view.

    With the T6i’s built-in wifi, you’ll enjoy editing and uploading to Instagram on the go. You can grab your photos from any Canon camera using the Canon Camera Connect app which will allow you to download images and take photos from a distance.

    If you’re looking at getting the Canon T6 we think the extra money is worth the extra features in the Canon T6i. These improved features include a touch screen, articulating screen, 24 megapixels instead of 18mp, better image quality, and improved autofocus.

    Canon EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens – Wi-Fi Enabled
    • 242 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, ISO 100–12800 (expandable to H: 25600)
    • EOS Full HD Movie mode helps capture brilliant results in MP4 format Brightness Control Adjustable to one of seven levels

    $$$ If you have a larger budget you could pick up a Canon T8i, Canon M50, Canon 80D or the newly released Canon 90D. All of these include Canon’s fantastic dual pixel autofocus system that makes shooting with live view optimal.

    • Canon T8i: The Canon T8i features a better autofocus system when using the viewfinder and live view due to more autofocus points and dual pixel autofocus. Additionally, it includes a fast burst system of 7 fps, longer battery life, and improved ISO performance.
    • Canon M50: If you’re looking for a smaller camera from Canon the M50 has become a great choice due to its mirrorless body, 10fps shooting, improved ISO range, and large lens selection.
    • Canon 80D: The Canon 80D is a pro-level camera with its weather-sealed body, incredible ISO, ~960 shot battery life, and great autofocus.
    • Canon 90D: The Canon 90D is one of Canon’s newest cameras and offers an incredible 32.5-megapixel sensor. With improved focusing capabilities, battery life, and ISO performance over the 80D the 90D will be a powerhouse of a camera for Instagrammers.

    Canon 5D Mark IV – Best DSLR Camera for Instagram

    Canon 5D Mark IV
    Canon 5D Mark IV

    Many professional photographers use the Canon 1DX Mark III, this is an incredible camera but is huge and expensive. The Canon 5D Mark IV offers many of the features of the 1DX Mark II but in a smaller body. With a wide range of features and a 30.4-megapixel sensor it makes the 5D Mark IV the best travel camera DSLR.

    If you have a smaller budget the Canon 6D Mark II is a great choice plus it has a fully articulating flip screen making it a great option for vloggers. The 6D Mark II includes a 26.2-megapixel sensor and can record 4k video.

    The Canon 5D Mark IV is used by tons of Instagrammers who enjoy the 30.4-megapixel photos, great dynamic range, and wifi capabilities.

    Many users flock to Canon since they have a massive lens selection of over 200 lenses. Including unique offerings like tilt-shift lenses that allow you to control the depth of field and perspective of a photo.

    Canon’s high-end series of lenses are called L series, notably, these are the ones with a red ring around the front of the lens. All L series lenses are designed to be weather-sealed and are built for professional use.

    Canon’s 5D line also has some of the best weather sealing of any camera company. So if you get caught out in the rain or snow you won’t have to worry about your camera being damaged since it’s weather sealed.

    Additionally, the Canon 5D Mark IV has fantastic video quality. This is perfect for uploading to your stories, IGTV, or even as video posts. One of my favorite features is the ability to do time-lapses inside the camera. So you won’t have to worry about putting hundreds of images together since the camera can do it all for you. If you want to learn more about professional time-lapses the 5D Mark IV also includes a built-in intervalometer that will takes photos every X seconds so you can edit the photos together on your computer.

    If you’re looking for a high-end mirrorless camera from Canon they also make the Canon EOS R which has most of the premium features of the 5D Mark IV but in a smaller mirrorless body. Canon has only released a handful of lenses for this new RF mount system so you’ll probably want to pick up the EOS EF to RF adapter to use all of Canon’s lenses. Canon has also released the Canon EOS RP which is a fantastic value at only $1300 for a full-frame mirrorless. Canon has also released a high-end mirrorless camera called the Canon EOS R5 which features 8k video recording, 4k 120fps, and sensor stabilization.

    Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
    • New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO).
    • 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.

    Fuji X-M1 – Mirrorless Alternative

    Alternatively, you can pick up the Fuji X-M1 if you want something a bit different. Some stand out features includes Wifi and larger sensor. For its price, it’s a great way to learn the basics of photography without breaking the bank.

    The X-M1 also includes a tiltable screen, built-in wifi, and a large sensor in a very small body. Plus it’s hard to resist Fujifilm’s vintage style body. The Fuji X-M1 also includes 1080p recording at 30fps which can come in handy if you plan on shooting videos.

    Some note that the autofocus can be a tad slow compared to other mirrorless cameras and some of the dials are awkwardly placed. Those cons aside the X-M1 offers excellent image quality, low noise at high ISOs, quick start-up, and a tiltable LCD screen.

    Fujifilm X-M1 Compact System 16MP Digital Camera Kit with 16-50mm Lens and 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black)
    • 16.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
    • ISO 200-6400 (expandable to to 12800 and 24600)

    $$$ Upgrade If you have a higher budget the Fujifilm X-T100 with its tilt/flip screen, touchscreen, and the 24-megapixel sensor is also a great alternative to the X-M1. Additionally, the Fujifilm X-T20 is also a great choice with more modern features.

    Fujifilm X-T100 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens – Dark Silver
    • 24.2 Megapixel APS-C size sensor with Color Reproduction technology refined over 80 years. Artistic expression are made easy with the x-t100 with film Simulation and advanced filter modes
    • Featuring super-fast autofocus and a variety of automatic functions, including an evolved SR+ auto mode which is capable of subject recognition together with conventional scene recognition

    GoPro HERO10 – Best Action Camera for Instagram

    If you’re capturing action or sports on your Instagram feed you can’t beat the image quality, size, stabilization, and waterproofing of the GoPro HERO10 Black.

    Best of all you can transfer your photos and videos to your phone with the built-in wifi. GoPro’s app has light editing features to edit your videos together. Plus with its RAW capture mode you can heavily edit your photos from the HERO10.

    GoPro HERO10 Black Features:

    • Color Front Facing LCD Screen:The HERO10 features a color display on the front of the camera, perfect for selfies and vlogging.
    • HyperSmooth 4.0 Video Stabilization: This simulates gimbal-like stabilization to make your footage ultra-smooth in all shooting modes plus it has in-camera horizon leveling.
    • Voice Controls: Use your voice to take photos, start recording, and more.
    • 5.3K60/4K120 FPS video + 23MP Photos: With stunning 5.3K video quality and 23-megapixel stills all of your footage will look fantastic on Instagram. The HERO10 also includes three microphones with advanced wind noise reduction.
    • Waterproof: The GoPro HERO10 is designed to be as rugged as possible, its waterproof body makes it fantastic for trips to the beach. Plus the HERO10 includes a mount built right into the base of it.

    Check out some of the best GoPro photography on GoPro’s Instagram account. Even if you don’t plan on taking adventurous photos the wide-angle photos from the GoPro will give you ample creative opportunities for your feed.

    GoPro HERO10 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 23MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
    • Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine changes the game—snappy performance, responsive touch controls and double the frame rate for amazingly smooth footage. Designed specifically for the demanding nature of the GoPro, the GP2 “system on a chip” is by far our fastest ever.
    • High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro ever. Upgraded to incredible 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution at 60fps, HERO10 offers double the frame rate for amazingly smooth motion. Plus, there’s 8x slo-mo at 2.7K and you can pause videos and grab 15.8MP still photos from 5.3K video that look amazing.

    Another great action cam is the DJI Action 2. This action camera is cheaper than a GoPro and features a unique design. Plus if you already have DJI drones this might be a familiar product for you.

    Choosing Your First Lens

    If you’re starting out, the kit lenses (lenses bundled with the camera) are typically good quality. They usually offer a great range of focal lengths for all types of photography.

    After learning how the camera works using the kit lens we highly recommend upgrading to a 50mm prime (great for portraits!). You can usually pick one up for around $100 and most camera companies make an affordable 50mm for their cameras. Prime lenses will give you lower f stops so you have greater control of the depth of field in your photos. Shallow depth of field is often used in artsy photos especially when taking portraits. Plus if you pair a shallow depth of field with unique lights like fairy lights you can achieve some interesting effects.

    Once you figure out your style and what you like to shoot buying more lenses can improve the direction you’re heading. Wide-angle lenses (~16mm) can be great for landscapes and cityscape photography while telephoto lenses (~50mm) are ideal for portraits.

    On a side note, without adaptors, lenses aren’t interchangeable between companies. This is something to consider before you get heavily invested in a camera brand.

    Crop Factors: Just to note, all focal lengths noted above assume you’re using a full-frame camera (35mm). To calculate the focal length to a cropped sensor you can use a took like crop factor calculator. So, for example, a 16mm lens on a micro four-thirds camera will actually be 32mm so that is something to consider when looking up lenses. We recommend reading reviews of lenses to fully see what you’re going to get.

    Other Photography Gear for Instagrammers

    After getting a camera here is popular items photographers use to up their Instagram photos. This includes a tripod which is essential for long exposure photos, backpacks, and interesting props for your photos.

    • Tripod: If you plan on doing a lot of night photography a tripod will be essential to capturing long exposures and share images at night. When buying a tripod be sure to check the maximum load and if your camera is below the max weight.
    • Backpack: When you acquire more lenses a bag to carry all of your gear is important. Plenty of companies make camera bags but Peak Design is a popular choice for many photographers.
    • Instagram Props: Popular items Instagrammers place in their photos include a Lensball, Prisms, Fairy Lights, and the Moon Light. These have become very popular on Instagram being used by huge photographers like @brandonwoelfel.

    One camera won’t be the best option for everyone but balancing the size, budget, and features of all of these cameras will take fantastic photos. Hopefully, these cameras and gear will improve your Instagram feed.

    If you’re still trying to improve your photography we recommend checking out Skillshare and watching free videos on YouTube. Learning to perfect your editing can also greatly improve your photos.


    Let us know your thoughts and what you shoot on in the comments!


  • Preview of The National Museum of African American History and Culture with IGDC

    (Featured Photo by Peter Flint)

    IGDC had the distinct pleasure of attending a private tour of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture ahead of their official opening September 24th.

    Washington’s newest museum on the Mall is not only an architectural delight but it contains 400,000 square-feet of artifacts important in the history and culture of the African American journey. It records the tragedies and obstacles, the triumphs, the passion, the influence and the contributions these men and women experienced in our history.

    It was an incredible experience wandering the halls together. Many of the stories display heart-wrenching, terrible and sad moments in our nation’s history but so many others are full of optimism, love and inspiration. We were blown away. The mood in the museum was celebratory and you could tell, even from the construction staff still hard at work, that the pride in finally showing off 100 years of hard work was deeply felt.

    It’s a powerful experience to walk the halls and exhibition cases and we cannot wait to see how our community interprets the museum.

    To see images from the day, please check #apeoplesjourney and #igdc. Some of our favorites are here:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BKaeLTMgK_F/

    As I sit here and reflect on my visit to the @nmaahc yesterday, I'm reminded of a common thread that I found in each exhibit. It's a powerful narrative and a visceral lesson in humility that really resonated with me. That thread is an unwillingness to let recognition, visibility or respect diminish your ability to achieve greatness. Black people always have and will continue to have an influential impact on American culture and that impact has finally found undeniable prominence on the National Mall. Call it equality, call it respect, or maybe honor… I choose to call it change and I embrace it with open arms and eyes filled with tears of joy. This dynamic structure and the well-curated content that fills it, helps to ease some of the pain carried by generations of people, as well as restores visibility to the inspirational lives they led. A huge thanks to all the amazing people that are working long hours to get the museum ready for its September 24 debut, to the teams at @nmaahc and @instagram for the early preview and my @igdc family for keeping me motivated and sharing love and light throughout the District. "America can be changed. It will be changed." #APeoplesJourney #IGDC #NMAAHC

    A post shared by Jared Keith Lee (@jaredkeithlee) on

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BKWarvfgm42/

    Secular vs. sacred music. #nmaahc #apeoplesjourney

    A post shared by Alana Quinn (@aquinsta) on

    For the 100-year history of how the museum came to be, we recommend this NPR article:

    http://www.npr.org/2016/09/14/493688656/100-years-in-the-making-black-history-and-culture-museum-ready-for-reveal
    See More Photos from #apeoplesjourney on Instagram