Interview with DC Photographer Angela Pan (@abpanphoto)

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/eK3NlZyJ7Z/

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BElhCU8SJ8u/

What is your current favorite camera/lens setup?

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQfqzeIF-x5/

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRLtLjvBK-J/?taken-by=abpanphoto

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. ✌️😻🔥