Instagram … Instant Gratification …

Apple has just announced that it’s “iPhone App Of 2011” is the ‘photographers Facebook’ – “Instagram”.

Media photographers in Australia have certainly embraced the much lauded image sharing application and fierce rivalry is rampant. It certainly is addictive …

The idea is you make photographs on your iPhone (other image capturing devices are generally frowned upon), compose in a square (6×6 like) format, apply filters etc and then post it to “Instagram” where your followers and other viewers comment on or ‘Like’ you efforts.

The process is certainly rewarding, competitive and cathartic … and the list of top Australian pro snappers that ‘can’t get enough ‘ is impressive – Adam Taylor (@adamtaylorphoto), Brad Hunter (@hunterphoto), Dean Lewins (@deanlewinsphoto), Lisa Wiltse (@lisawiltse), Nick Moir (@nampix), Quentin Jones (@heycharger), Steve Christo (@christo1966), Toby Zerna (@zerns), Wolter Peters (@snapperwol), Craig Greenhill (@saltwaterimages), Mark “Crusty’ Baker (@crustybaker), Rob Griffith (@griffgear), Brett Costello (@brettcostellophoto), Glenn Campbell (@glenn_campbell), Greg Porteous (@skipper_aust), Mark Evans (@evohood) and partner Jenny Evans (@mrs_evo) – and many more … (apologies to those I’ve forgotten!).

It certainly encourages some real creativity and is a welcome diversion from the day to day press image grind.

My recent foray into “Instagram” is under the moniker @brian_cassey.

I’ve posted below some images from my  “Instagram” efforts – clicking on the pics will take you to their respective address’s in the app where you can see “likes”,  “comments” and how the app actually operates.

“Instagram” is free …

All Images © Brian Cassey