Minneapolis Sports Photography

May 27, 2016 in Minnstameets

It never ceases to amaze me the opportunities I am afforded because of Instagram and specifically because of my involvement with @Minnstameets. This week, along with 9 other Instagrammers, I got an up-close and personal look at Target Field with the Minnesota Twins and staff photographer, Brace Hemmelgarn. Over the course of two days, we toured the stadium, observed batting practice FROM THE FIELD, and watched the games. We experienced torrential rans, blazing sun, epic clouds, and lovely golden light. The stadium also provided symmetry, leading lines, and skyline views.

Here are some of my favorite shots I took during the two-day Instameet. To see the other photographers' images, check out the hashtag: #Twinstameet. And stay tuned to @Minnstameets this summer for your own chance to win this very cool opportunity!

( c l i c k t o e n l a r g e )

#PintofMusic // Minnesota Music Photography

May 07, 2016 in Events, Community

I was recently invited by the Minnesota Orchestra - via Minnstameets - to attend a small, private mini concert inside of the Surly Brewery. It was like nothing I've ever experienced before, both musically and photographically. The musicians sounded amazing, even with the ambient noise of the active brewery. Visually, the brewery provided a very cool backdrop for the performance. Here are a few of my favorite images from the evening:

World Wide Instameet #12 // Minnesota Portrait Photography

October 05, 2015 in Community, Citinerary

Our @Minnstameets event this year for Instagram's World Wide Instameet weekend (#WWIM12_MN) was a huge success! It is always so fun to meet new people, put faces to the profiles I've followed for a long time, and connect with those who have now become old friends. This year's event - in honor of Instagram's 5th birthday - was all about portraits. Below are some of my favorite ones that I was able to capture through the (epic, 12-hour, 5-location) day. I also wrote about it for Citinerary here.

@ryanleichty

@the_caffeinated_camera

@bmsp612

@captain.solo

@juiceedope

@nathanlphoto

Benjamin, son of @jpcaruso & @megglee

@shineonyoucraydiamond

@hadmpls

@gurungp_

@corbichov

@bglynn of @liftbridge

Second Annual #612_Instameet

June 17, 2015 in Community

A year ago, I came up with the crazy idea to organize an Instameet to celebrate Minneapolis and its creative residents. When I saw that the date in June (6/12) coincided with the city’s telephone area code (612), it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I say it was a crazy idea because I had never done anything remotely like it before and friends of mine not familiar with Instagram thought I was insane for getting together with a bunch of strangers from the internet. But anyone who understands the community-building power of this fascinating little app, knows that Instagram is as much about connecting with people as it is about photography.

What I dubbed the #612_Instameet was a huge success in its first year. KARE11 news even did a piece about it, officially putting our local Instagram community on the map.

This year, the 2nd-Annual #612_Instameet - planned and promoted by our organization, @Minnstameets - was even bigger and better than the first.

The crowd gathers at the start of the meet

Group shot taken by Pranam Gurung @gurungp_)