I am head over heels in love with Instagram, a photography app that lets iPhone and Android users edit photos with all kinds of cool filters, then share them with friends and followers on a feed. This month, in addition to the A-Z Blogging Challenge, I’m participating in one of Instagram’s many photo challenges: #PhotoADayApril. Basically, it’s a fun way to stretch my creativity, and it’s super inspiring to see how other people interpret the prompts. Here they are:
And here are a few of the photographs I’ve posted:
Day 4: #SomeoneWhoMakesYouHappy... Two someones for me!
Day 6: #Lunch (Hummus should *totally* be its own food group!)
Day 10: #Cold... Iced tea after a long bike ride.
Day 13: #SomethingYouFound... Daisy, wandering the mean streets of Tennessee eight years ago. (She's yawning, not snarling. :))
Day 16: #Flower
Do you use Instagram? How (other than writing) do you exercise your creativity?
katyupperman.com 
I keep meaning to start the Photo a Day challenge, but then the first of the month hits and I forget. I guess I could start in the middle of the month, huh? Hmm.
Sure, why not? I think you should jump in whenever you feel like it. 🙂
I’m here to say….you have not tried hummus until you try it in Israel 🙂 (I have not had a falafel in 2 years because they were/are amazing in Israel and sooo don’t compare here in the States) Your daughter is ADORABLE, by the way. and *snuggles your puppy*
I don’t use Instagram. I think I am one of the few college students in America who does not own an iPhone. But I know myself and know I’m already tooooo attached to the internet – I don’t need to be walking around attached to it! I have a $15 phone from CostCo (although it is a touch screen) but it is…not as cool with Instagram lol.
I exercise my creativity by taking walks almost every day. I’ve also realized that when I am stressed, I need to go to my oasis, and this is super corny, Katy, but my oasis=a bookstore, so I tend to go & read a new book or a favorite book and feel relaxed. I also talk out my story ideas with my friends here at college- I am lucky to have a group of friends frm my major (creative writing) who don’t mind that I write YA even though they all write older-protags in their work – and we talk out ideas.
Authentic Israeli hummus? Yum! I’m partial to a particular Target variety, but I’ve yet to meet a hummus I don’t enjoy. 🙂
And you are not alone in your Oasis being a bookstore. I’m still mourning the loss of “my” Borders, even though it closed nearly a year ago. 😦 You are so incredibly lucky to be able to major in creative writing and have lots of like-minded people to bounce ideas off of. One of my few regrets in life is not choosing to major in either English or creative writing (I have a teaching degree that I don’t use). I suppose I could always go back to school though, right?
I love these! I don’t use Instagram but have considered using it. It’s just so hard to keep up with all of these social media platforms. I’m curious–is there a big YA writing community on Instagram, or do you mainly follow friends/family?
I’d say about 1/3 of the people I follow are YA writers. I only follow somewhere around 50 people though, and yes, the rest are mostly friends and family. It feels like the Instagram YA community has grown even since I joined back in January though. And Instagram is super laid back. You can post as little or as often as you like!
Awesome! Well I may have to check it out.
I love Instagram’s look–one of the things I’m looking forward to when I *finally* get an iPhone this summer. 🙂
Yay! And I’m looking forward to following you and seeing your photos. 🙂
Woman, I am sooooo in trouble now.
Just downloaded Instagram – and I can instantly tell, this is going to be addicting. Other than writing, photography is one of my absolute favorite ways to unleash my creativity…so, yeah, right up my alley!
Thanks for sharing – oh, and now I feel like having some hummus (love the Trader Joe’s garlic version…yummmmmm).
Yay! I just started following you, Erin. Can’t wait to see the pictures you post! And thanks for mentioning the Trader Joe’s hummus. I haven’t tried it yet (because I’m married to my Target brand), but the next time I make it to TJ’s I’m totally going to get some.
Oh my goodness, totally with you on Instagram. For the longest time I just watched other people post photos on Instagram, thinking, “I don’t need another app to clutter up my iPhone” (I’m type A through and through, haha). But then I finally downloaded it… and what basically sold me was the thought: “Holy smack. I can make a picture of MY FEET look professional!” Hahaha. 😀
Love the photo of Daisy, and the sweet collage of the husband and your daughter! The monthly photo challenges have really pricked my interest, too. And YES re: hummus. We should start a petition. 🙂 Fabulous post, Katy!
Thanks, Yahong! That’s what I love about Instagram too: You can doctor up the most mundane photos to look fantastic. So fun! I’m following you, so I’ll be on the lookout for some of your fab photos. 🙂
Those pictures of your girlie and family and doggie are adorable 😀 Katy!
The challenge sounds quite inspiring. I just started on Instagram this month (since it opened for Android phones) and I quite enjoy the possibilities it offers. I love taking pictures, looking for an angle, for a light…it relaxes me and helps my creativity buttons to feel refreshed 😀
Thanks, Elodie! I’m following you on Instagram, and I think you should just join in on the challenge whenever you feel like it. Nobody’s keeping score, and it’s all meant to be fun. I’m looking forward to more of your photos!
I don’t use instagram. I have a Pintrest account that I really should use, but *sigh* don’t. I do “exercise” my creativity through choreography. I used to choreograph the high school musicals when I had more time and occasionally I’ll choreograph tap dances that will usually be seen by me only. 🙂 Oh, and I create crazy games and projects for my students sometimes. I do like your pictures though. My husband is the photographer in the family. I’ll have to point him to this. Great post, Katy!
Ooh, choreography is way cool! I’m tragically uncoordinated, so I’m extra envious of anyone who can dance. And yes, tell your hubby about Instagram…it’s all kinds of fun!
The pic of your family is SO adorbs. I haven’t gotten into instagram yet–don’t know if I need anymore distractions. 🙂
Thanks, Pam! Instagram is really low key. You can post as often or as little as you like. The no-pressure factor is part of the reason I love it!
I LOVE instagram! I meant to participate in the April Photo A Day challenge but didn’t, so I should try one of the next ones. Your photos are all beautiful! 🙂
Thanks, Ghenet! You should most definitely jump in on the next photo challenge. I’ve been having so much fun with the prompts!
I was so excited when Instagram came to Android! Do they do these photo a day challenges every month? It looks fun. 🙂
I’ve only done the last two photo challenges, so I’m not sure… I hope there’s one in May, though! I’ve been having so much fun with the prompts. 🙂
Your pictures are wonderful, Katy! I haven’t checked out Instagram but every time I see someone post a photo via Instagram I can hear it calling my name. 🙂
Thanks, Kitty! You should definitely give it a try… It’s tons of fun. 🙂
I have no iPhone so no Instagram, though you so make me want one! I very occasionally draw, but apart from that my creativity is waning, which is sad.
I’m envious… I wish I could draw! If you end up with an iPhone anytime soon, first, you must download Instagram, and second, you must let me know so I can follow you!
Love the photos of your family. So sweet!!
Thanks so much! 🙂