Featured Instagrammer for February 2016: @asterixorobelix
Back to Blog |A natural with the camera, this humble creative is known for his eye for composition and striking images, most of which almost seem to demand a pause and inspire instrospection. The intriguing individual that is @asterixorobelix (Nathan Stasin) is our featured Instagrammer for February 2016.
Nathan is a born and bred Capetonian. He has obtained two degrees from the University of Cape Town, one in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, the other in Mechanical Engineering. Nathan enjoys roasting coffee, surfing, reading, slacklining and trail running; as well as photography!
The Interview
1. What gear do you use? What do you use most: DSLR or Smartphone?
Canon EOS 600D. However, I have seen many smartphone photographs on Instagram which I wish I had taken.
2. When and why did you start taking pictures?
I have been interested in photography since high school. However, I have only recently started putting some proper effort into my photography. I really love the way that photography drives you to explore more and drink in the details of a scene.
3. When did you start your account and why Instagram?
143 weeks ago, from today. I liked the fact that it was an app on your phone, so you could access these amazing photos whenever you wanted to. Also, it feels more interactive than photo sharing websites. Finally, I also like the fact that it allows you to meet other local photographers.
4. What's your favourite image you've posted and why?
I was driving on the freeway, on my way to work and I happened to have my camera in the car. I spotted these cows about to cross a pedestrian bridge going over the freeway. I managed to stop the car and run over while some of the cows were still on the bridge. I am very proud of it because it was such a rare moment and such an unusual scene.
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5. Are there any photo apps that you would recommend?
Snapseed, VSCOCam.
6. Have you had any formal photography training?
No and I do not intend to.
7. Would you classify yourself as a hobbyist or pro? If hobbyist, what's your 9-5?
Hobbyist. I am working as a mechanical engineer for a plastic injection moulding company.
8. Instagrammer you most admire?
@chrisburkard - He travels the world, taking stunning landscapes and surfing photographs.
9. Any advice for those just starting out?
Regularly producing content for Instagram is more work than it may seem. You need to find motivation which comes from within, not from the desire for more likes or followers. My definition of a photographer is someone who enjoys taking photographs. Everything else is secondary. Also, there are negatives to the Instagram platform, but try and focus on the positives; such as the inspiration it provides and the chance to meet fellow passionate photographers.
10. 3 Photos | 3 Stories Feature
I took this photograph at Muizenberg beach. Something which I love about photography is the transformation which occurs, by the act of giving a perspective or framing to a scene. I enjoy the elevated perspective which I was able to achieve for this shot, and how it conveys the innocence and scale of the child's world. I also enjoy it when I can predict a photograph which I want to take, before the elements are actually in place. This was one of the occasions when I could guess that this scene would make an interesting photograph and imagine how I would want it to look, ahead of time.
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I took this photograph in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. I happened to stumble across a group of people on the beach, around sunrise. They were dressed in traditional outfits and it turned out that they had spent the night on the beach, undergoing an initiation ceremony. They were very friendly and I was emboldened to ask if I could take some portraits of them, something which I rarely feel comfortable doing. This photograph in particular stands out to me because I enjoy the white space in the photograph, from the paint on her face and the spaces between the leaves in the background. For me, it also symbolizes the potential encounters which can occur when you head out and explore, camera in hand.
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This was taken in the Golden Gate National Park, Free State. One of my best friends was relocating to Johannesburg and I decided to join him on week long road trip, from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Not only was it a wonderful experience and a great chance to see more of the countryside, but having a best mate on the trip made it even better. I really love the way that this photograph shows the scale of the caves which we explored and the interesting element of the rock details. It also symbolizes the joy of exploring with friends.
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