Instagram: OK, I will admit upfront that I am technology challenged. I have seen many many photographers use Instagram, so I am trying to find out how to use it. I went to the...

akfishguide Loc: PA

OK, I will admit upfront that I am technology challenged. I have seen many many photographers use Instagram, so I am trying to find out how to use it. I went to the Instagram site online and registered using my laptop. Now what? I can't find any instructions anywhere that will help me learn to use it. Is it only for Cell phone usage (if so then I have a problem, as I really hate cell phones. I am a pencil and paper kind of guy) I do have an android phone, but have never added any apps to it as I really only carry it because my wife makes me. I really am technology challenged. Is there somewhere I can go to find information about Instagram and then how to find and follow photographers? I realize this is really a basic question for all of this group, but I can not work with something I do not understand. Any guidance and advice will be truly appreciated.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Here is a video for beginners:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NpOlEKMNBw

Questions like yours are very easily answered by using Google search. Go to google.com and type "how to use instagram" in the search box. Google is all-seeing, all-knowing

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

Forget worrying about Instagram it probably is not for you from what you said. You can only post pictures from your cell phone. You can view from your desktop but only post from a cell phone

Algernon Loc: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Instagram is intended for mobile use only. That said, I know there are software apps that allow you to post photos from your computer.

A Facebook friend of mine specifically mentioned Bluestacks, Gramblr, Pokki, and Picsta to me. Although he noted that "they are complicated programs to download, install and understand." I have not tried to use them myself to I can neither confirm nor deny his attribution.

Usually any photo I wish to post on Instagram is in the cloud. So I download it onto my phone and post to Instagram from there.

Good luck.

akfishguide Loc: PA

Thank YOu very much. This is the information I was looking for. I also saw many many more video's available on youtube that will help me get better educated. Again, Thank You very much for your guidance.

akfishguide Loc: PA

Basically, I like to see other photographers work. I try to see how they composed something or see what other photographers find interesting. I don't think my photography is something others would be interested in as I am still heavy on the learning curve although I have been taking photos for about 50 years. It is only recently that I am trying to learn travel and landscape photography instead of snapshot photography. That is the reason I joined this website. I look at others photos and am amazed and the quality of many many of the photographers on this site. I also read the Q & A sections so I can learn as well. I have been all over the world over the past few years and when I come home and get a chance to see my photos on a 27-inch screen, I see my errors and try to learn from them. One day perhaps I will be able to capture photos that I can share on this site as well.

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Use a tablet. They are cheap (under $100) and very convenient. The instagram app is almost automatic. It is not for "cell phone users only" program. Instagram let's you see work from all over the world and reach out with your own inspiration. If you post photos you will be surprised who will connect...including professionals or even studios like fstoppers. It is a fantastic tool and you will be surprised when a photographer from Russia or Japan asks to follows you. Very cool to use and you can also use the tablet to review photos from the camera when out and about!

Martino Loc: Northwest Florida

As I use an Instagram feed on my tourism consultancy website, I use a program called 'Uploader HD for Instagram' on my iMac to upload directly from the computer. It's available from the Mac App Store, but I don't know if it's available for PC.

You may look at 500px to see other photographer's images, and post your own. There are other similar sites too.

akfishguide Loc: PA

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I do appreciate all your guidance. I do love this website.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

akfishguide wrote:

Thank YOu very much. This is the information I was looking for. I also saw many many more video's available on youtube that will help me get better educated. Again, Thank You very much for your guidance.

YouTube is great for instructional videos, except those made by people who have no experience making videos. There is now a link on YouTube to let you watch their videos on your TV.

leftj Loc: Texas

akfishguide wrote:

OK, I will admit upfront that I am technology chal... (show quote)

Get over it. If you don't want anything to do with technology then stay away from it. Don't ask people to help you do something you don't want to do anyway.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

akfishguide wrote:

Basically, I like to see other photographers work.... (show quote)

My perception, right or wrong, is that Instagram is for the young crowd who want to ensure they get everyone to see their "duck lips" image. That said, I know truly professional photogs who use the service. So, there is likely something there, especially if you are selling your wares.

There are other sites to do what you indicate above. 500px.com Google+ as examples.

Martino Loc: Northwest Florida

brucewells wrote:

My perception, right or wrong, is that Instagram is for the young crowd who want to ensure they get everyone to see their "duck lips" image. That said, I know truly professional photogs who use the service. So, there is likely something there, especially if you are selling your wares.

There are other sites to do what you indicate above. 500px.com Google+ as examples.

Many travel and tourism websites do use Instagram as feeds. To my knowledge many in Florida and Louisiana do. Visit Florida pick up on hashtags ( #LoveFL for example) that are placed by legit travel photographers.

Certainly Millennials like to share their travel experiences and use Instagram for that. Zoomers (Boomers with zip!) tend to behave very like Millennials, and also share experiences. I wouldn't agree that it's a place just for youngsters and 'duck lips' images - I love that description by the way.

Yes, 500px is a good place to go.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

brucewells wrote:

My perception, right or wrong, is that Instagram is for the young crowd who want to ensure they get everyone to see their "duck lips" image. That said, I know truly professional photogs who use the service. So, there is likely something there, especially if you are selling your wares.

There are other sites to do what you indicate above. 500px.com Google+ as examples.

Read the very fine print in the End User License Agreement or Terms of Service (whatever they call them). Most professionals only put teaser images on Instagram for a reason that's in that document...

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

burkphoto wrote:

Read the very fine print in the End User License Agreement or Terms of Service (whatever they call them). Most professionals only put teaser images on Instagram for a reason that's in that document...