Over-The-Top Instagram Stories | Stokeness
Summer has a way of creating a momentum that rushes me right through it.
This summer I'm planning time to sit and enjoy the sunshine outside. I hope you will too.
In this issue, I share my favorite person to follow for Instagram Stories, how you can make your own IG stories better, and how I got a professional lens for half price.
Be stoked,
Isaac
New Places
The Amazon Jungle
To be honest, the Amazon jungle was not very high on my travel list. I know it's amazing, but it's known for being hot, not having mountains, and having about a million creatures that can kill you painfully.
I was wrong to avoid it.
Last week I was in the Peruvian Amazon in the Tambotoa Reserve and was crushed by the beauty of the place. Wild animals seem to be everywhere, and because I listened to my guides warning in halted English to "Not touch nothsing" I survived without a scratch. We paddled a lake with piranha, anaconda, caiman and electric eels. It was a whole new type of outdoor experience and one I recommend for everyone.
Google Maps Pin
Gear
Professional Camera Lenses for Cheap
I have a secret. Well, it's not a secret, but it isn't something I have talked about often.
I have used a Canon 16-35mm lens for the last 3 years without owning any other lens.
That is until I found a 70-200mm for over 50% off.
I bought a Canon 70-200mm with stabilization for $780 on eBay last month. That lens is usually $1,800 new. It has got some scratches but functions perfectly. You are going to scuff the paint anyway, so save money get one that is pre-scuffed.
No one ever took a better photo because their camera gear was pristine on the outside. Of course, you want to do your research and make sure that if the lens comes and doesn't work like new then you can return it.
For an even better deal look for the same lens but one generation old (i.e. Canon's 16-35mm L ii instead of the 16-35mm L iii) often these lenses are 98% as good as the newer generation for 60% of the cost.
If you can get the same quality photos without spending unneeded resources then why wouldn't you?
Ebay Canon Lenses
Who I'm loving on Instagram
@lukejleasure
Luke is a commercial photographer, but to be honest I follow him for his Instagram stories.
If you like quirky funny people and want to follow someone who doesn't pretend to be "DudeWhoTravels" or something like that then Luke is your guy.
Just don't blame me if you start adding unnecessary r's into your word. Okray?
Give him a follow here
Music I'm Diggin'
Maggie Rogers
Maggie became famous for making Pharell cry when she debuted her song on his Master Class. He had no critques and rightly so. She is insanely talented and I think will be the Stevie Nicks of our time.
Her new single "Falling Water" is sticky but has the depth I think is missing in pop music lately. It's refreshing and will be in my rotation for the foreseeable future.
Give it a spin on Spotify here.
Videos, Movies, and TV
Classified Moto
Classified Moto is taking Youtube videos about motorcycles to the next level. The level of production is better than some TV shows and the story unfolds like it was written professionally. If you like Top Gear then you will like this series.
In the newest episode, they learn how to wheelie (something I've always sucked at) and make the perfect bike to learn on.
Three episodes in and my only complaint is that they need to make more.
9/10
Watch it here
Reads
Indian Trails and Grizzly Tales
In 1910 my Great Grandparents moved to the Mission Valley of Montana.
It was the definition of the wild west with huge mountains, unlimited wildlife and a tribe of vibrant local people.
My Great Uncle wrote a book about these times and it reads like a western novel. From naming unseen mountain lakes to getting chased by grizzly bears it could be a blockbuster movie.
Though my Great Uncle passed a few years back, the book is an adventure that connects me to the recent past in a way that feels like I was there.
10/10 would recommend.
Indian Trails and Grizzly Tales
Photo Technique
Making an Over-The-Top Instagram Story
As you have probably noticed, I spend some time on my Instagram Stories. I film them with a DSLR, point and shoot, or drone and edit them before uploading them to Instagram. It's way too much work, but it's also so much fun.
Here are a few things I do to create them:
- I don't shoot them in Instagram. I use my Canon 5D Mark IV and my Sony RX100V mostly. Sometimes I'll use a drone or even my GoPro for underwater shots. This allows me to keep the quality high and get a variety of different shots that I can't get with just my phone.
- Speaking of quality, when I upload them to Instagram the quality gets ruined. The best way to make sure it stays crispy is to shoot with a shallow depth of field (the background blurry while the subject is in focus). This tricks Instagram into leaving the quality high because there is less info on a shot like that.
- I edit with Adobe Premiere Pro, but you can use any editing software. What is important is that you keep the edits short and fast. Folks swiping through IG Stories didn't sign up for a YouTube video, so I don't want to give them one.
- I like to keep it fun, not epic. If you are always looking for an epic story then you will have to chase that all the time. Fun can be any subject and really opens up the possibilities. Just make sure to match your music with the vibe and stay away from "epic" music if you are just going for a walk.
I'd recommend that everyone try to build at least one story with editing software and music, even if you shoot it with your phone. It's a really fun challenge and will grow your storytelling muscles.
Send me your story if you make one! Good Luck!
Isn't summer the best? I'm over the moon it's that time of the year.
I'm toying with the idea of creating series of Treasure Hunts, where I will hide thousands of dollars of outdoor and camera gear somewhere in the wilds of America. Clues will be made and folks can chase down leads while visiting epic places.
Does that sound like a game you would want to play? Let me know.
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
