Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to be the photographer and show the world their adventures and experiences in real-time. Sometimes it is difficult to understand and learn how some Instagram accounts are so dedicated to what they do. We interviewed Andre Holzthum who has amassed over 107,000 Instagram followers. With his own blog and website, Andre has a lot to manage while continuously updating his platforms with pictures. Andre discusses his motivations, inspiration, and what he gets out of taking pictures of the places he travels to. These high-quality professional photos are best preserved in photobooks. Online photobook publishing company https://printedmemories.com offer this service globally. Here are highlights of our conversation.
Where is the best place you have traveled?
Up to this point I have done very little traveling. But my favorite place so far would have to be Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Where is the next destination you hope to go?
I’m recently visited Vermont, but after that I hope to go somewhere warm for the winter. Hopefully, Hawaii!
What are some of the most unique experiences you have had while doing this?
This isn’t necessarily a unique experience, but I have realized people are much friendlier when surrounded by trees than they are when they’re surrounded by buildings.
How are you able to do all this traveling?
Road trips can be very inexpensive. I went on a road trip in New York over the summer and it cost me about $150 for 3 nights and four days. I spent over 1,500 miles driving and stayed at campsites, (they’re cheaper than hotels). I also bring simple meals and always bring friends!
Do you feel this is the best way to express yourself and who you are?
I think blogging is the best way to express myself.
Do you have another hobby which you thoroughly enjoy?
Reading would have to be one of my favorite activities.
Do you have any advice for young photographers who are seeking to improve their photography?
Experiment; play around with your camera. I’m only just getting into photography, up until two weeks ago I only took pictures on my iPhone. Now I’m starting to take pictures with a DSLR camera and I have much to learn.
How do you think your work impacts our society, if not the world?
Hopefully it gives people more of an appreciation for nature and the ability to make a connection between the destruction of nature and their actions. And with my other posts on Instagram that aren’t nature photos, I hope it makes people more aware of issues in our society that are never talked about by major media sources. For example, animal welfare and animal rights.
What’s next for you?
I’m working to have a blog up by December.
To learn about Andre, visit him on Instagram or on his blog, A Wanderer’s Heart.
