Insta Fav #65: Adrian J. Ragasa

Follow: @ajragasa

Where are you from? How does that place influence the way you photograph?
I was born in Anaheim, California, but raised in Seattle, Wa. Since I left California when I was 5, my style and influence for my photography derives mostly from the beautiful surroundings of the Pacific Northwest.

What are your favorite environments to shoot in?
It’s a toss up, I love the city and hard, symmetrical lines, but there’s a balance I need between that and the nature in Seattle’s backyard. I find something appeasing for both environments.

What are the strengths of shooting primarily mobile? How does this affect your imagery?
From a photographer’s perspective, I love the challenges that mobile shooting creates. As much as someone may think it’s easier, there’s less control you have over your phone, during and after the shot. I can easily take a really bad photo from my Nikon [D800] and fix it in Lightroom later that night. But with mobile, I find myself engaged and willing to create something even more impressive, because of its limits.

Who and what are the things that inspire you?
I find beauty in simplicity. I feel less is more. Mostly I find inspiration in people, hence my latest series at my studio called #caveportraits. Every person is so complex, their lives, their upbringings, the way one might handle a problem, and their overall creativity. I found out recently that A LOT of my friends are closet artists… poets, musicians, illustrators, designers… I was floored when I saw all of their work! I was compelled to collaborate. That said, I have a few projects that I’m working on with some great individuals!

Favorite instagrammers?
My current favorite Instagrammers are: @mtischer, @jaredchambers, @jordanvoth, @mermaaidy, @jessemorrow, and @courtmoly. They all have a similar style, but it’s the engagement into their lives through their photos that most intrigues me. Though I’m friends with most of them, I feel like I’m with them at that particular moment. It’s a good feeling.

Tell us a little about your everyday.
For me, it’s always about balance… I need to relax as much as I work. Some may think I’m constantly on-the-go, but it’s the in-between moments that I find solace. I’m a photographer at a product studio in Seattle, after that ‘job’ I grab dinner, then head to my studio just up the street. I spend a lot of time in ‘The Cave’ shooting local agency models and fashion editorials & lookbooks for designers. I eventually get home, watch a documentary while I edit photos, and read a book or news before I sleep. I’ll sneak in meetings during the week, but come the weekend, I leave the city and take in nature some buddies. I love hiking and viewpoints.

Which Apps do you use to edit your pictures?
I use VSCOcam for editing, and since my iPhone lens is broken, I use Retouch for small retouches here & there.

If you’d like to become a future ‘Insta Fav’, follow @ignant. We’ll look into it.