#ignt_stairwell Winner John Austria

Every Thursday we announce a certain topic via a hashtag, afterwards you’ll have 4 days to make a photo working with that topic and upload it to your Instagram using the hashtag. This week you’ll have a bit more time to do your shot, since our editor-in-chief will be away next week. Who shot the best image will be featured as our Insta Fav in the week after Easter. This weeks topic is #ignt_opticalillusion and here are a few rules and tips:

– The goal this week is to stage an optical illusion on a creative photo. Let your imagination run free.
– Please only submit your own photographs to the project. Any image tagged until Monday is eligible to be featured right here.
– If you want to submit your photo, use the hashtag #ignt_opticalillusion and upload your photo until Sunday the 05.04 on your Instagram account. Have fun and good luck, we can’t wait to see your submissions.

Philippine-based amateur photographer John Austria won the following feature with his picture for our last weeks topic #ignt_stairwell. Thank you for all your submissions.

Follow: @mvltiple

When and where did you take the picture? Tell us a little about the idea behind it.

The shot was taken in Forbes Town Center two months ago – one of the nicest hang-out places in Manila. My Instagram friends and I have always been chasing for spiral staircase and luckily we found it. I took couple of shots and chose to post the one that portrayed #instagrammerdown.

Who and what are the things that inspire you?

I live in Manila, Philippines. Having a tropical climate lets me explore the place without worrying about a gloomy weather; hence, sunlight plays an important role in my photos.

Where are you from? How does that place influence the way you photograph?

I always aim for simplicity which includes negative spaces or patterns. It inspires me and I know there’s a minimalist inside me so I’m putting off the best effort to exhibit it. There’s so much room for learning though.

Your favorite instagrammers?

It’s a bit difficult to name some of my favorite instagrammers but the ones the really inspire me are Jelito De Leon, Nunoassis and David Hsia. It’s pretty challenging to see their posts on a daily basis but it brings joy knowing that they become the source of motivation.

Which Apps do you use to edit your pictures?

I’m using VSCO cam to edit my photos until I decided to settle myself using Instagram editing tools.

Tell us a little about your everyday. (Family, friends, work, etc.)

I work in a platform-based company where I support clients in the Investment Banking industry globally. I’m a middle child and I’m the only one in the family who show interest in photography. I used to consider myself an introvert until I joined Instagram. I’ve been using it for approximately one year and 4 months. Trust me, I learned so much things and never thought I’d win so many friends who share the same interest as mine.

All images © John Austria