My new fave hashtag on Instagram is #PhotoIDGram. I recently interviewed Cubby Graham, the project’s founder, on how he uses Instagram and how others can create successful hashtag projects.
The photo above is one of the many in a (relatively) new Instagram hashtag project aptly called #PhotoIDGram. What is a hashtag project? It’s a specific type of photo associated with a hashtag that anyone is free to participate in. In fact, joining in projects like this allow you to find more people to interact with on Instagram. Simply search the hashtag via your Instagram app or with desktop sites like Statigr.am.
Not sure what #PhotoIDGram is? If you haven’t figured it out already, you take a photo of someone with their ID card photo covering their face.
TIP: If you’re using a driver’s license or another identification card with personal information, don’t forget to cover it up.
Here’s a little background about my fave hashtag of the moment with Instagram superuser, Cubby Graham:
What was your inspiration for creating #photoIDgram?
I’ve always been a huge fan of my buddy Kyle (@kylesteed); he’s always been a huge inspiration to me. Kyle pioneered #Instaxagram around a very similar concept of shooting an instax photo of someone, utilizing the instax physical format as the primary focal point, and placing the image over their body. Then, just a few weeks ago, my friend Brett (@Bretle) renewed his driver’s license and posted a photo of it to Instagram. Both of these factors contributed toward my inspiration, and thus, #PhotoIDGram was born.
When did you notice that your pet project was beginning to catch on with other IGers?
After I posted my first #PhotoIDGram, it seemed like people were really excited to get out and experiment with the concept themselves. It’s been really fun to see so many people from around the world contribute in a variety of ways; you can’t help but smile when you see a #PhotoIDGram. With this concept, people aren’t just limited to an instax photo, and it gives nearly everyone the opportunity to contribute, as most everyone of age has some form of photo ID.
What would classify #PhotoIDGram as? Is it an insta-meme?
I believe #PhotoIDGram is still in the initial exposure stage, but I do believe that the idea of a #PhotoIDGram carries some characteristics and qualities that contribute to it becoming an Instagram meme. One of the elements that I really enjoy is seeing people from different cities, states, and even countries posting #PhotoIDGram to Instagram. It’s so fun to see so many different forms of IDs, which represent different cultures. There is something intriguing about an ID photo; it always seems to carry a sense of humor. It’s interesting to see people translate that in so many different ways cross-culturally.
What tips can you offer to those who would like to engage or meet others on Instagram?
Instagram is such an incredible platform to share photos with friends, family, and people all around the world. One of the major tips I would share with people who want to engage more on Instagram is simply to take good photos. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to post good photos, you just have to be committed to detail and creating “rad-tastic” images. Follow people whose photography you enjoy and whose photography inspires you. Interact with those you follow and those that follow you. Behind every Instagram account is an actual person, and that person will get excited when you interact and encourage their creativity, just as you do when someone leaves a genuine comment on your photo.
Does Instagram play role in your professional life?
I’m currently a full-time personal assistant. The organization with which I work holds the objective to equip, empower and encourage pastors and churches. I’m also a part-time photographer, and I enjoy traveling all around the world. I don’t really incorporate much of my “career” on my Instagram feed. I primarily use instagram as an environment to engage with people and be inspired; it is something that enables me to create and grow creatively on a daily basis wherever I am. I’m a sucker for adventure, and I enjoy using Instagram to capture and share my adventures wherever life takes me.
Where else can people find you online?
People can obviously find me on Instagram, but they can also follow my random 140 thoughts on twitter (@cubbygraham) or subscribe to my tumblr (cubbygraham.tumblr.com).
If you had to describe your iphoneography style with three words, what are they?
Outdoor, Explorer, Adventure
