Instagram is the only social network that has managed to create its own true community. The people behind Instagram were smart enough to encourage Instagrammers to challenge each other visually, resulting in Instagram’s eminent growth in a relatively short time.
With their weekend hashtag projects, featured users, suggested users and Instameets, they’ve ensured massive user engagement and lots of alluring shots.
I talked to the 11 Egyptian Instagrammers who have been specially featured and suggested by the official Instagram account to unravel the secrets of their photo successes.
We’ll be featuring them all this week, stay tuned!
Hadeel Magdy (@itsbumbledee)
Hadeel, a 20 year old, Psychology student who posts impressive pictures was suggested by Instagram almost a year ago.
“I started hosting Instameets [Instagrammers gatherings], and later that year, I was recommended as a suggested user and they sent me a package by mail to thank me for what I’ve been doing. I still can’t believe it happened!”
A photo posted by Hadeel Magdy. (@itsbumbledee) on
Hadeel uses a Nikon 3100D and sometimes her iPhone camera but she doesn’t abide to a specific style.
“My photography style is a little bit of all – street photography, photo series, portraits and sometimes just random. I don’t believe that photographers should limit themselves to one genre, the sky is the limit.”
Good morning! Another #replacemyface from the #twistgram meeting.
A photo posted by Hadeel Magdy. (@itsbumbledee) on
Being a suggested user made her feel a bit pressured at the beginning: “I felt like my photos just got worse and it sucked the fun out of it, like when your hobby turns into a job you hate. So I’m trying not to take it that serious now.”
Thanks to Instagram, people started asking Hadeel to take their photos and sometimes even shoot weddings.
A photo posted by Hadeel Magdy. (@itsbumbledee) on
“I started a small business for myself, and now I publish both my work and what I love to do.”
Although she’s still a student, Hadeel’s career in photography is booming and her solo exhibition is just around the corner.
A photo posted by Hadeel Magdy. (@itsbumbledee) on
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss the other featured Instagrammers: @ahmad_abi, @ahmed_saeed, @ddinaali, @daniahany_, @dishahisham and @eslamuhammad.