Photographers get a bit lost amongst Instagram nowadays and that pretty much underlines everything that is wrong with the platform; the fact that it’s become diluted with sponsored posts, reality TV stars and people reacting all too vehemently to Paul Pogba’s new haircut. It's also paramount to the reason why we set up ‘Who We’re Following’ - to give you an insight into the stories and inspirations of Instagram’s genuine creative talents. So, here's the latest episode in the series with Jacob Mitchell (@TheSoggyBlanket), the young American photographer who sees the world a little bit differently to others.

Name:

Jacob Mitchell

Location:

Shreveport, LA but next week I’m moving to Dublin, CA.

Camera:

A Canon 60D that barely works.

Full-Time Job:

I just quit my job, but I was working at a label printing place helping with packaging for 5 years.

What Do You Use Your Instagram For?

A creative outlet. It’s a great way for me to share my photos and it’s the only place I really show my work.

What Is Your Favourite Photograph On Your Instagram Page & Why?

My favourite photograph is probably the yellow Motel with the orange doors and the sign on top. I just really love how well all the colours complement each other. I drive by that place every day and it’s a really sketchy motel but the photo makes it look like a pleasant place. Also I love that the sign on top has the barely legible words “Someplace Else”

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What Are Your Earliest Memories Of Photography?

I really enjoyed looking at photos in National Geographic, so when I was 12 I asked for a camera. I lived in the country so I would go outside and take pictures of flowers and cows. That summer I went to New York too and took photos that I thought were really good and then I caught the bug. It’s all just evolved from there.

What Was The Image That Made You Fall In Love With Photography?

I really started to love photography when I got into skateboarding. Particularly the photo Charlie Samuels took of Harold Hunter wall-riding the bottom of a cross walk sign. He’s like 10 years old and the board is almost as big as him, it’s crazy. That photo really opened my eyes as to what I could do. Another photo that’s more of my style that really made me fall in love with photography is “Behind the Gare Saint-Lazzare” by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Seeing that photo really shaped my style of photography to what it is.

What Is Your Favourite Photograph On Your Instagram Page & Why?

My favourite photograph is probably the yellow Motel with the orange doors and the sign on top. I just really love how well all the colours complement each other. I drive by that place every day and it’s a really sketchy motel but the photo makes it look like a pleasant place. Also I love that the sign on top has the barely legible words “Someplace Else”

What Are Your Earliest Memories Of Photography?

I really enjoyed looking at photos in National Geographic, so when I was 12 I asked for a camera. I lived in the country so I would go outside and take pictures of flowers and cows. That summer I went to New York too and took photos that I thought were really good and then I caught the bug. It’s all just evolved from there.

What Was The Image That Made You Fall In Love With Photography?

I really started to love photography when I got into skateboarding. Particularly the photo Charlie Samuels took of Harold Hunter wall-riding the bottom of a cross walk sign. He’s like 10 years old and the board is almost as big as him, it’s crazy. That photo really opened my eyes as to what I could do. Another photo that’s more of my style that really made me fall in love with photography is “Behind the Gare Saint-Lazzare” by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Seeing that photo really shaped my style of photography to what it is.

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Who Were Your Early Influences?

Skateboarding, my friends; they’ve always pushed me. There’s nothing more than that.

What Are Five Simple Steps To Taking The Perfect Picture?

I wouldn’t know I haven’t taken the perfect picture yet. I just wing it. but I would say:

  1. Get a camera
  2. Walk around somewhere you’ve never been before.
  3. Look for something that interests you.
  4. Think about how you will compose your subject.
  5. Get different angles till you find the right one.

The Last Photograph That Took My Breath Away Was…

I saved the photo on Instagram a few weeks ago. It’s by Lucas Zimmerman and I saw it via @StreetDreamsMag. It’s a crazy photo. There’s three stop lights and the green, yellow, and red lights are all on. It’s really foggy so all the lights are all shining down on this street.

I Don’t Think Photography Should Be…

A trend. I hate seeing people getting into photography just because they think it’s trendy, that’s whack. It should be something you really put effort into and something you really love, not something that you’re going to get bored of after a while.

Three Of My Favourite Instagram Accounts Are…

@samjsn he kills it, so does @collpoll19 and his crazy composition and colours. Plus, @inter_disciplinary her photos are so awesome, she’s a huge inspiration to me.

Follow Jacob Mitchell on Instagram, @TheSoggyBlanket

Want to see more in the series? Check out our exclusive interview with the brainchild of the incredibly popular Mister Spoils, @MaxSamis.