Insta Fav #65: Adrian J. Ragasa

Words

Adrian J. Ragasa is a photographer from Seattle and our Insta Fav #65. His Instagram feed is about ‘Women, whiskey, & menswear’ as he states and we really enjoy his snaps that give us an insight into his daily routine as well as his leisure that he likes to spend in nature. We’re glad to be able to introduce that guy in the following little Q&A. Enjoy.

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.

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