Not only does Adam Elkins’s Instagram, bigmanjapan, provide a glimpse into Cleveland that I had no idea existed, he also manages to capture vivid reflections that both confuse and mesmerize. See what Adam had to tell What Weekly about his work:
When and why did you decide to start your Instagram?
I decided to start Instagram about a year and a half ago. I thought it would be a fun way to document my life through pictures.
You’ve been dubbed a “Mobile Photographer,” did you come up with that, or did Columbus Alive? And what does that mean to you?
I feel like the term, “mobile photographer” came about through Instagram and other photo applications. I don’t mind being dubbed one because it is essentially how I got my start and my most used gadget in my photography.
Is that your bike in a few of your photos? If not, what’s the story there?
Yeah that has been my mode of transportation for the past 6 years. If I’m out and about and riding my bike I like to look for unique places I can take a portrait of my bike. I use it to encourage other people to ride a bike as well.
What inspires you?
I’m very inspired by movies. I think that cinematic style shots are my favorite. I also find inspiration from music videos as well.
Pick one of your favorite photos. Tell us why you captured it.
One of my favorites is a picture I took downtown of a puddle as the sun was setting in the summer. I just thought it looked amazing and the clarity was stunning. I didn’t have to edit it or put any filter on it. It just really stood out to me
What are your favorite places to shoot in Columbus?
Secrets
You shoot a lot of reflections, what’s your story behind them?
I enjoy playing tricks on the eye and finding new perspectives that most people wouldn’t think about. It’s a challenge to me.
What are some of your other favorite subjects?
I really love flowers but who doesn’t?
I noticed that stairs are a common subject of yours. Why are you drawn to them?
I’ve never really noticed but I suppose most people are drawn to them. They are pretty important.
What’s your favorite part of Instagram?
The community aspect. I love seeing people’s comments and responses to my photos. It keeps me going.
Are your Instagram photos strictly from your phone, or do you use another program?
Yes they are mostly from my phone. Every so often I will post a picture I took with my digital camera.
What are your favorite apps for your phone, and why do you love them?
My favorite apps are snapseed and vsco cam. I like snapseed because it’s very detailed and you can edit very specific spots in a picture. I like vsco because it adds a film like quality to pictures.
What advice do you have for someone else starting and Instagram, planning to shoot exclusively with iPhone?
Just be yourself and be confident. Don’t worry if you don’t get likes on a picture or don’t have followers. Do it for you!
What Instagrams do you dig?
I really dig jasonmpeterson and my buddy waddy722. They are always posting super unique photos and always inspiring me to keep shooting
Check out more of Adam’s urban exploration photography here.
