Why I love Instagram

Posted on by

Instagram has become one of the hottest social media platforms on the market with over 400 million monthly users from around the world. I was a late adapter to Instagram because it took me awhile to figure out exactly how I wanted to use it. When I first started using Instagram, I posted everyday pictures from my iPhone similar to what I share with my friends on Facebook. Quite frankly, I found it rather uninteresting so I didn’t use it much until this past October when I decided to give it a try again. I had attended a travel blogging conference and all the talk was about Instagram and how it is becoming the platform for travel, photography and lifestyle bloggers. I was interested in learning more.

I realized that I could use Instagram in a different, more fascinating way. As an extension of my view of the world, through my third eye. Instead of showing pictures of the kids or what I ate for dinner, I decided to take Instagram more seriously and use it as an expression of my creative energy. To work my photos and make them beautiful. To show my passion for seeing and exploring the world.

I went back and deleted almost all my old Instagram photos and started anew. I decided I would only post my best work, photos that inspire me and hopefully inspire others. I also would only follow those other Instagrammers that I adored and loved their work. These people could help me learn to be a better photographer.

So, why do I love Instagram? Because it inspires me to see beauty in different creative ways. It allows me to be an armchair traveler or photographer and look through others photographers work who inspire me. It also pushes me to work harder at my own photos and to take chances. I don’t just click away anymore without thinking and publish a post. Instead, I take my time and really think about a photograph and the feelings I want to evoke when looking at it.

Here are a few of my latest creations.

I was happily surprised to receive a notification in my inbox congratulating my tiny Instagram account for being part of this list. “20 incredible Instagram images from travel photographers” by FlipKey, a division of TripAdvisor. Although it only brought in a few more followers, I felt really good about someone finding my account and liking what I do.

I may not have a ton of followers but I love creating on Instagram. It is so much fun!

Do you Instagram? If so, let me know your account and I will check it out. I’m @thirdeyemom. 

53 thoughts on “Why I love Instagram”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes, I saw you on there and followed you Debra! I LOVE your photos of Italy so it is great for me to see them there, and undoctored too. I still prefer the blog. I love to write and I love to read, but for just looking at photos I like Instagram. I find that if I follow just a few accounts that it doesn’t take up too much time and I enjoy looking at photos of travel as it stirs my wanderlust! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  2. arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
    arv! on said:

    congrats

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  3. Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
    Miriam on said:

    What a timely post for me Nicole. I feel very behind the times with regard to social media, I don’t have an Instagram account but must admit that I’ve been wondering lately whether I should get one or not, whether it would serve me any purpose. After reading your post I’m thinking that I should look more closely into it. Oh, and these are stunning photos. You really do have a remarkable eye for the extraordinary.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Miriam! Yes, it is hard to add more social media into ones life but if you curate your account well and only follow those you want to see, it is worth it. I probably only spend about 15 minutes a day on it but I love looking at it and also playing with my photos!

      Reply ↓
      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        Thanks Nicole. You’ve convinced me. Now to look into it some more.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Let me know if you start an account so I can check it out Miriam!

      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        I will indeed.

      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        Do you have a FB page?

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes it is thirdeyemom. You can just search FB and find it. I post different things there sometimes. Do you?

      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        I only have a personal page. Considered starting one just for my blog but decided against it I share some of my posts there. Next time I’m on I’ll search you.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks for following me there Miriam! I ended up creating a page because I noticed names I’d never heard of were asking to friend me on my personal page. I realized it was from my blog so I started the page. I also have a FB page for me under Nicole Melancon – Minneapolis. Not sure how private you are with your account, but feel free to friend me there if you like. I put some of the same blogging stuff there but also pics of my kids. 🙂

      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        Thanks Nicole. Next time I’m on FB I’ll send you a friend request.

  4. Congratulations, Nicole. Well deserved. I have an Instagram account, but like Twitter I hardly ever use it. I am going to have to look into it again.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes, all this stuff does take a tremendous amount of time Debra. That is why I pick and choose. I use twitter only for my social advocacy stuff and retweeting my posts but rarely go on it. I decided to throw Instagram back in there because I found if I carefully choose what accounts to follow, that I love it as it is a perfectly curated little photo show. Some of the instagrammers are phenomenal photographers. I follow all the National Geographic photographer’s personal accounts and then others that I like. I probably spend about 15 minutes a day on it.

      Reply ↓
  5. euphoriciraqisinglemom – I used to be Neurotic. Verrrrrrry Neurotic. But I got promoted. Promoted to Euphoric. I am a mother to two beautiful boys. Im an ex of a very bitter man. And Im Iraqi. Im Iraqi but my Iraqiness is not defined by the amount of time I have lived in that country, because to be honest, I have only lived there briefly, instead my Iraqiness is bound by the traditions. The traditions that played a huge part, a huge part of where I am at today... I am a special needs mom. I love reading about research of finding treatments and cures. I also love fashion. I love interior decorating. I love planning parties. Especially birthday parties. I am addicted to reading. But ask me who is the author or whats the title of the book Im reading now, I have no idea. I have a very very short lived memory. I only remember the things that make me Euphoric. Be it in a bad way or a good one.
    euphoriciraqisinglemom on said:

    These are beautiful!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  6. Travel. Love. Experience. Life. – Hi World! My name is Tasha and I am in love with all things natural. I am working towards living a life in harmony with the Earth Mother and hope to learn more everyday about Spirit and my purpose here. With Wanderlust in my heart - I went out on a limb and bought a 2004 Winnebago Brave. Now fully mobile I am able to chase even the wildest of dreams. This blog was created to help bring our Earth to the forefront of our minds. As board member of a wonderful non-profit called Scantuaries of the Earth Mother - my plan is to use this blog to showcase what we are currently working on and how people can get involved. Currently we are working all angles to fund a Documentary about the up and rising Water is Life Movement happening all over the country and World. Without the Earth... Without water... Without food... There is no life. We as a people need to stand up against corrupt corporations who choose to endanger our planet for wealth and greed. NOW is the time to join the movement, NOW is the time to act. www.GypsyYears.wordpress.com
    Travel. Love. Experience. Life. on said:

    Hi! Thank you for your post. What a great way to use instagram and I’m glad you’ve found your niche.

    I recently took a break from most social media, instagram and FB included – and focused a little more on my blog and other areas of my life NOT on the internet. The goal was and still is to find out WHERE social media fits into my life and how I can use it beneficially, instead of as a way to waste time as so many do.

    I’ve been using my instagram to post everyday type pictures, but also as a progress site for my hooping hobby. I also love to write and or use inspirational quotes on each of my posts – with hopes that I touch someone with the words or make them smile. It’s also linked to my BLOG – which is the ultimate goal… To guide people here haha. So your post makes me think… How could I more effectively get people to click the link in my BIO on instagram instead of just following and stuff?

    My account is @TashaLovesLife – if you want to check it out 🙂

    With love and light,
    – Tasha <3

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tasha for the comment! I just followed you on Instagram. I agree, social media can be addicting and take up a lot of time. I choose my time online carefully. Most is spent on my blog and probably 15 minutes a day on FB and 15 minutes a day on Instagram. I like Instagram better than FB because it is just pictures and I love photography. I only use FB to keep in touch with my friends who don’t live nearby. Thanks again! 🙂 Nicole

      Reply ↓

  7. Nicole, I am one of those reluctant ones who is ambivalent about taking the leap. It’s time, time, time. I will pay attention to your experience, and add it to my list of reasons to “just do it.”

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I can see why you are Sally. It is just another thing to do. Yet your photos are so extraordinary that I think you could find your niche out there! I limit myself to only spending 15 minutes a day checking my feed. If I follow a small amount of users, ones that I personally select because I love and am inspired by their photos, for me it is worth the invested time. I have been seeing some extraordinary photography out there and it has forced me to work harder. It is much different than the storytelling of my blog. 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • Nicole, that’s one reason to do it. The more one sees others’ work the more opens new ways of seeing and inspires. I’m giving it serious consideration. Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. How do I find you on Instagram? I’ll start to do more perusing of it.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        It takes awhile to figure it out and find those you want to follow. You can search under hashtags. That is he only hard part for me. I’m @thirdeyemom on Instagram!

    • Sally you of all people should most definitely IG. Its quick and easy and so fun to go all over the world and no pressure! I don’t care about a niche . I post what makes me happy in the moment ! Nicole’s photos here are humbling my goodness !

      Reply ↓
      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes Sally’s work would be spectacular in Instagram! Sally, let me know if you decide to go there. I bet you could create an amazing niche with your work!

  8. un plan infinito – Soy una viajera observadora, comprometida y solidaria que cree en el viaje como método de aprendizaje, como una de las mejores formas de establecer relaciones humanas, incluso como terapia y como modo de vida.
    un plan infinito on said:

    I have discovered love facebook now! Very good pictures!! Congrats! 😉

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Do you do Instagram?

      Reply ↓
      • un plan infinito – Soy una viajera observadora, comprometida y solidaria que cree en el viaje como método de aprendizaje, como una de las mejores formas de establecer relaciones humanas, incluso como terapia y como modo de vida.
        un plan infinito on said:

        yes of course! All!! 😉 I follow you! 😉 ROCIOTIZON 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Just requested! 😊

  9. I’m definitely in the same boat. Instagram is by far my favourite social platform, although I’m not sure if it really brings anyone to my blog. I just love sharing photos of past travels and it’s such a good way to accurately research your next trip!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Cool! What is your account name so I can look you up!

      Reply ↓
  10. Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
    Ruth on said:

    If I send you my instagram ,Nicole, I had better delete all my photos first and start over too. It appears I use it to capture a cup of coffee as I went and looked at my captures. I need to rethink it, as you did! Mine is pretty zzzzzzzzzzzz, I’m afraid.
    Like a diary I guess.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I like it Ruth! I like the coffee pics 😊. This is just my strategy. Just followed you!

      Reply ↓
      • Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
        Ruth on said:

        And you will take me to places I would otherwise not see!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        😊

  11. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Nicole IG is by far my favourite social media account. Congrats to you on being selected for the list. Well deserved!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Your Instagram account is fantastic Sue! I love it! And so many others do!

      Reply ↓
      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        Sue Slaght on said:

        So sweet of you to say Nicole. Thank you!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Well you are obviously doing some great work Sue both on your blog and IG! 🙂

      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        Sue Slaght on said:

        Thank you sweet friend. You are good for my ego. 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Well you are rocking the blogging and IG world Sue! 😊 I am amazed!

  12. I am also new to Instagram (@TravelYogiBear) and exploring how it can be used as a way to connect to people I do not interact with through blogging. For me, the struggle is still finding my exact niche, as you mentioned you were struggling with initially.

    Your photos are beautiful, and that is one thing I do appreciate about their platform, as opposed to Facebook or Twitter…

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! I love your account as I love yoga too! Just followed. I’m @thirdeyemom. 😊

      Reply ↓

  13. I didn’t know you are on IG. I am addicted and it replaced my blogging as a quick fix for posting photos. I really love it. I will say that it does NOT do your photos justice however! They are truly magnificent opened up here on WP. Bravo!!! ( I just followed you)

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yay! Your account is awesome! I love your happy photos. Thanks so much for the kind remakes! 😊 I will never stop blogging!

      Reply ↓
      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Oh thank you so much! You don’t know how much your kind words mean to me! 😊

  14. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Every time I read something like this I get cross at myself, Nicole (congrats, by the way- your photos are superb 🙂 ) I’m just not good at taking photos with my phone. Do you download them to your laptop to edit them? I seldom edit photos I use on the blog, and you know I love the story telling aspect, but I do enjoy just looking at beautiful photos. I hadn’t thought of the National Geographic photographers. Good idea!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I used to use my phone Jo but now only use my photos from my real camera. I edit them then email them to my iPhone and upload on IG. You don’t have to at all! You can just use your cell phone too which I do sometimes. I just get better quality photos with my big camera. 😊I love your photos Jo!

      Reply ↓
      • restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
        restlessjo on said:

        This is where the technical world leaves me behind again. I didn’t even know I could email photos to my phone. When my son is home next I’ll have to seek instruction. 🙂 Thanks, Nicole!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes, I just email them from my computer to my yahoo account and open and save them from my yahoo account on my phone to my phone. 🙂

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.