#mtrainier in Puyallup, Washington, USA
Using his iphone to photograph the Mt. Rainier backcountry in all its glory, Bradley Castaneda offers a glimpse of what its like to live and breathe in small town Washington, State. The beautiful Pacific Northwest boasts jagged snow-covered peaks and evergreens for days. Bradley works hard to beautifully document his adventures in this mother nature playground. Follow Bradley on Instagram here: @bradleycastaneda
Place you live: Puyallup, Wa
Place your Instagrams were taken? Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA. (about 40 minutes from Puyallup.
Can you sum up Puyallup? Puyallup is located in the South Sound near the city of Tacoma. A short drive from the Cascades, and an even shorter drive from downtown Seattle. It’s your typical small town, farm land setting. We’re known for being the hometown of the Washington State Fair, and delicious scones.
How long have you been using Instagram? Almost two years now.
What phone camera do you use to shoot with? iPhone 5S
What is your editing process? When I first started out I had a very elaborate editing process. I would jump between about four apps, using specific features and effects that I liked. More recently I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. I’ve slimmed down my process to just a couple apps. I’ll shoot the photo either with the iPhones native camera app or HDR Pro(depending on the lighting). Then jump in to VSCO Cam and occasionally Snapseed.
Do you create images outside of Instagram? I’ve been attracted to the rapid ability that Instagram offers for a photographer to get their work out and in front of an audience. This medium fits my lifestyle and schedule perfectly. I’m able to conceptualize and then present ideas on the road or during a commute. This has been the biggest reason for my involvement in the social network. I do take photos outside of Instagram and post to 500px.
Has Instagram/phoneography affected how you shoot? It’s made me more aware of quality of lighting. I find that a DSLR is more forgiving. You can have an overcast, flat light day(we get a lot of those here in the Northwest), but in post adjust some sliders, pop the shadows and the shot is saved. However, with the iPhone shooting in RAW is not an option yet and you have to be aware of where the light is and how bright its shining on your subject to get that great shot.
Can you give a couple tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? It’s okay to learn through imitation and trying to mimic photographers you look up to. We all start from the same point and then work our way up. So when you are just starting out, learn the ropes and get the basics down (composition and processing). Then branch off and develop your own style. Push yourself to discover your creativity and decide what art you are going to offer to the world. For me it was that I wanted to be an inspiration to others, and document my adventures and accomplishments in the Cascades. Find your voice.
Who are your three favorite Instagrammers? Right now, I’m really in to the work of @chrisburkard, @timkemple and @sherpascinema. There is a long list of others that I find equally inspiring though. The quality of work you can find on Instagram is truly impressive.
Name:Bradley Castaneda
City:Puyallup
Best day hike:
Hands down Spray Park on the north side of Mt. Rainier. This is easily accessible during the summer months and a short drive from the south sound.
Best hike to see an incredible view:
Skyline Trail, Paradise, Mt. Rainier. The drive takes you to 5,500ft and then takes you further up the mountain on a 6 mile loop through the alpine.
Best place to shop:
Must do (for the traveler):
Visit Mt. Rainier National Park in the winter. The hordes that flock to the park during the summer are long gone. You get to see that mountain in the peak of its glory (completely snow covered). Also the snow adds a new dynamic to the trails. It feels like a completely different park during the winter.
Local tip:
Bring your umbrella