Despite Snapchat being on everyone's lips at the moment, Instagram remains the steadfast home of discovering new and inspiring photography. At the end of the day, it was built for the medium. But it's also the top dog when it comes to popularity and users, surpassing 400 million last September.
That said, your Instagram is only as good as who you follow. So with that in mind, we partnered up with the masters of photography, Fujifilm X Series US, to bring you some of the rising stars that you need to follow right now. We broke them down by category, so whether you're looking for inspiration or just a bit of eye candy, we've got you covered.
From portraits, land- and cityscapes, architecture or fashion, each of these photographers are masters at their craft and regularly share amazing photos – most taken using Fujifilm X Series gear.
Read on for our latest picks and be sure to check out their work.
Fashion
Kat Irlin Russian-born, New York-based Kat Irlin’s work focuses on fashion and portrait photography, with her effortlessly timeless style symbiotically informing the two. Where some are sensually rich and colorfully lush, others are equally refined and restrained. To us, her Instagram has a touch of the greats about it, from Nan Goldin to a colorful Helmut Newton.
Portrait
Xing Liu Sacramento-based Xing specializes in portrait, with the female form his main artistic muse. A dusty, hazy, end-of-summer vibe dominates his work, which often seems to catch subjects in casual, off-guard moments surrounded by rich natural environments as backdrop. His tools of choice are the Fujifilm X-T1, X100T and the iPhone 6.
Architectural
Dan Hogman San Francisco-based architect Dan Hogman's work lends an industry eye to the built environment, spotting the details and moments in structures that perhaps the everyday person might not notice. As an architect, his Instagram also serves as an intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpse at the professional life of an architect.
Street
Sean Dougherty NYC-based photographer Dougherty’s undeniably contemplative images straddle the border between off-chance documentary shot and considered artistic study. Perhaps through the rich and dramatic backdrop of New York, with all its frenetic energy and heaving crowds, Dougherty’s work seems to calmly and carefully hone in on its subject, seeking out the individual and their place in the world.
Natural World
Will Nichols If you’re not following him already, Highsnobiety’s own photographer, Will Nichols, and his distinctive take on modern America – from the urban to the rural – is essential following material. A color palette dominated by red, dusky hues, with an aesthetic that focuses on the grand and the spectacle – both natural and manmade – are his stock in trade. His tools include the Fujifilm X-Pro2.
Art/Collage
littledrill creative studio The littledrill creative studio’s work has a penchant for pastel shades, clean lines and quirky, unconventional compositions. Headed by Shelby Edwards and James Lee Whitney out of Seattle and Brooklyn, the pair are inspired by pop art, their respective coastal locations and modern design. Take a look.
