Spotlight #5 (with special guest!)

This week's photo spotlight is something special. It's the first one featuring a fellow photographer but first a friend, Mike Schwarz.

This kid is a genius and is on his way to doing some great things. You can see what he's up to here. 

I've been following him for a while, and came across one of his pictures that i foundfascinating. It hit me hard, and got me curious about the story behind it. I immediately knew there had to be one because of the character and life that the picture has got. 

Here it is.

So i did a bit of digging around, and asked Mike if he'd be interested in talking about it.

And here's what he has to say about it

"I was visiting Cuba with my brothers. We spent four days exploring the island, meeting new friends, and eating everything we could.

They had left on an early flight out. Mine was the following morning.

I had one last day to salvage in the gorgeous city of Havana. What did I plan to do? Take photos, write, and drink rum.

I explored the streets for hours, documenting the incredibly unique architectural aesthetic, street food, and people found on every corner. After being driven around in several '52 Chevy Bel Air taxis, I learned of the incredible respect Cuban drivers have for their cars.

This mentality speaks to the Cuban's perseverance and resilience both economically and politically.

Each car takes on a character of its own in my photos. The bright colors, antiquated design, and unique drivers made this subject matter impossible not to obsess over.

I took probably over 100 car photos while in Havana. This one happens to be my favorite."

-Mike

Let me know what you guys think. Does this picture speak to you as much as it did to me. 

Be sure to follow Mike to see what crazy stuff he gets up to. 

Website - http://www.mschwarzthekid.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mschwarzthekid/

Instagram - http://instagram.com/mikeschwarzthekid

Instagram

I've been exposed to both hate and love for Instagram, and I'm sure you have to. 

I'm starting to rediscover why the app is in fact so great. 

Lately, I've been posting a lot on my account (follow me here), and what I've discovered is beautiful. The community of photographers passionate about their craft is massive. 

I've found travel and landscape photographers, concert photographers, fashion photographers and portrait photographers who have inspired me like crazy. And of course, there's the badass rock climbing photographers, who continue to crush it. 

All of this points me in just one direction. It motivates me to interact with people more, explore different styles of photography and soak up as much knowledge as I can. 

Steal Like an Artist, as Austin Kleon and Chase Jarvis would say. 

Instagram receives a lot of (undeserved) hate, because it gives people the chance to explore an art with something so simple. 

I've been on the app for ages now, but only now have I truly started tapping into its reserves. 

I plan on continuing for a long, long time. 

What are your thoughts? Do you think I'm way too full of myself?

Let me know in the comments, and share some love/hate with others too. 

Follow me on Instagram here

Cheers

Aman