ROOKIE PHOTOGRAPHER DEAN MAKES INSTA IMPACT
BENOWA man Dean Johnson only discovered Instagram two years ago – now he is making a living out of the app and is in the running for a top award.
The 42-year-old, who didn’t even own a professional camera when he first downloaded the app, is one of 20 finalists in Choice Hotels’ Travel Grammer 2017 competition.
The international hotel chain are looking to find the country’s top Instagrammer to travel the world and take photos.
“It is pretty amazing considering I was never a professional photographer to begin with and I have never travelled the world,” he said.
“When I got the call it was so surreal I almost had to pinch myself.”
Mr Johnson earns his followers from his stunning shots of the Gold Coast.
“I have a lot of followers who live overseas who are absolutely blown away by our beaches so living on the Gold Coast has been a huge advantage,” he said.
“People love seeing what the world looks like and Instagram is such a convenient way to do that. It’s instant.
“I was sent to Mackay by the judges and it was a pretty intense trip. I had to get there, snap pics and get back all in less than 48 hours.”
Mr Johnson is best known for his sunrise shots
“I’m obsessed with sunrises, I love watching the world come to colour,” he said.
Mr Johnson often receives job requests from local businesses and recently took shots for Vodafone at the GC600 and the Magic Millons.
“I never really considered that taking pictures on Instagram would become a full-time job,” he said.
Since downloading the app Mr Johnson has invested in expensive tools and aims to post a photo a day.
“When my following started growing I ended up going out and buying a top of the range SLR camera,” he said.
“I always try and get a photo up a day, and even when I’m strapped for time I just go to Evandale park. The way the water reflects against all the buildings always promises a beautiful shot.”