The Green Monster in Boston
We love Ashley McKinney’s colorful cityscapes of one of the nation’s most historic towns. You can tell the Boston local takes a lot of time to find the perfect angle from which to photograph her city. Follow the fun at @ashleymcky.
Place you live: Quincy, Massachusetts
Place your Instagrams were taken? Boston, Massachusetts
Can you sum up Boston? Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was the site of many historic events during the American Revolution. Presently, we are best known for higher education, medicine, and of course our sports teams! The history is undeniable as you walk through various parts of the city. Fenway Park, for instance, remains much like it did when it opened in 1912.
What is a perfect day in Boston? The perfect day to me is walking from one end of the city to the other, (which is totally doable by the way!) Some of my favorite places are the financial district, Faneuil Hall, the seaport, Beacon Hill, the Boston Common, Downtown Crossing, and Copley Square.
If Boston was a person or character who would it be and why? I would have to say The Green Monster. It’s not only an iconic wall at Fenway Park; it’s also the very well-known mascot of the Boston Red Sox. Many establishments here are Green Monster-themed. Visitors to Boston will notice it even when grabbing a grilled cheese sandwich from one of our many food trucks!
How long have you been using Instagram? I’ve been using Instagram for a little over two years.
Do you shoot with your phone or other cameras or both? For my Instagram account, I shoot exclusively with my iPhone. I do, however, have a Canon 6D that I’m learning to use. I will be sharing some photos taken with that on Instagram in the near future. I don’t think I will ever stop utilizing mobile photography, there is something so accessible and gratifying about it!
What is your editing process? I edit all of my photos on my iPhone with the VSCO and Snapseed apps. Snapseed is where I enhance different elements of my photos and adjust the contrast and saturation. VSCO is where I add filters to give my photos that unique touch.
Do you create images outside of Instagram? Besides taking head shots for my company’s employees, I create images on Tumblr, but few and far between. My goal is to utilize it more for my DSLR shots. I also post some additional photos on my Twitter account @ashleymcky.
Has Instagram/phoneography affected how you shoot? 1000%. Instagram has been the sole tool that drives my work. It’s crazy to look back at when I joined and to see how much I’ve progressed as an artist in such a short time. It has encouraged me to explore and travel more. It consistently opens my eyes to the beautiful world around us.
Can you give a couple tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? I could give so many; I am open to people reaching out via email. The best tip I can give to beginners is to establish a connection with their local Instagram community. Most cities have their own Instagram account where they feature daily photos from locals. The best way to build your interaction is through dedicated daily shooting and supporting the Instagram community around you. Encouraging one another in this craft speaks volumes, after all, this is a social app! It’s truly rewarding.
Who are your three favorite Instagrammers? @bradromano, @alinatsvor, @visualmemories
Want more Instagram tips and inspiration? Check out all of our Best of Instagram features here and learn from the masters.
Name:Ashley McKinney
City:Boston
Best place to eat:
Toro – delicious tapas restaurant in the South End.
Best place to drink:
Top of the Hub if you’re looking for a gorgeous view of the city!
Best outdoor activity:
Boating on the Charles River.
Must do:
Visit the top of the Custom House in Faneuil Hall for the best 360-degree view of the city.
Local tip:
The Boston Public Library is a must-see. It has the most beautiful courtyard and a delicious cafe! Some of the locals aren’t aware of this Renaissance-inspired space!