It’s a funny time we live in. Instead of calling each other, we text. Instead of asking what our friends are up to, we check twitter. Instead of grabbing coffee, we Facebook message. While technology interfaces for us, and our virtual lives overtake our analog existence, the ironically titled social media encourages isolation over real interpersonal communication. One social media outlet seems to contradict this notion, however.

Through this tiny picture-sharing app, people have met up, become friends, started dating, flown across the world to meet each other, and gone on adventures they would have never imagined they’d add to their bucket list. Not to mention the inspiration they’ve found through following new people. From photography techniques, to jumps, to locations around the globe, there are no bounds to the creative ideas and unique ways that we share them. Well, besides that little square.

On April 13, 2013, with a few posts and word of mouth, over 115 people came to take photos and meet each other in Santa Monica, California. This wasn’t a professional networking event, or a meeting of any sort of exclusivity, this was just a bunch of friendly people who love to take photos. An instameet. People came, walked around together at the beach, brought props, took photos, and made real connections. The event was organized by Christian Florin and Project Life 365, with help from Alexander Pavone and Matt Gee. Sponsors like Olloclip, Joby, and Pic Tap Go gave away prizes to attendees, but overall, everyone was there to have fun meeting like-minded creative people. Here, you can see some of the photos from the day:

@kchensays

@photogirlfriend

@alfredoluviano

@rollerodyssey

@diegoscott83

@reelpeet

@tatum22

@laughing_octopus

@itsgretchen

With people making connections through Instagram every day, it’s become an incredibly easy way to see what a person is like before you meet them, live vicariously through their photos, and make steps to connect with them in real life. If you have a chance to go to an instameet, do it, or start one of your own. Hands down, it’ll be one of the most fun events you attend this year, and you’ll meet so many incredible and positive people. Or, at least you’ll get to check out a really cool location and get some great photos.

There are a million stories and a million more to unfold as people connect and share through Instagram. And even though we each only have a little square to share our vision, when we put them all together, they add up to one incredible community.

You can follow my instagram adventures here.

Photographer: Ravi Vora
Model: Erica Grisby

As a model featured by Maxim, FHM, and my own production company, Erica Grisby is more than just a pretty face. She also works as a nurse when she’s not creating incredible images and helping launch companies. She was recently named one of the hottest girls on instagram, further proving that this model’s career is taking off.

If you want to see her move in slow motion, with fire, check out our Loyal Renegade launch video below, which stars Erica.

Click on any image below to see it full size.

Commercial and film production company.

Launch live site: Loyal Renegade Films Production Company

Branding, logo design, creative direction, photography

Creative Direction, Design

Launch live site: http://www.arclightcinemas.com

Creative Direction, Branding, Logo design, Web design