Kuster – Naked In Brazil!

© Kevin Kuster – He dropped from the sky

Now, before you lose your lunch with the vision of me teaching naked, let me explain. I wasn’t physically naked, but I must admit it did feel like I was since I chose to leave all of my DSL camera equipment at home. Although this might not seem like a big deal to many, it was for me. You see for the past 20 plus years I have had a kind of love affair with my DSL camera. We have traveled the world together, Ireland, Italy, Bahamas, Czeck Republic, Mexico, London, Jamaica, etc… It’s kept me employed. It’s allowed me to attend some of the biggest sporting events in the world. It has allowed me to work with celebrities and all kinds of fascinating people. It has always been there for me and I have viewed the world through its crystal clear frame.

© Kevin Kuster – Top row left: Copa Airlines gangway. Top row right: Lunch at Poleiro do Galo.
Bottom row left: Nose spoon balancing @kevinkuster and @rafaelbms. Bottom row right: Man flipping @simplesleo

Although I had to sincerely think about whether or not I should take my DSL to Brazil, once I made the decision not to, I couldn’t have been happier. I breezed through security without someone having to manually check my equipment; no concerns about a gate agent telling me all the overhead bins were full and I’d have to check my bag before I entered the plane; no aching shoulder or back from carrying all the extra weight; no scrambling to find the right lens before I took a shot; and most importantly, I never had to worry at all times where my bag of very expensive equipment was. Losing that constant state of attentiveness alone was like tossing a 100 pound weight from my back.

Top row left: @donhsa. Top row right: rickymedina_gf
Bottom row left: @analeticohen Bottom row right:@jpcaruso

Since recently embracing mobile photography as an exciting and valuable extension to my career, things seem to keep getting better and better. Not only did I get to meet, teach, laugh with and learn from some amazing Brazilian photographers, I finally got to meet my business partner and friend, Josh Johnson, @joshjohnson in person. Since joining Josh as the Chief Editor and Community Manager a few months ago, we have only communicated by emails, texts and phone. Strange how you no longer have to meet someone in person to start a business partnership. However, you can never beat personally meeting someone, shaking their hand and interacting with them one on one.

© Kevin Kuster – Top row left: @fburjato_dm. Top row right: @tedelage and @olhar
Bottom row left: (unsure). Bottom row right:@jbeldroegas

It was extremely rewarding to teach so many passionate people about mobile photography, Instagram, our #JJ community and share a few tips and tricks. It’s fascinating  to see how mobile photography has sparked a global revolution that I don’t believe we will ever see again. Everyone seems to be jumping on the mobile photography wave and the numbers continue to increase every day. The simplicity of snap, edit and share is allowing people to learn at an amazing rate. What once took someone a lifetime to learn about the art of photography now allows people to learn, and be really, really good in a relatively short amount of time. Yes, there are always going to be more talented photographers or professionals that shoot better pictures than others but, that’s not really an issue. Just by its very nature and ease of learning, mobile photography seems to encourage all kinds of people to just start shooting, share and learn as you go. I believe the secret behind the mobile photography explosion is that it truly allows people to find their inner creative voice. Mobile photography seems to encourage people to tell their own unique stories and not get hung up on all the technical issues of photography. Fundamental photography skills will ALWAYS be a must, however, learning those skills and interacting with other passionate story tellers has never been easier or more exciting in my opinion.

© Kevin Kuster – Top row left: Smoke, snap and sip. Top row right: Cathedral Metropolitan de Juiz de Fora. Bottom row left: Sao Mateus Church. Bottom row right: Colors to keep Brazil clean.

I want to thank all the people of Brazil with whom I had the fortunate opportunity to interact while I was there. You all taught me so much. Thank you @planetagram and @anamokdeci for hosting me. Thank you to all the wonderful speakers, @jpcaruso, @rickymedina_gf, @annaleticohen and @joshjohnson. I also want to thank my partners at Creator Gallery for allowing me to attend the event and shouldering all the work at home while I was gone.  Most importantly, I want to thank my son for giving me the biggest hug and kiss when I first saw him upon my return.

© Kevin Kuster – ‘Opposites Attract’

Finally, DSLR, I have to say I’m sorry but I didn’t miss you at all on this trip.  Please don’t be upset with me. We both know there are things that only you can shoot and I wouldn’t take anyone other than you if you were the right one for the assignment. You also know I will soon be pulling you out again to travel and shoot because you’ll never be replaced in my heart. However, your friend iPhone was just perfect for this assignment.

© Kevin Kuster – No DSL for Kevin Kuster. Tee shirt belongs to @hiatajf