I really love Instagram and I have been a big fan for awhile. It's not because I like the ability to manipulate a mediocre picture into a good one, but rather that it's simply an amazing way to share photography. With no language barrier, you can access worlds of photographers across the globe and discover their various styles, trends and aesthetics. Food photographers in Japan have a very simplistic, muted approach; fashion bloggers take pictures of themselves in front of their mirrors; triathletes capture brilliant images from their bike rides. This is not to say that photography as an art or documentary form is getting over saturated or watered down because everyone can selfpublish their pictures (contrary to the NYTimes piece) - the truly talented photographers are still producing the best Instagrams. (AND: In my opinion an Instagram should be taken w/ a phone camera). Just like it's not about the bike, it's not about the camera or the latest digital filters. It's about the eye. My two picks this week exemplify just that. 
Some of you may be familiar with the work of Liz Kreutz (@lizkreutz) because she photographs Lance Armstrong a lot. This is an image from a hard training ride. The expression she captured on Lance's face exudes his fierce spirt - you just know he is going to be the first to the top of the hill. Plus, can't you just feel the Texas heat? It's very reminiscent of the shot Liz took of Lance that ended up being a billboard in Times Square. Great shot Liz!
The next image is another from the up and coming photography of Athlete Food. Here's an example of Instagram giving someone the access to take great pictures and hone what seems to be a latent skill. I love the textures and the light. I could stare at this all day. (Ok, so maybe I'm the only person who could stare a food pics all day). It's definitely fit for the pages of Saveur.
