Welcome to our ‘Manchester on Instagram’ series! Over the coming weeks, we’re going to profile some of Manchester’s best Insta-snappers and their incredible pictures.
Richard Barnard has lived in the Manchester area for most of his life. He tends to head to the city centre whenever he has a spare moment - and always takes his camera on family shopping trips.
Richard told us: 'My long-suffering wife is used to me suddenly disappearing mid-conversation to pursue that elusive street shot!' We asked him to give us a tour of the city via his Instagram account @ftwentytwo.
Out of all your pictures of Manchester, which is your favourite?
'Difficult to choose as my tastes change over time. Manchester has an endless variety of interesting people to photograph but I particularly like this shot of a gentleman passing one of Manchester's many excellent vinyl record shops. It's hard to select a favourite without some reference to Manchester's musical heritage!'
What's your favourite landmark to snap?
'I particularly like the Northern Quarter with its mix of industrial heritage and ever-growing number of bars, restaurants and coffee shops.'
What's your go-to filter? Do you use any additional apps?
'Lo-fi is my go to filter as I like punchy, saturated shots. I tend to run all my photos through the Camera+ 'clarity' filter as its a very quick and convenient way to enhance exposure and contrast. I use Snapseed's HDR and Grunge filters when required. However, I have found that I use these less since Instagram enhanced its in-app editing.'
Is there a photo you've taken that's been unexpectedly brilliant?
'I was pleasantly surprised with the shot of pigeons taken in Piccadilly Gardens. It was very much a 'grab shot' i.e. point the camera in the right direction and hope for the best but it has a feel of the Hitchcock about it.'
Where's the best view in Manchester?
'It depends on what you like. Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens are both excellent locations for street photography. If architecture is more your theme then Spinningfields is the place with lots of opportunities to create abstract reflections.'
Reckon you've got the snazziest Instagram in town? Email a link to Kate Lloyd