As with most social media, Instagram is a platform that lets you share a bit of your own world with others through the photos you take and post online. However, many users on the platform also share their passion for different art forms such as painting, photography, film, crafts and many others.

In this article, we would like to shed a light on someone that shares her views on life and her experiences through the lens of her camera and the photography she shares online. Meet Valentina a.k.a ‘valentinaislove’ on Instagram.

How did you become interested in capturing amazing photos and is there something you seek to express through your photography?

Valentina: “I was ten years old when I asked my aunt to give me her Canon 6d mk ii to take my first picture using a camera and I never stopped since. Funny how it’s been 11 years already. I don’t particularly seek to express a statement through photography. I haven’t thought about it that deeply, I prefer going with the flow naturally. The most important thing I care about is capturing someone’s emotion. Just a pretty picture is boring.”

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

Valentina: “When I look at my model’s expression. Their eyes say it all, if that’s the case I find it easy to capture a beautiful shot. All you have to do is make the person you’re shooting comfortable. Being open is critical, after that the art makes itself. You are just there to capture it.”

What is your view on social media sharing (particularly Instagram) and what does it mean to you?

Valentina:  “Instagram is bomb! Super overly saturated but still amazing. It makes it super easy to connect with cool people and create great shoots together. I personally, love social media but only because I don’t let it get to me in my personal life. We’ve all been there, the never stopping loop of comparing yourself to others, but I am long done doing that. The “unfollow” button was created for a reason. Everyone can press it, and sometimes I do so a bit too often, but I don’t regret it. After all, this is the only way I can stay sane and true to myself in a world where Instagram is mostly used as a tool by people to “fake” and exaggerate how great their life is.

If you are interested in photography or just curious, you can follow Valentina @valentinaislove on Instagram and show her some love.