It’s time to flip the focus on the men behind the posts. Preen talks to different Instagram husbands and boyfriends who work just as much as our favorite influencers to get that shot just right, with or without credit.
There’s one influencer who I would associate with muted pastel photos with, it’s Tricia Gosingtian. One look at her Instagram feed and you’ll see the palette in every photo she takes. And amid her many fashion and travel photos, you’ll sometimes see the hashtag “#RgAndTriciaWillGoPlaces.”
For those of you who don’t know, Tricia got engaged to RG Gabunada just last January. Even before RG proposed to her, she already considers him her Instagram husband since they became a couple in 2011. Then, in a few months, he’s going to be her REAL husband.
Being together for so long, we just had to ask RG himself on what’s it like to take photos with and of Tricia, as well as what he’s picked up throughout their relationship.
Describe an Instagram husband
From the parody video that went viral recently, I guess you can say that Instagram husbands are the men behind all the Insta-worthy photos that their girlfriends or wives post all over social media. I’d like to think that we are the unsung heroes that make it all happen!
No, but seriously, it’s not so much of a hassle compared to how it was portrayed in the video. For me, it’s a free photography lesson. I get to hone my creativity outside of work.
What is Tricia’s best angle?
Tricia looks best at any time and any situation. In fact, I find her prettier in real life than in pictures.
How many shots on average does it take to get it right?
If conditions are right, i.e. right lighting, good weather, camera settings, etc., then it doesn’t take more than three shots. The idea is to capture the moment as it is, so we try not to re-shoot or take up too much of our time together just for a good Instagram photo.
How many lattes have you drank cold or meals have you eaten cold?
None, because I prefer my meals warm, and Tricia tries her best to take photos as fast as she can!
Best tip for low lighting conditions
Steady hands. But I prefer to stay away from situations wherein we have to shoot in low lighting conditions. Tricia’s signature style is mostly soft lighting during the day so we don’t really shoot at night.
Have you and Tricia fought over a photo?
Nope, it’s a waste of time and emotions. Besides, it’s only a photo! She can sometimes get uncompromising when it comes to achieving her style, but she tries to be as patient as possible. Personally, all I need is a jug of ice cold water and a towel, and I’m good to go.
What do you think of the new Instagram logo and layout?
The gradient logo is cute. I like it. Tricia hates it. (Laughs)
Favorite photo editing app?
I swear by Adobe Lightroom on my Mac and VSCO on my iPhone.
Favorite filter?
E series or Legacy—the default filters. Tricia mostly uses Q. I like warm photos that remind me of summer and the great outdoors.
Advice for all Instagram husbands out there
Seeing her smile after a good photo session is worth the effort!
Do you get annoyed when you have to stop so Tricia can take a photo?
Not really, because I would usually do the same too. In fact, I feel like I stop [to take a photo] more often than [she does].
What do you always remember during your shoots?
I always remember to smile behind the camera because it makes Tricia smile, which I think is something she should do more often! Who agrees with me?
What has being an Instagram husband taught you? The amount of work that photographers put into producing a good photo is admirable! It’s a combination of hard work and sheer talent, which I think I lack. Tricia always pushes me to work harder on my photography [since she’s a] photographer herself. While shooting, she would usually frame it if she were to photograph herself. I get to have a glimpse of what’s going on in her mind.
Describe your dream Instagram moment or bucket list Instagram shoot
Wedding day Instagram photo taken by me during the special day. It might sound funny, but I would also like photos of us doing everyday husband and wife stuff like chilling on the couch, going to the supermarket, cleaning the house, cooking, and doing laundry.
Who do you look up to for inspiration?
I look up to Henri Cartier-Bresson. I like candid, street photography, as well as still life and landscapes. I’d like to think I’m more inclined to photojournalism than portraiture or glamour shots! I appreciate photos with stories behind them. When I shoot with Tricia, we don’t treat it as a photo shoot. It’s more of a moment in time that we’d like to document. After I shoot her, I also take my own shots of the surroundings for my own Instagram feed.
What kind of equipment do you use to make your life as an Instagram Husband better?
A bottle of Kleen Kanteen with ice-cold water makes shooting better because sometimes the weather in Manila can be unforgiving! In terms of photography, I just use whatever is available. Sometimes, we don’t have our cameras with us, but it was never an issue for us to just use our phones.
Photos courtesy of RG Gabunada