National Geographic Photographer Ira Block Gives Tips for Instagram and Documentary Photographers

National Geographic Photographer and Sony Artisan Ira Block gives us some insight into the world of modern documentary photography, Instagram and networking. Be sure to follow him on Instagram @irablockphoto.

[@chrisswartwood6960]

He reminds me of David Lynch, but for photography. Great advice all around! Awesome!

[@johnjon1823]

He is exactly correct it all makes perfect sense.

[@joycerivera3123]

Great tips Ira, thank you so much for sharing.

[@TheKnittingSongbird]

So much useful advice in under 8 minutes

[@emmanuelgoldstein8233]

I think i saw Jordan TCSTV in the thumbnail.

[@BoraBora_Sasha]

Thank you for sharing tips!

[@hassanpixels5938]

Thank you for advice. very helpful.

[@matkovidosevicswalkabouts6890]

Thank you!

[@d.k.1394]

great tips

[@johncantrell614]

Sounds like good advice.....

[@aboutphotography]

Great thoughs!

[@Sara-tp6zd]

thank you so much

[@d.k.1394]

it is ok if you push sony......we all need to make $$$$$

[@diegoabw]

pretty good

[@qwe1231]

Subtle Sony placement, huh. I remember I couple of years ago when Panasonic was sponsoring him. And before that when he was using Canon 5D series. Now you won't find find any pics/videos of him without him putting a Sony next to him. Hope they're paying him well, or at least are using lube.

[@jeghedderhenrik]

HUH to you too. its called evolution, havnt. you ever changed your gear ????

[@qwe1231]

There's a difference between 'evolution' and 'shilling'

[@jeghedderhenrik]

hes only doing what almost everybody else do too,, he s changing over time,,, havent you changed yourself, its dangerous to stay a dinosaur,,, notice jason lanier,, zach ariahs, yes everybody , learn and adapt all times. i dont get what you are upset about... he says himself " i have been using diffent cameras .... at minute 2.33..
Zach Ariah talks about all the gears hes been using on the video "crop or crap" --- is he a huh person too..

[@claybutler]

He's a pro. He wouln't hook up with a company that hurt his ability to take great photos. After all, it's the great photos that got him the sponsorship opportunities. If Sony is paying him well, and he's stoked on the gear, good for him. I suspect that people who bash pros who hook up with companies aren't working professionals and haven't ever been presented these opportunities. First get good enough to even be able to "sell out" then see how you react. If you turn down good money then you are walking the talk. But unitlthat happens, it's all just that...talk.

[@qwe1231]

Pros can take good shots with any major brand's camera today. The pros who are hurting gladly sell themselves out to impressionable amateurs by showcasing one specific brand (until they're not wanted, not paid and/or they find another deal elsewhere).

[@DessieTots]

SONY Arsitan, hee, hee! What happened to the battered Nikon F's and bags of Kodachrome that my Nat Geo heroes used. "Your gear to a minimum" FFS go and look at some issues from the 70's and 80's. Some of the photographers had an army of guides and pack carriers to assist them with location and transportation of camera gear. Why don't you go to Antartica or sail in the Baltic. Your SONY will die in about five minutes.

[@anthonyc1883]

Not only the battered Nikon F's but many superb NG images were shot by photographers carrying a small bag with a couple Leica rangefinder bodies, a 21, a 35 and a 90. Oh, and then a big bag of Kodachrome!

[@senior_ranger]

A 50+ guy telling 20-somethings about social media. What's strange about that picture?

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

Nothing.