The whole is greater than the sum of its parts when it comes to anything Wes Anderson.
My wanderlust began when I first discovered Instagram. Though I had always enjoyed travelling, it wasn’t until I came across Instagram travel accounts like @theblondeabroad or hashtags like #FollowMeTo (initiated by @muradosmann) and #FromWhereIStand that I began to see a different perspective on travelling.
When I visited a new place or country before, I enjoyed whatever was in front of me – the food, the views, the attractions, the shopping – but when I returned home, it all seemed a distant memory.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for enjoying the moment and being present everywhere you go, and maybe others are lucky enough to relive those moments in their mind (or in reality) over and over again; but there’s something about looking back on photos of the moments you had that really makes them all real again. I’m not the only one on this, right?
It’s not just the tangibility of experience that awoke my desire to travel, of course. It’s also how the platform, or rather, the people using it, taught me to see beyond what’s in front of me. To reach, to discover, to treasure, and to share my personal experiences with others.
And that is what brings me to my latest find on the photo-sharing platform: @accidentallywesanderson. Those familiar with the American film director, producer and actor Wes Anderson will instantly be able to identify his signature visual style in the photos featured on the account. Even those who have never come across the name wouldn’t find it hard to spot a pattern in the feed either.
A distinctive colour palette, resplendent architecture, deceivingly insignificant details and obsessively symmetrical compositions about sum up the aesthetic. But trust me when I say the whole is greater than the sum of its parts when it comes to anything Wes Anderson.
All that said, here are five reasons why you should follow @accidentallywesanderson on Instagram right now.
Satisfy your OCD
First thing you’ll appreciate on the surface is how aesthetically pleasing the feed looks. Every photo is well-composed; the colour scheme is appealing; the quality of posts is at least better than half the people you follow if not exceptional; and the feed just blends harmoniously overall. Though the photos aren’t exactly envisioned by Anderson himself, they’re a close representation of his style – hence the name, “accidentally” Wes Anderson.
See ordinary elements like never before
Take a closer look at the feed and you’ll notice how some photos feature things or places that you wouldn’t typically hold your camera up to. Think lecture halls, subway escalators, old lifeguard towers and mailboxes. It’ll leave you with a new-found appreciation for everyday things. Life’s too short, might as well see the beauty in everything.
Spur your creativity (aka help you take better photos)
With a refreshed perspective on colours, composition and seemingly mundane objects, you’ll also likely develop different ideas artistically. (I sure know a creative person or two who have worked on mood boards inspired by these Wes Anderson themes.) It may not happen in a day or a week, but perhaps after some time you’ll pick up some photography skills too.
Broaden your general knowledge
It’s not all look and feel, if you’re still not convinced. Each photo includes a detailed caption of its content. Thus, the longer you follow the account, the more you’ll learn about different places in the world and their significance.
Inspire your wanderlust
Finally, we’re back at the reason that made me share this – it inspired my wanderlust, and it will surely inspire yours too. Beautiful places captured in beautiful pictures have the power to do that.
Follow the Instagram page @accidentallywesanderson and #AccidentallyWesAnderson for a chance to be featured.
Images: Courtesy of @accidentallywesanderson and respective owners