Some of the leading users of social media site Instagram have returned to the Isle of Man for a second time to photograph the wildlife, panoramas, towns and people in all their glory.
With just under 1.5 million followers between them, Finn Beales (@finn), Jiri Siftar (@jeera), Dan Rubin (@Danrubin) and Adrienne Pitts (@hellopoe) are four of the most influential personalities on Instagram.
The photographers spent two days exploring the Island from countryside to coastline, posting a selection of stunning images to document their journey. Between them, their pictures received over 205,000 likes and a total of 1630 comments.
David Cretney MHK, the Political Member in the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism and Motorsport said:
‘The Isle of Man InstaMeet was supported by the Department to promote the Island directly to consumers through social media. The four photographers uploaded their images using the hashtag #isleofman meaning anyone searching the tag on Instagram will come across the inspirational images easily.
‘The initiative reflects the greater emphasis we are putting on promoting the Island through digital channels, although we are still running advertising as well as a comprehensive PR programme which has been very successful this year. As well as the Instameet, a monthly Visit Isle of Man e-newsletter goes out to 82,000 people featuring special offers, events and details of heritage attractions and leisure activities.’
Dan Rubin, one of the Instagrammers visiting the Island, said:
‘I was part of last year’s Isle of Man InstaMeet and couldn’t wait to return to the Island for a second year running. The Island is a photographer’s delight with huge varieties of landscape, stunning seaside vistas, and eye-catching townscapes packed in to a small and easily accessible area.
‘I particularly enjoyed meeting the people who make the Island what it is and chronicling their stories alongside portraits. This year I met Miles Pettit, owner of Noa Bakehouse; Jackie and Graham Hall of Manx Basking Shark Watch and crime novelist Chris Ewan, all of whom have shaped the Island in one way or another, and are ensuring it remains a tourist destination for years to come.’
To see the images from the trip visit intagram.com and search for #isleofman or go to the Visit Isle of Man Facebook page.
