Words by Nicolle Mackinnon
Meet the people behind the lens as we introduce you to the Pollenites to follow on Instagram. With visual footprints that are sure to inspire, these individuals have a knack for capturing everyday moments in a way that make us want to see more.
These days it feels like we can’t hop online in the local social media world without seeing Paul DeBettignies’ name, or handle, @mnheadhunter. As the principal at Minnesota Headhunter, LLC, Paul helps fill IT positions across the metro. He’s also a blogger and speaker, and actively participates in the community.
What stands out about Paul’s Instagram account is the unique way he uses visuals to promote his day job. Last year he posted a photo of an empty coat rack. The accompanying caption asked his followers to help him fill the coat rack — his way of sending the message that the company where he worked was hiring.
Paul also frequently posts about local events he attends, and says he’s notorious for “always being behind the group because I stopped to look at something.” All that looking paid off. Paul’s Instagram account is one we think deserves your attention. Here’s a few of our favorite snapshots from Paul to show you why.
1. Lots of sunsets. “I am frequently asked why I take so many sunset photos,” Paul says. “They all look different to me. I’m not looking for the perfect one. I don’t think there is one. I am on a quest to get a ‘just-before-sunset’ photo of a barn and silo.”
2. He’s tuned in to local businesses and promotes the ones he frequents. His shot of The Foundry Home Goods in the North Loop made us want to mosey over for an impromptu shopping trip.
3. What you see is what you get, because Paul purposely doesn’t use a bunch of filters. “Other than cropping photos, I don’t edit them. I only play with exposure when trying to get a moon photo to not appear like a bright light bulb.”
4. He’s got his finger on the pulse of local events and showcases them in a personal way, such as when he captured this shot of the airplane flyover at this summer’s All-Star Game.
5. He loves Minnesota, and his photos remind us that despite the achingly long winters, we love it too.