Q&A with Victor aka @selvedge1

Name: Victor

Location: Texas, USA

Profession: Engineer

Victor’s Instagram and Photo Routines

Thomas: How did it all start with your Instagram feed?

Victor: It all started in late 2016 with my desire to combine my love of photography and denim.

I had done professional photography for a while and realized I’d stopped taking pictures for myself. So I thought a new Instagram account would be a great outlet to combine two of my passions.

Little did I know it would grow like this, meeting some great people I would now call friends.

T: Why Instagram? What are your goals?

V: Instagram is almost always a positive, supportive community, which fosters the spirit. It’s also photo-centric, which helps because I like photos more than writing words ?

My goals these days are to connect people that are passionate into denim, and bringing them together. I post mainly for myself. Not particularly to promote anything.

T: How much time do you spend on Instagram on a daily basis?

V: I spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour daily. Usually on my walks around. Or when I have a free minute. However, if you add in time to create pictures, it adds up. Perhaps I should think of it as ‘hang out time’ with my closest virtual friends, haha ?

T: How do you take your photos?

V: I take my own shots. It used to be a lot tougher but now with Canon’s wifi control of my DSLR, it lets me preview and trigger shots straight from my phone. Lifesaver! You should have seen the old me taking pictures on timer and running back into the frame!

T: Which tools do you use?

V: I stick with wide-aperture Canon prime lenses most of the time, with a tripod. A big tripod if I have it on me, otherwise a small flexible one on the go!

T: What’s your editorial flow?

V: I used to be a lot more deliberate about my posts, but last year it dropped off quite a bit. These days when I’m inspired and have time, I post. Otherwise, I don’t feel guilty anymore about missing days—it used to be a pretty strict schedule. I realized it’s always been about having fun and enjoying it, and I didn’t want it to turn into a job.

T: What are your favourite locations to take photos? And why?

V: I have a few favorite locations for photos around town, but these days I love taking photos of fellow denimheads when I travel as well – to introduce others into my feed!

Victor’s Denim Style and Preferences

T: How did you get into denim?

V: I got into denim a dozen years ago looking for denim that fit. I had also seen vintage pictures of great looking fades and had no idea how to get them. A little digging on the internet back then, on Superfuture forums, brought me down the rabbit hole of Japanese denim.

T: What’s your favourite feature of jeans?

V: Favorite feature has got to be button fly. It’s vintage and adds character.

T: How do you wash your denim?

V: I wash whenever I can smell it, haha ?

T: What’s your favourite denim brand?

V: Oh, that’s a tough one. I have some favorite pieces from a few great brands, like Pure Blue Japan, The Strike Gold, and 3sixteen.

T: What’s your favourite fit? And why?

V: I think slim tapered jeans fit me well, but being a cyclist, my body has also changed recently. Honestly, I don’t think I have a favorite fit because depending on the day and mood and how much I’m a glutton for punishment,  I may prefer a slim straight pair.

T: Which boots and leather goods do you wear with your denim?

V: I have a few pairs of boots, like Red Wing and Alden. But I honestly wear sneakers more often, for comfort and flexibility, like Converse.

T: Which sneakers do you wear?

V: Converse.

T: Favourite item that’s not denim or leather?

V: Probably a bicycle.

T: Where do you buy your gear?

V: I buy my gear online sometimes, but a lot of my wardrobe is in Japan. I’m lucky to travel a lot, so visiting the source itself is my favorite way to purchase!

T: What’s your monthly clothing budget?

V: I try not to spend much. Some months I don’t spend anything. Other months, well, like in Japan, let’s say I go overboard!

T: What styling tips would you give your followers if they wanted your style?

V: I’d have to say be yourself, wear what makes you happy. Whether it’s fitted or relaxed, faded or raw, if you wear it confidently, it’ll be awesome.