IGOTW: Taking A Tour Into The Minimalistic World Of Instagrammer @dearchar_

Charlene: I'm born and bred in KL, Malaysia. I studied visual communication in Melbourne and subsequently worked there for two years before moving back to Malaysia. At the moment, I'm working full time in fashion retail, as a graphic designer. As for favourite Malaysian food… it'll have to be nasi lemak and cendol!

I had an account ever since Instagram launched. It was the perfect platform to post my badly taken food photos! I only started being more conscious about taking better photos after returning to Malaysia in 2013, after I came across the accounts of several local Instagrammers and was swiftly blown away by their beautiful photos!

To be honest, apart from browsing other IG accounts, I don't really put too much thought into looking for inspiration. I find the process of arranging items (for flatlays) strangely therapeutical. The moment it becomes a chore (when I have to put too much effort into it), I'd probably stop enjoying it.

Anywhere with an abundance of natural light, beautiful interiors, and my home!

Moments involving food and still life. I love portrait shots but am admittedly not very good at photographing people.

I use my trusted iPhone 6 to shoot. Before this, I was using an iPhone 4.

I use VSCO and Intagram's built-in editing features. Snapseed also comes in handy when there's a need to edit targeted areas in a frame.

For food flatlays, I'd arrange my props (from coffee cups and spoons to magazines or items I happen to have with me) until I'm happy with the placement. For interior shots, I'd prefer to get familiar with the surroundings, so I'd walk around pointing my camera in different angles.

Local: @sherreenl @grungeee @trishates @euniceeunny
Overseas: @kessara @thetrottergirl @mrpaddingtonbear @aminuteawayfromsnowing @agiasidi

Practice makes perfect. As far as advice goes, this is as cliché as it gets! It's no less true though, that the more you work on perfecting a skill, the better you will get at it.

First off, get the basics right. For me, if a photo is taken under sufficient lighting, with minimal distortion and the right amount of sharpness, the job is already half done. The rest is finding the balance in a composition, then adding a bit of personal flair to it. Everyone has difference preferences when it comes to composing, so work around that and always strive to improve.

The other thing is, don't be afraid to seek advice? I've come across the most supportive people on Instagram, and most don't mind sharing a few tips so long as you ask nicely.

We tend to see places on Instagram before we're even there, so it's hard to explore a place with a fresh eye. Sometimes knowing which angle/frame works best after others have done it limits the ability to try and come up with something different.

I've come to appreciate details I wouldn't have otherwise noticed, like the different types of light, shadows, and sometimes, the tiles on the floor! Having that extra attention to detail comes in handy at work too!

Not at the moment, but I'm up for it if the right opportunity arises.

Both can ah? But if I really have to pick, I'd go with Chris Pratt! I need a goofball in my life (I've been told I'm too serious).