We Were Voted Best Local Instagram Feed by Richmond Magazine

When we shared this Instagram snapshot last month, we hinted that it was more than our usual everyday photo — our caption even mentioned that we had to put on makeup for it. The image was taken while we were on set for a photoshoot commissioned by Richmond Magazine for their Best & Worst issue.

The magazine’s annual Best & Worst issue compiles reader-voted favorites across a wide range of categories — from the straightforward like Best New Restaurant to the more playful or quirky categories. To our surprise and delight, readers selected us as the Best Local Instagram Feed. We were stunned when Richmond Magazine called to tell us; our first reaction was, “Are you sure that’s us?”

Being chosen was already a thrill, but it was an extra honor to be asked to pose for the magazine’s photo spread. It felt a little odd to be photographed away from our usual backdrop at home, but the graphic black-and-white wall created by photographer Matt Licari and set designers Stephanie and Chad Jacobson proved to be an excellent substitute. The striking set made for a modern, Instagram-themed shoot that fit the story perfectly.

The concept for the shoot was simple and playful: we pretended to take selfies with a phone to mimic a typical Instagram moment. The phone used on set belonged to the magazine’s Creative Director because our own phone cases were deemed too distracting. The team later composited the phone’s screen in Photoshop to reinforce the Instagram motif.

Photographer Matt Licari was kind enough to send along several outtakes, which we’re happy to share. They remind us that not every expression ends in an exaggerated open mouth — though, admittedly, some do. The outtakes capture candid moments, laughs, and the small adjustments that happen during any shoot: shifting a phone, changing a pose, or swapping who holds the camera prop.

We tried a few shots with Sherry holding the phone, which required me to squat awkwardly to stay in frame. It was a reminder that modeling isn’t always about comfort — sometimes it’s about finding the right angle and making it look effortless. The team’s patience and sense of humor made the shoot fun, even when poses felt slightly awkward.

We’re grateful to Steve at Richmond Magazine for inviting us to participate and to Matt Licari for letting us be a little silly in front of his lens. Most of all, a big thanks goes out to the local readers who voted for us — you surprised and humbled us. As we joked with the magazine team, we’re still waiting to receive whatever prize accompanies the honor: a trophy, a sash, a novelty check, or perhaps a symbolic key to the city. When it arrives, we’ll of course Instagram a picture of it.

Photographs by Matt Licari, courtesy of Richmond Magazine.