Q&A with Shawn Dederick aka @selvedgewings
Name: Shawn Dederick
Birth year: 1985
Location: Hudson Valley, NY, USA
Profession: Truck driver / in-home medical delivery

Shawn’s Instagram Routines and Photo Techniques
Thomas: How did it all start with your Instagram feed?
Shawn: My wife introduced me to the app when first got an iPod, but ignored it for a while until I saw posts from @snakeoilprovisons on Tumblr and came back. As my interest in these brands grew and I collected some pieces, I started posting. It all grew from there.
T: Why Instagram? What are your goals?
S: I started following brands and shops to get style inspiration. Then following fellow denimheads to see how they styled their gear.
As the interactions grew, I was hooked and posted more of my own shots. I developed my own style and everything kept growing.
I never had any goals to be an influencer, but to learn and help others get into this community as I did.
T: How much time do you spend on Instagram on a daily basis?
S: I spend less time than I used to, but an hour or two daily. I post less frequently now as it felt like a part-time job to always take pictures to post. But as the weather warms, up I’ll be out shooting in my Hudson Valley landscapes more.

T: How do you take your photos?
S: I generally take my own shots, but occasionally enlist my wife’s help when we’re out and about. I’ll post some shots from hangouts when they happen.
T: Which tools do you use?
S: I currently use a Sony a7II with either a 50mm or 85mm 1.8 lens. I started with my phone on a tripod but wanted better pictures as I was also getting into landscape photography.
I’ll use my phone as a shutter while the camera is on a tripod. Then edit in Lightroom either on the laptop or on my phone before posting.
T: What’s your editorial flow?
S: I like to take pictures whenever I have free time, usually on my off days and during weekends.
I used to plan my shots based on the hashtags like #redwingwednesday or #fadefriday; now I just shoot and tag everything on the shot.

T: What are your favourite locations to take photos? And why?
S: My favorite place to shoot is at a local county park, not far from my home. It sits on the coast of the Hudson River overlooking the Hudson Highlands.
It’s usually not busy so it’s not as awkward taking glorified selfies. It’s also extremely scenic as people have come to love.
Outside of that park, I find anywhere scenic with a great landscape to include in my photos.
How Shawn Got Into Denim and His Favourites
T: How did you get into denim?
S: I was into punk as a teenager, so jeans and tees are an essential part of the style. I later became a bit of a sneakerhead and got into streetwear.
Raw denim was part of the streetwear scene at the time and I learned a bit then. I found some non-selvedge raw and vintage Levi’s, which I wore often.
After working for a Puma outlet, I was introduced to Evisu and Japanese denim. It took a while to get up the cash for a real good raw pair, which was 3sixteen’s Kibata.

T: What’s your favourite feature of jeans?
S: My favorite feature of any denim is the ruggedness and versatility. It’s great for a blue collar job or a night out. All depends on how you style it.
T: How do you wash your denim?
S: I stick to tub soaks and machine washes on gentle when the need comes, always hang dry.
T: What’s your favourite denim brand?
S: I have two favorite brands are 3sixteen and Iron Heart. Both fit my style and are great brands with great products.
T: What’s your favourite fit? And why?
S: My favorite fit is a slim tapered, or a slightly relaxed tapered.
I currently wear the 301 fit that Iron Heart makes for Self Edge, which is perfect, or the 3sixteen 40BSP which has some room in the top block, higher rise and a good taper. The ST fit from 3sixteen is just a little tight now.
T: Which boots and leather goods do you wear with your denim?
S: I’m a big fan of Red Wing Heritage, and wear many styles in their portfolio. It all depends on my taste that day.
As far as other leather goods go, it’s all Ewing Dry Goods. Dan is a real down-to-earth guy and his whole aesthetic is simple but built to last.
T: Which sneakers do you wear?
S: I have a mix of sneakers. Made in USA PF Flyers, Converse 70’s Chuck Taylors, and Vans Old Skools or Sk8-Hi.
T: Favourite item that’s not denim or leather?
S: My Iron Heart flannels, I love a good flannel and have worn them for years. These are the best I’ve ever worn.
T: Where do you buy your gear?
S: I usually buy my stuff at Self Edge NY or City Workshop in West Orange NJ. But I will order from various shops if I find a good deal. I also love to pick up something while on vacation at a shop visit.
T: What’s your monthly clothing budget?
S: I never set a budget. If I have the extra cash when I want something, I’ll go get it. But I always look for a good deal or get something on sale if I can.
T: What styling tips would you give your followers if they wanted your style?
S: Just wear what’s natural to you. Wear what you buy or don’t buy it. Find what fits you best, you’ll feel more comfortable. Comfort is king.
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