Colvinology: Pushing the Boundaries of Beer Photography

While Hop Culture’s list of “The 50 Best Beer Instagram Accounts To Follow in 2021” is full of amazing creators, influencers, and photographers; there is one account missing that deserves a spot on that list.

Jamel “Colvinology” Colvin has dedicated his Instagram account to posting awesome photos that showcase unique Craft Beers and epic Gundam Plastic Models (Gunpla)!

Oh wait…you don’t know what Gunpla is? Well then let’s start there…

What is Gunpla?

Gunpla (ガンプラ Ganpura) is an abbreviation of the term “Gundam Plastic Model.” Gunpla is the common name for plastic model kits depicting the vehicles and characters of the fictional Gundam universe born from the brilliant mind of Yoshiyuki Tomino.

Gunpla Models

Gunpla is broken down into a variety of sizes and skill levels known as “Grades.” Generally, these “Grades” scale from small to large and level of complexity. This scale typically starts with Super Deformed (SD) and continues on to Entry Grade (EG), High Grade (HG), Real Grade (RG), Master Grade (MG), and Perfect Grade (PG).

Having been around since 1979, it was not until the early 2000s when most American kids were introduced to Gundam. Gundam Wing aired on Cartoon Network’s Toonami programming block on March 6, 2000. Fortunately for Jamel, he was one of the lucky kids who got to experience America’s first major introduction to Gundam, and boy was he hooked!

Gundam Wing

Since growing up with Gundam and other anime, Jamel has dedicated a large portion of his free time building Master Grade Gunpla kits and skillfully customizing them in ways that make his photographs truly pop!

The Art of Beer

Beer bottle and can designs have come a long way from the simple designs and basic labels of the past. Breweries now utilize intricate and eye-catching labels and designs to help make their beers stand out on the shelf. Some breweries even collaborate with artists to design specialty artwork for their labels.

These unique labels have proven beneficial for both the breweries and the people drinking the beers. However, these awesome beer can designs have given rise to another group of people…Craft Beer Photographers!

Beer Can Art

Because of the interesting and unique craft beer designs, craft beer photographers and social media influencers have exploded in popularity.

Mastering the art of beer photography is no simple task however. Like any form of photography, it requires thoughtful color coordination, background setup, and precise lighting. When it comes to Jamel’s photos, he thoughtfully considers all of these concepts when deciding everything from the specific Gundam model, to the beer selection, to the LED lighting, to the color shirt he wears.

Beer and Gundam - Combining His Passions

Jamel Colvin’s Instagram account “Colvinology” showcases his 2 passions: Beer and Gundam! Born from his love of building models and drinking craft beer, the rise in popularity of his photos began to grow organically.

Photo Credit @Colvinology

What started out as humble beginnings just posting photos for fun has grown into carefully curated photos being posted on a regular schedule. While his photos amass thousands of likes and comments, the true value of his posts is in the promotion of two incredible hobbies and communities.

Being a fan of Gundam and craft beer, I, like many others, stumbled upon Jamel’s Instagram page organically. I was instantly hooked and have enjoyed seeing his tri-weekly posts for the past couple of years.

It has been awesome seeing people from both the Beer and Gundam communities come together over some kick ass pictures!

Interviewing Jamel “Colvinology” Colvin

While writing this article, I had the pleasure of communicating back and forth with Jamel, and I asked him some fun questions regarding Beer, Gundam, and his Instagram page.

Check out his responses below…

Amuro and Char go to the bar together, what are they drinking?

Jamel: I think in most instances, Char would be drinking whiskey, so if we’re talking beer, definitely something barrel aged. Probably something that comes in a bottle with wax on the cap…maybe a limited edition from a single Belgian monastery. Since Amuro tends to find Char arrogant, he’s probably drinking a Pilsner: modest, delicious, and perfectly crafted.

What is your go to local Michigan bottle shop?

Jamel: Michigan is great because there are a ton of bottle shops around. 8 Degree Plato in downtown Detroit is absolutely fantastic, as well as the beer selection of Arbor Farms Market in Ann Arbor. SuperFine Liquor in Canton is also one of my go-to’s, but I also tend to try and visit every new bottle shop I can find.

Gundam is such an interesting anime because it frequently blurs the lines between good and evil. If you had to pick two of the best breweries (in your opinion) to go up against each other EFSF vs. Principality of Zeon style, which two would you pick and who would win?

Jamel: I would pick Mikkeller and Evil Twin, since they’re run by real life rival twins, and they both produce pretty fantastic brews. Ultimately, I think Mikkeller would win, but [it would] be the kind of victory where they had to change in order to beat Evil Twin. Sort of a “what did it cost?” scenario where they end up making a ridiculous pastry stout that people love.

Building Gunpla requires a lot of time and focus, so what is your go to beer while building?

Jamel: Honestly, any beer with an average ABV is a good building beer. You can definitely build while drinking the stronger stuff, but it won’t be long before you mess something up. Pilsners are great for building, but I also love a good IPA or a light sour. Something refreshing that doesn’t mess up my focus too much.

What is the mission of the @Colvinology Instagram account?

Jamel: My main mission with my Instagram is to promote breweries and craft beer as a whole, while sharing my lifetime obsession with Gundam. I also want to elevate the aesthetic of both beer blogging and model photography…and judging by the number of ring lights I see now, I must be doing something right. It also pushes me to keep learning and getting better. Honestly, it’s a dream come true, and I still can’t believe so many people like this ridiculous combination.

Closing Remarks

Beer is a medium through which content creators, influencers, and photographers of all levels can explore their creativity and express their interests. Jamel “Colvinology” Colvin is a prime example of this.

So if you are not already following Colvinology on Instagram, what are you waiting for!?

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