Taking in the view from the Harris rooftop Pic: Paul Melling

No filter was needed as Preston’s first InstaMeet took place in and outside the city’s Harris Museum and Art Gallery.

Bathed in glorious, and unusual sunshine, more than 30 amateur and professional photographers got together for the first meet.

Hosted by Caroline Alexander, curator at the Harris, the museum opened its doors to give us unparalleled access to places the public can’t normally go.

Out on the rooftop of the museum we took in the stunning panorama across the city’s rooftops, with views out to the Docks, Longridge, Winter Hill and more.

It allowed Instagrammers to get some unusual snaps of the tops of other buildings too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BixBTsvh3VV/

The Harris also let us out onto the main balcony, or portico, and the view over the Flag Market on a sunny day really is superb.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BixOcbAh_YC/

Before the rooftop tour we were on the Egyptian Balcony and able to take a walk round an area of the museum that’s only available once a week by guided tour.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BixDhpehKKt/

Supported by Blog Preston we’re aiming to make the Preston InstaMeet a regular thing to explore buildings in the city – if you’re interested in being a host for one then please get in touch with ed@blogpreston.co.uk.

Caroline said: “It’s been such a pleasure to host this first meetup and we hope it will be the first of many.

“We love Instagram at the Harris and it’s been great to meet many people who are such fans of the building.”

Read more: Harris Library team set to be merged with museum staff

Many of those attending had the chance to meet people who they regularly see pictures by on the city’s vibrant #preston and have the chance to connect and share photography tips.

And there had to be a selfie, of course!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BixEjgNBevH/

To see all the pictures from the InstaMeet go to #igerspreston and you see the stream.

We’d like to thank the Harris, and Caroline, for their hosting and organisation – and the free drink everyone received at the end. All this hashtagging is thirsty work.

Read more: What to expect at this year’s Lancashire Encounter Festival

Keep your eyes peeled for details of the next Preston InstaMeet, we’ll post it on Blog Preston first. And thanks to everyone who came along.