Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Mike Drake @mikedrake_

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

Commercial photographer from San Francisco Bay Area. Have worked with notable brands such as MVMT Watches, Kiehls skincare, Fossil Watches, Whole Foods Market, Original grain watches.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

Landscape, cityscape, street photography, Product shoots, Astrophotography

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

first+last name

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, VSCO

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

Trashhand

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Astrophotography!

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

The interaction and expression of self.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Clear communication between the photographer and brand, consistency, professionalism and timely delivery of the shots.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

Just be you. I have learned that brands have hired me because of my unique style. They hire me because I am able to showcase their product into my style.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

The creative freedom! The opportunity to shoot new things and see new places in the process as well as meeting new and interesting people.