Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Ondrej Hajek @myclassicride

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

Hello! I’m Ondrej, born in Prague and I’m creator of My Classic Ride. I’m a genuine car guy, retired photographer and cinematographer. Nice to meet you!

In my Jesus’ age I decided to work on my own, left the proffesional photography and focused on what’s been my soft spot since my childhood. Cars. Specifically old cars – classics and instant classics. I also organize probably only beach festival for cars in our country. And yes! Of course is the best one :)))

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

Obviously cars. Old cars. Mostly 60s – 90s era, when there were produces IMHO the best cars you can drive. Generally I post pictures of classic cars, videos and recently also few selfies from my life with old cars :))

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Huh! You caught me unguarded… I can’t rememer clearly :)) But seriously? I love to try new old cars whenever I have a chance. No matter what make or type it is. If it’s old and able to go, I want to try it at least for a moment… Andthis life is MY very own CLASSIC RIDE 🙂

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

Recently I almost stopped using mobile apps. Time to time I use Photoshop Express for a crop. I completely changed my gear and now I’m using Olympus PEN-F / OM-D system for photos and videos. I totally fell in love with that, becuase it allows me to work with pictures creatively on shutter press, then I simply transfer it to my phone and it all goes straight to my social networks when I’m out there on the road. And of course, when I return home, there’s a serious RAW workflow In Photoshop and time for video edits…

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

Many people around the globe… every day I discover at least one picture which makes me think like: I want this too! Be honest, can you put one above another? :))) However if I had to choose one, I’d pick from non-car topics and it would be Katka (@businessgrambykatka). She’s my guru for every single news happening around Instagram and luckily also my lifetime partner too, so 🙂 Sorry all other guys. I like you so much and love spending time with you but you know… 😀

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

What my fellow Instagrammers gotta try. mmmmm… Don’t you have one simplier question? :))) Well, from my angle of view it’s pretty obvious. Be yourself, share your thoughts, your own ideas under your pictures… I know it might sound like few empty words, but I always see posts like beautiful pictures, few hastags and that’s it and it’s soooooo sooooo boring… Sure I also have days when my brain is totally off but it’s better to take a day off then 🙂

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

Best part? You can’t pick just one. I’m in touch with many of my followers, I’m able to make their day a little better just with showing them things I really enjoy in my life. And if we’re talking about the business background? For sure the best part is when I meet someone (entrepreneur or company) who can read each others numbers in the correct context.

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

Mentioned already in the last question. Only tip needed is: Learn to read numbers in context. There influencers with hundreds of thousands followers targetting on a wide range of followers. And there are others with hunderds or thousands of followers targeting narrow group of people, however they’re able to stay in touch with followers and they have quite good overview about the followers. So before you say "you don’t have enough numbers for us" take a second to think about this 😉 And to maintain authenticity? It’s pretty simple rule for influencers. Don’t forget to wear your own eyes just because someone promises you some rewards.

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

It would be simple. Be as good as you can be but don’t turn into a blindfolded pixelhunter. Authenticity will beat the empty technical quality at any time. Don’t forget the emotions behind your pictures!

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

Against my former career this is win-win or nothing. For sure with me. We use each other to reach out goals through making day better for my followers. That’s great don’t you think? For me definitely much better than former style of working with brands like: We want you to do this for us. Be creative but do it our way! I’m so happy this "workflow" left my life…

Topics:

• Cars & Motorcycles
• Travel

Country:

Czech Republic