Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Victor Aerden @victoraerden

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

I grew up in Belgium. Back there I was doing a masters in Physiotherapy, which I finished a week before I made my move to Canada. My dad had a lifelong dream of living here, and he finally made that happen about 3 years ago. It wasn’t hard for him to convince our family to move either; we’d been on a few trips before, and this country truly stole my heart. It was in fact what first inspired me to pick up a camera, and start documenting my adventures, to share them with friends back home in Belgium. Now Canada is my home for sure, and I think it always will be.

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

I love anything outdoors, hiking, camping, adventures… And the people along the way of course! I love photography and videography, I’m a selftaught photographer, and I’m kind of proud of the progress I’ve made in that field. Video is still something I am very much learning, but I seem to be picking it up. Most of my instagram posts are adventure, lifestyle and landscape shots. Some portrait, timelapse and video here and there.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Haha no secrets there. It’s just my name. I know, boring. Too late to change though.

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

After taking the photos I often cannot wait to get on the computer and edit some of them that I am most excited about. I import them in Lightroom, try to select and flag the best ones, and get editing. Most of the time I finish 2-3 I really like. After that I am guilty of slacking a bit sometimes if the photos are just for my personal use, and not for a client. I do end up coming back to them all the time though, and often find new favorites after the fact. Depending on the photo I sometimes use photoshop as well.

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

@bejamin is without a doubt one of the biggest inspirations. This is pure art, I don’t know how he does it, but wow. Pure art. Others are Karl_shakur, helloemilie and chrisburkard.

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

Craft Ginger Ale. Belgian beer 🙂 Also try and support eachother instead of competing.

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

My favorite part is that it is a big enabler for my favorite hobby. Getting out there, exploring, taking photos, making stuff, being creative and meeting new likeminded people. It is truly a privilege and an incredible thing. Another thing that I love is inspiring other people. I love when people are getting inspired by my work, and end up exploring or going out there themselves.

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

First of all, of course you want to make sure that the campaign fits your brand image. But apart from that I’d say I’d love for brands to leave some creative freedom. I think a lot of us creatives work best, and produce there best work when they get that creative freedom to do their thing and express themselves. Something that will definitely show in the end product and will benefit the brand a ton.

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

Very important! I think in this saturated market it is of utmost importance to be yourself and to do what you love and to express your own creativity, don’t just go out there and copy other big names, Make it your own, put your own heart and soul in your work and it will show.

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

It’s mutually beneficial, I get a little extra for doing my favourite things, and they get some great authentic content and publicity! Win-win situation!

Topics:

• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Technology
• Travel

Country:

Canada