Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Anna-Elina @annisellis

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

I’m a fine art student based in Finland, although I’ve lived abroad in the UK and Sweden for many years before returning to my home country. Besides experimental contemporary art projects I do a lot of more traditional landscape and nature photography, and recently I’ve got more and more into making short videos as well.

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

I’m passionate about any outdoors activities such as hiking, camping and kayaking. I love travelling both in Finland and abroad and always take my camera with me. I love showing other people how I see the world and I pay attention to detail and try to spot the more unusual locations for my photographs and videos.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It actually used to be my nickname as a child, mainly used by my best friend’s family who lived next door to us in the Finnish countryside. I started using Instagram for some silly food and cat photos and only much later realised I could start sharing my photography there, and never changed my name.

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

As I take RAW photos with my full frame DSLR I mainly use just Lightroom. I like making presets for certain kind of sceneries, and often I edit each photo from scratch without using any presets. Therefore my editing process can often be pretty slow. Sometimes I add final touches on VSCO or MuseCam before posting on Instagram.

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

I’ve made some good friends through Instagram that I also spend time with in real life, so those people would probably be the ones I like the most as I know them personally, too. Otherwise there are so many good photographers with varied styles that it would be impossible to name just a few favourite ones. Basically everyone I follow inspires me!

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

Instead of stressing about gaining new followers and likes, sometimes it’s more rewarding to just go out for a long hike without any camera at all, even your phone should stay at home. It’s important to disconnect once in a while so you have some fresh energy and thoughts to connect again.

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

I always feel truly humbled when reading the kind comments my followers write. If I can ever inspire someone to go out and take on any outdoor activities that would be a huge reward, so to speak.

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

Work with people who’re truly interested in your brand and product, not just the ones who take on any collaboration for more visibility and money. People whose profiles show that they respect the same kind of values and principles you have.

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

Always think twice whether you should post each photo you’re going to post. Don’t try to forcefully produce anything if you don’t feel like it, take your time to find fresh inspiration and motivation. You can also find interesting objects in your daily surroundings so always try to see things from a new perspective.

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

The chance to work with someone I really admire or a brand whose products I really appreciate. Of course the opportunities for future collaborations is a factor, too.

Topics:

• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

Finland