Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Aukse Grei @auksegrei

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

I am a Lithuanian fashion photographer living and working in Beijing. It’s not a very common destination for most people but I always had that attraction and appreciation to East Asian culture, traditions & beauty of all kinds. I never thought I will actually be pursuing photography as my career, somehow, naturally camera became a tool to express myself in the country where language is a barrier. Camera has became my voice and pictures are my story that I am sharing everyday.

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

I love photographing people in all kinds of environments wether that would be my studio or a poor neighbourhood in Beijing and making it special. Finding elements that you wouldn’t expect to work together and making it work. My work is really like a blend of West meets East which reflect where I come from and where I am now. Mostly I post my work on my instagram, or anything related to work, photography industry, visual inspiration. I don’t get too personal about my life in general though.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s basically a combination of my name and surname – Aukse Grei. And the name of my photography studio based in Beijing is called Studio Grei. It doesn’t have an account, only a hashtag.

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

I pretty much always use VSCO cam to edit my photos. Although editing is my favorite part of the process of photography, I don’t want to spend too much time on it, one app does the job well.

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

I follow a lot of social media influencers, I am inspired by their lifestyle, fashion choices and point of view. In particular – Margaret Zhang, Quyenmike, Chriselle Lim etc.

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

Instagram is a great place to connect with various people, so get in touch with them and collaborate, exchange ideas.

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

I don’t really consider myself an influencer yet, but I really want to influence people to work with what they have. I noticed there’s a misconception that you need to own all this expensive camera gear, professional lights etc. to be a good photographer. Honestly, it’s all about the concept and the message you’re trying to tell.

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

A good image always tells a story, so begin to realise what is your brand about and how you want to tell YOUR brand’s story through the image.

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

Original content before quality. Right now almost everyone owns a camera or at least have an iPhone which takes good pictures. If you can combine both – most likely you’re already well known in the sphere of instagram and beyond.

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

I love the fact that my point of view and style will shape the brand in a unique way.

Topics:

• Art
• Celebrities
• Design
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Hair & Beauty
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

China