Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Kieran Driver @thekierancollective

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

My name is Kieran, and I recently moved to Hong Kong from London, UK in June 2018.

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

have always had a passion for photography, especially analogue or film photography. So, with my move I decided to really go for it and dedicate time and effort into photography. On my profile, you’ll find almost entirely medium-format film photography. From food, to fashion, to everyday things I find interesting – I like to post about everything and demonstrate the versatility of analogue photography.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I actually very recently changed my name from @theearlofexeter. I came up with this name back in my first year of university, since I was attending the University of Exeter, and being British I figured a royal British title of “earl” was fitting for me. However, I lost count of how many times I had been asked “the what of what?”, “How do I spell that?”, So I changed to @thekierancollective. I’m hoping it’s a little easier to remember and more identifiable.

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

I most like to use Adobe Photoshop as the tools and creative freedom simply cannot be matched by other programs. I have been using Adobe PS CS5 for a number of years now, but with being so much more busy recently, and never really having the time to dedicate to editing photographs at the computer, I have sometimes needed to opt for Google SnapSeed as a more “on-the-go” option. I really like the number of tools available, and most of the basic editing capabilities can satisfy most of my needs.

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

I admire anyone who is willing to try analogue photography, and bring more attention to the medium. I have noticed many people starting to identify it as a trend and begin using it. I really like Arman Bitaraf’s style, and love that he is using his level of influence to bring more attention to shooting on film.

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

Film Photography, of course! I always hear people say that they love the effect, and I notice that many people are starting to use apps to emulate the effect on their phones, like Huji for example. I really want to assure fellow Instagrammers that, while it feels like a big and scary jump from emulator apps on your phone to shooting on film for real, it’s really fun and rewarding.

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

I love that people may look at a photograph I’ve taken on film and appreciate film photography. If I’m motivating or inspiring anyone else to pick it up as a hobby or just give it a try, then I get a huge sense of reward.

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

The content is absolutely the most important part of any campaign. It’s easy to look purely at reach or at the numbers, but are they targeted? What are your influencer’s demographics and content, and sadly, even authenticity?
It would be easy to find an influencer with all the numbers, and it of course would look attractive, but also look at their content. What could they produce? Would you put an advertisement filmed on an iPhone 3G onto a prime-time major TV network? Of course not! Don’t let influencers make poor quality campaigns, even with the promise of a large audience. What would your audience think of your brand if your content isn’t professional anyway?

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

Influencers are a service. It’s easy for vanity to get in the way and forget this, but just as a TV network or magazine – you are a service to your readers. I’ve read before how many influencers are frustrated that they aren’t posting things they like anymore, but actually it shouldn’t be up to them. When you are using your channel as a business or a brand, you are providing content to an audience and that is your duty.

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

I love creating content with a purpose. Creative freedom is a lot of fun, but when I’m presented with an addition challenge – say working a product into an image or designing a context for a brand – is when the real fun begins. I’m a problem solver, and love the puzzles working with brands creates. So, come challenge me!

Topics:

  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Celebrities
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Photography
  • Travel

Country:

Hong Kong

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