Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Marina Piro @pamthevan91

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

I am a 25 years old girl from Italy. I have been traveling for the past year in my self converted van with my dog Odie. Our story has gotten quite a bit of attention and has been featured in many e-journals (telegraph, huffington post, lonely planet and national geographic to name a few) and on some tv programs (a short feature on BBC world news, at italian TV RAI 3 etc). We are currently in England, still traveling and exploring!

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

I love everything adventure, travel related and anything to do with girl power. I mostly post pics of me, Odie the dog and Pam the van on our travels.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It came from my blog www.pamthevan.com. Pam is the name of the van (!) and so it was natural for me to call my instagram account the same way!

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

I use mainly darktable on linux. Is the equivalent to lightroom on windows, a pretty good editing tool! I use an EOS1100d Canon camera and have 2 different lenses with me, one for close ups and one for landscapes. I usually upload my pics on the computer, select the best one and then edit them to bring out the best out of it.

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

I love the account @briannamadia, they are also living in a van with dogs their pictures are incredible! I also love @yoga_girl as her captures bring tears to my eyes nearly every time. Oh and how to forget @loki_the_wolfdog the best dog related account on instagram!

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

Probably an item or an app that simplifies traveling, or outdoorsy gear.

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

I love inspiring people (especially girls) following their dreams. It’s incredible to have an audience ready to listed to what you have to say and engaging with you. It’s lovely to get feedback and advice from followers and to be able to spread messages across. Also by being an influencer you can really make a difference and help out brands you believe in.

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

NEVER promote a product that it’s not related to your account or that you don’t believe in.
Always check the products and the company you want to work with to understand their ethics and line of thinking.
Think of how your viewers will sense the picture. Does it blend well with the other pictures or does it stand out in the wrong way? Is the product something that your audience will benefit from?
Use the product before posting a picture of it. This way you will have created a real, authentic opinion on it and will be able to write about it in a more natural way.

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

Super duper important! Instagrammers working with brands are in a way the face of the brand for that pic so it’s vital to create good content. There is no point in posting a not so good pic just to get some money out of it. It does not benefit you or your brand. I always make sure brands I work with are happy with the quality of the pic and caption before posting it online.

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

I love that I am able to help out and work with brands whose products I love. It feels good to support companies that share my same views and ethics.

Topics:

• Animals & Pets
• Cars & Motorcycles
• Food & Drink
• Nature & Outdoors
• Travel

Country:

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland