Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Mattie Graves @mattiegraves

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

I am a professional photographer from a really small town in northern Indiana. I do quite a bit of traveling in my free time, along with watching films or reading. Apart from photography, I am very passionate about music. I can play the drums, surprising right? I also make playlists for months and moods on my spotify.

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

My topics of interest change quite a bit. Honestly, my instagram is all over the place. I post a few photographs of random subjects, for example: shoes, sun flowers, reflections, etc. I mostly post pictures of clients or my personal ideas that i’ve brought to life. Recently i’ve been into creative editing which you will definitely be seeing more of on my account.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My instagram really isn’t anything special, it’s just my name. I wanted people to be able to search and find me easier, and to just know me, for me. I didn’t want to slap a title on myself and decide I disliked it in the future so I figured my name was the best option. So far, it seems to be doing a pretty good job.

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

My photo editing routine varies from photo to photo. I like to think that I have a different style as some people while keeping it clean and simple. When I do outdoor portraits, sometimes I use my own vintage film photoshop presets. That really just consists of a solid blue and solid yellow color layer, then some messing around with the blending options and curves. For apps I really love VSCO cam. Not only is the community welcoming but my entire career started there. They give you options to publish your images to a personal gallery, in which other people can see and share your image if they love it. Along with the gallery, they have exceptional filter choices. Other apps that I adore and use frequently are Glitché, Defqt, and #VVFY.

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

There are multiple instagramers that I absolutely adore or look up to, but i’m going to focus on my top three. Jack Baran, on instagram as “thatsojack”, is a popular youtuber as well as an instagrammer. Actually, Jack is the reason I started photography to begin with. Around two years ago I stumbled upon his account and loved his theme. At the time, I wanted to be just like him so I decided to start my own. I set off to take simple aesthetic pictures which soon enough turned into something much more. Another one of my favorite instagrammers is Mikey Murphy, on instagram as “itsmikeymurphy”. He is a filmmaker and youtuber who is very much of an inspiration for me. He posts some really cool pictures along with just selfies, but everything is welcoming and clean. About a year ago Mikey tweeted me about some of my pictures telling me to keep it up, so I have. Brandon Woelfel, on instagram as “brandonwoelfel”, is one of my most favorite photographers. His editing skills are unique and simply unlike anything i’ve ever seen.

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

Something that I really recommend is keeping a notebook for all of your creative ideas and projects. Personally, mine is full of sketches and notes for certain photo series that are in the works. It helps set goals and maintain a creative state of mind when you are having a block.

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

I really love putting my content out there and sharing it with everyone. It makes me so unbelievably happy when people say I inspired them to make something new or just take pictures in general, just because I was once (and still am) in their shoes. I’ve met so many incred talented people through instagram which have really impacted who I am as a creator and instagrammer in general.

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

I feel like brands do much better when they find a unique way to appeal to consumers. It’s great when companies send me somewhat of an idea to make their promotion original, or they just tell me I can do whatever I wish. If the photo is attractive, it catches the eye and causes the viewer to be intrigued.

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

I believe originality is extremely important for any creator. Nobody likes having their ideas copied, especially if you worked really hard on what you made. Producing quality and original content puts you in the light for being unlike others, which is really important if you are looking for recognition or appreciation.

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

I like being able to show people who follow me things that I enjoy or that improve my everyday life. It’s like giving a little piece of myself to people who enjoy what I do. Not only that, but I love helping brands that deserve more recognition. It’s great to enjoy something and see other people enjoying it too.

Topics:

• Art
• Film, Music & Books
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America