Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Tom Windeknecht @333205622

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

I work in marketing doing media communications like web management and social media. I am originally from the Midwest, but I have lived out west most of my life. I currently live in historical Redlands, California. It’s a great little town between Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

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

My topics of interest are mainly architecture, palm trees, old signs, and travel. This is also what I post most on Instagram. Nearly all of my work is edited with very colorful hues of pinks and blues. I primarily look for lines, shadows, patterns, colors and shapes. I like clean, minimal compositions with bright colors. These are the largest components of my work. I really try to force myself to look at things from a creative perspective, a smaller perspective, and not just the whole picture. For example, instead of seeing the whole building, I will try to look at corners, architectural details, or angles of the building.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name is my full name. I thought about creating something clever, but I couldn’t come up with anything…hahaha!

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

My favorite app is Photoshop. Most of my edits are done with Photoshop and my Wacom tablet. Sometimes I will do some editing on my phone with the Lightroom app or Snapseed. I have also been playing with the A Color Story app quite a bit. My photo-editing routine usually consists of pulling the photo in Photoshop, tweaking the background colors, and then editing the hues. Sometimes, I will remove the background or sky completely, and replace it with a gradient.

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

This is a really tough question! There are so many great Instagramers out there that I like, so I will do my best to list my favorites: @mattcrump, @ascobereta, @multiplanar, @colorado_sunshine, @lpinkus, @joehida, @twtsi, @kiks_way, @chrisphillips25, @b_e_n__t_h_o_m_a_s, @teber, @bowling4rhinos, @casualtimetravel, @x__holly__x, @george_byrne, @space.ram, @lizzie_darden, @legrandbazar, @primolli, @katwesterman, @alltelleringet, @dschwen, @jelloet, @rarabro, and (my wife) @iloveyoumorethancake. The Instagrammer that inspires me the most would be Matt Crump (@mattcrump). He is great at editing, colors, composition…and he’s really funny!

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

A Wacom tablet. It is awesome for editing and getting into the fine details. I love mine!

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

The people. I love making new friends on Instagram and getting to know other photographers. The interaction is fantastic.

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

Keep it fun and don’t be fake. Let people know who you are and what your brand is about. I maintain authenticity by keeping things fun and letting my personality show through…even my bad, punny jokes. Haha!

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

It’s easy to do something that everyone else is doing. My advice would be to try and do something just a little different – push the envelope and get creative. People will see through you if you aren’t being original. Original content is key.

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

I enjoy meeting and partnering with brands. It’s fun, and an honor, to be able to work with a brand to help them express who they are and what they offer. I love that brands have sought out creatives to help them promote. It shows their desire to connect and be human.

Topics:

• Architecture
• Art
• Design
• Film, Music & Books
• Humor
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Technology
• Travel

Country:

United States of America