Could you introduce yourself in a few lines so that our community can get to know you better?
I'm a photographer with gourmet eyes. My aim is to create an atmosphere in each post, to bring daydreams to life. Creating and directing myself is a way for me to connect with others and transmit good vibes, and it also allows me to teach my community a few creative and photographic notions. I love being transparent and authentic, so I try to share as much of my know-how as possible via backstages and mini-tutorials.
When did you start your social networking activity as a Photography and Beauty influencer?
I've been on Instagram for a few years, sharing self-portraits for a couple of years, but I've only fit into the "influencer" box for a few months. I'd say since early 2020.
What triggered you and why did you embark on your social networking adventure with instagram?
It was just another social network for me when I first created an account. I'd share simple little photos of everyday life, but I soon found a photographic interest. At first, I shared the photo shoots I'd done. A few months later, I embarked on a challenge called "Challenge 365", which involved taking one photo a day for a year. So I began to take conceptual self-portraits. It was a way for me to perfect my skills at first, but I never stopped in the end. That's how I got into Instagram!
How much time do you spend on your articles or videos? Production, editing...? Do you have any organizational tips for other Photography and Beauty influencers?
A post takes me several hours. I couldn't achieve this visual result without using Photoshop. Shooting usually takes me between 20 and 30 minutes, then post-production varies between 1 and 4 hours. The best advice I can give to other influencers who want to do similar work is to do a little every day. For this type of post, it's not necessary to prepare several images in stock, as that would take far too long. As far as I'm concerned, I often photograph in the morning, when I'm ready and motivated to start the day, then I carry out my daily tasks, my work as a photographer, and I sit down at the end of the day in front of Netflix to retouch the day's photo on Photoshop. I think of photo retouching as relaxation.
What community and audience are you targeting?
I'm not targeting any particular type of audience ... I've found that many completely different personalities follow me! Artistic souls, but also fashion and beauty lovers. On the other hand, my community is very feminine, and I love that!
Where do you find most of your inspiration? And which social networks do you use most?
I don't really feel that I'm looking for inspiration. I think I'm unconsciously influenced by what I come across on the networks myself, but I'm above all guided by my emotions and my state of mind. It's my inner world that inspires me most. I use Instagram for content creation and influence, and Facebook for my photographic work (corporate, reportage and photo shoots). My community is totally different on these two social networks.
What was your strategy for developing your Instagram community?
Continuity, regular sharing and responsiveness.
How do you manage your time, between family, work and social networks?
I'm the kind of person who veers from one extreme to another, so it's a real challenge for me to create a balance. I'm a freelance professional photographer, so my daily life is very connected: when I use my phone, I'm working, and social networks are my showcase. I'm lucky enough to be able to organize my days around those of my husband (who helps me enormously in my work), which means I can be 100% with him, and 100% in my work.
Do you have a job or activity other than your work as a Photography and Beauty influencer?
I'm a photographer. My husband and I work together on photo shoots (weddings, events, christenings, etc.), I also do photo shoots in the studio (baby, pregnancy, portrait, fashion, editorial, etc.) or on location, I also do book covers and retouch photos online on request. My work is quite varied hihi.
Do you produce your own visuals and photos? And if so, what equipment do you use?
Exactly. I use a Nikon D800 and retouch my photos with Photoshop. Occasionally, I take a photo with my phone to show a simple trick that anyone can do.
What are your 3 tips for someone just starting out on Instagram?
Innovate, be patient and don't be greedy. But above all, take pleasure in sharing content that reflects who you are. You'll feel it, and you'll attract a community that matches and understands you.
What would you like to undertake or develop next in your life as a Photography and Beauty influencer?
I'd like to collaborate more with designers and/or brands that are close to my heart and share the same values as me. I'm also working on an online boutique, but I won't say more about that, surprise!
What do you think makes a successful collaboration proposal?
A win/win proposition. I'm very attentive to the values that a brand or designer wants to convey, and I find it important to take an interest in their vision of things in order to communicate an appropriate visual and talk about the product more easily, so I appreciate that my work is also considered. It's also very important to me to work with products that speak to me, interest me, correspond to me... it helps me to meet the brand's expectations and keep the customer happy. And that's what I call a successful collaboration!
Thanks to Julia for this interview. We advise you to follow her instagram account influencer on photography and beauty
His INSTAGRAM account to follow => https://www.instagram.com/julie.laval/
You can also become a member of Value Your Network and become one of our influencers!
Follow us on INSTAGRAM => https://www.instagram.com/valueyournetwork/