Posts

alessbix

Ljubljana, 17. 12. 2015, by @sanya_lt

Alessandro is the person behind the @alessbix and @master_shots accounts on Instagram (& @alexandertn1 on Twitter). I’ve met him while we were both a part of the Photowall team on Instagram. It was quite funny to discover that joining an American team connected two people living so close together – since Alessandro lives just across the border, in Italy. We talked a lot & I’ve learned do much from him. So – sharing an interview with a dear Instagram friend – is a must!

So, can you tell us a few things about you?

My name is Alessandro and I’m an Italian biologist from Trieste . I’m an amateur photographer taking photos for fun but always trying to improve my skills. I use a canon Eos 650D but I always have with me my little canon IXUS , even if many pictures on my feed were taken and edited with my iPhone. I don’t have a specific style, I love woods, mountains, water, sunsets, lights … I mostly take photos of nature, I don’t edit much, often not at all.

foto 2
What does photography mean to you?

What I like about photography is the fact that it can stop time and freeze the moment. Being a photographer is not about being a pro or about what gear you use, everyone can take a great shot simply using a phone.

How did you end up on Instagram?

It was just another app I wanted to try back in 2012, obviously the try must have turned into some kind of addiction if I’m still here.

How often do you publish? Do you interact with other people on Instagram? What would you say are the most important ‘rules’ that every Instagrammer must follow? Or – it would be good to follow? 🙂

I always try to post at least once a day. Sure I interact with other users and I love to keep in touch with friends from all over the world. My advice to other users would be; Be different , be social and be active. Also; Don’t post to get likes but post what you like.

foto 1

This is the second time (as far as I know) that Instagram made you ‘the suggested’ user. What does this mean for you?

Yes I must admit, that is was totally weird!  I was suggested user twice and obviously there is no magic trick for hitting the suggested users list. The first time Instagram selected me while I was posting a very unedited pictures series , I mean neat no freaky stuff, no fake colours, I guess that paid off.

So – there is no magic formula how to get noticed by Instagram?

As said I don’t know any existing formula, they constantly check feeds and main tags, things changed a little bit since Facebook acquired Instagram but I honestly don’t think there are algorithms or specific ways to get noticed.
I also know you as the co-founder of the @Master_shots profile? When did you start it? How?

Yes, We founded @master_shots together with Jelena, a great partner and the best admin I know so far. The page wouldn’t probably exist and surely wouldn’t be so popular without her devotion and impressive job. Master_shots profile was funded back in July 2013 and started posting features and running contests like any other page, outstanding selections and great working team made the rest.

How do you pick photos to feature there? What does ‘a good photography’ mean to you – in sense that it deserves a feature on the @Master_shots profile?

Ah that’s an interesting question, basically there is some weird obscure rule that makes some photos work and others don’t even if they are both totally amazing. There are many factors to consider but they unfortunately or fortunately – can’t be 100% managed. Master_shots has its own style which is different from other cool hubs. Being featured means you are very cool at taking photos, no matter if you are popular or not, you just – stand out.

DSC01982

You live near Slovenia. How often do you visit?

Actually I live on the border and I spend a lot of my time in Slovenia but I must apologize cause I know just few Slovenian words and 99.9 % of them are related to food and drinks.

What are your favourite (photogenic?:) places here? 

I absolutely love the Bohinj area and Bled, I have a thing for Ljubljana but I also find the seaside amazing.

If we want to get to know the area you come from a little better – who should we follow, except you, of course?

Well if you want to see amazing spots, urban photography and a great mood you must give @ralfmalf a check, his gallery is impressive. There are also some local hubs you can check out like @igersfvg, @instaitalia, @igersitalia, @ig_italia and probably some other pages. 

DSC01985